Vector-Based Decal Application on 3D Mesh Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for applying decals to 3D objects suffer from loss of detail, distortion, and inflexibility due to rasterization, resulting in decals that are not resolution independent and limited to a single surface.
Innovation Solution
The system applies a resolution-independent, vector-based decal by parameterizing a 3D mesh, adding vertices at intersections, lifting and projecting decal geometry into three dimensions, and subdividing faces to ensure accurate alignment and modification capabilities across multiple surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rasterization is used to apply decals to 3D objects, then the decal application process is simplified, but resolution independence is lost and detail is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter representation from raster (fixed-resolution pixel grid) to vector (mathematical curves and surfaces). This allows the decal to be defined by mathematical equations rather than fixed pixel values, enabling resolution independence while maintaining application simplicity through standardized vector operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D raster images to 3D vector surfaces that can conform to complex 3D object geometries. By representing decals as parametric surfaces with mathematical definitions rather than flat pixel grids, the system achieves both resolution independence and the ability to wrap around 3D surfaces.
2Device complexity
If conventional raster-based decals are applied to 3D objects, then the implementation is straightforward, but the decal is limited to a single surface and cannot be easily modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the decal dynamic by representing it as a parametric surface that can be mathematically transformed and adapted to different surfaces. The vector-based representation allows runtime modification of decal parameters such as size, position, and shape without requiring complete re-rendering, enabling flexible application across multiple surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal decal system where a single vector-based decal definition can be applied to multiple different 3D surfaces through parametric transformations. The mathematical representation allows the same decal to conform to various geometries (planes, cylinders, spheres, complex meshes) without requiring separate raster versions for each surface type.
3Manufacturing precision
If vector-based decals with piecewise non-linear transformation are used, then resolution independence and multi-surface support are achieved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex non-linear transformation into piecewise operations that can be applied to different regions of the decal independently. By dividing the decal into manageable segments and applying local transformations, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining overall accuracy and resolution independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary parameterization and mesh map generation before the actual decal application. By pre-computing the transformation relationships and storing them as reusable data structures, the system reduces runtime computational complexity while preserving the ability to achieve resolution-independent rendering.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes one or more implementations of systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods that apply a resolution independent, vector-based decal on a 3D object. In one or more implementations, the disclosed systems apply piecewise non-linear transformation on an input decal vector geometry to align the decal with a surface of an underlying 3D object. To apply a vector-based decal on a 3D object, in certain embodiments, the disclosed systems parameterize a 3D mesh of the 3D object to create a mesh map. Moreover, in some instances, the disclosed systems determine intersections between edges of a decal geometry and edges of the mesh map to add vertices to the decal geometry at the intersections. Additionally, in some implementations, the disclosed systems lift and project vertices of the decal geometry into three dimensions to align the vertices with faces of the 3D mesh of the 3D object.