3D Model Viewpoint Generation Using Spatial Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D modeling software lacks efficient techniques for automatically generating and showcasing authored views, such as view-points, view paths, and view surfaces, especially for intermediate versions of 3D models during the editing process, making manual creation time-consuming and lacking automated fly-through generation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for managing authored views, including a main window, authoring panel, and navigation panel, that allows users to access, display, and automatically generate view-points, view paths, and view surfaces, using spatial clustering routines and octree spatial decomposition to suggest and modify these views, reducing manual effort and enhancing workflow visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual creation of view-points and fly-throughs is used, then the quality and precision of showcased views can be controlled, but the time consumption and productivity are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview qualityVSAvoidcreation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates preliminary view-points and fly-throughs from the 3D model data before user review. This preliminary action provides a foundation that users can then refine, combining automated efficiency with manual quality control. The system performs the time-consuming initial work of identifying potential view-points and creating fly-through paths, which users can then select and adjust as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically analyzing the 3D model and generating view-points and fly-throughs without requiring manual intervention for every view. The automated generation process serves itself by using the model's geometric data to identify important features and generate appropriate viewing angles and paths, reducing the burden on users while maintaining quality through selectable options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated view-point selection techniques are used, then productivity is improved, but the ability to capture intermediate versions and workflow processes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidworkflow information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing and storing intermediate versions of the 3D model during the editing process. Before users finalize their work, the system has already recorded various stages of model development, creating a historical record that can be reviewed and used for comparison. This preliminary capture ensures no workflow information is lost while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by providing users with access to captured intermediate versions and automatically generated view-points from those versions. Users can review the historical data, compare different stages of model development, and use this feedback to inform their current work. This feedback loop preserves workflow information while maintaining automation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If comprehensive view documentation is created, then the completeness of model presentation is improved, but the complexity of the interface and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview completenessVSAvoidinterface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the comprehensive view documentation into distinct, manageable components such as individual view-points, fly-throughs, and intermediate versions. Each segment can be independently viewed, selected, and managed. This segmentation allows users to access specific views without being overwhelmed by the complete set, maintaining interface simplicity while preserving view completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses another dimension by organizing views in a hierarchical or multi-dimensional structure where users can navigate through different levels of detail and organization. Instead of presenting all views in a single flat list, the system arranges them in dimensions such as time (intermediate versions), space (different view-points), and type (fly-throughs vs. static views), making comprehensive documentation accessible through intuitive navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10289289B2Techniques for authoring view points, view paths, and view surfaces for 3D models
Publication Date: 2019.05.14 AUTODESK INC
  • US10289289B2 patent drawing
  • US10289289B2 patent drawing
  • US10289289B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for managing authored views. The techniques includes displaying a main window including a model, an authoring panel configured for displaying authored view indicators associated with authored views of the model, and a navigation panel configured for displaying thumbnail representations of authored views associated with the model. The techniques also include based on a user input, accessing an authored view of the model, wherein the authored view includes one of a view-point, a view path and a view surface. The techniques further include displaying the authored view in the main window, an authored view indicator associated with the authored view in the authoring panel, and a thumbnail representation based on the authored view in the navigation panel.