3D Virtual Object Volume Visualization and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deformation tools in computer graphics lack the ability to effectively control and visualize volume changes and other geometric attributes during the editing of virtual objects, leading to inefficiencies and multiple revisions in the graphics generation process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and apparatus that compute local and global volumes of virtual objects by associating tetrahedral volume elements with faces of a mesh, allowing for the visualization of volume changes and attribute modifications through user interface elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional deformation tools are used, then intuitive deformation handles are provided, but volume control and visualization capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive deformation handlesVSAvoidvolume control information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the deformation information by providing separate visual indicators for different geometric attributes. Volume indicators are segmented from the mesh visualization and displayed as distinct visual elements, allowing artists to separately control and monitor volume changes while maintaining intuitive deformation handles for shape manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visual indicators as intermediary elements between the deformation tools and the volume information. These indicators act as mediators that translate complex volume calculations into intuitive visual feedback, enabling artists to understand volume changes without directly computing or managing the underlying geometric data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If volume control is implemented through specific deformation algorithms, then volume control capability is achieved, but the ability to use multiple deformation techniques is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume control precisionVSAvoiddeformation technique variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by providing real-time visual indicators of volume changes during deformation. This feedback mechanism allows artists to see the effect of any deformation technique on volume immediately, enabling them to use diverse deformation tools while maintaining precise volume control through visual guidance rather than being constrained to volume-preserving algorithms only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from hidden geometric calculations to visible visual indicators. By displaying volume as a visual parameter alongside shape deformation, the system allows artists to control volume through visual feedback while freely choosing from multiple deformation techniques, effectively decoupling volume control from specific algorithmic constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple revisions are made to achieve correct volume, then volume accuracy is improved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume accuracyVSAvoidgraphics generation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary visualization of volume information before finalizing the deformation. By displaying visual indicators of volume changes in real-time during the editing process, artists can anticipate the volume effect of their deformations and make adjustments immediately, preventing the need for multiple revision cycles and accelerating the graphics generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12205224B2Computer graphics interface using visual indicator representing object global volume and/or global volume changes and method therefore

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 UNITY TECH SF

AI summary

A computer-implemented method and interface provides visualization for a volume and/or a change in a volume of a virtual object, the representation usable in a user interface, comprising a first representation of the virtual object represented by a surface positioned in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual space, a bounding object input that defines a bounding object relative to the 3D virtual space, a plurality of local volumes of the virtual object, wherein a local volume of the plurality of local volumes is computed for geometry based on a bounding object feature associated with the bounding object and based on at least some vertices of the corresponding face, wherein at least some of the plurality of local volumes are aggregated to determine a global volume for the set of polygonal faces, and providing for display of a first visual indicator representing a value of the global volume.