3D Object Voxel Representation for Printable Boolean Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of 3D Boolean operations applied to polygonal meshes in additive manufacturing can lead to intensive resource usage and may produce unprintable resultant structures, especially when dealing with complex meshes.
Innovation Solution
Applying 3D Boolean operations in voxel space using an octree representation, where each node represents a voxel, allows for the generation of a voxel representation that avoids complex mesh combinations and enables efficient processing by classifying child nodes based on Boolean operations, resulting in a printable voxel representation for additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3D Boolean operations are applied to polygonal meshes to combine structures for building 3D objects, then the ability to create complex geometries is improved, but resource usage becomes intensive and unprintable structures may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D space into a voxel grid, dividing complex mesh Boolean operations into discrete volumetric units. This segmentation transforms continuous mesh operations into discrete voxel-based operations, reducing computational complexity and resource intensity while maintaining the ability to represent complex geometries through the voxel representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameter from polygonal meshes to voxels. By transforming the geometric representation from continuous surface meshes to discrete volumetric pixels, the system achieves simpler Boolean operations that are less resource-intensive while still capable of representing complex 3D structures suitable for additive manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3D Boolean operations are applied to polygonal meshes to combine structures, then geometric flexibility is improved, but the reliability of producing printable structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the geometry into voxels, the patent ensures that Boolean operations result in discrete, manufacturable volumetric elements. This segmentation approach inherently produces printable structures because voxels represent discrete material volumes that can be directly fabricated by additive manufacturing processes, eliminating the unprintable artifacts that may arise from mesh operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a voxel copy or representation of the desired geometry that is guaranteed to be printable. Instead of directly operating on complex meshes that may produce unprintable results, the system generates a voxel-based copy of the geometry that inherently satisfies manufacturability constraints while preserving the essential geometric features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mesh combinations are performed using Boolean operations, then design capability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex mesh Boolean operations into discrete voxel operations, which can be processed more efficiently. By dividing the continuous mesh problem into discrete volumetric units, the system reduces processing time while maintaining design capability, as voxel operations are computationally simpler and can be optimized for parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mesh-based Boolean operations to voxel-based operations. This parameter change fundamentally reduces processing time because voxel operations involve discrete grid cells that are computationally simpler to handle than continuous mesh surfaces, while still enabling complex design capabilities through the voxel representation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system receives a first representation of structures to be combined for building a three-dimensional (3D) object by an additive manufacturing machine; and generates, based on the first representation, a second representation comprising voxels that represent the 3D object, the generation of the second representation comprising an evaluation of Boolean operations with respect to voxels in a voxel space to produce the second representation.