3D Color Mapping for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing of opaque colored objects faces challenges in achieving uniform color distribution due to cross-talk between proximate surfaces, leading to tint deviations across different regions of the manufactured object.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process data by transforming graphic elements into a grid of voxels, constructing a three-dimensional color map with categorized pixels, and assigning color-values for subtractive color mixing to ensure accurate color reproduction within less than 10 ΔE* units, with depth selection based on surface curvature and opacity, and using a color assignment database for material designation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additive manufacturing is performed with standard color deposition methods, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but color uniformity deteriorates due to cross-talk between proximate surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color deposition problem into discrete volumetric pixels (voxels) arranged in a three-dimensional grid, where each voxel is independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise color assignment to specific spatial locations, eliminating cross-talk between proximate surfaces by treating each voxel as an independent color element rather than relying on continuous surface deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface color deposition to three-dimensional volumetric color mapping. By constructing a 3D color map with voxels distributed throughout the object's volume, the system achieves uniform color distribution by controlling color at multiple depth levels, not just at the surface, thereby eliminating cross-talk effects that occur in 2D surface printing.
2Manufacturing precision
If color is deposited only in surface layers, then the manufacturing process is fast and simple, but color accuracy deteriorates due to lack of underlying color support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary color assignment to internal voxels before final surface color deposition. The system constructs the complete 3D color map including both surface and internal voxels, calculating the required color composition for each voxel in advance. This preliminary action ensures that underlying voxels are properly colored to support the surface appearance, achieving accurate color reproduction without requiring multiple iterative passes that would slow manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of color deposition from surface-only to volumetric by distributing color throughout the object's depth. By assigning color-values to voxels at different depths based on the 3D color map, the system achieves accurate color reproduction through subtractive color mixing within the volume, while maintaining manufacturing speed through single-pass or optimized multi-pass printing.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform color deposition is applied across all regions, then the process is simple, but color consistency deteriorates due to varying surface curvature and opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different color-values to voxels based on their specific spatial location, surface curvature, and opacity characteristics. The system analyzes each region's geometric properties and adjusts the color composition accordingly, ensuring that convex regions, concave regions, and areas with varying opacity receive appropriately tailored color deposition to achieve overall color consistency across the entire object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by using the 3D color map to predict and compensate for color variations before manufacturing. The system calculates the required color composition for each voxel based on its position and local geometric properties, effectively using computational feedback to pre-correct for variations in surface curvature and opacity, thereby achieving color consistency without requiring complex real-time adaptive control during printing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively diffuses color errors inwardly, ensuring that the perceived color of the surface is accurately represented across the object, maintaining color consistency and reducing translucence in convex regions.
Implementation Method 1
assigning a color-value to each topmost pixel and each internal pixel of a receptive field associated with the topmost pixel, based on the color texture and on a subtractive color mixing of the topmost pixel with the receptive field
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A method of processing data for additive manufacturing of a 3D object comprises: receiving graphic elements defining a surface of the object, and an input color texture to be visible over a surface of the object; transforming the elements to voxelized computer object data; constructing a 3D color map having a plurality of pixels, each being associated with a voxel and being categorized as either a topmost pixel or an internal pixel. Each topmost pixel is associated with a group of internal pixels forming a receptive field for the topmost pixel. A color-value is assigned to each topmost pixel and each internal pixel of a receptive field associated with the topmost pixel, based on the color texture and according to a subtractive color mixing. A material to be used during the additive manufacturing is designated based on the color-value.