Voxel Grid Implicit Geometry for STL Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface-based image data for three-dimensional geometric models, particularly in additive manufacturing, face challenges such as large memory requirements and difficulty in modifying complex components using Boolean operators.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating voxel grids that encompass and surround surface segments of the model, determining whether voxels lie inside or outside the model, assigning indices to surface segments, and calculating distances from voxels to the model surface, thereby enabling efficient modification and representation of implicit geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surface-based information is stored as a simple triangular mesh (STL file), then storage is achieved, but modification becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that converts surface-based STL data into a voxel-based implicit geometry representation. This intermediary format serves as a bridge between the original surface data and the desired modifiable model, enabling subsequent Boolean operations and modifications while preserving the original geometric information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the data representation from surface-based coordinates to voxel-based implicit functions by changing the fundamental parameters of the data structure. This parameter transformation allows the model to be represented in a form that supports mathematical operations and modifications, converting static surface data into a dynamic, modifiable format.
2Productivity
If surface-based information is stored in STL format, then the model can be created, but computational effort for modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of surface-based STL data into voxel-based implicit geometry representation before any modification operations are needed. This preliminary action pre-processes the data into a format optimized for modifications, so that subsequent Boolean operations and edits require minimal computational effort, improving modification speed while reducing overall computational load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If implicit geometries are used, then modification is easy, but they may not be available for all components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion process that can handle any surface-based STL data regardless of the original component type or complexity. The voxel-based implicit geometry representation serves as a universal intermediate format that works for all components, making the modification capability universally applicable to any 3D model while maintaining adaptability to different geometric complexities.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method for modifying surface-based image data (O) of a three-dimensional geometric model (M), suitable for the additive manufacturing of a component, the image data (O) comprising surface data (O) of the model (M) with geometric information about a plurality of surface segments (S) that together constitute the surface of the model (M), the method comprising the steps: - creating a number of voxel grids (G, G1) each with a plurality of voxels (X, X1), wherein each voxel grid (G, G1) comprises and surrounds at least a part of the surface segments (S), - for the voxels (X, X1) of the voxel grids (G, G1): a) determining position information (L) indicating whether the relevant voxel (X, X1) lies inside or outside the contours of the model (M), and assigning the position information (X, X1) to the relevant voxel (X,X1) and/or b) assigning an individual index (N) to at least a subset of the surface segments (S) of the image data (O), such that each indexed surface segment (S) is distinguishable from all other indexed surface segments (S) of the model (M) by virtue of its index (N), and assigning the index (N) of the nearest surface segment (S) to the relevant voxel (X, X1), and/or c) determining a distance of the relevant voxel (X, X1) to the surface of the model (M) and assigning corresponding distance information (A) to the relevant voxel (X, X1), - outputting the voxels (X, X1) with the information (N, L, A) assigned to them. The invention further relates to a corresponding device, a control device for an additive manufacturing device, a corresponding manufacturing device, a modified data set, and a manufacturing process.