3D Printing Voxel Attribute Substitution for Material Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional object forming apparatuses often fail to achieve attributes such as color or material properties equivalent to the original voxel settings due to limitations in achievable attributes, resulting in a formed object that does not match the desired attributes.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object data generation apparatus that includes an obtaining unit to read voxel data and a replacement unit to replace voxels with equivalent attributes, using a replacement table to ensure the formed object has attributes matching the original settings by adjusting the number, size, and arrangement of voxels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an object material with the most similar attribute is selected when the voxel attribute differs from achievable attributes, then the forming process can proceed, but the formed object's attribute will not be equivalent to the desired attribute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single voxel with an unachievable attribute into multiple sub-voxels, each with achievable attributes. For example, a gray voxel (unachievable) is segmented into multiple voxels with achievable color attributes (white, black, gray), allowing the overall color equivalence to be maintained while using only achievable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different attributes to different parts (sub-voxels) of the original voxel to achieve the desired overall attribute. By assigning different achievable attributes to different sub-voxels and controlling their spatial arrangement and proportions, the composite effect matches the original unachievable attribute.
2Ease of manufacture
If the voxel attribute is changed to match achievable attributes, then the forming apparatus can create the object, but the original attribute information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-attribute voxel model to a multi-attribute sub-voxel model, adding the dimension of voxel division. By considering not just the attribute value but also the number, arrangement, and proportions of sub-voxels, the system preserves the original attribute information through a higher-dimensional representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite voxel structures where multiple sub-voxels with different achievable attributes are combined to create an equivalent effect to the original unachievable attribute. This composite approach allows preservation of attribute information while using only achievable materials.
3Reliability
If multiple materials with different mechanical characteristics are combined to imitate body part characteristics, then the mechanical properties can be matched, but the complexity of material combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the voxel data structure to include multiple sub-voxels with different attributes. By modifying the data representation to include information about sub-voxel count, attributes, and spatial arrangement, the system enables complex material combinations to be specified and controlled through updated voxel data.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object data generation apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains three-dimensional object data regarding a three-dimensional object represented by plural first voxels for which a first attribute is set and a replacement unit that, if the first attribute is different from a second attribute achievable by a three-dimensional object forming apparatus that forms the three-dimensional object, replaces each of the plural first voxels with plural second voxels for which the second attribute is set such that the plural second voxels become equivalent to the first voxel.