Voxel Representation for Zero-Thickness 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies, such as selective laser sintering and stereolithography, are less practical for domestic use due to their requirement of powerful lasers and large volumes of matrix material, limiting their application in creating complex and aesthetically unique objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer, coupled with an entertainment device like the PlayStation 4, to generate 3D models by capturing and processing images from different viewpoints, applying virtual photogrammetry techniques to create a voxel representation of the virtual environment, which is then printed using a 3D printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If selective laser sintering or stereolithography is used to create 3D models, then manufacturing precision and ability to create complex objects is improved, but device complexity and requirement for powerful lasers and large volumes of matrix material increases making it less practical for domestic use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of 3D printing (depositing material layer by layer) while removing the complex and expensive components (powerful lasers, large volumes of matrix material) used in conventional technologies. This allows domestic use while maintaining the ability to create complex objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials (such as plastic filaments in FDM printing) instead of expensive specialized materials like metal powders or photopolymers. This reduces the barrier to entry for domestic users while still enabling complex object creation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D printing technologies are used, then ability to create volumetric models is improved, but adaptability to create zero-thickness surfaces and aesthetically unique objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different parts of the model based on their specific requirements. Zero-thickness surfaces are handled with specialized algorithms that preserve their 2D nature, while volumetric parts are printed with appropriate thickness. This local differentiation enables both zero-thickness and volumetric features in the same object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by explicitly representing and processing zero-thickness surfaces as distinct from volumetric geometry. This allows the system to maintain surfaces as 2D entities during modeling while the 3D printer adds minimal thickness only where structurally necessary, preserving the aesthetic and functional intent of the original design.
3Ease of operation
If FDM 3D printing is used for domestic applications, then ease of operation and accessibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and ability to create complex structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the 3D model data to optimize it for FDM printing. This includes generating support structures, optimizing print paths, and pre-processing geometry to ensure successful printing. By doing this preparation work in advance, the system compensates for the limitations of FDM technology and enables complex structures to be created with domestic printers.
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
Enables the creation of complex and aesthetically unique 3D models from videogame environments, allowing users to create tangible mementos of their in-game experiences, while avoiding the need for powerful lasers and large volumes of material, making it more accessible for domestic use.
Implementation Method 1
3D printing is a means of volumetric printing, where instead of depositing two-dimensional pixels on a flat surface, the printer deposits three-dimensional voxels within a volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method of 3D print modelling comprises the steps of generating a point cloud representation of a target virtual object for 3D printing, generating a voxel representation of the point cloud by adding a respective first voxel when a respective first point from the point cloud representation is located in the notional volume occupied by that first voxel, assigning a first colour associated with the first point to the faces of the first voxel, and if a second point from the point cloud representation is located within the volume of the first voxel, assigning a second colour associated with the second point to a respective face of the new voxel corresponding to the normal of the second point; and thickening the voxel representation of the point cloud by generating a duplicate voxel adjacent to the first voxel along a first axis passing through two opposing faces of the first voxel respectively having the first and second colours.