Techniques for two-way slicing of a 3D model for manufacturing
AssigneeAutodesk, Inc.
InventorsJonathan Bachrach, Saul Griffith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
One embodiment of the invention is a slicing engine that generates two or more slices of a virtual 3D model given a slice plane. The slicing engine then determines connection points on each of the slices that indicate how the 3D model is to be reconnected by the user when the 3D model is fabricated. The slicing engine also determines an optimized layout for the various slices of the 3D model on fabrication material for minimal use of the material. The user is then able to “print” the layout on the fabrication material via 3D printers, and connect the various printed slices according to the connection points to build a physical representation of the 3D model.
Claims24
A computer-implemented method for identifying locations on two slices associated with a three-dimensional (3D) model generated by a software application where the two slices are to be connected, the method comprising:
- slicing the 3D model along a first axis to generate a plurality of slices that includes a first slice, wherein each slice in the plurality of slices corresponds to a different position on the first axis;
- slicing the 3D model along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis to generate a complementary slice associated with the first slice;
- and
- identifying a slot on the complementary slice where, when the first slice and the complementary slice are manufactured, the complementary slice is to couple to the first slice based on a first position corresponding to the first slice.
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to identify locations on two slices associated with a three-dimensional (3D) model generated by a software application where the two slices are to be connected, by performing the steps of:
- slicing the 3D model along a first axis to generate a plurality of slices that includes a first slice, wherein each slice in the plurality of slices corresponds to a different position on the first axis;
- slicing the 3D model along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis to generate a complementary slice associated with the first slice;
- and
- identifying a slot on the complementary slice where, when the first slice and the complementary slice are manufactured, the complementary slice is to couple to the first slice based on a first position corresponding to the first slice.
A computer system, comprising:
- a memory;
- and
- a processor configured to:
- slice the 3D model along a first axis to generate a plurality of slices that includes a first slice, wherein each slice in the plurality of slices corresponds to a different position on the first axis,
- slice the 3D model along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis to generate a complementary slice associated with the first slice, and
- identify a slot on the complementary slice where, when the first slice and the complementary slice are manufactured, the complementary slice is to couple to the first slice based on a first position corresponding to the first slice.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.