CONVERSION OF STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MODEL INTO LOGICAL SUBCOMPONENTS

摘要

Techniques are disclosed for converting a stereolithographic model into an STL data file that defines logically related components and subcomponents of an object. A user can categorize elements of an object to form logically related components and subcomponents of the object. Each element is represented by a triangle. All triangles representing each of these components and subcomponents are then reordered and listed sequentially within the STL. Each list is delimited at the beginning and end by two hidden triangles, one or both of which store unique identification values that are associated with the respective individual components. Additionally, a reference table can be added to the STL. The reference table includes instructions, operations or other information that is specifically associated with each component and subcomponent using the unique identification values. These instructions and operations enable users to have better control over 3D print quality than is possible using existing techniques.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented data processing method comprising:
receiving, by a processor, facet data representing a stereolithographic model, the facet data including a plurality of visible facets each representing a visible surface of the stereolithographic model; associating at least one of the visible facets with a component of the stereolithographic model; reordering, by the processor, a portion of the facet data such that each of the visible facets associated with the component is listed sequentially; assigning a unique identification value to the component; delimiting, by the processor, the reordered portion of the facet data with at least one of a beginning facet and an ending facet containing the unique identification value, the beginning facet and the ending facet each representing an invisible surface of the stereolithographic model; and generating, by the processor, reference table data representing a mapping between the unique identification value and custom data associated with the component.