Procedural generation methods that takes into account the production process

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19944
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 62040:Entertainment and game informatics-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kita Naoki 東京農工大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (30712153)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Computer Graphics / Computational Design / Digital Fabrication

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In our study, we focused on applying procedural modeling, a shape generation approach for computer graphics content, to the production of physical objects. This involved crafting a procedural generation technique considering the manufacturability of objects made via digital machine tools like 3D printers. Additionally, we sought to optimize the "ease of manufacturing for users," known as workability, from the initial machine tool output to the final assembly and finishing steps. Key research outcomes included a procedural modeling method cognizant of mold removability during 3D silicon molding replication, and a texture generation approach specifically designed for gift wrapping. Our work aims to streamline production, integrating user-friendly techniques from machine tool operation to post-production procedures like assembly.

Free Research Field

Computer Graphics

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

低価格なデジタル工作機械の普及によりパーソナルファブリケーションは一層身近なものとなりつつある。しかし、ソフトウェア上でデザインした形状が問題なく3Dプリント可能なものになっているかデジタル工作機の物理的制約を考慮しつつデザインする必要があったり、パーツとして分割して出力したものを組み立てる場合には手間がかかるなど、身近にはなったが手軽になっているとは言い難い。本研究成果は、そのような制作工程上の手間を削減するものであり、パーソナルファブリケーションの民主化を促進することが期待できるため社会的意義は大きい。また、まだまだ未開拓の領域であり学術的意義も大きい。