Patent ID: 9688024
Date: 2017-06-27
CPC Classifications: B22F,B29C,B33Y,Y02P

Claim:
1. A method comprising: detecting, by a computing device, at least one area of a three dimensional (3D) model that needs to be supported in a 3D printing of the 3D model; generating, by the computing device, contact points for the at least one area by distributing the contact points across the at least one area, wherein distances between neighboring contact points are based at least in part on properties of an output device configured to create a 3D object corresponding to the 3D model, the output device properties including one or more of a nozzle diameter range and maximum output dimensions; creating a set of virtual supports, each virtual support in the set extending downward from a respective one of the contact points; identifying connections between the virtual supports in the set, the connections satisfying one or more connection constraints including one or more of a maximum connection length, a minimum connection slope, a connection angle constraint with respect to one of the virtual supports or the surface, and an intersection constraint restricting connections determined to intersect with the 3D model; selecting a virtual support in the set to be a trunk, the selecting based on comparing connectivity levels of the virtual supports in the set, the connectivity level of each of the virtual supports in the set determined based on a number of the connections between the respective virtual support and other virtual supports in the set; defining a support structure originating from the contact points and extending downward towards a surface, wherein the support structure includes the trunk, at least one virtual support connected to the trunk, and connections between the trunk and the at least one virtual support; and sending parameters for creating the 3D object to the output device so that an operation of the output device is controlled based on the parameters, the parameters including the support structure and one or more of a scaling factor, a layer height a scaffolding material, and a printing material.