Patent ID: 8648855
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for generating a developable surface, the method comprising: a) initializing by a computer curve evolution parameters and a curve network, wherein the curve network comprises a curve embedded in an evolution space, wherein the initializing comprises defining a set of 2D textures defined on the evolution space, wherein the evolution space is a 2D non-Euclidean space embedded in a 3D Euclidean space, wherein the curve comprises a linearly ordered set of sample points in the evolution space, and wherein the curve evolution parameters comprise real-valued functions defined on the evolution space; b) evolving by the computer the curve using an iterative process, wherein the curve evolves in accordance with the curve evolution parameters and user input during the iterative process to produce an evolved curve having an increased geometric complexity, wherein the evolved curve represents a model for the construction of a stylized three dimensional sculpture, wherein the evolved curve forms loops separating regions of the evolution space; and wherein each iteration of the iterative process comprises: tessellating the loops with polygons to generate tessellated strips in 3D; unfolding the tessellated strips onto a 2D plane; applying attraction-repulsion forces between the unfolded tessellated strips in 2D and between the loops in 3D; resolving collisions between the unfolded tessellated strips in 2D and between the loops in 3D; rendering by the computer the evolved curve and tessellated strips; displaying simultaneously on a display the rendered evolved curve in 3D and tessellated strips in 2D; and providing a graphical user interface allowing the curve network, tessellated strips, and the curve evolution parameters to be modified by a user; c) mapping the 2D textures to the unfolded tessellated strips; and d) outputting a set of tool paths lined up with the 2D textures for creating a 2D material shaped to the unfolded tessellated strips.