3D Data Processing in the Age of 4D Printing —Utilizing the Voxel Format “FAV”—

Abstract

Recently, a 4D Printing has attracted attention as next of 3D printing. The fourth dimension is time or function, for example, 3D objects that a shape changeable with time, that has function appearing under specific conditions, etc. For describing these properties, a data format for 4D printing should hold not only shape homogeneously by conventional polygon format but also physical properties and/or state variable in arbitrary position in the object. We have been proposed a 3D data format “FAV”, which express the object by arranging voxels, a fundamental volume unit. In the FAV, each voxel can hold “attribute”, so it is suitable for 4D printing. In this paper, we explain about FAV focusing on remarkable specifications such as a link information (relationship between adjacent voxels), hierarchical multi-scale voxel definition, and management of user defined attributes. And we also introduce some applications such as a distribution design of graded composite materials, and pattern modification based on a user defined attribute.