Commercializing 3D Morphing Algorithm for Optimal Design
Commercializing 3D Morphing Algorithm for Optimal Design from Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan
Commercializing 3D Morphing Algorithm for Optimal Design

Prof. Marcus and Dr. Jiang from the fluid lab at the University of California Berkeley have discovered a 3D morphing algorithm. This algorithm inputs two or more 3D shapes, and calculates the optimal shape between them based on given cost function and constraints. The code was successfully been implemented on a design of the optimal high speed train shape. It was efficient that the time it takes for calculating the optimal shape based on the two reference shapes is shorter than that taken for the data to be transmitted online. With this capability, our team is looking to commercialize the morphing algorithm to other applications in various industries ranging from the design consulting, to biomedical, and to 3D animation industries.

To connect the end users with the algorithm, we plan to interview end users, find their needs, and design and iterate different web based products according to customer feedbacks. Please find the current progress via the external link.

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This simple diagram explains the basic function of the morphing algorithm. The user input two or more different reference 3D object files, defines cost function to optimize, as well as the constraints on the morphing result. The morphing algorithm calculates the resulting 3D shape based on the input and output the optimal 3D shape as a combination of the baseline 3D shapes.
Customer interviews were done in a small team of two. We focus our interviewees to the design industry. Thanks to product designers, design analysts, design engineers, and design hobbyists, we were able to find the converging needs in the morphing design space.
One of the morphing design behaviors we investigated into was the 3D scanning and 3D printing. From the user studies, we not only learned the use of the devices, but also found some of the recommendations to improve the morphing algorithm.
After we gathered interviews from the designers, we combined the ideas/ insights and generated different business solution to commercialize the morphing algorithm.
An example illustration of the fist iteration of the user interface concept shown above connects the user to the morphing algorithm. The user will be given baseline objects to test on the morphing algorithm. The baseline object can be observed at any angle through rotating option. The user then can be able to adjust the weighting for the resulting morphed object. The resulting object will be calculated instantaneously and show below the weighting interface. For more information about the progress on this interface, please visit our blog at http://calopdesign.blogspot.com/.
The first iteration of the prototype is shown above. In here, the user can select the 3D shape to observe from the object panel up top. The user is able to rotate the object by dragging the mouse on the 3D object on the display panel; and zoom in and out on the object by scrolling the mouse. Please visit http://eos.molsoft.com/ to try out this prototype.
Based on our marketing research for the morphing algorithm in different industries, we presented the final recommendations to our Professor to carry on commercializing the algorithm product. As a result, the project is to be continued next year with the new Master's students team.
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Commercializing 3D Morphing Algorithm for Optimal Design

Prof. Marcus and Dr. Jiang from the fluid lab at the University of California Berkeley have discovered a 3D morphing algorithm. This algorithm inputs two or more 3D shapes, and calculates the optimal shape between them based on given cost function and constraints. The code was successfully been implemented on a design of the optimal high speed train shape. It was efficient that the time it takes for calculating the optimal shape based on the two reference shapes is shorter than that taken for the data to be transmitted online. With this capability, our team is looking to commercialize the morphing algorithm to other applications in various industries ranging from the design consulting, to biomedical, and to 3D animation industries.

To connect the end users with the algorithm, we plan to interview end users, find their needs, and design and iterate different web based products according to customer feedbacks. Please find the current progress via the external link.

View Website
Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan
Mechanical Design Engineer at U. S. Bionics Berkeley, CA