Unfolding

Geometry Unfolding is a system deveopled in TopModLab for transforming 3D polygonal meshes into developable multi-panels that can be used in physical construction. This system visualizes the mathematical theory and generates developable multi-panels that can be printed and assembled to shapes similar to original virtual shapes.

Woven Release

Unfolding Release

Qt Version

Qt 5.6.0

Supported Compiler

MinGW-x86-v4.9.2, MSVC++ 14.0(Visual Studio 2015)

IDE & Project Files

Qt Creator 3.6.1

Open Unfolding.pro in root directory to edit and compile with Qt Creator IDE, all compiler supported.

Visual Studio 2015

Open Unfolding.sln under directory visual_studio to compile and edit with Visual Studio 2015, only MSVC++ 14.0 supported with with file.

OpenGL Version

Minimum requirement: OpenGL 3.3 Core Profile

Unfolding workflow written by @ShenyaoKe

1. Download the software in releases tab. Latest Unfolding(contains Half-Edge, Quad-Edge, Winged-Edge) release: Latest Woven release:

2. Import your model from File->Import, or Click Import Button on Toolbar, or Press Ctrl+N on Keyboard;

3. Generate Developable Surface by Clicking the corresponding operation buttons;

4. For Unfolding: Adjust bridger size and flap size (from 0 to 0.98), adjust bridger sample in Set Connector option; For Woven: Adjust patch scale, strip width, layer offset(thickness of material).

5. Unfold current mesh by Clicking Unfold Mesh Button, or Press ALT+U on Keyboard;

6. Export as SVG file from File->Export, or Clicking Export Button on Toolbar, or Press Ctrl+E;

7. Adjust export settings, select path to save exported file, set scale to proper value to make enough space for holes, change pinhole size to exact size of your fasteners, change pinhole count and etch segments depending on your flap size and material rigidity.

Note:

• You might come back to re-export SVG file if the result is not satisfying, especially in changing the scaling.
• Attention, our software will generate a file with "SVG" in filename. It's used for other purpose and is not the exported SVG file.

Dev Guides

Some guides for possible future developers.

Branches

• master: contains Weaving operations. Uses vector storage as data structure @ShenyaoKe.
• conical_mesh:
  • Oct Weaving, Weaving, Cross Weaving, Classical Weaving, Conical Weaving, BiTri Weaving operations @ShenyaoKe
  • Revise on Conical Weaving, added refID for printing @urianawu
  • Triangle Weaving operation @urianawu
• NewOrigami: attempt on single-panel origami unfolding scheme, only face bands are created @urianawu
• Origami: attempt on single-panel origami unfolding scheme @liz425
• master3.0:
  • contains GRS, GES, Half-Edge, Quad-Edge, Winged-Edge operations @urianawu,
  • obj reader, hds data structure and unfolder originally implemented by @phg1024,
  • obj reader and unfolder refactored and revised by @ShenyaoKe,
  • printing and connectors generation by @ShenyaoKe
• dforms: an obsolete branch only @ShenyaoKe knows what it is

Documentations

Most documentations are in-line.

Illustration and detailed description of mesh operations can be found in You Wu's Thesis, those of connectors can be found in Shenyao Ke's Thesis. Mesh operations algorithm(hand drawn) can be found in docs/mesh_operation_algorithm folder.

Flowchart: