Automated conversion of 3D mesh car models into LEGO brick sets using voxel-based optimization

Ljubič, Jan (author), Bohak, Ciril (author)

The transformation of 3D mesh car models into LEGO-compatible designs requires optimizing structural integrity, brick placement, and computational efficiency. This paper presents an algorithm specifically designed to convert polygonal car meshes into structurally sound LEGO representations. The approach involves voxelization, heuristic-based component mapping, and optimization techniques to ensure connectivity and maintain key design features. Using Blender for pre-processing and voxel-based methods for brick placement, the algorithm prioritizes larger LEGO elements to enhance stability and reduce part count. The proposed method is tested on various car models, demonstrating its ability to generate LEGO-compatible structures while preserving essential visual and functional details. The findings highlight potential applications in automated LEGO set design.

• Language: English
• Keywords: 3D mesh processing, voxelization, procedural modeling, 3D model conversion, structural optimization
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: FRI - Faculty of Computer and Information Science
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 255-263
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-171130
• UDC: 004.92
• ISSN on article: 2464-4617
• COBISS.SI-ID: 244517379
• Publication date in RUL: 07.08.2025

Record is a part of a proceedings

• Title: WSCG 2025
• COBISS.SI-ID: 244517123

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Computer science research notes : CSRN
• Shortened title: Comp. Sci. Res. Notes
• Publisher: Václav Skala - Union Agency
• ISSN: 2464-4617
• COBISS.SI-ID: 159739139

Licences

• License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• Description: The most restrictive Creative Commons license. This only allows people to download and share the work for no commercial gain and for no other purposes.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: proceseiranje 3D mrežne geometrije, vokselizacija, proceduralno modeliranje, pretvorba 3D modelov, strukturna optimizacija