Aligning Computer Vision Tasks with CAE Simulation Modeling

Computer vision is a mature field in AI with a well-defined toolset.  The world of physics simulation and finite elements faces many of the same challenges as computer vision.

Computer vision is a frequent topic in the AI and ML world, with several common tasks, as show below.  The application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to image data has a proven track record of success for many of these challenges.

Classification addresses the question of “What is it?”.  Semantic segmentation breaks an entire image into its parts. Object Detection answers the question of “What and where are they?” with bounding boxes.  Finally, instance segmentation reposes the object detection problem with more specificity: “What and where exactly are they?”.  

The worlds of computer aided engineering and computer vision share many of the same basic challenges.  Solutions based on images can be one piece of the puzzle, but image-based solutions are only one of many ways to represent 3D geometry.    Altair’s ShapeAI initiative aims to solve these challenges within the engineering product design vertical.

Classification and semantic segmentation in CAE is applicable to 3d part identification.  ShapeAI encodings can be used to train classifier models to automate meshing or break down assemblies as shown here with airplane ribs in HyperMesh.

Object detection involves drawing 3d bounding boxes around the detected objects of interest, conceptually shown here with labels on the tires and side mirrors.

Lastly, instance segmentation is illustrated on a bolt where the surfaces associated with the head and shank are colored blue and red, respectively.

As is true with any machine learning technique, the true power comes from aligning the algorithms with use cases.  The application of image object detection to autonomous vehicles has helped fuel the advancements in that industry vertical.  Similarly, the tasks of classification and segmentation will drive advancements in CAE by increasing efficiency, enabling innovation, and ultimately designing better engineered products.  Imagine how working with Altair’s Simulation and SmartWorks products can improve your organization!