Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Barney Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Seoul, KR Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Arthur G. Erdman - New Brighton MN
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G06F 1546 G06F 1560
US Classification:
36447405
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated machining of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. The present invention discloses a method for preventing tool paths generated in a computer from erroneously intersecting with surface patches representing an object to be machined. The present invention also discloses methods for optimizing tool path step lengths, machine tool commands, and tool path scallop heights. In addition, the present invention discloses a method for fixturing a workpiece material to be shaped into a reproduction of a object.
Method And Apparatus For Scanning And Recording Of Coordinates Describing Three Dimensional Objects Of Complex And Unique Geometry
Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Arthur G. Erdman - New Brighton MN Barney Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Seoul, KR
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G01B 1124 G06F 1546
US Classification:
36447424
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the scanning and recording of coordinates describing three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, and constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data. The present invention comprises two general preferred embodiments for scanning three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry and recording the resulting coordinates into a computer. Also disclosed are scanning methods specifically oriented to dental applications.
Method And Apparatus For Manipulating Computer-Based Representations Of Objects Of Complex And Unique Geometry
Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Lauderdale MN Barney Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Arthur G. Erdman - New brighton MN
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G06F 1546 G06F 1560
US Classification:
36447405
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.
Method And Apparatus For Manipulating Computer-Based Representations Of Objects Of Complex And Unique Geometry
Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Seoul, KR Barney Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Arthur G. Erdmann - New Brighton MN
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G06F 1546 G06F 1560
US Classification:
36447405
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from the data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.
Automated High-Precision Fabrication Of Objects Of Complex And Unique Geometry
Arthur G. Erdman - New Brighton MN Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Barney E. Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Seoul, KR
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G06F 1546 G06F 1560
US Classification:
36447405
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precision reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning. Alternatively, the reproductions may be machined solely from scanned data, without resort to generic forms stored in the computer.
Automated High-Precision Fabrication Of Objects Of Complex And Unique Geometry
Arthur G. Erdman - New Brighton MN Elizabeth D. Rekow - Fridley MN Donald R. Riley - Edina MN Barney Klamecki - Minneapolis MN Yang Zhu - St. Paul MN Jeong-Ho Ahn - Seoul, KR
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G06F 1546 G06F 1560
US Classification:
36447405
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precison reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning. Alternatively, the reproductions may be machined solely from scanned data, without resort to generic forms stored in the computer.