Abstract: An integrated additive manufacturing cell (IAMC) that combines conventional manufacturing technologies with additive manufacturing processes is disclosed. Individual IAMCs may be configured and optimized for specific part families of complex components, or other industrial applications. The IAMCs incorporate features that reduce hardware cost and time and allow for local alloy tailoring for material properties optimization in complex components.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, media and signals for producing a representation of a mold for forming an appliance for a living body is disclosed. The method involves identifying points representing a line corresponding to an intended edge of the appliance on a surface of the mold, the surface being defined by an input plurality of points representing a general shape of the mold. The method also involves identifying regions extending along the surface on opposite sides of the line, adjusting at least one coordinate of at least one of the input plurality of points that falls within at least one of the regions to alter the shape of the surface in the at least one region to produce a modified surface representation, and storing the modified surface representation in a computer memory to produce a modified representation of the mold.

Abstract: A system for implanting a temporary anchorage device in a jaw bone of a patient makes use of a digital representation of at least a portion of the patient's dental arch, including teeth and corresponding roots, in order to select a temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant site that does not interfere with a tooth root. A surgical guide relates the information from the digital representation to an actual location in the patient's jaw bone. The surgical guide is formed to fit over at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, labial, and/or lingual surfaces of the dental arch proximate to the selected TAD implant site and includes a physical and/or visual marker that indicates the selected TAD implant site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer jig for a bracket or a tube to perform an orthodontic operation to an actual tooth of a patient by an indirect attachment using an electronic mold, the transfer jig comprising a fixing unit which has a fixing base including a contact surface corresponding to the actual teeth; and a moving unit which has a first side coupled with the fixing unit and a second side detachably attached to at least one of the bracket and the tube. That is, the fixing unit is manufactured by a small/high precision CNC equipment installed in individual dental clinics. The moving unit is attached to a slot of the bracket or tube in the same direction as the coupling direction of the arch wire. The moving unit is rotatably coupled with the fixing unit.

Abstract: Shims used to join part assemblies are automatically designed and fabricated without the need for fitting part assemblies together in order to determine the exact dimensions of voids filled by the shims. The locations of key features on part assemblies are surveyed using a merged photogrammetry and laser tracking technique that generate the dimensions of a virtual shim. The dimensions of the virtual shim are contained in a digital file that can be used to automatically fabricate the shim using automated fabrication equipment such as a CNC machining center. The automated virtual shim design may be modified to reflect the effect of part assembly fit on performance characteristics of the aircraft.

Abstract: In a method and system for fabrication of roof trusses or similar structures wherein the structure is assembled from members to be set against each other and the members are fastened to each other by means of nail plates or similar fastening means, data defining the structure is produced for controlling the fabrication, one or more planes (T1) are defined for assembly of the structure and several grippers (100, 101, 103, 104, 106, 107, 115, 116) are arranged to move and rotate according to the control in said plane whereby the grippers form the basic part of an assembly line or unit (M) for the structure, the grippers are controlled to move and rotate to certain places and positions and said certain members (4) are set in the grippers to form on them a basic part of the structure, and the structure is controlled to move on the grippers for carrying out the other steps of the assembly process.

Abstract: Methods are provided for computer-based planning of a dental restorative procedure of a patient having a craniooral space and/or of at least one dental component for the dental restorative procedure. Certain methods include determining a first spatial position of a first boundary surface, in the craniooral space, of a first dental unit of a dental restoration; determining a second spatial position of a second boundary surface, in the craniooral space remote the first boundary surface, of a second dental unit of the dental restoration; and determining a third spatial position of at least a portion of the at least one dental component relative at least one of the first and second spatial positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controllably stimulating the growth and evolution of 2D and 3D structures from a thin film mass transfer process such that complex devices can be designed and fabricated having engineered features of different heights and separation distances in a single or few process steps are provided. More specifically, the apparatus and method allows for the construction of engineered temperature gradient fields capable of controlling for, and taking into account, proximity effects during the growth and evolution of adjacent structures, which in turn allows for the production of technologically significant micro and nanoscale devices in a number of fields.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to generate a lofted sheet metal model. User input is accepted that obtains two input profiles. A triangulated lofted shape is generated that transitions between the two profiles. The triangulated lofted shape is adjusted to reflect a manufacturing process. A manufacturable lofted sheet metal shape is then generated based on the adjusted triangulated lofted shape.

Abstract: A method for designing a connector between a first and a second element of a dental restoration, such as a connector between coping and coping, or coping and pontic, or pontic and pontic of a bridge, which is characterized by the steps of computing a (first) model of the first element and a (second) model of the second element, defining a connecting straight line between the first model and the second model, computing edge curves (?0, ?4) on the first model and the second model, whereby the edge curves are defined by origins of surface normal vectors of the models, which satisfy boundary conditions relative to the connecting line, computing offset curves (?1, ?3) on the first model and the second model from the first edge curves, and connecting the first edge curves and the offset curves of the first model and of the second model and computing the connector on the basis of the course of the connection between the curves.

Abstract: An integrated manufacturing and a maintenance system include a metrology device and a CAD system which has access to parametric data from the metrology device, said “as-built” data being used by the CAD system to morph a CAD model reflecting the “as-built” data, which can be used in manufacturing and aftermarket support.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a predetermined object pattern representing a portion of a three-dimensional object, modifying the predetermined object pattern to correct for geometric distortion of a pattern generator, and generating the modified pattern using the pattern generator. The generated pattern interacts with a reactive material to form the portion of the three-dimensional object defined by the predetermined object pattern.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a system and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a gingival surface to facilitate cutting of an aligner material comprises the defining of initial gingival curves along the line around a tooth (LAT) on a patient's jaw, including within an interproximal area between teeth. The initial gingival curves are replaced with a modified, dynamic cutting curve comprising an offset adjustment configured to minimize weakening of a region of the aligner material within the interproximal area. This process for generating a modified, dynamic cutting curve within an interproximal area can be suitably applied or continued for each of other the teeth and interproximal areas between those teeth to define a complete dynamic cutting curve.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: A method of making a layered component with an improved surface finish by a shape metal deposition process is provided. The method comprises the steps of discriminating a first set of vectors on an exterior portion of the component from a second set of vectors on an interior portion of the component, and depositing a layer of metal material based on the vectors discriminated at different rates, wherein the material is deposited on the exterior portion at a high resolution and a slow rate, and the material is deposited on the interior portion at a low resolution and a fast rate.

Abstract: An orifice formation system is provided. The system includes a manufacturing machine configured to form an orifice in a workpiece, a computed tomography x-ray machine configured to generate data based on geometry of the workpiece, and a computer in communication with the manufacturing machine and the computed tomography x-ray machine. The computer is configured to control the manufacturing machine based on the data generated by the computed tomography x-ray machine. A method of controlling formation of an orifice in a workpiece is also provided. The method includes acquiring computed tomography data about the workpiece, determining geometry of the workpiece based on the computed tomography data, and forming an orifice in the workpiece based on the determined geometry of the workpiece.

Abstract: A head mount for use in a digital manufacturing system, where the head mount comprises a first component supported by at least one gantry of the digital manufacturing system, and a second component configured to retain a deposition head of the digital manufacturing system, and to move relative to the first component in response to a load applied to the deposition head from a platform assembly of the digital manufacturing system.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.

Abstract: Method for producing a base part of a set of artificial teeth, or a set of artificial teeth having a base part, comprising the step of forming the base part by a rapid prototyping process, e.g. 3D lithography and, in particular, 3D laser lithography. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of establishing a data set representing the shape of a base part of a set of artificial teeth, wherein a gum area or a model thereof is scanned and/or a model of a base part is scanned and/or the shape of the base part is simulated on a computer.

Abstract: A system for implanting a temporary anchorage device in a jaw bone of a patient makes use of a digital representation of at least a portion of the patient's dental arch, including teeth and corresponding roots, in order to select a temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant site that does not interfere with a tooth root. A surgical guide relates the information from the digital representation to an actual location in the patient's jaw bone. The surgical guide is formed to fit over at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, labial, and/or lingual surfaces of the dental arch proximate to the selected TAD implant site and includes a physical and/or visual marker that indicates the selected TAD implant site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulation method of cutting processing, a program for the simulation method of cutting processing, a recording medium recording the program for the simulation method of cutting processing, a modeling method, a program for the modeling method, and a recording medium recording the program for the modeling method, and is made so as to enable representation even of undercut portions and the like, and to enable smooth representation of a work form using simplified processing. The present invention represents a work and a target of processing by sequentially dividing a voxel into a set of voxels, and represents a voxel that changes in form using polygons.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold.

Abstract: A method for building a three-dimensional (3-D) object is provided. The method may include dispensing an interface material to form a lower part of the three dimensional object, inserting an insert into a recess present in the lower part and dispensing the interface material on the lower part to form the three dimensional object.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a template which locates hole positions in a jawbone while the template is separated from the jawbone by gum tissue. The template follows a contour of the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone and has guide holes which receive a cutting tool. Anchoring elements attach the template to the jawbone. A system includes means for scanning an implantation site on a patient's jawbone, simulating the implantation site, and determining nerve-rich areas or nerve paths in the jawbone. A holed template is produced which is separated from the jawbone by at least gum tissue of the patient. Attachment hole positions in the jawbone are located so as to avoid nerve paths. A method of forming holes to attach a dental implant to a patient's jaw bone without surgical intervention in gum tissue of the patient to expose the jawbone is disclosed which avoids impingement on a nerve path.

Abstract: A method of producing a display item of metalwork from sheet metal, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a digital image file containing an image of a subject; filtering the digital image file such that the resulting filtered image has increased contrast and enhanced edge definition; deleting unwanted parts of the filtered image; joining adjacent discrete portions of the filtered image together; manipulating the filtered image such that the minimum line width is greater than a predetermined thickness to form a subsequent image; and cutting the sheet metal in the form of the subsequent image.

Abstract: A system and appertaining algorithm provide a cutting and shaping of the hearing aid shell using an Ellipsoidal Line Cut that increases the speed of detailing operations and enables a creation of more cosmetically appealing shells. A contour algorithm determines a projected contour on the bottom cut plane that corresponds in shape to a portion of the line cut plane contour, and a merger algorithm defines a line cut surface between the portion of the line cut plane contour and the projected contour. An elimination algorithm eliminates parts of the new hearing aid shell design that extend beyond boundaries defined by the original hearing aid shell design.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate construction of automation applications for utilization in an industrial automation environment. A design template component can provide a design template to yield a modular, hierarchical framework for an application. Further, a design pattern table can include a library of design patterns, where the design patterns can be organized according to respective classifications. Moreover, a design pattern component can integrate a selected design pattern from the design pattern table with the design template to construct the application.

Abstract: A spring-forming control system and its control method for a spring forming machine in which the spring-forming control system uses a host computer to provide graphical spring parameter setting, program modification, and dragline-method program modification graphical interfaces that are selectively switchable on a display monitor. After setting of spring processing parameters through the spring parameter setting interface, a trial production is done subject to a spring parameter auto-generation software built in the spring-forming control system, and then the production is started if the trial meets the requirements, or the spring processing parameters are modified through the spring parameter setting interface, program modification interface, or dragline-method program modification interface if the trial does not meet the requirements, and then a further trial production is performed till the shaped spring meets the requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method and apparatus of artificial human teeth using dental CT. The method comprises the steps of: removing a damaged part of human teeth; obtaining surface coordinates of the teeth using a dental CT machine located at a dental clinic for a medical checkup; converting the surface coordinates of the actual teeth to CAD/CAM data; manufacturing artificial teeth by cutting metal or ceramic with a three-dimensional N/C machine using the converted data; obtaining shape data of upper or lower actual teeth corresponding to the artificial teeth; changing the shape of the artificial teeth by direct surface processing according to the shape data of the upper or lower teeth; and coating ceramic to the artificial teeth after sintering the processed artificial teeth for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental prosthesis, including obtaining data for the teeth that are to be replaced and for their surrounding area; compiling a database containing data for prefabricated tooth replacement parts; excluding those tooth replacement parts which, based on the data recorded for the teeth to be replaced and for their surrounding area, are unsuitable for functional and/or aesthetic and/or stability reasons; selecting the tooth replacement parts to be used; using imaging software to obtain a virtual representation of the tooth replacement parts integrated into the surrounding area in the patient's dentition in accordance with customary set-up rules; recording the data of an actual situation in a patient's mouth after preparation of the affected teeth and insertion of any implants; checking the compliance of the selected tooth replacement parts with the data of the actual situation after preparation; making available the selected tooth replacement parts; modifying the selected tooth replacement

Abstract: A system for making custom prototypes including devices for making the prototype, logic, software, firmware, hardware, circuitry or other components and responsive to user input.

Abstract: A computerized prefab architect design system (CPAD) and method for the fabrication of frame-structured buildings with all functions, including an integrating device for integrating building design elements including customer acknowledged floor plans, plumbing layouts, electricity wiring layouts and structure/strength parameters into an assembly drawing; a dividing device for forming segments and layouts of wall panels, floor/ceiling panels and roof panels, layouts of roof trusses, and segments and layouts of plumbing, wiring and jointers in accordance with a segmentation rule for buildings comprising a local building specification, segmentation based on a loading size of a shipping container, strength and structural requirements of buildings, requirements for convenient on-site work and flexible assembly lines at factories; a generating device for generating a polygon stencil for components of the prefab architect based on said segments and layouts, said stencil including building frames, functional boards t

Abstract: A reproduction is prepared wherein the length of the reproduction is varied by one scale factor and the deeps of the image produced in the reproduction is varied by a second scale factor. The reproduction may be, prepared from a three dimensional article or a painting, art work or other two dimensional member having a topography in the surface thereof (such as brush strokes) or from a two dimensional substrate which has a picture thereon without any topography wherein the topography which is applied to the reproduction is prepared based upon computer interpretation of the objects present in the picture.

Abstract: A system for implanting a temporary anchorage device in a jaw bone of a patient makes use of a digital representation of at least a portion of the patient's dental arch, including teeth and corresponding roots, in order to select a temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant site that does not interfere with a tooth root. A surgical guide relates the information from the digital representation to an actual location in the patient's jaw bone. The surgical guide is formed to fit over at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, labial, and/or lingual surfaces of the dental arch proximate to the selected TAD implant site and includes a physical and/or visual marker that indicates the selected TAD implant site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for visualizing and manipulating three-dimensional digital dental models and related methods and apparatus for dental treatments are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for visualizing and manipulating a three-dimensional digital dental model may comprise viewing the three-dimensional digital dental model and using hand gestures to instruct a computer to manipulate one or more teeth in the digital dental model. In other aspects, a dental treatment method may comprise viewing a three-dimensional digital model, using hand gestures, a conventional keyboard, and/or a conventional mouse to instruct a computer to manipulate one or more teeth in the digital model to generate a three-dimensional digital model of a modified arrangement of the subject's teeth, and fabricating one or more dental aligners configured to reposition the subject's teeth into the modified arrangement. Viewing may comprise stereoscopically viewing a digital dental model.

Abstract: A Mass Custom Manufacturing System and methods are provided. A single master file is created for a restoration (or multiple restorations for a single patient) from a scan. Copings/cores, abutments and other companion pieces are designed using the master file through a deconstruction method allowing for simultaneous CAM of those pieces. A centralized system controls design and manufacturing, allowing the system to “learn” from feedback from the CAM operations of prior pieces and incorporate such feedback into the design phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object by solidification of a material solidifiable under the action of electromagnetic radiation by means of energy input via an imaging unit comprising a predetermined number of discrete imaging elements (pixels). The method comprises performing solidification with exposure using bitmap mask. The bitmap mask may be formed from a stack of bitmap data provided by an overlap analysis of a three-dimensional volume completely or partially enclosing a three-dimensional model of at least a part of the three-dimensional object to be produced. Alternatively, bitmap mask may be formed from a two-dimensional data set comprising overlap information. Solidification may be performing with exposure using bitmap mask generated “on the fly”. The invention is also directed to devices, and a computer and a data carrier useful for performing or executing the method.

Abstract: A system and method for creating individualized color and product palettes for fabrication and sales of window coverings. The system includes a unique product palette processor interacting with a product palette database to specify requested goods in terms of a manufacturer product design palette when an order is created using a unique product palette created for and used by a single retailer or designer.

Abstract: A system for producing various optical members to be used by being attached to eyeglasses for assisting a function the eyeglasses, includes: a terminal device that transmits an ordering data for ordering an optical member based on eyeglasses information relating to the eyeglasses; a processing data calculating device that calculates a processing data for three-dimensionally processing the optical member based on the ordering data transmitted by the terminal device; and a work instructing device that performs a work instruction relating to three-dimensional processing of the optical member based on the processing data calculated by the processing data calculating device.

Abstract: The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.

Abstract: A system and a method for printing of three-dimensional objects are provided. The system may include at least two replaceable printing trays and the method may include printing using a printing head a first three dimensional object on a first replaceable printing tray in a printing area; automatically moving the first tray from the printing area; automatically placing a second replaceable printing tray in the printing area; and immediately resuming printing a second three dimensional object on the second tray.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucent materials that match an individual's preexisting tooth appearance uses a set of reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers of various translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed from actual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials have a thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likely thicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A reference table is created based upon color measurements of each of the reference templates. A color measurement of the individual's preexisting teeth is then compared to the reference table to determine which particular dental construction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.

Abstract: A method for forming a duct interconnect generally includes providing a digital model of a first duct structure and a second duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance and an interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section. The second duct structure includes a second duct structure and a second interconnect component. The process includes forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure (e.g., stereolithography), a physical model of the first duct and second structures in accordance with the digital models, wherein the interconnect component has a locked and unlocked state, and wherein the unlocked state corresponds to a predetermined compressive force between the first duct structure and a second duct structure.

Abstract: There is provided a system for fabricating at least a portion of a denture. The system includes a three-dimensional scanning device for scanning a surface of a denture template, and a computer-readable medium including a computer program for receiving data from the scanning device, creating a 3-dimensional model of the surface, and optionally modifying the 3-dimensional model and/or adding features to the 3-dimensional model. The system also includes a fabricator for creating the at least the portion of the denture, from a selected material, based on the 3-dimensional model. The fabricator may be a device including a lathe, or a rapid prototyping machine. There is also provided a method for fabricating at least a portion of a denture.

Abstract: A method of contact lithography includes predicting distortions likely to occur in transferring a pattern from a mold to a substrate during a contact lithography process; and modifying the mold to compensate for the distortions. A contact lithography system includes a design subsystem configured to generate data describing a lithography pattern; an analysis subsystem configured to identify one or more distortions likely to occur when using a mold created from the data; and a mold modification subsystem configured to modify the data to compensate for the one or more distortions identified by the analysis subsystem.

Abstract: A processing device and a method for processing structure data representing a physical structure are disclosed to obtain information about physical properties of the physical structure faster and with high quality and accuracy. The processing device for processing structure data representing a physical structure comprises an obtainer module for obtaining structure data representing a physical structure; a parts defining module for subdividing said structure data into at least two parts including a connection part and a material part; a meshing module for generating a mesh model approximating said physical structure by transforming said connection part and said material part into mesh elements having different sizes, wherein the mesh element sizes of said connection part are smaller than the mesh element sizes of said material part; and a processing module for processing said mesh model to estimate physical properties of said physical structure.

Abstract: A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object is provided. The system includes a first printhead group, at least one second printhead group, a conveyor and a control system. The first printhead group includes a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate. The second printhead group includes a plurality of second printheads located downstream from the first group and configured for printing a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer. The second printheads are reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure. The conveyor is configured to operatively convey the substrate past the printhead groups. The control system controls and monitors the printhead groups and the conveyor, and is configured to dynamically reconfigure the second printheads if failure of a first printhead is detected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring (i.e. class, championship, or affiliation) begins by receiving order data specifying a series of personalization elements, such as the addition of text and icon designs. A geometric model for each personalization item is constructed. To assemble text panels, the operating system provides font geometry for a desired TrueType font. Then a set of splines are created from the font geometry and are then tessellated to generate polyline sets of data, which are then spaced and mapped between two boundary curves. The personalization elements are then projected onto one of the model's 3D surfaces. A set of machining instructions for a milling machine is generated by obtaining a set of machining pattern strategies, generating a set of curves, projecting the toolpath onto the surface of the ring to calculate the 3D toolpath, and rotating it to a desired angle.

Abstract: Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a print file for printing a 3-D print using a 3-D printing system is described, the 3-D print comprising a plurality of 3-D structures printed on a substrate, each 3-D print structure having a height with respect to the substrate. A two-dimensional source image is input comprising a plurality of image pixel areas. A filtered image is obtained by applying a topographic operator to the source image to generate for every image pixel a representation of a pixel height profile, the pixel height profile corresponding to cross-sections through a 3-D print structure which is to be formed by 3-D printing. Thereby definitions of a plurality of image layers are generated from the filtered image for printing using the 3-D printing system. The print file is output based on the plurality of image layers.