Abstract: A device control system is provided, in which a host device uploads optimal program code suitable for its own system environment from a target device for control. In the target device 2, a plurality of pieces of program code 231 through 23n used for different system environments and a header object 221 associated with the respective pieces of program code are stored in advance. The host device 1 obtains the header object 221 from the target device 2, and then parses the obtained header object 221 to determine program code 23x (x is one of 1 through n) optimal for its own system environment. The host device 1 then uploads the determined program code 23x from the target device 2 for interpretation, thereby controlling the target device 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CAD/CAM system for design and manufacture of a hearing aid housing comprising a face plate and a shell that is matched to the auditory canal of a user, the system being adapted to receive and process data representing the shape of the auditory canal, forming a three-dimensional model of the shell based on the data, and outputting data representing the model for production of the shell and the face plate based on the model. Manufacture of the face plate includes at least one automatic processing step based on data from a CAD/CAM model of the hearing aid housing. For example, data relating to the circumference of the face plate may be provided to a numerically controlled machine that automatically cuts a separately manufactured face plate along the desired contour that matches the circumference of the corresponding shell. In another embodiment, the hearing aid housing is manufactured with an integrated face plate.

Abstract: A work assistance apparatus executes software programs necessary for works with using a computer, files generated in plural number thereof, and know-how data, with high efficiency. For that purpose, the work assistance apparatus includes a common template production portion for producing a common template, in which common information is defined, such as, steps of work, the software programs, and the know-how, etc.; a template execution portion for executing the work in accordance with the template; and a difference template production portion for producing information not defined in the common template in a form of a difference template. In the work with using the common template, information newly added is accumulated into the difference template.

Abstract: A method for repairing an airfoil comprising creating a nominal numerically-controlled tool path based on a nominal shape of the airfoil, measuring the airfoil using a displacement sensor, capturing differences in the airfoil shape as compared to the nominal shape, creating a three-dimensional map by synchronizing x, y and z coordinates and readings from the sensor, modifying the tool path based on the three-dimensional map, and machining the airfoil. A system for measuring and machining an airfoil comprising a computer operable for data acquisition and numerically-controlled tool path generation, a numerically-controlled machine, a cutting tool holder comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and a displacement-sensing probe.

Abstract: In solid freeform fabrication processes that make use of a removable support material, pre-calculation of the amount of support material needed for a build is difficult (inaccurate or slow) because the digital data for generating the support material is often not generated until the build is in progress. A method is proposed that has been shown to generate rapid and accurate estimates of the amount of both build and support material needed before a build begins, to accurately predict before a build begins when replenishment materials are needed, and to track material consumptions over time.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individual. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a haring device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: A simulation method for three-dimensional processing by a CNC-controlled processing machine is determined by means of an initial data record which describes idealized processing instructions for a processing machine, wherein a control data record for a control unit controlling the processing machine is determined from the initial data record by means of an arithmetic unit. At least one two-dimensional projection of the processing is determined from the initial data record and/or the control data record and is displayed.

Abstract: An method for the rapid manufacturing of aerospace replacement parts 100 is provided, including removing an in-service aerospace part from an aerospace system 120. The present invention further includes placing the in-service aerospace part into a three-dimensional scanning device 130. The invention then scans the in-service aerospace part utilizing the three-dimensional scanning device to develop a three-dimensional scan 140. A computer-aided-design model is then developed based on the three-dimensional scan 150. The invention then direct metal fabricates a replacement aerospace part from the computer-aided-design model utilizing layer-build technology device 170. Finally the replacement aerospace part is installed back into the aerospace system 180.

Abstract: A dental measuring and machining system includes a measuring and machining unit for preparing measurement data by measuring a prosthesis model based on a predetermined algorithm and for producing a prosthesis by machining a prosthesis block based on the above measurement data, and an operating unit for operating the measuring and machining unit from the outside. A user is able to produce a dental prosthesis by operating the measuring and machining unit under the control of a computer. The measuring and machining unit is connected to the external operating unit by communication, and the measuring and machining unit can be operated from the outside.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens or lens pattern shape capture system comprises a digitizer having a position indicator and a coordinate detecting surface. The digitizer generates positional data corresponding to the circumference of one of a lens and a lens pattern positioned on the detecting surface. A central processing unit is operably associated with the digitizer, and receives the positional data from the digitizer. An instruction set processes the positional data into trace data usable by an edger device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing, in a computer-assisted way, a machine having pairs of geometrically-predetermined spherical components, i.e. a component B with recesses and a component W with bumps. According to said process, a spherical shell model is used to described mathematically the geometry of the vaulted surfaces formed by the recesses and the bumps of component W and component B.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell or die used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing includes ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis includes the steps of obtaining shape data of a portion to be prosthetically treated and shape data of a surface condition after it is prosthetically treated, obtaining shape data of a prosthesis from the two shape data sets, obtaining contour data of a portion of the prosthesis contacting a tissue of a living body and appearing outward, and converting the shape data of the prosthesis into a cutting data assuming that a connecting rib is to be connected to the prosthesis at a region appearing outward on the shape data of the prosthesis and substantially not contained in the contour data. Also, the present invention provides a method of placing and object and a measuring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-dimensional model data generating apparatus which can generate efficiently and accurately three-dimensional model data of a structural member constituting a machine tool. A three-dimensional model data generating apparatus 1 has: X-, Y-, and Z-axis imaging mechanisms 21, 22, 23 each of which has two CCD cameras that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and which image a structural member constituting a machine tool 10 in the respective directions of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes (three orthogonal axis directions), thereby generating two-dimensional image data; and a model data generating section 31 which generates three-dimensional model data including at least shape data which define a three-dimensional shape of the structural member on the basis of the generated two-dimensional image data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for optimally designing automobile door seals. The system comprises data storage, data management and model design. The data storage consists of a plurality of storage units, each of which has data necessary for each condition. The data management consists of a plurality of mode selection units for selecting a mode from the data storage according to the characteristics of a door seal to be developed. The model design designs a complete door seal by imposing a variety of conditions on a model selected from the data management and performing various tests.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of an object in three dimensions uses two cameras interconnected with a machine vision search tool. The search tool is capable of registering transformation of a pattern in at least two translational degrees of freedom, along the image plane, and at least one non-translational degree of freedom along a camera axis perpendicular to the image plane. The tool can be a rotation/scale-invariant (RSIS) search tool. A nominal position for each camera's acquired image of the object is determined and a set of uncertainty vectors along each of the degrees of freedom is generated. The vectors are weighted, with the respective vectors along the camera axis being weighted more-highly than orthonormal vectors within the image plane. The weighted vectors are combined to define an error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a customized respiratory mask without contacting a facial area of the subject is provided according to the invention. The apparatus includes an image capturing device for capturing an image of the facial area as a three-dimensional representation without contacting a facial area of the subject, a cutting machine, and at least one computer capable of receiving the three-dimensional representation of the image and storing the three-dimensional representation in an associated memory, and which is further capable of converting the three-dimensional representation into a set of commands and controlling the cutting machine using the set of commands to cut a mask blank to form the customized respiratory mask.

Abstract: A system for verifying a part disclosed. The system comprises a virtual part and a virtual gage associated with the virtual part. A physical part corresponds to the virtual part. A digitized part is generated from the physical part, and the virtual gage evaluates the digitized part. A method for verifying a part is disclosed. A virtual part is provided. A virtual gage associated with the virtual part is generated. A physical part corresponding to the virtual part is produced. A digitized part is generated from the physical part. The digitized part is evaluated with the virtual gage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for developing a dental bridge through computer-aided design are shown and described. With reference to an image of the volume to fill with the bridge, a proposed dental bridge is shaped to fit between teeth adjacent to the volume to fill while being contoured to a profile line specifying the gum contour and the contour of surfaces of the adjacent teeth to be bonded. Retainers of the proposed bridge are shaped and positioned to abut the adjacent teeth. The data specifying the proposed bridge may be delivered to a milling machine where a blank is milled into the corresponding bridge. The bridge may then be installed by bonding the retainers to the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A contour shape of a desired shape of a workpiece at section along a predetermined axis is divided into machining units. Each of the machining units includes a plurality of inflection points including a machining start point and a machining end point. Machining data at least necessary for performing machining is set for each of the machining units. Arrival times at the inflection points are calculated based on the machining data, and a position of at least one of the workpiece and the tool is calculated for each of the inflection points. For each of the machining units, a rotation angle position of the workpiece corresponding to the arrival time is set as an accumulated count value.

Abstract: A method is described which allows certain Optical Proximity Corrections to be computed in a few minutes. This has been achieved by limiting changes to the optical mask to the addition of two sets of serifs (one larger than the other) at the appropriate vertices in the layout mask. A key feature of the method is that identification of which serifs will be within a critical distance from a neighbouring edge (and have therefore to be smaller) is performed by the application of a few simple logical operations. This results in a corrected mask that can be generated in a few minutes, as opposed to many hours.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to rapid informational prototypes of three-dimensional objects and systems having three or more dimensions, wherein the informational prototype includes information beyond outer physical shape, such as stress contours, thermal gradients, internal structures and elements, and elements varying with time. One preferred manner for indicating information is through the use of differently colored regions in the prototype. According to a rapid prototyping method of the present invention, a series of slices through the object or system are defined by an ordinal number, overall contour information for describing shape of the slice in an X-Y plane, slice thickness information for describing thickness of the slice in a Z direction, and slice image information for providing useful information other than the overall contour information, preferably through color images.

Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of ophthalmic devices in a manufacturing line, comprises the steps of: assembling first molding devices, at least one of the first molding devices having an identification device, such as, a bar-code or an inductive transmitting/receiving device; reading the identification device of the first molding devices; forming first molded parts using the first molding devices; providing a plurality of carriers, the carriers having carrier indicators; transferring the first molded parts to at least one of a plurality of carriers; reading the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts; and storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the identification device of the first molding devices and the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts.

Abstract: A method of creating a tooling master model for a manufacturing process for a part includes generating a manufacturing context model from a parametric model for the part. The tooling master model includes a tooling geometry for the part, and the manufacturing context model includes a number of tooling features. A system for generating the tooling master model includes a computer aided design (CAD) system configured to receive the parametric model and to generate the manufacturing context model from the parametric model.

Abstract: A method of routing a probe of a digitizing system on the surface of a model object for the purpose of copying that model object as a part are disclosed. When a tolerance number is given, model surface data can be collected so that the geometrical difference between the model and the part is within the given tolerance for all touchable points on the model surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individuals. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a hearing device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing custom-moulded ear plug device, such as in-ear hearing aids used in an area subject to dynamic and individually different movements. A three-dimensional image of an area of application of the device is taken at two or more positions of movement. Data from the images are used to design the outer contour of the device for optimal fit and performance.

Abstract: A device for animating a graphical or plastic representation comprises a support for the representation, an animation system for varying the representation and at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a person in a given field of view of the support and for generating a parameter representative of movements and/or gestures of a person in that field. It includes a control system which controls the animation system according to that parameter in response to the detection of a person. It also generates at least one random variable. The control system combines the random variable with the aforementioned parameter to command non-deterministic variations of the representation in response to movements and/or gestures of a detected person.

Abstract: This invention presents a method and system for industrializing a designed part. This invention includes selecting a parting surfaceto divide the designed part, which includes a functional specification, into a first side and a second side, and selecting a draft angle. A change is computed in the first side and the second side using the selected draft angle. During the computation, the functional specification is maintained and the first side and second side meet on the parting surface. A face and a pulling direction can also be selected on the designed part. The selected face can be parallel to the pulling direction for the first side. Faces adjacent to the selected face can also be used in the computation. Once computed, the industrialized designed part can be displayed. An optimal blend draft method or a driving/driven blend draft method can be selected to compute the designed part.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a foam cosmetic cover for a prosthetic component. The steps comprise selection of an appropriate prosthetic component, collecting data regarding its shape from a replica of the prosthetic component, converting the data into the dimensions of two halves of an interior cavity, and providing this data to a computer-controlled milling machine. The computer-controlled milling machine then cuts a portion of one-half of the cavity into one side of the block and a portion of the other half of the cavity on the opposed side of the block. The cutting head is then advanced longitudinally so that additional portions of the cavity can be cut into the opposing sides of the block. The block is then removed from the milling machine and cut in half longitudinally between the indentations in the sides of a block. The two halves of the block are then attached to one another to form a cavity having the general shape of the prosthetic component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of horizontally structured automated CAD/CAM manufacturing process, comprising: selecting a blank for machining into an actual part; establishing a coordinate system; creating a master process model comprising: virtual blank corresponding to the blank; a manufacturing feature; virtual machining of the manufacturing feature into the virtual blank, the manufacturing feature exhibiting an associative relationship with the coordinate system; and generating machining instructions to create the actual part by machining the manufacturing feature into the blank; capturing manufacturing process rules in a spread sheet; and the spread sheet exhibiting an associative relationship with the master process model.

Abstract: A method for producing a medical device, such as a prosthetic or orthotic structure which makes the procedure more widely available at less cost. The method involves making a model of the body part for which a medical structure is to be manufactured using conformable fabric impregnated with a settable resin. The model may be prepared by a physician or a prosthetist who has no direct access to an expensive digitizing scanner. The model is removed from the patient's body part and shipped to a scanning facility where a digitizing scanner is used to produce a digitized image of the model. The digitized image is shrunk to compensate for the thickness of the model and the digitized data file is preferably sent back to the physician or prosthetist who manipulates the digitized image using a customized software program to produce a modified data file.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating consistent parameterizations for a set of meshes each of which includes data points representative of a corresponding surface. The consistent parameterizations preferably share the same base domain, and are generated using a net tracing algorithm. The net tracing algorithm involves determining for each of the meshes a net of paths having a connectivity substantially the same as that of the base domain. In an illustrative embodiment, the net tracing algorithm as applied to a given one of the meshes includes determining, for each edge in the base domain, a tentative path for use in the net of paths corresponding to the mesh. The tentative paths are then prioritized based on length, and selected ones of the tentative paths are used to construct a spanning tree of the base domain.

Abstract: A robot failure diagnosing system in which sound input by the user is interpreted/recognized by a command recognizing section in order to notify a request for a diagnosis to a self-diagnosis section. For example, the user can input a command which prompts a self-diagnosis operation in the form of a natural communication, such as by saying, “Perform a self-diagnosis operation,” and by asking, “How do you feel, robot?” With respect to this, the robot can indicate the self-diagnosis result in the form of a natural conversation, such as by saying, “I'm not feeling well,” “My leg hurts,” and “I'm hungry.” The robot failure diagnosing system performs a self-diagnosis of a failure or abnormality in a system, and feeds back the diagnosis result to the user.

Abstract: A method for designing, and optionally making, an article of manufacture. Customer requirement parameters are defined and related engineering parameters are chosen. A parametric geometrical representation (i.e., a master model) of the article is created in terms of geometric parameters using a computer program. A design analysis methodology is crated and programmed into a computer code and stored on a computer medium such that the engineering parameters and the customer requirement parameters are program inputs and the geometric parameters of the master model are program outputs. Specific values of the inputs are inputted into the computer code. The computer code is run on a digital computer and specific values of the geometric parameters of the master model are outputted.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape data processor for processing data concerning a three-dimensional shape to be formed on a flat plate has a synthesis processing means (5 and 6) for performing synthesis processing such that three-dimensional shape data are partially superimposed on one another, and at an overlap portion, either one of the three-dimensional shape data is left as it is, while the other is erased, and an interpolation processing means (7) for performing interpolation processing by providing a predetermined interpolation region at a boundary between the three-dimensional shape data subjected to the synthesis processing. Interpolation is performed so that the height changes continuously between the three-dimensional shape data combined together through the interpolation region. An engraving apparatus cuts a flat plate immersed in a cutting fluid, thereby preventing cuttings from depositing on a cutting blade or the plate being engraved even in the case of a noble metal.

Abstract: In order to produce a reproduction of an object such as a human face, a three-dimensional form of the object is measured with a three-dimensional measuring device, and the measured form is displayed. After a user approves the displayed form, a material is worked according to the measured form to work a reproduction of the object. If the user cancels the displayed form, the form is measured again and the measured form is displayed. Characteristics of the measured form are extracted, and an appropriate material is selected among a plurality of materials. On the other hand, the data of the measured form are converted to work data with reference to the size and the quality of a product to be worked which have been stored in a database. Preferably, the data are compressed in the depth direction in order to shorten the working time. Then, the material is worked in a series of processes from the form input to the working in a simple way, and the user can obtained a desired three-dimensional reproduction.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring an original key, a line of the light is focused onto the key surface in a direction perpendicular to the key surface. A camera, or other type of detector is disposed to receive light deflected by the key at an oblique angle. The keyway and keycode of the key can be determined from the deflected pattern of light.

Abstract: A design and production system that takes advantage of open network technology to allow a party outside of a manufacturer's closed production system to operate the manufacturer's production function. The user of the system enters parametric data defining a desired product. The design and production system creates a final design based on the entered parametric data, creates a set of machine instructions according to the final design, and executes the machine instructions using various tools of a production system. The present invention provides the customer with the precise product desired and minimizes the associated cost to the manufacturer of maintaining an inventory of finished goods.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a material deposition sub-system for dispensing droplets of solidifiable liquid compositions on demand onto selected spots of an object work surface, for using a focused heat source to maintain a heat-affected zone on the work surface, and for creating a weld pool of molten materials on this work surface by injecting selected powder particles into this heat-affected zone and (2) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition sub-system and the work surface relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the object. The material in the weld pool solidifies after the heat-affected zone moves away to build portions of a layer. These steps are repeated to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a multiple-channel material deposition sub-system for dispensing droplets of selected liquid compositions and solid powders at predetermined proportions; (2) providing an object platform in close working vicinity to the deposition sub-system to receive the deposition materials therefrom; and (3) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition sub-system and the platform relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the object. These steps are repeated to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A device for analyzing NC program is provided with a machining method analyzing means (34) which extracts machining conditions for every machining work element by analyzing an actual NC machining program, and data base creating means (35). The device extracts necessary machining information from the actual NC machining program and allows the data bases (21, 22, 23 and 24) to reflect the information.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein a plurality of high accuracy air injectors are disposed along the edges of a sensor plate of a sensing head to form an air bearing and a plurality of high displacement air injectors are also disposed along the edges of the sensor plate to form an air bearing, each independently controlled, with the sensing head having high accuracy and low accuracy separation distance sensors coupled in a feedback loop through a mapper (a programmable CPU) which, without knowledge of the exact position of the sensors or air injectors, but being responsive to feedback information, iteratively adjusts relative separation of the sensor plate and a flat panel workpiece to the desired positional accuracy through digital to analog converters supplying control signals to analog amplifiers controlling orifices.

Abstract: Elongation in the circumferential direction of a rotary formed body is produced only within a model zone, and the approximate toric plate shape is maintained as the overall shape of the body, and the rotation axis of the body is positioned on a straight line connecting axes of rotation of a main roll and a mandrel roll. Moreover, the velocity of each nodal point and on imaginary cutting planes, that is a velocity boundary condition is expressed by a linear combination of coefficients comprising a radius of the imaginary cutting planes, and angles made by the imaginary cutting planes, with respect to three variables comprising an increasing rate of the radius of the body, an angular velocity for rotation about the rotation axis of the body, and a correction value for the traverse velocity of the rotation axis of the body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object having a potential {x} which is generated in response to a field {f} applied thereto is provided. The method includes the step of designing a geometric model of the object. A computerized mathematical model of the object is generated by discretizing the geometric model of the object into a plurality of finite elements and defining nodes at boundaries of the elements, wherein values of the field {f} and potential {x} are specified at the nodes. A material property matrix [k] is then calculated based on the relationship {f}=[k]{x}.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating tool paths for cutting a physical part. The present invention includes storing geometric data indicative of the geometric configuration of the part. A plurality of planes are used to slice the geometric data. Micro features of the part are recognized based upon the sliced geometric data. Macro features of the part are determined based upon groupings of the recognized micro features. Tool path data is generated based upon the determined macro features of the part. Thereupon, the tool path data is used for cutting the physical part.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing a three dimensional model based upon an instruction of a client including storing a three dimensional object image data provided by a client and extracting a three dimensional model image data from the object image data and producing the three dimensional model with the model image data and providing the client with the three dimensional model.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming a custom-made insole including the step of positioning a foot to be measured on a scanning station. The scanning station includes at least one laser unit which is passed along an undersurface of the foot. The undersurface of the foot is scanned by the at least one laser scanning unit which measures the detected surface coordinates of the undersurface. The measured surface coordinates are processed and transmitted to a computer. A milling station, in communication with the scanning station and computer, includes a milling assembly for forming the custom-made insole. The computer controls the operation of the milling assembly based upon the coordinates determined by the at least one laser scanning unit.