Abstract: A method, using computer aided design logic and apparatus for part design, representation and fabrication. The system uses standard EDM technology to remove metal. The EDM anodes are provided in a variety of cross sectional shapes and their working ends are automatically shaped by the system to standard shapes in order to remove subsections of metal to shape the desired part. Anode positioning is attained by the use of a multi-axis positioning robot to move either part or cutter or both, with up to five degrees of relative motion. Through the use of the computer system and the automatic creation of the cutting tools, all cut “operations” can be performed with minimal operator assistance, on one machine, in typically one or two part holds. The raw material is considered as comprising two groups of particles. One group is removed to produce the part. The other group comprises the part.

Abstract: A process for real-time motion control of ultra-high quality animated faces of any kind (human, dog, fish, etc.), or control of robotic faces. The system uses common motion capture equipment to develop high and low resolution data sets of facial expressions for human actor faces (serving as the input devices). The high-resolution data is manually and semi-automatically enhanced to provide additional information pertaining to any given expression. The high-resolution expression data sets are logically linked to robotic and computer model faces of any shape for discrete control of all robotic motion controls and the creation of a high resolution data set of model expressions. Real-time low-resolution motion capture data is matched to the low-resolution data sets, and thereby matched to the enhanced high resolution model data sets.

Abstract: The instrument comprises a sphere mounted in a holder between two rings, so that the sphere is held in specific spatial relationship to holes in the holder which define a line of sight of the instrument. A flat cylindrical assembly comprising a bubble level and a compass is mounted on the sphere with the center of the assembly at a point which represents the point on the earth's surface intersected by a line from the earth's center to the geostationary satellite served by the instrument. The assembly touches and moves between the rings. A mark on this assembly points in the direction of a point on the sphere which represents true North relative to the center of the assembly. A map of the area served by the satellite is marked on the sphere. A scale marked in degrees and having a base point is mounted between the rings with its centerline parallel to the rings. The map is marked with points representing major locations at which antennas may be located.