Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a cueing model.

Abstract: The extraction of a three-dimensional (3D) object is facilitated using a printed hint, which includes an additional shape that is printed along with the 3D object in a granular-based printer bed. In example implementations, the hint is indicative of a location of the 3D object. In one example, a hint has a dimension indicative of a depth to the object in the printer bed. In another example, a position of a hint is indicative that the object is below, and a size of the hint is based on a size of the object. Some hints can also protect the object. Examples include plate and shell-shaped hints. The object is located under a plate hint or within a shell hint. Further, an appearance of the object or indications of the sturdiness of different parts of the object can be printed on the hint to facilitate a safe extraction of the object.

Abstract: The extraction of a three-dimensional (3D) object is facilitated using a printed hint, which includes an additional shape that is printed along with the 3D object in a granular-based printer bed. In example implementations, the hint is indicative of a location of the 3D object. In one example, a hint has a dimension indicative of a depth to the object in the printer bed. In another example, a position of a hint is indicative that the object is below, and a size of the hint is based on a size of the object. Some hints can also protect the object. Examples include plate and shell-shaped hints. The object is located under a plate hint or within a shell hint. Further, an appearance of the object or indications of the sturdiness of different parts of the object can be printed on the hint to facilitate a safe extraction of the object.

Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining at least one image using at least one processor. The techniques may include selecting a plurality of objects defined by a plurality of pixels within the at least one image. The techniques may include determining perceptual information associated with each of the plurality of objects and generating a context for each of the plurality of pixels that define the plurality of objects. The techniques may also include automatically thresholding the at least one image to generate an output image that represents the at least one image.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for embedding a 2D image in a 3D model. The method comprises generating a 3-dimensional (3D) print matrix representing a 2-dimensional (2D) image, wherein the print matrix comprises a plurality of sub-regions, the base plane of each sub-region angled with respect to a top surface of the print matrix so as to produce a plurality of shades, each shade representing a shade of the 2D image; and embedding the print matrix in a (3D) model.

Abstract: Local color information in a 3D mesh is used to enhance fine geometric features such as those in embroidered clothes for 3D printing. In some implementations, vertex color information is used to detect edges and to enhance geometry. In one embodiment, a 3D model is projected into a 2D space to obtain a 2D image, so that pixels that lie on edges in the 2D image can be detected. Further, such edge information is propagated back to the 3D model to enhance the geometry of the 3D model. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining at least one image using at least one processor. The techniques may include selecting a plurality of objects defined by a plurality of pixels within the at least one image. The techniques may include determining perceptual information associated with each of the plurality of objects and generating a context for each of the plurality of pixels that define the plurality of objects. The techniques may also include automatically thresholding the at least one image to generate an output image that represents the at least one image.

Abstract: The extraction of a three-dimensional (3D) object is facilitated using a printed hint, which includes an additional shape that is printed along with the 3D object in a granular-based printer bed. In example implementations, the hint is indicative of a location of the 3D object. In one example, a hint has a dimension indicative of a depth to the object in the printer bed. In another example, a position of a hint is indicative that the object is below, and a size of the hint is based on a size of the object. Some hints can also protect the object. Examples include plate and shell-shaped hints. The object is located under a plate hint or within a shell hint. Further, an appearance of the object or indications of the sturdiness of different parts of the object can be printed on the hint to facilitate a safe extraction of the object.

Abstract: Techniques for removal of interference patterns from digital images are described, in which a spatially-adaptive filter is applied to a pixel based on a context of the pixel. In an example, an edge of an object in a digital image is located in a digital image creation system. Then, context data is generated for a pixel in the digital image. The context data includes a distance from the edge of the object to the pixel. The digital image creation system can also generate color data and luminance data for the pixel, representing a similarity of color and luminance between the pixel and surrounding pixels within the digital image. Then, the digital image creation system constructs a spatially-adaptive filter for the pixel based on the context data for the pixel. The digital image creation system removes an effect of the interference pattern at the pixel in the digital image by applying the spatially-adaptive filter to the pixel.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for automatically adding utility holes to printable 3D models by accessing a digital representation of a 3D model; accessing specifications that define the geometry of a utility hole to be included with the 3D model; performing a heuristic evaluation of the digital representation of the 3D model to determine one of one or more possible placements of the utility hole to be included with the 3D model as a placement for the utility hole; modifying the digital representation of the 3D model so as to include the utility hole at the placement; and providing a modified digital representation of the 3D model for printing.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically subdividing a 3D mesh to enhance texture and color reproduction are provided. In embodiments, a high-resolution image of an object is received, where the high-resolution image is mapped to a 3D mesh of the object. The high-resolution image has a higher resolution than the 3D mesh. Degrees of color variation in the high-resolution image are detected. Weights are calculated for areas of the 3D mesh based on the degrees of color variation in the high-resolution image. One or more of the areas of the 3D mesh is subdivided based on the calculated weights. Color values from the high-resolution image are then assigned to the 3D mesh.

Abstract: Cutout object merge techniques are described. In one or more embodiments, a cutout object is identified for insertion into a scene. The cutout object may, for instance, be selected from a library of cutout objects, each of which was extracted from an already-captured image. Before capturing an image of the scene, the selected cutout object may be placed in a substantially real-time display of the scene, such as that which is displayed via a camera's view finder. Using an image capturing device, an image of the scene may then be captured. Once an image of the scene is captured, the cutout object and the captured image may be merged to form a composite image that includes the cutout object at a location in the scene specified by the placement.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a cueing model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting, merging, and presenting content is disclosed. The method includes collecting a plurality of selected content from a plurality of different content sources. The method further involves storing the selected content in a temporary file. Additionally, the method involves merging the collected content into a cohesive document.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting depth irregularities in a three-dimensional scanned model. In particular, one or more embodiments obtain depth data and color data for an object using a depth scanner and a color scanner, respectively. One or more embodiments identify, based on edge information in the color data, regions that have no depth data that are part of the object. One or more embodiments then correct the depth frame by assigning depth data to the identified regions based on a gradient of depth data from areas near the identified regions. The methods and systems use the corrected depth data to generate a corrected three-dimensional model of the object.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a cueing model.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for converting a stereolithographic model into an STL data file that defines logically related components and subcomponents of an object. A user can categorize elements of an object to form logically related components and subcomponents of the object. Each element is represented by a triangle. All triangles representing each of these components and subcomponents are then reordered and listed sequentially within the STL. Each list is delimited at the beginning and end by two hidden triangles, one or both of which store unique identification values that are associated with the respective individual components. Additionally, a reference table can be added to the STL. The reference table includes instructions, operations or other information that is specifically associated with each component and subcomponent using the unique identification values. These instructions and operations enable users to have better control over 3D print quality than is possible using existing techniques.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for storing and retrieving data embedded into the surface of a 3D printed object is described. The method and apparatus develops an electronic file used for printing a 3D object which embeds as structure into the 3D object, a 3D symbol matrix representative of data to be printed concurrently with the 3D object, such as a 3D barcode. A selected symbology is used for making the symbol matrix in accordance with the type of printing process to be used to print the 3D object.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for embedding a 2D image in a 3D model.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for embedding a 2D image in a 3D model. The method comprises generating a 3-dimensional (3D) print matrix representing a 2-dimensional (2D) image, wherein the print matrix comprises a plurality of sub-regions, the base plane of each sub-region angled with respect to a top surface of the print matrix so as to produce a plurality of shades, each shade representing a shade of the 2D image; and embedding the print matrix in a (3D) model.