Abstract: A first privacy setting notification is provided to a user. Events are monitored to determine satisfaction of a privacy trigger condition based at least in part on the first privacy setting notification. A second privacy setting notification is provided to the user in response to the satisfaction of the privacy trigger condition.

Abstract: A laser scanning system in a rapid-protyping system is controlled during vector scanning by providing a commanded-position signal to each of first and second rotary motive devices to rotate respective mirrors of the scanning system, each mirror undergoing acceleration at the beginning of the vector, wherein the commanded-position signals are calculated based on physical mathematical modeling of the acceleration of the mirrors taking into account effects of inertia of the scanning system, and wherein actual positions of the mirrors are measured with fast-response devices and digital feedback control of the mirror positions is employed at a periodic rate sufficiently small to maintain a following error of the laser spot less than about 200 ?s at all times. A laser power control method employs a fast-response power meter for measuring laser power.

Abstract: A laser scanning system in a rapid-protyping system is controlled during vector scanning by providing a commanded-position signal to each of first and second rotary motive devices to rotate respective mirrors of the scanning system, each mirror undergoing acceleration at the beginning of the vector, wherein the commanded-position signals are calculated based on physical mathematical modeling of the acceleration of the mirrors taking into account effects of inertia of the scanning system, and wherein actual positions of the mirrors are measured with fast-response devices and digital feedback control of the mirror positions is employed at a periodic rate sufficiently small to maintain a following error of the laser spot less than about 200 ?s at all times. A laser power control method employs a fast-response power meter for measuring laser power.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A sensing device and method of estimating the position and orientation of an object with respect to a local or a global coordinate system is disclosed. The method and device include one or more optical sensor, a signal processing circuitry and a signal processing algorithm to determine the position and orientation. A sensor is positioned within the housing. At least one of the optical sensors used in the method and system outputs information based at least in part on the detection of the signal of one or more light sources.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A method of manipulating data in a method for forming a three-dimensional object layer by layer from an ink jettable, solidifiable material by providing data corresponding to a plurality of polygons defining the outer surfaces of a plurality of three-demiensional objects and providing sets of x, y, and z coordinates corresponding to each layer and identifying x and y coordinates with each z coordinate such that directional values and counter values are determined for each y coordinate in a first set of coordinates generated. A second set of y coordinates are generated according to a formula that permits the determined layers to be processed to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A closed loop selective deposition modeling apparatus having a surface scanning system for actively monitoring the surface height of a layer of a three-dimensional object as it is being built by selectively dispensing a build material. The surface scanning system directs a beam of energy on the surface of the object that establishes an illumination zone which emits scattered light, and has a detector which senses the scattered light and produces a response indicative of the surface condition of the object. The response is processed to establish a plurality of height data signals that are further processed to produce feedback data. The feedback data is then utilized to selectively dispense the build material to desired locations on the surface of the object to therein dimensionally normalize the layer of the object being formed.

Abstract: A closed loop selective deposition modeling apparatus having a surface scanning system for actively monitoring the surface height of a layer of a three-dimensional object as it is being built by selectively dispensing a build material. The surface scanning system directs a beam of energy on the surface of the object that establishes an illumination zone which emits scattered light, and has a detector which senses the scattered light and produces a response indicative of the surface condition of the object. The response is processed to establish a plurality of height data signals that are further processed to produce feedback data. The feedback data is then utilized to selectively dispense the build material to desired locations on the surface of the object to therein dimensionally normalize the layer of the object being formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formation of three-dimensional objects on substantially layer-by-layer basis with enhanced resolution. The invention utilizes a unique offset printhead containing groups of jets to selectively deposit a hot-melt material.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: Techniques for printing raster lines in a selective deposition modeling (SDM) system. Raster lines may be printed using different numbers of jets in each group in different passes. Moreover, full and partial head randomization is available. Selected raster lines are printed in one direction, although the print head prints in two directions. Furthermore, raster lines printing may be interlaced, and deposition order may be changed between layers.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by selectively subjecting a liquid or other fluid-like material to a beam of prescribed stimulation. In a preferred embodiment a source of prescribed stimulation is controlled to reduce or inhibit the production of the prescribed stimulation during at least some periods when the prescribed stimulation is not needed to expose the material. In another preferred embodiment, the source of stimulation is controlled to vary the quantity of prescribed stimulation that is produced and allowed to reach the material. In an additional preferred embodiment control of laser output occurs based on a combination of supplying a regulated amount of voltage to an AOM in conjunction with temporary sensing of laser power and a known desired power to attain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to various methods and an apparatus for building a three-dimensional object represented by object data and support data using thermal stereolithography. Some preferred embodiments of the building techniques include multiple building materials, wherein, in some preferred embodiments, a different building material is used to build the object and the support. Embodiments of the methods for building three-dimensional objects include manipulation of the data, which is represented by a plurality of start/stop transitions to facilitate the computation of Boolean operations. In preferred embodiments, the object is built by selective disposition of the building materials in accordance with the object and support data.