Abstract: Methods and systems for weight-based identification of three dimensional (3D) printed parts. Various embodiments disclosed herein may permit reliable processing of 3D printed parts to effectively scale a 3D printing service to large volumes of orders for 3D printed parts.

Abstract: An information processing method transfers information from a start face to an end face with a minimum local distortion by maintaining one-to-one correspondence between the original information on the start face and the transferred information on the end face. The method includes an operation of mapping information taken from a three-dimensional surface onto a rectangular plane, or vice versa, by dividing the start face into a plurality of divisional start faces and preparing divisional end faces that just fill the end face, then deforming each divisional start face to just fit a corresponding one of the divisional end faces, so as to maintain lines and points defining each divisional end face as lines and points also on the end face and to ensure that a first area ratio between each divisional start face relative to the entire start face and a second area ratio between each divisional end face relative to the entire end face is substantially equal.

Abstract: A cartographic device which can be converted from a globe to a map and vice versa. The marked surface layer of a globe is made removable and usable as a corresponding map. Conversion between the globe and map configurations is reversible and can be repeated indefinitely.

Abstract: A flat sheet of paper, or other thin flexible material, has information printed on one side in the form of a plurality of discrete panels or areas of text or images, while the entire other side is taken up by a large-scale, poster-like pattern. The panels or areas of text or images, are defined by crease lines created by folding the sheet of material. These creases are formed using a perpendicular fold method described in detail in this application. Each fold is perpendicular to the previous fold, creating a grid-like pattern, with each panel in the grid pattern containing a discrete quantity of text or images. When the invention is at its most folded state it has a relatively compact size. As the invention is unfolded, the panels of text or images are revealed in a specific sequence in order to tell a story or communicate some other type of sequentially ordered information.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A computer database includes information enabling display on a screen of a plurality of objects, in successive groups, together with display of graphics associated with each group. The graphics enable a first user selection of one of the objects of each group and a second user selection related to the object selected by interaction with the screen display, using conventional mouse, touchscreen or other techniques. The user selections are stored in a storage medium so as to generate a database of user choice information from which a behavior analysis is performed. The user selections may comprise food choices and evaluation of enthusiasm, and frequency thereof, whereby a dietary behavior profile is produced. Diet training may then be coordinated by display of a meal and providing the user with the ability to estimate nutrient content as well as participate in interactive adjustment of food items and portion sizes.

Abstract: The polyhedron globe puzzle system of this invention comprises a plurality of scalene triangles with attachment means so as to form a generally spherical body on which is inscribed a world map such that the position of the scalene triangles contains latent and patent information and intelligence about the geography of the world map including but not limited to longitudinal and latitudinal information. The 360 edges of the 240'dron form themselves into 21 circumscribing polygons which, when projected on to a concentric true sphere, become Great Circles.

Abstract: A flexible sheet can be stored or patterned while in a flat configuration, and subsequently readily adapted to overlay a curved surface, for example a hemisphere of a sphere. Radial incisions made to the sheet provide a hub and a plurality of substantially triangular gores that adapt the sheet to conform substantially to the curved surface. A patternable transparent cover, adapted to be removably and/or pivotally secured to the hemisphere, closely overlays the sheet to form a covering assembly. Covering assemblies may be placed over one or both hemispheres of a sphere and fixedly or removably joined together.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and cataloging data, the apparatus comprising a base, an accordion-pleated folded strip mounted with the base and defining sections each having a major surface for the recordation of information thereon, each section hingedly foldable into an overlying position relative an adjoining section to allow a selective upward exposure of a pair of adjoining major surfaces of selected adjacent sections, and an indexing element having a first major surface and a second major surface and mounted with the base for hinged movement between first and second positions, the first position of the indexing element to align with a one of the pair of adjoining major surfaces of selected adjacent sections and the second position of the indexing element to align with another one of the pair adjoining major surfaces of selected adjacent sections.

Abstract: A world map system consists of thirty-two loose maps in the form of twelve equilateral pentagons and twenty inequilateral hexagons having alternately a relatively short side and a relatively long side. With these maps a globe can be formed by surrounding each pentagon with five hexagons in such a way that the side of pentagons and hexagons abutting each other are the same length. The ratio of the length of the relatively long hexagon sides to the length of the relatively short hexagon sides lies between 1:0.75 and 1:1.

Abstract: A globe unit includes a globe element having basic geographical indicia thereon and which is supported on a stand unit. The globe unit further includes a plurality of hemispherical covers, each of which has markings thereon which depict geographic, historic, political or scientific information. The covers are releasably mounted on the globe element by means of a tab on the globe element frictionally engaging the covers adjacent to slots in the covers.

Abstract: A polyhedral approximation of an Earth globe or other non-planar surface and a projection of such non-planar surface to a two-dimensional form with a practical minimum of distortion of principal and secondary features is disclosed. Vertices are selected on the non-planar surface to be mapped so as to define identifiable panels which are suitable for individual study because of their incorporation of at least one of the principal features wholly within one of the panels. Vertices are selected so that the panels are individually shaped and sized to accommodate at least a majority of at least one of the principal features.

Abstract: An object capable of having its shape altered has a first cloth-like material formed in a first predetermined shape, an aperture formed in the first material so that an internal hollow of the first shape can be accessed and a second pliable material positioned within the internal hollow and formed to assume a second predetermined shape. The second material is connected to the first material at the internal hollow so that the second material can be withdrawn from the internal hollow through the aperture. In this formation, the aperture is common to both the first and second materials. By extracting the second material from the aperture, the first material can be inserted or pushed through the aperture into the internal hollow, where eventually, the first material and shape are completely contained within the internal hollow and surrounded by the second material. Therefore, the first material and its shape become undetectable as the second material and shape are exposed.

Abstract: A construction kit for building a three-dimensional constellation model is disclosed for viewing of celestial maps. The kit includes a combination of (a) a zenith section having an external shape of a circular form, the back side of said zenith section having a celestial map of the zenith; (b) 6- to 24-in-a-set body plate sections each having a ship's bottom-like shape, each of said body plate sections including an overlap width on its upper edge for bonding to the zenith section, overlap widths on both its right and left edges for forming rib-like projections and an overlap width on its bottom edge for forming an annular flange, each plate section having a celestial map on its back side; (c) a flange-reinforcing plate adapted to bond together the overlap widths provided on the bottom edges of the adjacent body plate sections and (d) reinforcing plates for the rib-like projections to provide greater rigidity and strength to the completed model.

Abstract: Self-Assemble revolving globe using paper board materials in the making.