Methods for photosculpture
US9393770B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 3D object (the “New Object”) is fabricated layer by layer by 3D printing. The shape and relative dimensions of the various parts of the New Object match that of another 3D object (the “Target Object”). In addition, the exterior of the New Object appears to be a photographic likeness of the Target Object. The “photographic” likeness is created by variations in visual characteristics of materials in the layers comprising the New Object, and in particular by variations at or near the surface of the New Object. Thus, the photographic likeness is an integral part of these layers comprising the New Object. An object is scanned, from which a texture map is obtained. A CAD model is sliced into slices (bit maps files) which are then colored by a program with the boundary to match the color or gray scale to color the appropriate pixels, derived from the texture map.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.