3D printed sculptures and process
OwnerDrew Alexander Williamsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process is presented for creating 3D sculptures using a 3D printer. The 3D sculptures form a foreground for a 2D base image also applied by the 3D printer. The process involves using a 3D printer to apply colors and/or images like a conventional 2D printer while the 3D product is being created. A 2D base design is combined with a 3D sculpture design to create an integral “canvas” which faces outward from the base and presents a 3D image emerging from a 2D background. The completed “canvas” can then be attached to an apparel item, such as a hat, or an accessory item, such as a bag, using magnets or other conventional mechanical attachment means.
Claims6
A colored object produced by a 3D printer with 3D modeling software comprising
- a base element, having a front face and a back face, wherein the front face displays a two-dimensional front base image that is applied in color by the 3D printer, wherein the two-dimensional front base image is imported into the 3D modeling software, and wherein a front base UV map of the front face of the base element is used to coordinate application by the 3D printer of the two-dimensional front base image to the front face of the base element;
- a three-dimensional mounted element, defined by multiple two-dimensional transverse contour lines, wherein the mounted element integrally extends from the front face of the base element, and wherein the mounted element displays a three-dimensional mounted image that is applied in color by the 3D printer, and wherein multiple foreground UV maps, created for each of the multiple two-dimensional transverse contour lines of the three-dimensional mounted element, are used to coordinate application by the 3D printer of the three-dimensional mounted image to the three-dimensional mounted element;
- and
- wherein the three-dimensional mounted image, when viewed orthogonally to the front face of the base element, merges with the two-dimensional front base image to form a composite image, in which the three-dimensional mounted image defines an image foreground and the two-dimensional front base image defines an image background.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.