Method and system for reproduction of an article from a physical model

Abstract

The surface of a clay model is laser scanned to obtain a set of laser scan data. The scan data provides X, Y and Z values of the part. The raw scan data is then preferably edited to smooth, filter, and pre-process it for further use. A first algorithm implemented at an engineering workstation is used to create a first set of equations which represent a three-dimensional surface of the model from the edited set of scan data. A second algorithm utilizes known wire frame data for the part model to compute a second set of mathematical equations. The first set of equations and the second set of equations represent surface(s) and characteristics of the model in a recorded format usable by CAD-based systems to facilitate part design and tool construction. A third algorithm generates an NC tool path data from the first and second set of equations. The NC tool path data may be utilized at a machining center to cut a production part mold, or a direct reproduction of the model. The method may be utilized iteratively from different views of the model to obtain data which represents multiple aspects or facets of the model.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.