Laser processing of materials using mathematical tools

A method, comprising:

• allowing a user to enter and/or change each of a plurality of different parameters;
• carrying out a mathematical operation based on said parameters to form values which are individualized for each of a plurality of areas;
• using said values to control a laser to change a look of a textile material according to said values;
• and
• wherein said values represent amounts of change to be caused to said textile material, and are calculated according to said mathematical operation.

A method of processing a textile material, comprising:

• allowing a user to enter parameters to be used as part of a mathematical function;
• using said values to calculate an image that is based on said values and that simulates an effect that a laser controlled according to said mathematical function will have on a textile material;
• and
• displaying said image on the user interface.

A system, comprising:

• a computer;
• a user interface which accepts input values and carries out a mathematical function based on said input values and displays a simulated image based on said input values, and produces output signals indicative of said image;
• and
• a controlled laser, producing an output power at different controlled positions which is dependent on values of said image.

A method, comprising:

• obtaining parameters associated with a fractal function;
• using said parameters along with said fractal function to calculate values of picture elements and locations for said picture elements;
• displaying an overall image that is based on said picture elements and locations;
• and
• using said values of picture elements and locations to control an automated system to change a look of a textile material according to said image.

A method, comprising:

• obtaining parameters associated with a modular level set function;
• using said parameters along with said modular level set function to calculate values of picture elements and locations for said picture elements;
• displaying an overall image that is based on said picture elements and locations;
• and
• using said picture elements and locations to control an automated laser system to change a look of a textile material according to said image.

A method, comprising:

• obtaining parameters associated with a cellular automata function;
• using said parameters along with said cellular automata function to calculate values of picture elements and locations for said picture elements;
• displaying an overall image that is based on said picture elements and locations;
• and
• using said picture elements and locations to control an automated laser system to change a look of a textile material according to said overall image.

A method, comprising:

• displaying a user interface indicative of a plurality of parameters which can be entered as to form a fractal pattern;
• at a specified time and in response to a specified cue, forming a display indicative of a simulated image of said parameters forming said fractal pattern on a specified type of material;
• and
• forming an output signal adapted for driving a laser processing unit to produce said fractal pattern on said specified material.