Error-based segmentation of cloud data for direct rapid prototyping

This paper proposes an error-based segmentation approach for direct rapid prototyping (RP) of random cloud data. The objective is to fully integrate reverse engineering and RP for rapid product development. By constructing an intermediate point-based curve model (IPCM), a layer-based RP model is directly generated from the cloud data and served as the input to the RP machine for fabrication. In this process, neither a surface model nor an STL file is generated. This is accomplished via three steps. First, the cloud data is adaptively subdivided into a set of regions according to a given subdivision error, and the data in each region is compressed by keeping the feature points (FPs) within the user-defined shape tolerance using a digital image based reduction method. Second, based on the FPs of each region, an IPCM is constructed, and RP layer contours are then directly extracted from the models. Finally, the RP layer contours are faired with a discrete curvature based fairing method and subsequently closed to generate the final layer-based RP model. This RP model can be directly submitted to the RP machine for prototype manufacturing. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the efficacy of the approach.     

An integrated manufacturing system for rapid tooling based on rapid prototyping

To reduce the time and cost of moulds fabrication, a novel integrated developing and manufacturing system of rapid tooling (RT) based on rapid prototyping (RP) is proposed. The architecture of system which consists of four building blocks: digital prototype, virtual prototype (VP), physical prototype and RT system, is presented. A digital prototype can be established by 3D CAD software packages or reveres engineering technique. A VP is employed to guide in optimization of the mould design and manufacturing process planning. A physical prototype, which is built using RP technology, generally serves as a pattern for producing RT. By integrating these building blocks closely, the system can aid effectively in mould design, analysis, prototyping, simulating, and manufacturing process development. Three typical cases are discussed in detail to illustrate the application of the system. It has been shown from a number of case studies that the system has a high potential to reduce further the cycle and cost of die development while minimizing error introduction. As a result, the integrated system provides a feasible and useful tool for companies to speed up their product development.     

Surface roughness visualisation for rapid prototyping models

When considering the use of rapid prototyping (RP), there are many questions a designer might ask. One such question is “what build orientation should be used to minimise the adverse effects of surface roughness?” At present, this decision is often made in an intuitive way or sometimes overlooked completely. This paper describes a methodology and software implementation that provides the designer with a computer graphics based visualisation of RP model surface roughness. This enables the build orientation to be determined as a result of increased designer knowledge. The surface roughness values were obtained through an extensive empirical investigation of several RP techniques. These are used as the database for a visualisation algorithm that represents varying surface roughness of the RP model as colour shading within a CAD image. The nature of the empirical measurements is analysed and the functionality of the software algorithm is described. Examples are given that demonstrate the use and benefits of the methodology. Finally, conclusions are drawn as to the significance of the work and future research directions are outlined.     

基于医学图像序列面绘制的骨组织快速成型方法

针对人工骨组织快速成型中轮廓线轨迹生成复杂、分层效率低的问题,提出了一种简化三角片模型分层过程的方法。应用移动立方块（MC）算法对医学图像序列进行面绘制重建,根据重建过程的顺序对三角片集合分组,然后采用对边追踪的方法计算切平面与其对应三角片数组的交点轮廓线数据。简化后的分层效率相对于三角网格文件（STL）模型分层平均提高了4.65%。实验结果表明,所提方法可以直接从人体骨组织医学图像序列生成可供3D打印的轮廓线数据,从而实现骨组织的快速成型。     

Adaptive tool-path generation of rapid prototyping for complex product models

Rapid prototyping (RP) provides an effective method for model verification and product development collaboration. A challenging research issue in RP is how to shorten the build time and improve the surface accuracy especially for complex product models. In this paper, systematic adaptive algorithms and strategies have been developed to address the challenge. A slicing algorithm has been first developed for directly slicing a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model as a number of RP layers. Closed Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) curves have been introduced to represent the contours of the layers to maintain the surface accuracy of the CAD model. Based on it, a mixed and adaptive tool-path generation algorithm, which is aimed to optimize both the surface quality and fabrication efficiency in RP, has been then developed. The algorithm can generate contour tool-paths for the boundary of each RP sliced layer to reduce the surface errors of the model, and zigzag tool-paths for the internal area of the layer to speed up fabrication. In addition, based on developed build time analysis mathematical models, adaptive strategies have been devised to generate variable speeds for contour tool-paths to address the geometric characteristics in each layer to reduce build time, and to identify the best slope degree of zigzag tool-paths to further minimize the build time. In the end, case studies of complex product models have been used to validate and showcase the performance of the developed algorithms in terms of processing effectiveness and surface accuracy.     

Rapid prototyping technology: applications and benefits for rapid product development

In recent years, rapid prototyping technology (RPT) has been implemented in many spheres of industry, particularly in the area of product development. Existing processes provide the capability to rapidly produce a tangible solid part, directly from three dimensional CAD data from a range of materials such as photocurable resin, powders and paper. This paper gives an overview of the growth and trend of the technology, areas of applications and its significant benefits to manufacturing industries.     

NURBS-based adaptive slicing for efficient rapid prototyping

This paper presents slicing algorithms for efficient model prototyping. The algorithms directly operate upon a non-uniform rational B-spline surface model. An adaptive slicing algorithm is developed to obtain an accurate and smooth part surface. A selective hatching strategy is employed to further reduce the build time by solidifying the kernel regions of a part with the maximum allowable thick layers while solidifying the skin areas with adaptive thin layers to obtain the required surface accuracy. In addition, it provides a generalization to the containment problem with mixed tolerances for slicing a part. The article also developed a direct method for computing skin contours for all tolerance requirements. Some case studies are presented to illustrate the developed algorithms and the selective hatching and adaptive slicing strategy. The developed algorithms have been implemented and tested on a fused deposition modeling rapid prototyping machine. Both the implementation and test results are discussed in the paper.     

GPU加速的交互式医学CT图像区域分割

目的 为了解决交互式医学CT图像区域分割问题,本文提出了基于证据推理规则的区域生长算法(ERRG)。方法 算法综合考虑了医学图像的灰度直方图,Gabor特征和灰度共生矩阵能量3个重要特征,采用Bhattacharyya系数度量相邻像素的相似程度,用效用函数将度量系数合并。针对算法计算效率较低问题,对算法进行并行化,采用GPU进行加速处理。结果 本文算法与基于Random-Walk图像分割算法针对医学CT胃部图像,进行对比实验,表明使用本文算法,真阳性目标像素数占目标区域所有正确像素数的比例(TPF)显著提高,背景像素错误地分割为目标像素的数目占背景正确像素数的比例(FPF)显著降低;通过GPU加速后,算法执行效率显著提高,加速比达到12。结论 本文算法减少了医学CT图像过分割现象,采用GPU加速后能够实现实时交互式医学CT图像分割。     

Contour curve reconstruction from cloud data for rapid prototyping

In this study, a method for generation of sectional contour curves directly from cloud point data is given. This method computes contour curves for rapid prototyping model generation via adaptive slicing, data points reducing and B-spline curve fitting. In this approach, first a cloud point data set is segmented along the component building direction to a number of layers. The points are projected to the mid-plane of the layer to form a 2-dimensional (2D) band of scattered points. These points are then utilized to construct a boundary curve. A number of points are picked up along the band and a B-spline curve is fitted. Then points are selected on the B-spline curve based on its discrete curvature. These are the points used as centers for generation of circles with a user-define radius to capture a piece of the scattered band. The geometric center of the points lying within these circles is treated as a control point for a B-spline curve fitting that represents a boundary contour curve. The advantage of this method is simplicity and insensitivity to common small inaccuracies. Two experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.     

Wiki-based rapid prototyping for teaching-material design in e-Learning grids

Grid computing environments with abundant resources can support innovative e-Learning applications, and are promising platforms for e-Learning. To support individualized and adaptive learning, teachers are encouraged to develop various teaching materials according to different requirements. However, traditional methodologies for designing teaching materials are time-consuming. To speed up the development process of teaching materials, our idea is to use a rapid prototyping approach which is based on automatic draft generation and Wiki-based revision. This paper presents the approach named WARP (Wiki-based Authoring by Rapid Prototyping), which is composed of five phases: (1) requirement verification, (2) query expansion, (3) teaching-material retrieval, (4) draft generation and (5) Wiki-based revision. A prototype system was implemented in grid environments. The evaluation was conducted using a two-group t-test design. Experimental results indicate that teaching materials can be rapidly generated with the proposed approach.     

Effect of different surface processing protocols in three-dimensional images for rapid prototyping

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of virtual three-dimensional reconstructions of human dry mandibles, produced with different surface processing protocols. Three-dimensional images were built from computed tomography scans of 10 dry mandibles, and the surface was smoothed, refined, or both, generating 30 different images. Linear measurements from anatomical landmarks were calculated and compared with the corresponding measurements of the original dry mandible (gold standard). The results showed no differences between the models that were just refined or just smoothed (p > 0.05), when compared to the gold standard. When these two tools were applied together, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the application of a single processing tool (smoothing or refinement) in the virtual models does not affect the anatomical measures. However, the simultaneous application of both tools increases the differences between the reconstructions and the original anatomical parts.     

基于图像分析的快速成型预热优化方法*

针对激光快速成型预热工艺粉层温度检测与控制的难题,提出一种基于图像分析的快速成型预热优化方法。该方法使用VB编程及二次开发技术,利用Windows的应用程序编程接口函数,对粉层图像进行在线分析处理,析出图像的灰度直方图及预热效果指标。将当前粉层的预热效果指标与标准值进行比较,基于比较结果对预热工艺参数进行实时反馈控制。根据移动热源和固定热源给出了两种不同预热方式下的实现算法。该方法在软/硬件实现方面采用模块化设计,可嵌入已有的快速成型设备及控制程序中。实例分析结果表明,使用该方法进行预热优化控制,可提高成     

A hardware-in-the-loop dynamics simulator for motorcycle rapid controller prototyping

The purpose of this research is to develop an innovative hardware-in-the-loop simulator for the purpose of motorcycle power train rapid controller prototyping. Proposed control algorithms can be validated using the developed setup. Such an in-lab validation saves time and development cost and thus is preferable during power train controller development process. The developed simulator includes an engine, a transmission, and a rear wheel from a real motorcycle. A powder brake is rigidly coupled to the rear wheel for road loading generation. A central computer is used to control the operation of the system and the measurement of system dynamics variables. An xPC system is also integrated in the system to provide the feasibility of power train control algorithm rapid prototyping. Comparison between field tests and simulation results show that the simulator can be used to evaluate the performance of different control algorithms for controller rapid prototyping in the laboratory. An example of power train control algorithm development featuring engine fuel injection control using the above rapid prototyping setup is also described.     

基于MC算法的CT序列图像快速成型文件生成方法

快速成型技术在医学领域有着广泛而重要的应用,为了从医学图像中得到快速成型文件,详细论述了MC(marchingcubes)算法生成STL文件的步骤及需要注意的问题,并将其与轮廓连接生成STL文件的方法进行比较,说明了所提方法优势及可行性。方法先对CT序列图像进行阈值分割、区域增长等图像预处理,然后用MC算法得到用三角片组成的几何模型,最后根据文件格式标准,生成STL文件,其中着重讨论了STL文件中三角面片顶点顺序如何确定这一问题。     

An adaptive process planning approach of rapid prototyping and manufacturing

This paper presents an adaptive approach to improve the process planning of Rapid Prototyping/Manufacturing (RP/M) for complex product models such as biomedical models. Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS)-based curves were introduced to represent the boundary contours of the sliced layers in RP/M to maintain the geometrical accuracy of the original models. A mixed tool-path generation algorithm was then developed to generate contour tool-paths along the boundary and offset curves of each sliced layer to preserve geometrical accuracy, and zigzag tool-paths for the internal area of the layer to simplify computing processes and speed up fabrication. In addition, based on the developed build time and geometrical accuracy analysis models, adaptive algorithms were designed to generate an adaptive speed of the RP/M nozzle/print head for the contour tool-paths to address the geometrical characteristics of each layer, and to identify the best slope degree of the zigzag tool-paths towards achieving the minimum build time. Five case studies of complex biomedical models were used to verify and demonstrate the improved performance of the approach in terms of processing effectiveness and geometrical accuracy.     

A photo-modeling approach to restituting 3D model data from single 2D imagery for rapid prototyping of artifact products

This article first generalizes the basic engineering phases of modern rapid prototyping processes, and then describes the techniques of data capture for data modeling and model making. The article also provides a brief overview of the photogrametric techniques of restitution of 3D objects, and highlights the difficulties and limitations of existing methods. It therefore presents a novel approach to photo-modeling for acquiring 3D model data from single 2D photorealistic images. Implementation of the approach is then described against a background of rapid prototyping processes to demonstrate the effectiveness of photo-modeling practice.     

Model-driven rapid prototyping with programmed graph transformations

Modern software systems are constantly increasing in complexity and supporting the rapid prototyping of such systems has become crucial to check the feasibility of extensions and optimizations, thereby reducing risks and, consequently, the cost of development. As modern software systems are also expected to be reused, extended, and adapted over a much longer lifetime than ever before, ensuring the maintainability of such systems is equally gaining relevance.In this paper, we present the development, optimization and maintenance of MoSo-PoLiTe, a framework for Software Product Line (SPL) testing, as a novel case study for rapid prototyping via metamodelling and programmed graph transformations.The first part of the case study evaluates the use of programmed graph transformations for optimizing an existing, hand-written system (MoSo-PoLiTe) via rapid prototyping of various strategies. In the second part, we present a complete re-engineering of the hand-written system with programmed graph transformations and provide a critical comparison of both implementations.Our results and conclusions indicate that metamodelling and programmed graph transformation are not only suitable techniques for rapid prototyping, but also lead to more maintainable systems.     

引入分组注意力的医学图像分割模型

目的 卷积神经网络结合U-Net架构的深度学习方法广泛应用于各种医学图像处理中,取得了良好的效果,特别是在局部特征提取上表现出色,但由于卷积操作本身固有的局部性,导致其在全局信息获取上表现不佳。而基于Transformer的方法具有较好的全局建模能力,但在局部特征提取方面不如卷积神经网络。为充分融合两种方法各自的优点,提出一种基于分组注意力的医学图像分割模型（medical image segmentation module based on group attention,GAU-Net）。方法 利用注意力机制,设计了一个同时集成了Swin Transformer和卷积神经网络的分组注意力模块,并嵌入网络编码器中,使网络能够高效地对图像的全局和局部重要特征进行提取和融合;在注意力计算方式上,通过特征分组的方式,在同一尺度特征内,同时进行不同的注意力计算,进一步提高网络提取语义信息的多样性;将提取的特征通过上采样恢复到原图尺寸,进行像素分类,得到最终的分割结果。结果 在Synapse多器官分割数据集和ACDC （automated cardiac diagnosis challenge）数据集上进行了相关实验验证。在Synapse数据集中,Dice值为82.93%,HD（Hausdorff distance）值为12.32%,相较于排名第2的方法,Dice值提高了0.97%,HD值降低了5.88%;在ACDC数据集中,Dice值为91.34%,相较于排名第2的方法提高了0.48%。结论 本文提出的医学图像分割模型有效地融合了Transformer和卷积神经网络各自的优势,提高了医学图像分割结果的精确度。     

三维STL模型的快速成型关键技术研究

介绍了三维STL模型描述文件中存在的缺陷,分析了产生这些缺陷的原因,结合实际生产应用中的经验提出了对STL模型文件进行修复的实际可行的修补方法,给出了相关的计算机程序。     

Development of a rapid prototyping design advice system

This paper describes the initial development of a computer based Rapid Prototyping Design Advice System. The system is intended to assist the designer or project manager, particularly those in small and medium sized companies, in planning the prototyping stage of product development. It provides the user with an efficient and user friendly development aid which uses information obtained from the user and Computer Aided Design data to recommend suitable rapid prototyping solutions.