U.S. patent application number 09/887452 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for system and method for producing a three dimensional relief.
Invention is credited to Kimbrough, Deborah A., Kimbrough, Thomas C..
Application Number | 20010044668 09/887452 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26997561 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044668 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimbrough, Thomas C. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
System and method for producing a three dimensional relief
Abstract
A method and system for producing a three-dimensional image of a
person's head and the relief produced by the process. The method
may be used for producing a three dimensional charm or pendant of a
person's face, a three dimensional model of a person's head, a
precision formed mold for casting, glass blowing, plastic
injection, blow molding, extrusion, thermo forming, manufacturing
liquid containers and machine molds for die stamping. A 3-D scanner
moving linearly, employs an advanced optical range-finding
technique in which a safe, low powered laser, or other light
source, projects a vertical plane of light onto a stationary
subject to be digitized. The digitized measurements are converted
to provide the appropriate milling program. The digitizer then
transfers the measurements onto a database on a graphic work
station for immediate viewing and editing. The scanned image is
sent to the computer where the image is converted into computer
codes and is then sent onto a milling machine to be turned into a
3-D relief to replicate the original image.
Inventors: |
Kimbrough, Thomas C.; (Port
Charlotte, FL) ; Kimbrough, Deborah A.; (Port
Charlotte, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRANK A. LUKASIK
#142
1250 WEST MARION AVE.
PUNTA GORDA
FL
33950
US
|
Family ID: |
26997561 |
Appl. No.: |
09/887452 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09887452 |
Jun 25, 2001 |
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08352509 |
Dec 9, 1994 |
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08352509 |
Dec 9, 1994 |
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08740269 |
Oct 25, 1996 |
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5926388 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 80/40 20151101;
Y10T 409/301792 20150115; Y10T 409/30084 20150115; G05B 2219/49017
20130101; G05B 19/4099 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/118 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional product having a
three dimensional image of an accurately reproduced relief of a
person's head machined on a blank, said system comprising: a 3-D
digitizer employing an advanced optical range finder, using a low
power light source selected from the group consisting of
Flourescent, Metal Halides, Halogen, Philips UHP, Xenon, and
Matsushita UHM, projecting a vertical plane of light using two
contour views onto a subject to be digitized, a first contour view
creating an array of distance measurements and a second contour
view creating a color value for each of said array of distance
measurements, a video sensor for optically scanning and combining
said two views, a motion platform supporting said digitizer and
moving said digitizer along a scan path, a work station having
control means for configuring said digitizer's scanning procedure,
maintaining a video image database, and generating a compressed and
reduced size digitized video image for controlling a milling
machine, and a desktop milling machine having a vibration dampening
base for machining a blank to form a three dimensional relief of a
person's head.
2. A system for manufacturing a three dimensional object of claim 1
wherein said subject to be digitized consists of a two dimensional
artwork.
3. A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional product having a
three dimensional image of an accurately reproduced relief of a
person's head machined on a blank, said method comprising the steps
of: posing a subject to be reproduced on the jewelry, scanning said
subject with an advanced, optical range-finder using a safe, low
powered light source, projecting a vertical plane of light and
using two contour views, a first contour view creating an array of
distance measurements and a second contour view creating a color
value for each of said distance measurements, optically scanning
and combining said two contour views with a video sensor and
producing a video image, digitizing said video image, transferring
said video image into a database on a graphics workstation via an
ethernet link, compressing and reducing said video image from life
size to a three dimensional model, transferring said digitized
video image to a milling machine, fixing a blank to be machined on
said milling machine, and milling said blank and thereby producing
a three dimensional image of a person's head on said blank.
4. A product produced by the process of claim 3 comprising: a blank
having a physically accurate, full scale bust of a person's head
machined thereon.
5. A product produced by the process of claim 3 wherein said blank
is a soft material having a human face machined thereon for forming
a doll's face.
6. A product produced by the process of claim 3 comprising: a blank
having a physically accurate, reverse relief model of a human's
head machined therein for forming molds and die stamping tools.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/352,509,
Filed Dec. 9, 1994 which was filed under Disclosure Document No.
362391 and patent application Ser. No. 08/740,269 Filed Oct. 25,
1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,388, issued Jul. 20, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method of
producing a three-dimensional image of a person's face and the
human relief produced by the process. More particularly, the
manufacturing process may be used to produce a three dimensional
charm or pendant of a person's face, a three dimensional model of a
person's head, a precision formed mold for casting, glass blowing,
plastic injection, blow molding, extrusion, thermo forming,
manufacturing liquid containers and machine molds for die
stamping.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Several prior art devices disclose the use of scanners for
taking measurements by scanning the objects and then converting the
measurements to milling machines to mill a resultant output. One
such device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,805 to Moermann et al
which discloses a method and apparatus for the fabrication of
custom shaped implants. The three dimensional shape parameters of
the implant required to restore the tooth in function and
appearance are computed on the basis of the recorded contour data.
These parameters are then used in a program sequence which controls
a milling, cutting or erosive process to manufacture the
restorative inlay.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,288 to Duret et al discloses an
apparatus for taking odontological or medical impressions.
Reflected waves are transformed into numerical data which is used
directly to operate a numerically controlled machine in the
fabrication process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,204 to Bartschi discloses
a method of producing hearing aids by determining the measurements
of the inner ear by a laser apparatus and storing them in a
computer. The computer controls a milling cutter on which a blank
consisting of plastic material into which all necessary components
have been molded is shaped by means of a milling operation to
provide a shape corresponding to the inner space of the ear.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,086 to Yamazaki et al discloses a three
dimensional shape machining laser device for performing three
dimensional machining. The device comprises a teaching box, a
sensor for detecting the distance between the distal end of a
nozzle, and a work control apparatus which includes command storage
apparatus for storing the NC commands, NC command execution
apparatus for executing the NC commands, tracing apparatus for
controlling the gap between the nozzle and the work to a
predetermined value, interrupt control apparatus for interrupting
the execution of an NC command program, correction value
calculation apparatus, and correction apparatus for correcting
command values in accordance with the correction command values
etc.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,563 to Matsura et al discloses a
non-contact tracing control system for tracing and machining a
workpiece through a tracing of the contour of a model without
contact.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,370 to Flint discloses a process for
producing a doll by scanning a person's face, transferring the
signal to a color transfer printer and printing the resulting image
on a wax layer supported on a substrate. The wax layer is pressed
and heated against a layer of natural fabric to transfer the wax
layer onto a layer of fabric. The fabric layer is secured, image
outward, onto the facial area of the doll.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,103 to Hogan et al discloses a process
of surface shaping involving creating a three-dimensional depiction
of an object, selecting a portion of the three-dimensional
depiction and incorporating the selected portion as an integral
part of a wall surface. Hogan et al states that the new digitizers
generate massive files and complex surface data, they routinely
exceed the capacity and capability of existing CAD/CAM software and
machine tools to produce the required shapes.
[0011] None of the prior art devices have the necessary resolution
to convert a 3-D, life-sized image, or a 2-D image into a finished,
reduced size relief, on the face of a coin sized blank, a precision
formed mold for casting or other forms of plastic manufacture, or
the larger sized 3-D total model of a human head as accomplished by
the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a
method of manufacturing objects, having a 3-D image of a human's
head.
[0013] It is also an object of the invention to provide custom made
jewelry having a 3-D image of an accurately reproduced relief of a
person's face machined thereon.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to produce a mold
comprising a portion of a total 3-D model of a human's head.
[0015] A still further object of the invention is to produce a
total 3-D sculpture of a human's head.
[0016] Still another object of the invention is to produce machine
molds for die stamping.
[0017] To achieve the objects, the preferred embodiment of the
present invention employs an advanced, optical range-finding
technique in which a safe, low powered laser projects a vertical
plane of light onto the human face to be digitized. In other
embodiments, other light sources may also be used in place of a
laser light source and include: fluorescent, metal halides,
Halogen, Philips Ultra High Performance (UHP), Xenon, Ultra High
Performance Epson (UHE), and Ultra High Performance lamp of
Matsushita (UHM). The process remains the same with the light
source projecting a band on the surface to be digitized, and using
two contour views and combining the two views with video sensors
and producing a video image. Furthermore, the video image is
digitized one contour at a time until a complete range map has been
created and a color value is created for each of the array of
distance measurements. The image data is converted into a computer
code, sending the image to the computer for viewing and editing.
The image is then converted into "CNC" code and sent to the milling
machine for milling.
[0018] In addition, using a PC based software system which runs
under Windows 95 or Windows NT, create 3D reliefs from 2D artwork
and then generate CNC machining paths to engrave the resulting 3D
model.
[0019] The digitized measurements are converted to provide the
appropriate milling program. The digitizer then transfers the
measurements onto a database on a graphic work station for
immediate viewing and editing. The scanned image is sent to the
computer where the image is converted into computer codes and is
then sent onto a milling machine to be turned into a finished
product. The milling machine, following the codes sent to it, will
cut a blank to replicate the original image. A first output of the
process of the invention is a charm which is a physically accurate,
three dimensional relief of a child's face milled out of sterling
silver. The process may also create coins for jewelry which may
also be attached to containers. The whole process, from posing the
subject, scanning the subject, and then milling the charm takes
less than twenty minutes.
[0020] Using a 2D drawing, either scanned imported from other
drawings or drawn in ArtCAM, each area is assigned a color, after
which for each color a cross sectional profile is defined. Another
tool which may be used is PowerMILL which generates rough and
finish toolpaths which optimize the productivity of CNC machine
tools.
[0021] The charm and pendant jewelry sales business is a long and
established one, with millions of mothers and grandmothers buying
them as a child turns a year older. No one makes a true 3-D charm
that shows what the child actually looks like, only simple versions
with an outline of a generic child. The instant process takes it
ones step further to an actual relief of the child.
[0022] Pendants and charms are a main stay of the retail jewelry
business, and have been for years. The generic charm, worn by
grandmothers and mothers, have been selling for about 40 years. The
instant invention brings the charm to the 90's with three
dimensions. Using a low intensity laser light, or other light
source to scan a persons face to get a true three dimensional
image, a computer driven milling machine creates a sterling silver,
three dimensional charm or pendant. This will give a real charm
with a real persons face on it, and all this can be done in less
than 20 minutes.
[0023] A second product of the process and system is a full scale
bust of a person's head for portrait sculpture. A third product of
the process is a model of a human's face to be used to make a
doll's head. The portrait sculptures may vary from BARBIE DOLL.TM.
size to a full adult size.
[0024] A fourth product of the process and system is a reverse
relief, model of a human's face, to make a reverse cut into metal
for forming molds and die stamping tools. The size of the model is
to be limited only by the size of the container or doll to be
produced.
[0025] Each of the above products may be made of pewter, brass,
copper, aluminum, white metals or any other metal, for example.
Materials may also include glass, porcelains, ceramics and include,
but are not limited to vinyl and rubber (doll's heads). The
containers to be manufactured by the dies and molds mentioned above
may include glass, plastics, ceramics (bottles, coffee cups,
glasses), or soda bottles with medallions attached thereto. The
bottles may include sports faces formed on the bottles. The dolls
would have a real childs face similar to the charm mentioned above.
The full busts may be miniature or full size or oversized. The size
of the model would only be limited by the size of the product to be
generated by the system and process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a 3-D image of a
person's face reproduced in accordance with the invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a bust of a person's head for portrait scuplture
made in accordance with the invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a container produced
in accordance with the invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a doll having a
model of a human's face.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an optical
range-finding technique, a digitizer, and a graphic work
station.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a work station and a
milling machine for producing the 3-D image of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a 3-D relief image of a
person's face reproduced in accordance with the invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a 3-D image of a
person's face reproduced in accordance with the invention.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a 2-D scanner in
accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] The system and method of manufacturing a 3-D image of a
person's face or head is shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. The system
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used to generate each of the
abovementioned products and will be described firstly to produce a
piece of jewelry shown in FIG. 1. The other products described
above may be manufactured by re-programming the system.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a piece of jewelry, a 3-D relief of a person's
face, and is generally designated by the numeral 10. A physically
accurate, three dimensional relief of a person's face is milled out
of, for example, sterling silver, and is indicated by the numeral
11 formed from a blank 12.
[0037] The ultimate purpose of the instant invention is to make
several products. The first product is a personalized charm or a
pendant, or other type of jewelry, but not the generic ones now
bought by mothers, and grandmothers, but a three dimensional relief
of the actual child's face. The other products are, a full scale
bust of a person's head for portrait sculpture, a model of a
human's face to make a doll's head, and a reverse relief model of a
human's face to make a reverse cut into metal for forming molds and
die stamping tools.
[0038] The images produced will be of faces and/or profiles of
people who stand or sit in front of the laser scanner, or other
light source designated as digitizer 21. The other light sources
include flourescent, metal halides, Halogen, Philips Ultra High
Performance (UHP), Xenon, Ultra High performance Epson (UHE), AND
Ultra High Performance lamp of Matsushita (UHM). The UHP is a gas
discharge lamp that operates at 200 atmospheres and disipates up to
200 watts in a gap of only 1.5 mm. The images may also be produced
from a 2D model by scanning in the artwork or to import the artwork
from another Windows.TM. graphics package. In a preferred
embodiment, ArtCAM2 3D CN engraving program is used.
[0039] The first step is to scan in the artwork or to import from
another Windows.TM. graphics package, ArtCAM 2 is able to import
files from virtually any Windows design source, including AutoCAD,
CorelDraw, Sign writing packages, Adobe Illustrator and also from
the Windows clipboard. In addition, ArtCAM5, a PC, any Windows or
Intel Pentium may be used. The second stage is to tidy up the
imported artwork and to color in regions of the design and assign
shape profiles to the colors. By using a number of colors, it is
possible to build up a 3D relief of the artwork which can be
visualized on screen and color shaded to allow verification of the
surface finish. These shaded images can be printed or incorporated
into documents.
[0040] The quality of machining within ArtCAM 2 has been
substantially enhanced to provide users with a means of achieving a
fine engrave finish at the minimum time by profile vector based
machining. The use of vectors when machining means that the tool
follows the profile of the relief, resulting in smoother lines and
a better quality surface finish. This enhancement to the software
is particularly important for fine engraving applications such as
medal and coin manufacturing.
[0041] Tool path simulation is available at each stage of
machining, allowing the machinist to visualize the surface finish
to give an accurate representation of the effects of the chosen
machining strategy. This allows any necessary amendments to the
toolpaths before cutting any material, reducing waste of materials
and time. ArtCAM2's machining options make it possible to use a
combination of machining strategies on one job, for example,
roughing to remove the majority of the material area clearance,
pocket machining to remove unwanted material, and machining to
trace around fine detail. Corner sharpening, where a pointed tool
is drawn up tight, internal corners is also included.
[0042] The blanks 12 may be of sterling silver, gold, wax, resin,
pewter, or plastic. The shapes may be round, oval, heart, square,
rectangular, and triangular. The 3-D relief of a person's face 10
may be used as jewelry or decorations in, but not limited to the
following: pendants, charms for bracelets, or chains, earrings,
rings, belt buckles, key chains and lockets. The raised relief 10
is similar to a coin.
[0043] The instant invention will do all of the above by scanning
the child's face and then making a sterling silver three
dimensional charm bracelet or pendant for the child's parents or
grandparents. Instead of the standard charms worn by mothers and
grandmothers on their bracelets, the instant invention takes a
three dimensional scan of a person's face, and using the latest
computer and milling technology, mills a physically accurate 3-D
relief charm, one and one eighth inch around, in less than 20
minutes. The usual polishing and finishing are then performed
similar to the processes used in fabricating customized
jewelry.
[0044] The finished product, a 3D relief of a person's face 10 may
be used for other types of jewelry, such as pendants, tie-tacs,
earrings, etc.
[0045] The actual production of jewelry 10 is a combination of
scanning, software adjustments and high-speed milling. A subject
may stand, or sit on a raised chair and in seven seconds the face
is scanned with a low level laser beam 25 or other light source
described above. A 3-D laser digitizer 21, employing an advanced
optical range finding technique, in which a safe, low power laser
projects a vertical plane of light (laser beam 25) onto the subject
to be digitized, is used in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Digitizer 21 is supported by a motion platform (shown by
arrow 24) which moves the digitizer 21 along a rotary scan path.
The digitizer 21 moves while the object 19 to be digitized remains
stationary. The platform 24 is completely controlled by software
running on work station 22. Mirrors pick up the resulting lighted
contour on the subject from two viewpoints. The use of two contour
views greatly reduces any inaccuracies due to shadowing. The views
are combined optically, then scanned by a precision video sensor
(not shown) in digitizer 21.
[0046] Specialized electronics digitize the video image to create a
rectangular range map--an array of distance measurements. The
digitizer 21 sweeps the plane of laser light around the subject,
digitizing one contour at a time, until a complete range map has
been created to describe the subject. The digitizer 21 collects
approximately 15,000 range measurements per second and can make the
measurements relative to a plane.
[0047] Each value in a range map represents an average of the
subject's surface in a small region. Variations in surface
brightness from region to region do not affect the digitizer's
accuracy. Digitizer 21 simultaneously collects color information
via a second video sensor (not shown). The digitizer 21 acquires a
color value for each region in the range map and stores this value
along with the distance data. The digitizer 21 transfers the range
map into a database on a graphics workstation 22 via a standard
Ethernet link 23. The acquired 3-D model 20 can be viewed
immediately after digitizing to confirm a high quality scan.
[0048] The software in the digitizer 21 controls the digitizing
process and allows interaction with data once it is acquired. The
software works in a window-based environment under mouse control,
providing an intuitive interface. The software first configures the
digitizer's 21 scanning procedure. Software controls all aspects of
digitizing, there are no knobs or other controls on the digitizer
21.
[0049] When a scan is completed, and the data resides in the
workstation 22, the data can be viewed as a 3-D model 20. There is
no wait for data massaging or other post-scan processing. Within
seconds of starting a scan, the results can be seen. The 3-D model
can be viewed from any angle in the form of a wireframe (for
example FIG. 1), or a shaded surface. Slices and sections of the
model may also be viewed. In addition to viewing reference marks
acquired by the digitizer's 21 color subsystem, reference points
can be placed anywhere on the model 20. FIG. 9 is a schematic
representation of a 2-D digital camera which may be used to
photograph the model and then plug it into work station 22.
[0050] A typical charm or pendant produced by the process of the
invention is approximately 30 mm in diameter and approximately 2 mm
thick. In order to compress and reduce the digitized image of a
life sized human face into a 30 mm diameter by 2 mm thickness and
retain the minute, distinctive, features of the face, a unique step
in the software operating the digitizer 21 is used. A typical
application of prior art digitizers consists of duplicating actual
size prototypes or duplicating cavities or other voids to
manufacture mating parts or generally producing actual size
reproductions.
[0051] After the subject reviews the 3-D model 20 to verify the
image, the digitized information is sent to the milling machine 27
through connection 26. A blank 12, 14, or 31 having the desired
properties can thereupon be selected and fixed on the NC milling
machine 27 whose milling tools 29 are appropriate to the dimensions
and the curves of the faces 11 to be fabricated. The model of a
human face 20 may also be used to produce a doll's head as shown in
FIG. 4 by merely selecting the appropriate material for blank
12.
[0052] The desktop milling machine 27 will then mill the silver,
rubber, plastic or other material blank 12 with milling tool 29, or
grind the blank 12 according to the NC information from the
digitizer 21 and workstation 22. Approximate milling time is under
20 minutes. The milling machine 27 has a polymer composite machine
base. This high-tech material has the stiffness to cut materials
like steel and has several times more dampening than cast iron,
resulting in more accurate machining, smooth surfaces, and extended
tool life. Vibration of the blanks 12, 14, and 31 should be avoided
on the workpiece carrier of the machine, thereby guaranteeing a
fixed point of reference for the cutting operation as well.
[0053] The milling machine 27 features an industry standard R8
taper spindle. Pre-loaded ball bearings provide radial and axial
rigidity for smooth and accurate machining. The drive mechanism
uses a zero-backlash recirculating ball-nut lead screw to move the
precision-ground cast iron cross slide and spindle head.
Precision-ground and hardened shafts ride inside low friction plane
bearings coated with lightweight oil, keeping friction to a minimum
and providing accurate response to machine instructions.
[0054] The milling machine 27 requires a personal computer
(workstation 22) to run the easy to use menu-driven control
software. It is also an intelligent desktop prototype and
manufacturing system with many capabilities. With its embedded
motion control and serial interface, one computer can control all
the functions, from CAD/CAM to CNC. Milling machine 27 consists of
a full 3-axis CNC mill using the menu-driven software.
[0055] Milling machine 27 motion control system employs a
closed-loop system with servo drive motors. Machine 27 control
system compares the NC part program motion instructions with the
actual machine position and makes adjustments to correct the
difference. The servo motors provide greater resolution and
feedback than stepper motors, allowing the machine to make smaller
motions, giving more precise finished products and a faster cutting
time. A one horsepower spindle motor and infinitely variable speed
control allows a choice of speeds.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, a blank 14 may be used to machine a full
or reduced scale bust of a person's head for portrait sculpture.
The process and system described above may be re-programmed to scan
the object 19, 360.degree. to produce a full size sculpture 13
(FIG. 2) and 28 (FIG. 6).
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a container 16 formed by a mold or die material
31 (FIG. 7) which has a reverse model of a human's face 15 milled
out of a solid block of aluminum or other mold or die material 31
as shown in FIG. 7. The same procedure may be used to produce a die
for stamping metal objects with the human's face 15. When the image
of the face 15 has been formed into material 31, and as part of a
wall surface, the mold can be used in known fashion to repeatedly
produce high quality copies as part of the wall of such objects as
plastic, glass, aluminum cans, paper containers, and many other
objects.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment, a Cyberware Model 3030 rapid 3D
digitizer with an LN motion platform were used. The Cyberware
equipment is supplied by Cyberware, 8 Harris Court, Monterey,
Calif. 93940. An invisible infrared laser of 780 nm wavelength is
used in place of the usual orange-red 632 nm laser. The same safety
classification is attained. The laser light used in the instant
invention is very low level. It is less than 80 millionths of a
watt into a maximally dilated pupil for less than {fraction (2/10)}
second, as the light passes the eyes. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration regulates the use of lasers and Cyberware portrait
digitizers are rated in the lowest class (Class I).
[0059] A Silicon Graphics Computer Systems of the INDIGO.TM. family
of desktop workstations, which combines the key elements of
workgroup collaboration, interactive media, and computing, was
used. The Indy.TM. workstation's fast application performance is
based upon a bandwidth, 64-bit system architecture featuring the
MIPS.TM. RISC R4X00.TM. CPU technology, 267 MB/sec system bus, and
400 MB/sec memory bus. The Indy.TM. workstation was obtained from
Silicon Graphics Computer Systems, 2011 N. Shoreline Boulevard,
Mountain View, Calif. 94043.
[0060] The milling machine 22, consisted of a proLIGHT 200
Machining Center manufactured by LIGHT MACHINES Corporation, 444
East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, N.H. 03109-5317. The
software also used may be ArtCAM2 3D CNC, and Power MILL, from
Delcam Plc., Birmingham, UK B10 OHJ.
[0061] While there is shown and described a present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise
variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *