as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0207662 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 21, 2004
`
`Anderson etal.
`
`US 20040207662A1
`
`(54) USER INTERFACE, METHOD AND
`APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING
`THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
`FABRICATION STATUS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Daryl E. Anderson,Corvallis, OR
`(US); Andrew L. Van Brocklin,
`Corvallis, OR (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT
`COMPANY
`Intellectual Property Administration
`P.O. Box 272400
`Fort Collins, CO 80527-2400 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/417,741
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 16, 2003
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`IWC17 cacsssstsssinsssnsnninnenene G09G. 5/00
`
`345/772; 345/848
`(52) US. Che aeecccssessnnnesesscesnsnnnennss
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Amethod for providing three-dimensional object fabrication
`status includes the steps of: receiving data pertaining to
`three-dimensional object(s) fabrication progress; and con-
`trolling a graphical user interface to provide a visual repre-
`sentation of the three-dimensional object(s)
`fabrication
`progress in the form of one or more progressively filled-in
`wireframe model representations of the three-dimensional
`object(s).
`
`fo 100
`
`102
`
`102 102
`
`3D Object
`3D Object
`3D Object
`Fabricator
`Fabricator
`Fabricator
`
`
`
`
`Interface
`Controller
`
`3D Object Fabrication Progress
`
`EA
`
`116
`
`130
`
`Job#
`
`Owner
`
`
`Status
`
`Progress
`
`
`
`jbigs
`
`Done
`
`{107
`
`
`
`
`
`fmoore
`Printing
`hey”
`
`
` samj Waiting
`
`
`
`1
`
`Shenzhen Tuozhu 1012
`
`1
`
`Shenzhen Tuozhu 1012
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 21,2004 Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`iO 100
`
`102
`
`
`
`3D Object
`Fabricator
`
`102
`
`3D Object
`
`Fabricator
`
`104
`
`102
`
`3D Object
`Fabricator
`
`Controller
`
`Interface
`
`108
`
`172
`
`«174
`
`110
`
`
`
`130
`
`
`
`106 —~
`3D ObjectFabrication Progress
`Ee
`
`_Job#
`Owner
`Status
`Progress
`
`
`
`jbigs
`Done
`
`
`
` samj
`
`
`J107
`
`fmoore
`
`Printing
`
`Waiting
`
`FIG. 1
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 21,2004 Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`106
`
`212
`
`214
`
`216
`
`236
`
`_
`Remaining
`60%
`Completed
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG, 2A
`
`Windows)
`
`Other
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 21,2004 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`FIG. 3D
`
`4
`
`

`

`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`Oct. 21, 2004
`
`USER INTERFACE, METHOD AND APPARATUS
`FOR PROVIDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
`FABRICATION STATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] Three-dimensional (3D) objects fabrication tech-
`niques, such as solid freeform fabrication (SFF) and layer
`manufacturing (LM), allow a 3D object to be built layer-
`by-layer or point-by-point without using a pre-shaped tool
`(die or mold). Typically, data representing the geometry or
`shape of an object to be fabricated are used to control a
`fabrication tool to build the object.
`
`[0002] Layer additive SFF techniques involve depositing a
`material
`to form predetermined areas of a layer, either
`point-by-point or by depositing multiple points at the same
`time (e.g., employing a multiple-nozzle inkjet-printing tech-
`nique). Successive layers are then deposited and each is
`affixed to its adjacent layers for forming a desired 3D object.
`
`[0003] An example of another layer additive technique is
`a 3D powderprinting technique, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,
`055 to Sachs, et al., which involves dispensing a layer of
`loose powders onto a supportplatform and using an inkjet to
`spray a computer-defined pattern of liquid binder onto a
`layer of uniform-composition powder. The binder bonds
`together the powder particles on the areas defined by the
`pattern. Powder particles in the unwanted regions remain
`loose or separated from one another and are removed atthe
`end of the build process. Additional layers of powder are
`subsequently spread over the preceding layer(s), and the
`process is repeated.
`
`[0004] The selected laser sintering or SLS technique, e.g.,
`US. Pat. No. 4,863,538 to C. Deckard, involves spreading
`a full layer of loose powder particles and uses a computer-
`controlled, high-power laser to partially melt the powder
`particles at predetermined spots. Commonly used powders
`include thermoplastic particles or
`thermoplastic-coated
`metal and ceramic particles. The procedures are repeated
`one layerat a time for each subsequentlayer according to the
`Computer Aided Design (CAD) data of the sliced part
`geometry. The loose powder particles m each layer are
`allowed to stay as part of a support structure.
`
`[0005] Depending upon the size and complexity of a 3D
`object, the fabrication process can take a significant amount
`of time. Given the multi-tasking computingactivities typical
`of modern manufacturing and business environments,
`it
`would be valuable to be able to provide users of 3D object
`fabricator systems with a 3D object building/printing expe-
`ience that is more userfriendly. It would be helpful to be
`able to provide operators of 3D object fabricators with a user
`interface that provides good visibility of 3D object fabrica-
`10n job status. It would also be helpful to be able to provide
`operators of such systems with a real time indication of job
`progress. It would also be helpful to be able to provide an
`indication of 3D object fabrication progress that does not
`prevent the user from continuing to work on other tasks in
`parallel with monitoring the 3D object fabrication.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006] Detailed description of embodimentsof the inven-
`ion will be made with reference to the accompanying
`drawings:
`
`
`
`illustrates an interface controller and
`1
`(0007] FIG.
`graphical user interface for providing three-dimensional
`object fabrication status according to an embodimentofthe
`present invention;
`
`(0008] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a visual repre-
`sentation of progress in the fabrication of a three-dimen-
`sional object in the form of a progressively filled-in wire-
`frame model representation of the three-dimensional object;
`
`[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a resized and
`repositionedversion of the visual representation of FIG, 2A;
`
`[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a mathematical representation
`of an exterior surface of a three-dimensional object;
`
`[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of howa wireframe
`model representation of the three-dimensional object of
`FIG.3A is created by slicing the exterior surface in planes
`parallel the x-y plane;
`
`[0012] FIG. 3C illustrates a further step in creating a
`wireframe model representation of the three-dimensional
`object of FIG. 3A by additionally slicing the exterior surface
`in planes perpendicular to the x-y plane; and
`
`[0013] FIG. 3D illustrates a further step in creating a
`wireframe model representation of the three-dimensional
`object of FIG. 3A by defining vertices of the wireframe
`model representation as being located at coordinates along
`the exterior surface where the planes in FIG. 3C intersect
`each other.
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0014] The followingis a detailed description for carrying
`out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a
`limiting sense, but
`is made merely for the purpose of
`illustrating the general principles of the invention.
`
`[0015] The present invention pertains to a user interface,
`method and apparatus for providing three-dimensional
`object fabrication status in the form of a progressively
`filled-in wireframe modelrepresentation ofthe three-dimen-
`sional object. In various embodimentsof the present inven-
`tion, data pertaining to the fabrication of one or more
`three-dimensional objects is received and used to control a
`graphicaluser interface to provide a visual representation of
`the three-dimensional object(s) fabrication progress in the
`form ofone or more progressivelyfilled-in wireframe model
`representations of the three-dimensional object(s).
`
`[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary 3D object
`fabrication and monitoring system 100 includes one or more
`3D object fabricators 102, an interface controller 104 and a
`monitor 106 configured as shown. By way of example,the
`3D object fabricators 102 can include devices that employ
`one or more of the following techniques: SFF, LM, fused
`deposition modeling (FDM), Shape Deposition Manufactur-
`ing (SDM), inkjet rapid prototyping, 3D printing (3D-P),
`and SLS. It should be appreciated that the principles of the
`present invention are equallyapplicable to object fabrication
`technologies other than those explicitly set forth herein.
`
`[0017] The interface controller 104 is configured to
`receive and process data pertaining to three-dimensional
`object(s) fabrication andto control a graphical user interface
`108 (presented at
`the monitor 106,
`in this example) to
`provide a visual representation of progress of the three-
`
`5
`
`

`

`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`Oct. 21, 2004
`
`
`
`dimensional object(s) fabrication in the form of one or more
`progressively filled-in wireframe model representations of
`he three-dimensional object(s). The interface controller 104
`can be realized via one or more processors, controllers, or
`he like. The data pertaining to three-dimensional object(s)
`fabrication can be received, for example, in the form of a
`Computer Aided Design (CAD)file.
`
`[0018] The interface controller 104 can take the form of a
`print server which receives print job progress information
`from the printer(s) and then provides this informationto the
`ser’s computer via web pages or other active (real time)
`windows. After each pass of the printheads,
`the printer
`pdates a status register. The status register has a “pass
`number” which is the number of passes completed by the
`printhead. The print server (and/or driver), which preferably
`has already rendered a 3D wireframe model representation
`of the 3D object being printed, calculates how many passes
`are required to complete the job. At a specified interval, the
`server polls the printer for the pass number. After each
`polling, the 3D wireframe model representation is re-ren-
`dered to show the completed portionasa filled-in(e.g., solid
`colored) area. It should be noted that the printer can “push”
`the pass information to the server, as well as having the
`server “pull” it. Alternatively, the above-described function-
`ality can be implemented via the printer driver(i.¢., the print
`server is not used to perform these functions).
`
`interface 108 is generated
`[0019] The graphical user
`employing, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI)
`builder. In various embodiments of the present invention,the
`interface controller 104 is configured to controlthe graphical
`user interface 108 such that portionsof the wireframe model
`representations of the three-dimensional object(s) are filled
`in to provide a visual indication of percentage of three-
`dimensional object(s) fabrication completed. In the illus-
`trated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the graphical user
`interface 108 has a top headerortool bar section 110 entitled
`“3D OBJECT FABRICATION PROGRESS” which
`includes a minimize icon 112, a maximize icon 114 and a
`close application icon 116. These icons are actuated employ-
`ing a user input mechanism such as a keyboard, mouse,
`voice activation, etc. The graphical user interface 108 also
`has a main section 130 with “Job#”’, “Owner”, “Status” and
`“Progress” (or similar) column headings under which infor-
`mation in the form of human-readable indicia and/orvisual
`representations are provided for each 3D objectfabrication.
`In the illustrated example, Job# J106 for jbigs is 100%
`completed and therefore its Status is “done”. Job# J107 for
`fmoore is 45% completed and its Status is “printing”. Job#
`J108 for samj is O% completed and “waiting” to begin. Thus,
`in various embodiments of the present invention, the inter-
`face controller 104 is configured to control the graphical
`user interface 108 such that the visual representation addi-
`tionally includes human-readable indicia which can, but
`does not necessarily, pertain to the progress of the three-
`dimensional object(s) fabrication.
`
`[0020] Under the “Progress” column, wireframe model
`representations of the three-dimensional objects for Job#s
`J106-J108 are filled in as a function of the three-dimensional
`objects fabrication progress. By way of example, the inter-
`face controller 104 is configured to control the graphical
`user interface 108 such that the wireframe model represen-
`tations are progressively filled in with one or more colors
`defining filled-in portions of the wireframe model represen-
`
`tations. The one or more colors can be opaqueortranslucent.
`Alternatively, shades of gray can be used instead of colors.
`The coloring of the surfaces can also have shading, cross-
`hatching, and/or other visual cues to render the image more
`lifelike or convey status information. As portions of the
`wireframe model representationsare filled in, the “wires“
`associated with the filled-in portions can remain visible or
`disappear, and/or surface texture(s) appropriate for the
`object(s) being fabricated can be applied to the filled-in
`portions. Moreover,
`the wireframe model representations
`can be adjusted in shape to provide a three-dimensional
`“feel” (linear perspective).
`
`[0021] Various other graphical representations of three-
`dimensional object fabrication progress(e.g., providing an
`eye-catching visual representation) also fall within the scope
`of the present invention. In one embodiment, the interface
`controller 104 is configured to control the graphical user
`interface 108 such thatthe filled-in portion(s) transition(s)
`from one color to another, for example, while the 3D object
`fabrications are in progress. In another embodiment,
`the
`interface controller 104 is configured to control the graphical
`user interface 108 such that the filled-in portion(s) pul-
`sate(s). In another embodiment, the interface controller 104
`is configured to control the graphical user interface 108 such
`that the filled-in portion(s) pulsate(s) at rates depending
`upon the progress of the 3D object(s) fabrication. By way of
`example, the pulse rate of the filled-in portion is increased
`as the fabrication gets closer to completion.
`In another
`embodiment, different visual representations of object fab-
`rication progress (such as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%
`completion) are presented onceparticular object fabrication
`progress “milestones”are reached.
`
`[0022] A variety of techniques can be employed to gen-
`erate the wireframe model representations. By way of
`example, FIG. 3A illustrates a mathematical representation
`(in a x-y-z coordinate system) of an exterior surface 300 of
`a three-dimensional object. Referring to FIG. 3B, a wire-
`frame model representation of the three-dimensional object
`is created byslicing the exterior surface 300 in planes 302,
`304, 306 and 308, which are parallel to the x-y plane. FIG.
`3C illustrates a further step in creating the wireframe model
`representation by additionally slicing the exterior surface
`300 in planes 310, 312, 314 and 316 (shown in dashedlines),
`which are perpendicular to the x-y plane. FIG. 3D illustrates
`a further step in creating the wireframe model representation
`by defining vertices of the wireframe model representation
`as being located at coordinates (shown as dots) along the
`exterior surface 300 where the planes 302, 304, 306, 308,
`310, 312, 314 and 316intersect each other. Once the vertices
`have been defined,
`they are interconnected with “wires”
`(e.g., horizontal lines that fall within the planes 302, 304,
`306 and 308 and verticallinesthat fall within the planes 310,
`312, 314 and 316) to form the wireframe model represen-
`tation. Although four horizontal and four vertical planes
`(“slices”) are shownin this example, it should be appreci-
`ated that more or less resolution in approximating the
`
`
`exterior surface of the 3D object can beeffected by increas-
`ing or decreasing the numberof slices. Other variations of
`the foregoing wireframe model representation generation
`technique can also be employed. For example,the described
`methodology for determining the locations of the vertices
`and/or the way that they are interconnected can be varied.
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`Oct. 21, 2004
`
`
`
`[0023] Thus, in various embodiments ofthe present inven-
`tion, the interface controller 104 (FIG.1) is configured to
`control
`the graphical user interface 108 such that outer
`surfaces of the progressively filled-in wireframe model
`representations are defined by interconnectedvertices which
`are located at coordinates corresponding to mathematical
`representations of exterior surfaces of the three-dimensional
`objects.
`
`In another embodiment ofthe present invention, a
`[0024]
`method for providing three-dimensional object fabrication.
`status includes the steps of: monitoring three-dimensional
`object(s) fabrication progress at one or moresolid freeform
`fabrication (SFF) devices; and generating a visual represen-
`ation of the three-dimensionalobject(s) fabrication progress
`including one or more wireframe model representations of
`he three-dimensional object(s) which are filled in as a
`function of
`the
`three-dimensional object(s)
`fabrication
`progress. Vertices of the wireframe model representations
`can be, but are not necessarily, located at coordinates cor-
`esponding to mathematical representations of exterior sur-
`faces of the three-dimensional objects.
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention,
`[0025]
`he interface controller 104 is configured to control
`the
`graphical user interface 108 to allow a userto select one of
`he wireframe model representations(¢.g., by double-click-
`ing over it with a mouse) and to generate a “dedicated visual
`epresentation” pertaining to the fabrication progress of only
`he three-dimensional object corresponding to the selected
`wireframe model representation. Referring to FIG. 2A, an
`example of such a dedicated visual representation 200 has a
`op headerortool bar section 210 which includes a minimize
`icon 212, a maximize icon 214 and a close window icon 216.
`These icons are actuated employing a user input mechanism
`such as a keyboard, mouse, voice activation, etc. The
`dedicated visual representation 200 also has a main section
`230, in which the selected wireframe model representation
`240 is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the dedicated
`visual representation 200also has a left border 232, a bottom
`border 234 and a right border 236 which are positioned
`around the main section 230 as shown. Optionally, human-
`readable indicia 250 are also presented in conjunction with
`the selected wireframe model representation 240. In FIG.
`2A, the example selected wireframe model representation
`240 is a partially-filled wireframe model representation of a
`car,
`the fabrication of which is 60% completed (as also
`indicated by the human-readable indicia 250).
`
`tion the dedicated visual representation 200 within a display
`area (such as the monitor 106). For example, a user can
`reposition the dedicated visual representation 200 within the
`monitor 106 by “grabbing and dragging” the top header or
`tool bar section 210. Similarly, a user can resize the dedi-
`cated visual representation 200 as desired by “grabbing and
`dragging” one or more of the left border section 232, the
`bottom border 234 and the right border 236. Furthermore, by
`actuating the minimize icon 212, the dedicated visual rep-
`resentation 200 is reduced to a small window 260 (FIG. 2B)
`for ongoing monitoring of the build progress while still
`working in other windows. Accordingly, various embodi-
`ments of the present invention accommodate providing a
`visual representation of 3D object fabrication progress while
`simultaneously allowing the viewer to use other software
`programs such as word processors, browsers,etc.
`
`In another embodimentofthe presentinvention, an
`{0028]
`apparatus for providing three-dimensional objectfabrication
`status includes: a data interface configured to receive, from
`one or moresolid freeform fabrication (SFF) systems, data
`pertaining to a three-dimensional object(s)
`fabrication task;
`and a mechanism for processing the data to generate output
`signals that cause a display to generate a visual representa-
`tion of progress of the three-dimensional object(s) fabrica-
`tion task in the form of one or more wireframe model
`representations of the three-dimensional object(s) which are
`progressively filled to visually indicate
`fabrication task
`progress for each three-dimensional object. The data inter-
`face and data processing mechanism can both be imple-
`mented in the interface controller 104, or their respective
`functionalities can be distributed in some other manner,e.g.,
`to accommodate the requirements and/or constraints of a
`particular application.
`
`
`
`In another embodimentof the present invention, a
`[0029]
`method for providing three-dimensional object fabrication
`status includes the steps of: processing data pertaming to a
`three-dimensional object(s) fabrication task for one or more
`solid freeform fabrication (SFF) devices, the data including
`fabrication task progress information; controlling a graphi-
`cal user interface to generate a visual representation ofthe
`fabrication task progress information in the form of one or
`more progressivelyfilled wireframe model representations
`of the three-dimensional object(s); and repeatedly updating
`the fabrication task progress information and regenerating
`the one or more progressivelyfilled wireframe model rep-
`resentations until
`the fabrication task is completed.
`In
`another embodiment, the method further includesthe steps
`of: monitoring user inputs for the graphical user interface to
`determine whether a user has selected one or more of the
`
`[0026] Thus, in an embodimentofthe present invention,a
`method for providing three-dimensional object fabrication
`status includes the steps of: receiving data pertaining to
`and controlling the
`representations;
`wireframe model
`three-dimensionalobject(s) fabrication progress; controlling
`graphical user interface to generate a dedicated visual rep-
`a graphical user interface to provide a visual representation
`resentation pertaining to the fabrication task progressof only
`of the three-dimensional object(s) fabrication progressin the
`the three-dimensional object corresponding to the selected
`form ofone or more progressively filled-in wireframe model
`wireframe model representation. In another embodiment,
`representations of the three-dimensional object(s); and con-
`the methodstill further includes the step of: controlling the
`trolling the graphical user interface to allowauserto select
`graphical user interface to allow the user to resize and/or
`one of the wireframe modelrepresentations and to generate
`reposition the dedicated visual representation within a dis-
`a dedicated visual representation pertaining to the fabrica-
`play area.
`tion progress of only the three-dimensional object corre-
`sponding to the selected wireframe model representation.
`
`In various other embodiments, the interface con-
`[0027]
`troller 104 (FIG. 1) is configured to control the graphical
`user interface 108 to allow the user to resize and/or reposi-
`
`[0030] Although the present invention has been described
`in terms of the preferred embodiment above, numerous
`modifications and/or additions to the above-described pre-
`ferred embodiment would bereadily apparentto one skilled
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`Oct. 21, 2004
`
`the scope of the present
`is intended that
`It
`in the art.
`invention extends to all such modifications and/or additions.
`
`We claim:
`1. A method for providing three-dimensional object fab-
`rication status, comprising the steps of:
`
`fabrication
`object(s)
`three-dimensional
`monitoring
`progress at one or more solid freeform fabrication
`(SFF) devices; and
`
`to the fabrication progress of only the three-dimen-
`sional object corresponding to the selected wireframe
`model representation.
`13. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 12,further comprising the step of:
`
`controlling the graphical user interface to allow the user
`to resize and/or reposition the dedicated visual repre-
`sentation within a display area.
`14. An apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status, comprising:
`
`generating a visual representation of the three-dimen-
`sional object(s) fabrication progress including one or
`more wireframe model representations of the three-
`dimensional object(s) which are filled in as a function
`of the three-dimensional object(s) fabrication progress.
`2. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 1, wherein vertices of the wire-
`frame model representations are located at coordinatescor-
`responding to mathematical representations of exterior sur-
`faces of the three-dimensional objects.
`3. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 1, wherein the wireframe model
`representations are progressively filled in with one or more
`colors defining filled-in portions of the wireframe model
`representations.
`4. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 3, wherein the one or more colors
`are opaque.
`5. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 3, wherein the one or more colors
`are translucent.
`
`
`
`
`
`6. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 3, wherein the visual representa-
`tion is generated such that the filled-in portion(s) transi-
`tion(s) from one colorto another.
`7. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 3, wherein the visual representa-
`tion is generated such that the filled-in portion(s) pulsate(s).
`8. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 7, wherein the filled-in portion(s)
`pulsate(s) at rates depending upon the three-dimensional
`object(s) fabrication progress.
`9. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 3, wherein the visual representa-
`tion additionally includes human-readable indicia.
`10. The method for providing three-dimensional objec
`fabrication status of claim 9, wherein the human-readable
`indicia pertains to the three-dimensional object(s) fabrica-
`tion progress.
`11. A method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status, comprising the steps of:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`an interface controller configured to receive and process
`data pertaining to three-dimensional object(s) fabrica-
`tion and to control a graphical user interface to provide
`a visual representation of progress of the three-dimen-
`sional object(s) fabrication in the form of one or more
`progressively filled-in wireframe model representa-
`tions of the three-dimensional object(s).
`15. The apparatus for providing three-dimensionalobject
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that outer surfaces of the progressively filled-in wireframe
`modelrepresentations are defined by interconnectedvertices
`which are located at coordinates corresponding to math-
`ematical representations of exterior surfaces of the three-
`dimensional objects.
`16. The apparatus for providing three-dimensionalobject
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that portions of the wireframe model representations are
`filled in to provide a visual indication of percentage of
`three-dimensional object(s) fabrication completed.
`17. The apparatus for providing three-dimensionalobject
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that the wireframe model representations are progressively
`filled in with one or more colors defining filled-in portions
`of the wireframe model representations.
`18. The apparatus for providing three-dimensionalobject
`fabrication status of claim 17, wherein the one or more
`colors are opaque.
`19. The apparatus for providing three-dimensionalobject
`fabrication status of claim 17, wherein the one or more
`colors are translucent.
`
`20. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that the filled-in portion(s) transition(s) from one color to
`another.
`
`21. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that the filled-in portion(s) pulsate(s).
`22. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that the filled-in portion(s) pulsate(s) at rates depending
`upon the progress of the three-dimensional object(s) fabri-
`cation.
`
`23. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface such
`that the visual representation additionally includes human-
`readable indicia.
`
`
`
`receiving data pertaining to three-dimensional object(s)
`fabrication progress; and
`
`controlling a graphical user interface to provide a visual
`representation of the three-dimensional object(s) fab-
`rication progress in the form of one or more progres-
`sively filled-in wireframe model representations of the
`three-dimensional object(s).
`12. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
`
`controlling the graphical user interface to allow a userto
`select one of the wireframe model representations and
`to generate a dedicated visual representation pertaining
`
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`US 2004/0207662 Al
`
`Oct. 21, 2004
`
`24. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 23, wherein the human-readable
`indicia pertains to the progress of the three-dimensional
`object(s) fabrication.
`25. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 14, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface to
`allow a userto select one of the wireframe model represen-
`tations and to generate a dedicated visual representation
`pertaming to the fabrication progress of only the three-
`dimensional object correspondingto the selected wireframe
`model representation.
`26. The apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 25, wherein the interface control-
`ler is configured to control the graphical user interface to
`allow the user to resize and/or reposition the dedicated
`visual representation within a display area.
`27. An apparatus for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status, comprising:
`
`a data interface configured to receive, from one or more
`solid freeform fabrication (SFF) systems, data pertain-
`ing to a three-dimensional object(s) fabrication task;
`and
`
`meansfor processing the data to generate output signals
`that cause a display to generate a visual representation
`of progress of the three-dimensional object(s) fabrica-
`tion task in the form of one or more wireframe model
`representations of
`the
`three-dimensional object(s)
`which are progressivelyfilled to visually indicate fab-
`rication task progress
`for each three-dimensional
`object.
`28. A method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status, comprising the steps of:
`
`three-dimensional
`a
`processing data pertaining to
`object(s) fabrication task for one or more solid freeform
`fabrication (SFF) devices, the data including fabrica-
`tion task progress information;
`
`controlling a graphical user interface to generate a visual
`representation of the fabrication task progress informa-
`tion in the form of one or more progressively filled
`wireframe model representations of the three-dimen-
`sional object(s); and
`
`repeatedly updating the fabrication task progress infor-
`mation and regenerating the one or more progressively
`filled wireframe model representations until the fabri-
`cation task is completed.
`29. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 28, further comprising the steps
`of:
`
`monitoring user inputs for the graphical user interface to
`determine whethera user has selected one or more of
`
`the wireframe model representations; and
`
`controlling the graphical user interface to generate a
`dedicated visual representation pertaining to the fabri-
`cation task progress of only the three-dimensional
`object corresponding to the selected wireframe model
`representation.
`30. The method for providing three-dimensional object
`fabrication status of claim 29, further comprising the step of:
`
`controlling the graphical user interface to allow the user
`to resize and/or reposition the dedicated visual repre-
`sentation within a display area.
`
`9
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