Patent ID: 6928331
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B33Y,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of using a CAD system to create a table of values for physically processing a three-dimensional object based on an orientation thereof, the steps comprising: a) providing a CAD system and generating a three-dimensional (3D) representation of a physical object therewith, said physical object having a predetermined orientation relative to a mass of material from which said physical object is formed; b) creating a bounding box around said 3D representation, said bounding box comprising three pairs of mutually orthogonal, parallel surfaces, each of said pairs of mutually orthogonal, parallel surfaces being parallel to a respective one of an X, a Y, and a Z-axis; c) determining the three dimensions of said bounding box; d) rank ordering said three dimensions; e) associating a designation with each of said rank ordered dimensions indicating that each dimension corresponds to one of: a length, a width, and a thickness of said physical object, respectively; f) storing said rank ordered values and said associated designations in an ordered arrangement; whereby said stored, rank ordered values and associated designations define a length, width, and thickness of a quantity of said material from which said physical object may be formed in said predetermined orientation.