Patent Document ID: 6159411
Application ID: 09247119

Base Claim:
1. A stereolithographic method of forming a three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae by exposing successive layers of a material to prescribed stimulation, comprising: providing data representing an object to be formed; providing answers to a series of questions, including answers to stereolithographic machine type, recoating device, material type, and data file units; automatically determining a group of styles to be used in forming the object, wherein the determination is derived based on the answers provided, the styles including build styles and support styles; forming a layer of material according to at least one of the styles of the group, wherein the layer is formed in preparation for forming a successive lamina of the object, the layer in the object being formed according to at least one selected build style that includes geometric features; exposing the material to the prescribed stimulation to form a successive lamina of the object, wherein the exposure is performed according to at least one of the styles of the group; and repeating the acts of forming and exposing a plurality of times in order to form the object from a plurality of laminae.

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Claim 13:
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the answers comprise selecting a geometric shape characteristic of the object from a list of possibilities.