Apparatus and method for creating three dimensional relief tiles
First Claim
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1. A method comprising the steps of:
- loading a digital image file into a computer memory;
converting said digital image file into a bitmap file;
processing said bitmap file to create a heightfield map;
using the heightfield map to create a 3D model;
creating a mold based on said 3D model in said computer memory, wherein said step of processing said bitmap file into said heightfield map comprises creating a polygon mesh to describe said heightfield map as a set of connected triangles; and
creating at least two different tiles that can be manufactured from said mold, wherein the at least two different tiles include ceramic, glass tiles, gypsum polymer tiles and plastic resin tiles.
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Abstract
An electronic file containing height field mapping data is output to a specialized printer and used to create one or more three dimensional molds. The molds, in turn, may be used to fabricate bas-relief tiles and similar three-dimensional objects from various materials. The process allows for rapid deployment of customized design elements in many construction applications and environments.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method comprising the steps of:
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loading a digital image file into a computer memory; converting said digital image file into a bitmap file; processing said bitmap file to create a heightfield map; using the heightfield map to create a 3D model; creating a mold based on said 3D model in said computer memory, wherein said step of processing said bitmap file into said heightfield map comprises creating a polygon mesh to describe said heightfield map as a set of connected triangles; and creating at least two different tiles that can be manufactured from said mold, wherein the at least two different tiles include ceramic, glass tiles, gypsum polymer tiles and plastic resin tiles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus comprising:
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a network a computer coupled to said network, said computer comprising a memory to implement the steps of; loading a digital image file into a computer memory; converting said digital image file into a bitmap file; processing said bitmap file to create a heightfield map; using the heightfield map to create a 3D model; creating a mold based on said 3D model in said computer memory, wherein said step of processing said bitmap file into said heightfield map comprises creating a polygon mesh to describe said heightfield map as a set of connected triangles; and creating at least two different tiles that can be manufactured from said mold, wherein the at least two different tiles include ceramic, glass tiles, gypsum polymer tiles and plastic resin tiles.
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Specification