Method of and apparatus for deriving data intermediate to cross-sectional data descriptive of a three-dimensional object

摘要

A rapid prototyping and manufacturing apparatus and method (e.g. stereolithographic apparatus and a method) for layer-by-layer formation of a three-dimensional object represented by cross-sectional data including a method and apparatus for deriving data for at least a portion of a region intermediate to two successive cross-sections of data for use in forming the three-dimensional object with improved surface resolution. Outward-facing regions on two or more successive cross-sectional layers of the object are compared to determine whether the outward-facing region(s) associated with one of the layers represents what was originally intended to be a smooth transitional region (i.e. a sloping region) between two cross-sections or a discontinuous region (i.e. vertical transitional region) between two cross-sections. The comparison may involve utilization of common boundaries between outward facing regions on the cross-sections. The comparison may further involve the utilization of widths of the outward-facing regions on adjacent cross-sections.