AUTOMATED MODEL CUSTOMIZATION
A variety of computer automated tools are disclosed to assist consumers with using three-dimensional printers. Where a user also has access to a three-dimensional scanner, the tools may also support automated modifications to scanned subject matter.
1 . A method comprising:
designing a project including a first plurality of parts, a second plurality of parts, and at least one tool for assembling or disassembling two parts from among the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts, wherein all of the second plurality of parts can be fabricated using a three-dimensional printer and wherein the at least one tool can be fabricated using a three-dimensional printer;
creating instructions for assembly of the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts into the project using the tool; and
preparing a kit including the instructions and directions for obtaining a three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the kit includes the first plurality of parts.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool is stored on a computer readable medium included in the kit.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein the computer readable medium includes at least one of an optical disk, a memory card, and a USB drive.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein the directions for obtaining a three-dimensional model include a network address for retrieving the three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein the project includes a robot.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the project includes a radio controlled automobile.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a processor.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a magnet.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a rubber tire.
11 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of parts includes radio frequency transceiver circuitry.
12 . A computer program product providing a user interface for computer-aided project design, the computer program product comprising computer-executable code embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of:
receiving a project design including a first plurality of parts, a second plurality of parts, and at least one tool for assembling or disassembling two parts from among the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts, wherein all of the second plurality of parts can be fabricated using a three-dimensional printer and wherein the at least one tool can be fabricated using a three-dimensional printer;
creating instructions for assembly of the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts into the project using the tool; and
preparing a kit including the instructions and directions for obtaining a three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool.
13 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the kit includes the first plurality of parts.
14 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool is stored on a computer readable medium included in the kit.
15 . The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the computer readable medium includes at least one of an optical disk, a memory card, and a USB drive.
16 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the directions for obtaining a three-dimensional model include a network address for retrieving the three-dimensional model for each one of the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool.
17 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the project includes a robot, a radio controlled automobile, or a radio controlled boat.
18 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a processor.
19 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a magnet.
20 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of parts includes a rubber tire.
21 . The computer program product of claim 12 wherein the first plurality of parts includes radio frequency transceiver circuitry.
22 . A kit comprising:
a first plurality of parts;
a three-dimensional model of each one of a second plurality of parts, stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium;
a three-dimensional model of at least one tool for assembling or disassembling two parts from among the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts; and
directions for fabricating the second plurality of parts and the at least one tool, and for assembling the first plurality of parts and the second plurality of parts into a project using the at least one tool.