Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Amit Zoran

Joseph A Paradiso

Roy Shilkrot

Pragun Goyal

Marco Luigi Coppiardi

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a computer-assisted, handheld machining tool allows even an inexperienced user to carve a complex 3D object, while maintaining artistic freedom to modify the sculpture from an initial CAD design. The tool prevents the user from unintentionally removing material from a volume defined by the CAD design. It does so by slowing or halting spindle rotation as the bit approaches or penetrates the protected volume. The user can override this protective feature. The tool may operate in at least three interaction modes: (i) a static mode in which a static CAD model is used, where the computer assists by preventing the user from damaging the static model; (ii) a dynamic mode where the computer dynamically modifies the CAD model during the sculpting process; and (iii) an autonomous mode where the computer can operate independently of the user, for tasks such as semi-automatic texture rendering.

Methods and apparatus for handheld tool

A handheld inkjet printer includes an inkjet print head and a tip. One or more sensors measure the position of points on a curved surface that are physically touched by the tip while the tip is moved relative to the surface. Based on these measurements, a computer generates or modifies a computer model that specifies at least (i) position of the curved surface, and (ii) a target region of the curved surface on which a pattern is to be printed. In addition, the one or more sensors measure position and orientation of nozzles in the print head, while the handset is moved relative to the surface. The computers also calculate, based on the computer model and these additional measurements, which of the nozzles to fire at a different times, such that the pattern is printed on the target region as the handset is moved relative to the surface.

Methods and apparatus for handheld inkjet printer

In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is 'onboard' the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Growing community of inventors

Jerusalem, Israel

Amit Zoran