Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Shanen Jon Boettcher

Jesse D McGatha

Yulin Jin

Emmett Walter Lalish

Kris N Iverson

Kristofer Noel Iverson

Louis Amadio

A method, computing system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for fabricating full color three-dimensional objects are provided herein. The method includes transforming a three-dimensional model into instructions for a fabrication device by slicing the three-dimensional model into layers with color information preserved, generating two-dimensional polygons for each layer based on colors on faces, colors on textures, and/or gradient colors, and determining a tool path for fabricating an object from colored materials based on the two-dimensional polygons for each layer. Determining the tool path includes generating instructions that direct the fabrication device to apply colored material for all two-dimensional polygons of a same color before switching colors, smooth an exterior of the object by switching colors at an internal vertex of each two-dimensional polygon within each layer, and deposit transitional material within an infill area, a support structure, and/or an area outside the object when switching colors.

Fabricating full color three-dimensional objects

The claimed subject matter includes a system and method to design 3D objects for fabrication. In embodiments, the method includes sampling coordinates of a two-dimensional object. The method also includes generating fabrication coordinates based on the sampled coordinates and a plane comprising a top layer of a three-dimensional (3D) object. Additionally, the method includes generating a 2D triangular mesh for the top layer of an overhang based on the sampled coordinates, an angle between the top layer and two points in a previous top layer border less than or equal to an overhang threshold angle.

Fabricating three-dimensional objects with overhang

The subject disclosure is directed towards technology managing three-dimensional object fabrication in full color. In order to transform the object's model into an instruction set for a fabrication device, a fabrication manager computes color values corresponding to geometry within a later of the object's model. After determining an amount of each colored material to deposit, the fabrication manager generates coordinated instructions configured to deposit a combination of colored materials according to the geometry and efficiently transitioning between colored materials during object fabrication.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Shanen Jon Boettcher