阅读说明：本技术 增材制造中的窗可变性校正 (Window variability correction in additive manufacturing ) 是由 A.基马尔吉 J.张 J.I.贝内特 B.E.菲勒 于 2018-10-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种在自下而上式立体光刻设备上制作物体的方法。该设备包括光源(11)、驱动组件(14)以及控制器(15),控制器与光源和驱动组件操作性地相关联,其中光源和/或驱动组件具有可由控制器调整的至少一个可调整参数。该方法包括：以光源投射所通过的构造将可移除窗盒(12)安装于该设备上,窗盒包括作为窗(12a)而提供的光学透明部件,光学透明部件具有构建表面,可在构建表面上生产物体,并且其中,光学透明部件在其中具有至少一个可变性质；以及然后,由控制器基于窗的至少一个可变光学性质而修改至少一个可调整参数；以及然后,在构建表面上通过自下而上式立体光刻由可光聚合液体生产物体。(A method of fabricating an object on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a light source (11), a drive assembly (14), and a controller (15) operatively associated with the light source and the drive assembly, wherein the light source and/or the drive assembly has at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by the controller. The method comprises the following steps: mounting a removable window box (12) on the apparatus in a configuration through which the light source projects, the window box comprising an optically transparent member provided as a window (12a), the optically transparent member having a build surface on which the object can be produced and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and then modifying, by the controller, the at least one adjustable parameter based on the at least one variable optical property of the window; and then producing the object from the photopolymerizable liquid by bottom-up stereolithography on the build surface.)

1. A method of fabricating an object on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus, the apparatus comprising a light source, a drive assembly, and a controller operatively associated with the light source and the drive assembly, wherein the light source and/or the drive assembly has at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by the controller, the method comprising:

(a)mounting a removable window box on the apparatus in a configuration through which the light source projects, the window box comprising an optically transparent member having a build surface on which an object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and then,

(b)modifying, by the controller, the at least one adjustable parameter based on the at least one variable optical property of the window; and then,

(c)the object is produced from a photopolymerizable liquid by bottom-up stereolithography on the build surface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the window box includes a unique identifier operatively associated therewith (For exampleA barcode, a QR code, an NFC tag, etc.), and,

the modifying step is performed by:

(i)detecting the unique identifier (For exampleUsing a unique identifier reader), and then,

(ii)will be directed to the at least one variable optical property andoptical correction instructions responsive to said unique identifier from a data storage medium: (For exampleCloud database) transfer (For exampleVia the internet) to the controller.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the window box includes a data storage medium thereon(s) ((For exampleA flash drive) containing optical correction instructions for the at least one variable optical property; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

the modifying step is performed by:

(i)operatively associating said storage medium with said controller(s) ((For exampleVia a USB interface); and then,

(ii)transferring the optical correction instructions from the data storage medium to the controller.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the variable property comprises an optical property, a physical property(s), (b) and (c)For examplePermeability to polymerization inhibitors) or combinations thereof.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the variable property comprises window thickness or window height (mechanical position of the top of the window when fitted on the device), and the adjustable parameter comprises magnification of the projected image (for the image as a whole and/or parts thereof) and/or light source focal plane.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the variable property comprises optical transmittance of a window(s) ((s))For exampleOne or more discrete flaws, transmission gradients, etc.), and the adjustable property includes light intensity (light intensity: (light intensity gradient)For exampleGreater intensity in regions with less light transmission).

7. The method of any preceding claimWherein the variable property comprises an optical defect area and the adjustable parameter comprises a projected area of the build surface(s) ((ii))For exampleExcluded or "non-printed areas" for producing an object on the build surface.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the variable property comprises regional optical distortion in the window and the adjustable parameter comprises a regional optical correction of the projected light image mapped to the regional optical distortion.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the variable property comprises a polymerization inhibitor: (a)For exampleOxygen), and the adjustable parameter comprises light intensity, production rate, or a combination thereof.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each said adjustable parameter is applied independently to one or more smaller portions of the window, a larger portion of the window or the whole of the window or a combination thereof.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the optically transparent member comprises a plurality of distinct layers.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the optically transparent member comprises:

(i)a rigid or flexible semipermeable or impermeable support member;

(ii)a semipermeable member provided on the support member (For exampleFluoropolymer part) or an immiscible layer on the support part(s) (For exampleHydrogels);

(iii)(iii) polymerization inhibitor in the semipermeable member (when presentFor exampleOxygen);

(iii)optionally, but preferably, a cushioning member between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member; and

(v)optionally, but preferably, a supply space between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member(s) ((For exampleSupply channel(s) ((For exampleIn or on the buffer member), the supply space being configured for additional polymerization inhibitor(s) ((s)For exampleOxygen) is supplied into the semipermeable member.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the modifying step improves at least one performance characteristic of the device(s) (For exampleBy reducing the frequency of production failures thereon, such as by improving the accuracy of production of the object thereon, reducing defect formation in the object produced thereon, and the like, including combinations thereof).

14. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the production step is performed by Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP).

15. A bottom-up stereolithography apparatus comprising:

(a) a light source for emitting light from a light source,

(b) a driving component is arranged on the base plate,

(c) a controller operatively associated with the light source and the drive assembly, wherein the light source and/or the drive assembly has at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by the controller,

(d) an engagement assembly operatively associated with the light source and configured for securing a removable window box to the apparatus in a configuration through which the light source projects, the window box including an optically transparent member having a build surface on which an object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property,

(e)(i)unique identifier reader: (For exampleAn NFC tag reader) operatively associated with the controller and configured to read a unique identifier on the window box, or(ii)Data storage medium coupler (For exampleA USB coupler) operatively associated with the controller and configured for coupling to a data storage medium on the window box.

16. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of any preceding claim.

17. A window box usable to be removably fitted on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus, the window box comprising:

(a) a circumferential frame;

(b) an optically transparent member connected to the circumferential frame, the optically transparent member having a build surface on which an object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and

(c) unique identifier (For exampleNFC tag) or data storage medium (For exampleFlash memory) connected to the circumferential frame.

18. The window box of claim 17, wherein the optically transparent member comprises a plurality of distinct layers.

19. The window box of claim 17 or 18, wherein the optically transparent member comprises:

(i)a rigid or flexible semipermeable or impermeable support member;

(ii)a semipermeable member provided on the support member (For exampleFluoropolymer part) or an immiscible layer on the support part(s) (For exampleHydrogels);

(iii)polymerization inhibition in the semipermeable member (when present)Preparation (A)For exampleOxygen);

(iii)optionally, but preferably, a cushioning member between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member; and

(v)optionally, but preferably, a supply space between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member(s) ((For exampleSupply channel(s) ((For exampleIn or on the buffer member), the supply space being configured for additional polymerization inhibitor(s) ((s)For exampleOxygen) is supplied into the semipermeable member.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to additive manufacturing, in particular stereolithography, including Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP).

Background

A group of additive manufacturing techniques, sometimes referred to as "stereolithography," form three-dimensional objects by sequential polymerization of photopolymerizable resins. Such a technique may be a "bottom-up" technique, in which light is projected through a light transmissive window into the resin on the bottom of the growing object, or a "top-down" technique, in which light is projected onto the resin on the top of the growing object, which is then dipped down into a pool of resin.

The recent introduction of a faster stereolithography technique called Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) combined with the introduction of "dual cure" resins for additive manufacturing extended the usefulness of stereolithography from prototyping to manufacturing: (Ginseng radix (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) See, for exampleU.S. patent nos. 9211678, 9205601 and No to DeSimone et al.9216546, respectively; and also Continuous lipid interaction of 3D Objects by J, Tumbleston, D, Shirvanyants, N, Ermoshkin et al (Science347, 1349-;see alsoU.S. patent nos. 9676963, 9453142, and 9598606 to Rolland et al).

As the speed and versatility of bottom-up stereolithography techniques have increased, the windows employed in such apparatuses have become more complex, and the possibility that defects in such windows cause defects in the objects produced thereon has become problematic. In the case of windows in the form of interchangeable "cassettes" that can be switched between devices, even originally adaptable optical changes can disrupt the production process. Therefore, new techniques to address the problems of window optical defects and variability are needed.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments according to the invention, a method of fabricating an object on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a light source, a drive assembly, and a controller operatively associated with the light source and the drive assembly, wherein the light source and/or the drive assembly has at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by the controller. The method comprises the following steps:(a)mounting a removable window box to the apparatus in a configuration through which the light source projects, the window box including an optically transparent member having a build surface on which the object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and then(b)Modifying, by the controller, the at least one adjustable parameter based on the at least one variable optical property of the window; and then(c)The object is produced from the photopolymerizable liquid by bottom-up stereolithography on the build surface.

In some embodiments, the window box includes a unique identifier operatively associated therewith (For exampleA barcode, a QR code, an NFC tag, etc.), and the modifying step is performed by:(i)detecting a unique identifier (For exampleUsing a unique identifier reader); and then(ii)Will be directed to at least one variable lightOptical correction instructions of a chemical nature and corresponding to a unique identifier from a data storage medium: (For exampleCloud database) transfer (For exampleVia the internet) to the controller.

In some embodiments, the window box includes a data storage medium thereon: (For exampleA flash drive) and the data storage medium contains optical correction instructions for at least one variable optical property; and, the modifying step is performed by:(i)operatively associating a storage medium with a controller(s) ((For exampleVia a USB interface); and then(ii)The optical correction instructions are transferred from the data storage medium to the controller.

In some embodiments, the variable properties include optical properties, physical properties: (a)For examplePermeability to polymerization inhibitors) or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the variable property includes window thickness or window height (mechanical position of the top of the window when mounted on the device), and the adjustable parameter includes magnification of the projected image (for the image as a whole and/or portions thereof) and/or the light source focal plane.

In some embodiments, the variable property comprises optical transmittance of a window: (For exampleOne or more discrete flaws, transmission gradients, etc.), and the adjustable property includes light intensity (light intensity: (light intensity of the first layer) ((light intensity of the second layer))For exampleGreater intensity in regions with less light transmission).

In some embodiments, the variable property comprises an optical defect region, and the adjustable parameter comprises a projected area of the build surface: (For exampleExcluded or "non-printed areas" for producing objects on the build surface.

In some embodiments, the variable property comprises a regional optical distortion in the window, and the adjustable parameter comprises a regional optical correction of the projected light image that maps to the regional optical distortion.

In some embodiments, the variable property comprises inhibition of polymerization: (For exampleOxygen), and the adjustable parameter comprises light intensity, production rate, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each adjustable parameter is independently applied to one or more smaller portions of the window, a larger portion of the window, or the entirety of the window, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the optically transparent member comprises a plurality of distinct layers.

In some embodiments, the optically transparent member comprises:(i)a rigid or flexible semipermeable or impermeable support member;(ii)semipermeable member on the support member (For exampleImmiscible layer on fluoropolymer part) or support part(s) (Example (b) Such asHydrogels);(iii)polymerization inhibitor in the semipermeable member (when present) ((For exampleOxygen);(iii)optionally, but preferably, a cushioning member between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member; and(v)optionally, but preferably, a supply space between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member: (For exampleSupply channel(s) ((For exampleIn or on the buffer member), the supply space being configured for additional polymerization inhibitor(s) ((s)For exampleOxygen) is supplied to the semipermeable member.

In some embodiments, the modifying step improves at least one performance characteristic of the device(s) ((For exampleBy reducing the frequency of production failures thereon, such as by improving the accuracy of production of the object thereon, reducing defect formation in the object produced thereon, and the like, including combinations thereof).

In some embodiments, the producing step is performed by Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP).

In some embodiments, a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus comprises: (a) a light source; (b) a drive assembly; (c) a controller operatively associated with the light source and the drive assembly, wherein the light source and/or the drive assembly has at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by the controller; (d) an engagement assembly operatively associated with the light source and configured for securing a removable window box to the apparatus in a configuration through which the light source projects, the window box including an optically transparent member having a build surfaceProducing an object on a surface, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property; and (e)(i)Unique identifier reader: (For exampleAn NFC tag reader) operatively associated with the controller and configured to read a unique identifier on the window box, or(ii)Data storage medium coupler (For exampleA USB coupler) operatively associated with the controller and configured for coupling to a data storage medium on the window box.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to perform the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, a window box operable to be removably mounted on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus comprises: (a) a circumferential frame; (b) an optically transparent member coupled to the circumferential frame, the optically transparent member having a build surface upon which the object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and (c) a unique identifier (For exampleNFC tag) or data storage medium (For exampleFlash memory) connected to the circumferential frame.

The foregoing and other objects and aspects of the invention are explained in more detail in the drawings herein and the specification set forth below. The disclosures of all U.S. patent references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the invention in which optical correction instructions are communicated from a cloud database to a controller over the internet.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, wherein optical correction instructions are transferred from a storage medium associated with the window box to the controller via a local connection.

Fig. 3a is a schematic side sectional view of a window box in which the height of the window is uniform.

Fig. 3b is a schematic side sectional view of a window box in which the height of the window is not uniform due to bending of the window.

Fig. 3c is a schematic side sectional view of a window box in which the height of the window is non-uniform due to thickness differences in the window.

Fig. 3d is a schematic side sectional view of a window box in which the height of the window is non-uniform due to height irregularities in the frame in which the window is assembled.

FIG. 4a is a top plan view of a window with the height profile (topograph) from lowest (h)¹) To maximum (h)⁵) Varying across five regions.

Fig. 4b is a top plan view of a window containing discrete regions of lesser transmission (i.e., "imperfections").

FIG. 4c is a top plan view of a window wherein the transmittance profile is maximized from the transmittance (t)¹) To minimum transmission (t)⁴) Varying across four regions.

Fig. 4d is a top plan view of a window containing two optically distorted regions (i.e., regions through which the projected image is distorted compared to the remainder of the window).

Fig. 4e is a top plan view of a window containing four defects rendering the area of the window in which the defects are located unsuitable for producing at least some objects (or at least some portions of some objects).

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all possible combinations of the associated listed items or one or more of the associated listed items, as well as no combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or").

As used herein, "unique identifier" and "unique identifier reader" refer to components of an automated identification and data acquisition system. Suitable unique identifiers include, but are not limited to, bar codes (including one-dimensional bar codes and two-dimensional bar codes (QR codes)), Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags (including active RFID tags, passive RFID tags, and battery-assisted passive RFID tags), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tags and readers, magnetic strips and readers, and the like. A variety of such systems are known and described in the following: for example, U.S. patent nos. 8120468, 8526910, 9373201, 9562429, 9576476, 9587487, 9589428 and 9595058. As discussed further below, such a unique identifier may be fitted on a container for resin for distribution from a resin provider to an end user.

As discussed below, an "information storage medium" as used herein, in contrast to a resin unique identity, may be any of the same devices described above in connection with a "unique identifier," except for operating instructions for storing resin characteristics or modifications.

1. Additive manufacturing methods and apparatus.

Additive manufacturing apparatus and methods are known. Suitable apparatuses include bottom-up apparatuses that employ a window or optically transparent member or "build plate" upon which a pool of polymerizable liquid is positioned and through which patterned light is projected to produce a three-dimensional object. Such methods and devices are known and described in the following: for example, U.S. patent No. 5236637 to Hull, U.S. patent nos. 5391072 and 5529473 to Lawton, U.S. patent No. 7438846 to John, U.S. patent No. 7892474 to Shkolnik, U.S. patent No.8110135 to El-Siblani, U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0292862 to Joyce, and U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0295212 to Chen et al. The disclosures of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

CLIP is known and described in: for example, U.S. patent nos. 9211678, 9205601, and 9216546 to DeSimone et al; and also Continuous liquid interface production of 3D by J, Tumbleston, D, Shirvanyants, N, Ermoshkin et alObjects(Science347, 1349-.See alsoR, Janusziewcz et al, Layerless failure with connected liquid interface production: (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA113, 11703-. In some embodiments, CLIP employs the features of bottom-up three-dimensional preparation as described hereinabove, but also while performing the irradiation and/or the advancing step, simultaneously maintains a stable or durable liquid interface between the growing object and the build surface or window, such as by: (i) continuously maintaining a dead zone of polymerizable liquid in contact with the build surface, and (ii) continuously maintaining a gradient of polymerization zone (such as an active surface) between and in contact with each of the dead zone and the solid polymer, the gradient of polymerization zone comprising the first component in partially cured form. In some embodiments of the CLIP, the optically transparent member comprises a semi-permeable member(s) ((For exampleFluoropolymer) and continuously maintaining the dead zone is performed by: the polymerization inhibitor is supplied through the optically transparent member, thereby creating a gradient of inhibitor in the dead zone and optionally in at least part of the gradient of the polymerization zone. As described in the DeSimone et al patent (cited above) and also in U.S. patent application publication No. US 2016/0288376 to Sun et al, the inhibitor may pass entirely through the semipermeable member, or a "pool" of inhibitor may exist within the semipermeable member and pass through the resin contact surface thereof. While the preferred inhibitor is oxygen, other inhibitors may be used, such as, for example, bases (including amines) as described in Desimone et al or inhibitors as described in Sun et al. Other methods for performing CLIP that may be used in the present invention and potentially avoid the need for semi-permeable "windows" or window structures include: using a liquid interface comprising a non-miscible liquid (See alsoWO 2015/164234 published on 29/10/2015 of robeson et al); oxygen gas as a suppressor is generated by electrolysis (See alsoWO 2016/133759 published on 8/25/2016 in I Craven et al); and incorporating the magnetically localizable particles to which the photoactivator is coupled into the polymerizable liquid(s) ((See alsoJ. WO2016/145182 to Rolland, 2016, 9, 15).Additional examples of stereolithography or "CLIP" processes to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied include U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0067921 published 3/10/2016 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2018/0243976 published 30/8/2018.

The apparatus may include a local controller that contains and executes operating instructions for producing a three-dimensional object on the apparatus, typically from an object data file input into the controller by a user. Along with the basic three-dimensional image of the object typically projected for photopolymerization (along with movement of the carrier and build surface away from each other in the Z-direction), the operating instructions may include or generate process parameters such as: (ii) light intensity; an exposure duration; an inter-exposure duration; the production speed; step height; the height and/or duration of the upstroke in the step or reciprocation mode of operation; the height and/or duration of the downstroke in the reciprocating mode of operation; a rotational speed for pumping the viscous polymerizable liquid; the resin heating temperature; and/or resin cooling temperature; rotational speed and frequency etc.See, e.g.Of Ermoshkin et alThree- dimensional printing with reciprocal feeding of polymerizable liquid(PCT patent application publication No. WO 2015/195924) (published on 12/23/2015); of Sutter et alFabrication of three dimensional objects with multiple operating modes(PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/140886) (published on 9/2016); J. of Desimone et alMethods and apparatus for continuous liquid interface production with rotation(PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/007495) (published on 1/14/2016);see alsoJ. U.S. Pat. Nos. 9211678 to Desimone et al and J. Batchelder et alContinuous liquid interface production system with viscosity pump(U.S. patent application publication No. US 2017/0129169) (published 5/11/2017)).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may be a Carbon Inc. M1 or M2 additive manufacturing apparatus, available from Carbon inc. (1089 Mills Way, redwood, 94063, ca, usa).

2. Building panels and window boxes.

Although the present invention is contemplated in a preferred embodiment for a window box for performing CLIP, the present invention is applicable to any bottom-up stereolithography process in which a window may benefit from optical correction, whether the window is formed of a single layer of optically transparent material or multiple layers of optically transparent materials formed of different materials.

In some embodiments, a window box operable to be removably mounted on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus comprises: (a) a circumferential frame; (b) an optically transparent member coupled to the circumferential frame, the optically transparent member having a build surface upon which the object can be produced, and wherein the optically transparent member has at least one variable property therein; and (c) a unique identifier (For exampleNFC tag) or data storage medium (For exampleFlash memory) connected to the circumferential frame. The optically transparent member can comprise a plurality of distinct layers. In some embodiments, the optically transparent member comprises:(i)a rigid or flexible semipermeable or impermeable support member;(ii)semipermeable member on the support member (For exampleImmiscible layer on fluoropolymer part) or support part(s) (For exampleHydrogels);(iii)polymerization inhibitor in the semipermeable member (when present) ((Example (b) Such asOxygen);(iii)optionally, but preferably, a cushioning member between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member; and(v)optionally, but preferably, a supply space between the impermeable support member and the semipermeable member: (For exampleSupply channel(s) ((Example (b) Such asIn or on the buffer member), the supply space being configured for additional polymerization inhibitor(s) ((s)For exampleOxygen) is supplied to the semipermeable member.

Examples of windows that may be used to implement the present invention include, but are not limited to, the examples described in:

U.S. patent No. 9498920 to j, DeSimone, a, Ermoshkin, and e, Samulski; U.S. patent No. 9360757 to j.desimone, a. Ermoshkin, n. Ermoshkin and e.samulski; and U.S. patent No.9205601 to j. DeSimone, a. Ermoshkin, n. Ermoshkin and e. Samulski;

J. US patent application publication No. US 2016/0046075 to DeSimone, a. Ermoshkin et al; U.S. patent application publication No. US 2016/0193786 to moore, a. Ermoshkin et al; D. U.S. patent application publication No. US 2016/0200052 to Moore, j.tumbleston et al; and U.S. patent application publication No. US 2016/0288376 to Sun and Lichkus;

D. PCT patent application publication No. 2016/123499 to Moore, j. Tumbleston et al; D. PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/123506 to Moore, j.tumbleston et al; J. PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/149097 to Tumbleston, e, Samulski et al; J. PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/149014 to Tumbleston, e, Samulski et al; PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/172783 to r, Fortier and d, Castanon; PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/172788 to r, Fortier and d, Castanon; PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/172804 to r, Fortier and d, Castanon; PCT patent application publication No. WO 2016/172805 to r, Fortier and d, Castanon; and PCT patent application publication No. WO 2015/164234 to l, Robeson, e, Samulski et al; and other patent documents (the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

3. Example apparatus and methods.

Examples of devices that may be used to implement the present invention are given in fig. 1-2. In each case, the apparatus comprises a light engine 11 operatively associated with a removable window box 12, together with a (typically also removable) carrier platform 13 on a drive assembly 14. All of these components are operatively associated with the chassis 16. A controller 15, which may be included "on-board" on the chassis, or separately, is operatively associated with the drive assembly and the light engine. The window box is typically fitted to the equipment frame by means of a joint or alignment assembly 17.

The window box 12 typically includes an optically transparent window 12a (which may be composed of multiple layers as described above) and a window frame 12 b. The device engagement assembly 17 is configured to releasably secure the window frame 12b in an aligned configuration with the light engine 11.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the controller is operatively associated with a window unique identifier (or "tag") reader 22, the window unique identifier (or "tag") reader 22 being positioned on the device in a configuration to read from a window unique identifier (or "tag") 21 connected to the window box 12. The reader is operatively associated with the controller 12, which controller 12 is in turn configured to transmit the unique identifier to a database (such as cloud database 23) via the internet and receive cassette-specific optical correction instructions from the database so that appropriate corrections can be made locally, as discussed below.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the window box further comprises a window data storage medium 21 'and the device comprises a medium coupler 22'. The storage medium includes cartridge-specific optical correction instructions. When secured to the device, the storage medium is coupled to the coupler 22 ', the coupler 22 ' is in turn operatively associated with the controller 15, and the coupler 22 ' is in turn configured to download and receive cartridge-specific optical correction instructions so that appropriate corrections can be made locally, as discussed below.

1-2, it will be appreciated that any of a number of different architectures may be employed. The controller may be: a general purpose computer dedicated to or onboard a particular device; a local general purpose computer operatively associated with a group of machines via a local area network (or metropolitan area network); a remote general-purpose computer operatively associated with the machine via a wide area network or an internet connection; and combinations thereof (e.g., organized in a client-server architecture and/or a distributed architecture). Likewise, the data storage devices or memories may be located in separate (volatile and/or non-volatile) memory devices, in separate sections of a single memory device, etc. (including combinations thereof) located locally or remotely (either locally or remotelyFor exampleRemote spare memory, in addition to local memory). The peripheral device for data input and display may beAny of a number of ways known in the art including typical keyboard inputs, video displays and printing devices, and graphical user interfaces (such as touch pads, touch screens, etc., including smart phone touch screens).

A first set of example window optical properties, for which optical correction instructions may be generated, are given in fig. 3a-3d and relate to window height. In the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the window heighthSubstantially uniform across the window box. For this case, window-specific instructions may not be needed unless the height is greater or less than expected (as compared to an average or "standard" window). If the height is less than expected (and therefore the window is closer to the light engine than expected), the magnification of the projected light image may be increased. If the height is greater than expected, the magnification of the projected light image may be increased.

In the embodiment of fig. 3b, the window height in the peripheral areah ¹ Height of window in central areah ² Lower and for those different areas correction instructions as described in connection with fig. 3a are needed.

In the embodiment of fig. 3c, the window height varies across the window due to tilt in the window, and for regions with different heights, correction instructions as described above are required.

In the embodiment of fig. 3d, the window height varies across the window due to irregularities in the window frame, and for window regions thus having different heights, correction instructions as described above are required.

It is noted that although two heights are given in fig. 3b-3d (for which corresponding correction instructions may be given), the heights are as in the embodiment of fig. 4ah ¹ 、h ² 、h ³ 、h ⁴ 、h ⁵ As indicated, there may be three, four, five or more different height regions. Here, the correction instructions may include a reduced magnification for projected light images of window regions further away from the light engine or for regions closer to the light guideIncreased magnification of the region of the engine.

FIG. 4b schematically shows a window with a plurality of discrete regions having a smaller light transmission relative to the surrounding area of the window ((Namely, it isDefective), and, fig. 4c shows a window with a slavet ¹ By passingt ² 、t ³ Tot ⁴ A progressive gradient of the reduced light transmission. Also, the correction instructions may include increased light intensity for regions having smaller light transmittance.

Figure 4d schematically shows a window with regions that distort the optical image. Here, the correction instructions may comprise the corresponding or complementary distortions of the projected image as follows: the distortion maps to the distorted region(s) so that the image arriving at the build region through the distorted region(s) is correct.

Fig. 4e schematically shows a window with the following regions: the areas are blemished or distorted such that any projected image through those areas will still cause unacceptable defects within the object produced in those areas (at least within the tolerances specified for the particular object produced). Here, the correction instructions may merely define an exclusion region on which the object is not produced, or through which light is not projected, with an image for the produced object being projected elsewhere on the window (e.g., in the case of multiple objects being produced simultaneously, the multiple objects may be automatically arranged by the controller in a manner that does not project with the exclusion region).

When the window is for a polymerization inhibitor (For exampleOxygen), and the variable property is permeability, particularly reduced permeability, to the inhibitor. For example, when the transmissibility (in discrete regions of the window, in a gradient across the window, or in the entirety of the window) is less than expected (For exampleAs compared to a previous window, an average of previous windows, or an actual or arbitrary standard window), then the intensity of light projected from the light engine may be reduced, the speed of production (as performed by the drive assembly) may be reduced, or a combination thereof. If in some areasAn exclusion zone may be formed (as described above in connection with fig. 4 e) if the permeability is too low to feasibly produce an object therein.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.