NSF Awards Raindrop Geomagic Two Small Business Research Innovation Grants.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2003

Research Centers on Solving Important Problems in Computer-Aided

Geometric Modeling and Multiple Scan Alignment

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Raindrop Geomagic two $100,000 SBIR Phase I grants to research new techniques for computer-aided geometric modeling and multiple scan alignment.

The computer-aided geometric modeling research focuses on functional decomposition, a new method for creating a CAD surface structure from polygon models. Results from the research are expected to increase surface quality and reduce design time for automotive, aerospace and consumer product industries.

"We think the research will help reach the ultimate goal in geometric design based on 3D scanning: efficiently reconstructing high-quality CAD models that reflect design intent in form and function," says Dr. Tamas Varady, Raindrop Geomagic's chief technology officer.

The other grant addresses a key issue in 3D data capture: the ability to align multiple scans from partial point cloud data. Led by Dr. Yates Fletcher, Raindrop Geomagic is researching new ways of detecting and quantifying "slippability" - a common problem encountered when there are no features to stop two pieces of scan data from gliding over one other. Accurate alignment is the first step in creating a high-quality digital representation of an as-built part.

"Our research has tremendous potential for providing more intelligent information to automate and speed the alignment process," says Fletcher.

Over the last month, Raindrop Geomagic has received three NSF grants for innovative research in capturing a physical object and transforming it into a digital model ready for manufacturing. According to Ping Fu, president and CEO of Raindrop Geomagic, her company's work is light years ahead of what some know as reverse engineering.

"There is nothing reverse about this process," says Fu. "It is forward-looking technology that follows digitizing in 1D (signal processing) and 2D (image processing). Computing power and new sensor technology is now powerful enough to extend to 3D (geometry processing) and to handle the demanding jobs of rapid design, custom manufacturing on demand, engineering analysis, digital inventory of legacy parts, and other manufacturing processes. We are grateful to NSF for supporting our technical team and recognizing the vast commercial potential of this research."

About Raindrop Geomagic

Raindrop Geomagic (www.geomagic.com) provides patented software that transforms physical products into accurate digital models, enabling closed-loop processes for design, engineering, mass customization and quality assurance. More than 2,000 users worldwide turn to Raindrop Geomagic to provide the technology for customizing products, automating processes, and increasing throughput.