Path planning in the Proteus rapid prototyping system

Presents algorithms for determining the paths employed by the Proteus rapid prototyping system when building three-dimensional parts. Proteus is a fused deposition modeling system that extrudes a thermoplastic in beads through a nozzle. Determines within each layer of the layered manufacturing process, the material deposition paths as well as the regions where local structures are required to support these paths. Computes the paths with the goal of reducing the amount of supports needed to build the physical prototype of the part by taking advantage of the two novel manufacturing techniques of shelving and bridging that had been developed previously. The path planning algorithms presented are designed to utilize the above techniques and address the variety of conditions that appear in practice allowing the Proteus system to "build in air".