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Digital Shape Sampling and Processing (DSSP)
by Tom Waits
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Digital Shape Sampling and Processing (DSSP) is a means to leverage dimensional information stored in the everyday items that surround us. Touted as "The Shape of Things to Come"*, DSSP is an emerging technology that can significantly impact design, manufacturing and documentation.
All the physical objects that surround us share one thing in common, they all have shape. Whether a book, a basketball or a ballet dancer, all things store dimensional information that can be collected and utilized. DSSP is the use of 3D Laser Scanners and sophisticated software to capture the information stored in shapes and to convert that information into formats useable by a variety of disciplines such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Generated Imaging (CGI).
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DSSP and CAD/CAM (collective CAD and CAM) are key ingredients of Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Manufacturing, Reverse Engineering and Adaptive Machining. They can also be leveraged for Quality Control (QC) and Legacy Documentation.
Back in the 1960's, selling copiers (copy machines) was an arduous task that required sales people to go door-to-door and convince businesses that they needed more than just carbon-paper and a strong typewriter. Today, it's hard to find a business that doesn't rely on copiers in their day-to-day operations.
Just as today, when most businesses can't function efficiently without copiers, Reverse Austin believes that, in the not too distant future, many businesses won't be able to stay competitive without DDSP. The companies that leverage the design information already available will have distinct advantages over those that constantly reinvent the wheel.
* Ping Fu http://www.geomagic.com/en/about_us/media/articles/dssppart1.php
Tom Waits, founder of Reverse Austin, has worked in the manufacturing, quality control and mechanical design industries in Central Texas for over 30 years. He is an accomplished CNC programmer, computer programmer and mechanical designer.
Tom holds 7 patents, has been involved in 2 successful Medical Device company startups and has experience in areas ranging from oilfield tooling to heart valves. If you have an interest in DSSP, email Tom at tom@reverseaustin.com.
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