Draping 2D patterns onto 3D surfaces

We describe a simple new CAD operator that allows draping of given 2D patterns onto the surface of a 3D mold. The 2D pattern is any closed, connected polygon or a polygonal approximation of a shape bounded by curves. The mold is typically described in terms of any standard surface representation scheme, such as NURBS or B-Splines. The draping is achieved by mapping skeletal lines on the 2D pattern onto corresponding geodesic curves on the 3D surface. If the mold surface is developable, our method gives a draping with zero distortion. A useful application in the CAD of footwear is demonstrated as a motivation for this work. A simple software program has been implemented to test the operator, and examples are provided to demonstrate its use

Surface deformation under area constraints

Shape deformation is an important problem in CAD. In this paper, we look at the problem of modification of a given surface such that its surface area is changed by a user-specified amount. A differential geometric approach is adopted, and a non-linear constrained optimization formulation is proposed. A numerical technique for solving this problem is developed. The approach has been implemented as a prototype program, and some simple examples are presented. © 2009 CAD Solutions, LLC

Characterisation of MCP-7s- material for use as a beta extremity dosemeter

LiF:Mg,Cu,P phosphors (commercially designated as MCP-N) are very sensitive thermoluminescent detectors and are considered by many laboratories to hold great promise for low level radiation monitoring. It is their high efficiency relative to TLDs based on LiF:Mg,Ti which make MCP-N particularly attractive for low dose measurements. The currently investigated detector material made of LiF:Mg,Cu,P bears the code name MCP-7s and has a very thin active layer and consequently an improved response to low energy beta radiation. Detailed studies have been carried out to characterise MCP-7s detectors in terms of glow curve, beta and gamma response, reusability, batch homogeneity and fading. Based on the positive outcome of these investigations, the dosimetry service at PSI plans to replace the TL material LiF:Mg,Ti presently used for extremity dosimetry with MCP-7

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a critical analysis of its impact on urinary continence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over 90% of all prostate cancer patients are diagnosed at a stage when the disease is organ-confined and potentially curable. Currently, more than 60% of all prostate cancer surgeries in the USA are performed using the robotic approach. We review the current literature evaluating the technical advances to optimize continence recovery following robotic prostatectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies suggest that the several technical nuances during robotic prostatectomy can result in earlier continence recovery in patients without compromising the oncologic outcome. The key is in delicate handling of tissues, reducing trauma, preserving support structures, and restoring postoperative anatomy as close as possible to preoperative anatomy. There should also be standardization in assessment of continence recovery. SUMMARY: Much progress has been achieved in elucidating the anatomic, physiologic, and neural basis of the male continence mechanism, resulting in novel adaptations of the conventional approach to radical prostatectomy with the aim of preserving continence and accelerating its return. Various principles for augmenting continence return have been proposed which have been evaluated in series of open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Going forward, we foresee a paradigm shift from individual techniques toward a unified approach of interwoven principles aimed at preserving and augmenting the functional and innervative anatomy of the continence mechanism