RTP-based Raindrop Geomagic has received
two $100,00 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grants from the National
Science Foundation 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 computer aided design (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.
Raindrop Geomagic's other SBIR grant addresses the ability to align multiple scans from partial point
cloud data. The company 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. 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.
Raindrop Geomagic is a CED member.