CAD Files Research Articles

A revolutionary approach to automate labelling of CAD files

Abstract This innovation represents a significant advancement in enhancing processing efficiency when dealing with engineering drawings. Traditionally, the review of customer drawings needs to be executed by experienced experts before manufacture. The identification and labelling of key features were reliant on human intervention for subsequent Design for Manufacturability (DFM) or G-code programming. However, the previous method not only consumed valuable time but also introduced the potential for human errors. In this context, we introduce a high-efficiency technology for recognizing engineering drawings, automatically labelling key features, and converting unstructured data into structured data. It is noteworthy that this technology distinguishes itself from traditional methods, such as R-CNN or similar neural network approaches and differs from pre-labeled engineering drawings reliant on experts manually inputting keywords for dimensions or layers. This work is a vital step towards the realization of intelligent manufacturing. For instance, our customers can now review engineering drawings online and receive immediate feedback. This online interaction is facilitated by processing structured data, a direct output of this presented technology, with other specific modules. Furthermore, the structured data seamlessly integrates into subsequent manufacturing procedures, including notifying the supply chain, generating 3D drawings, and CNC programming. In conclusion, this technology showcases its significance in advancing our vision of intelligent manufacturing at ZY Corp.

RoboMan: An Adult-Sized Humanoid Robot with Enhanced Performance, Inherent Stability, and Two-Stage Balance Control to Facilitate Research on Humanoids

Creating an adult-sized humanoid robot with stable walking capabilities is a major challenge in robotics. While many renowned research groups focus on robots for perilous work environments and precision tasks, our approach simplifies balance control, making it accessible to robotics research groups and educational institutes. This facilitates the development of complex functionalities such as vision and object manipulation for adult-sized humanoids. This research article introduces RoboMan II, an advanced version of RoboMan I, which won the most prestigious award in all humanoid robot leagues at RoboCup 2016 due to its exceptional performance in walking and playing soccer. RoboMan II features significant improvements in performance, inherent stability, recovery after falls, and balance control. To facilitate its development, RoboMan II is lighter and incorporates a modified foot and parallel structure for its leg to boost its inherent stability, along with a two-stage balance control system for Immediate Response and Gradual Adaptation, enhancing its adaptability in various environments. Our simulation results demonstrate that RoboMan II’s walking stability on flat surfaces improved significantly in the face of minor perturbations, with the number of steps within the stable region increasing from 24%, with only the immediate controller to 58% when both controllers were used. Similar improvements were observed on inclined surfaces. Additionally, the 3D CAD files for all of the robot parts are released as open source in conjunction with this paper to facilitate reproduction and further innovation. The forthcoming RoboMan III will incorporate custom servo motors for increased speed, torque, and enhanced fall recovery, preventing disengagement of the gear box after a fall. It promises to be an invaluable asset for research and practical applications in humanoid robotics.

A Proposed Non-Intrusive System for the Verification of Sensitive Nuclear Material

One of the primary challenges in negotiating treaties related to the control of Nuclear Materials (NM) is the verification process, particularly when dealing with sensitive information. Normally, in this process, the inspector utilizes a suitable measuring system to verify the declared information. The difficulty may arise whenever sensitive information related to the NM should not be released to an inspector. Simultaneously, the NM owner (operator) should remain unaware of the measuring system employed by the inspector to prevent any probable manipulation. To address this issue, a neutral third party is assumed to act as an intermediary, who matches the data declared by the operator with the results obtained by the inspector, without exchanging any information between them. In this work, a Non-Intrusive System (NIS) is proposed and tested to play this role. The system receives data and information from both the operator and the inspector in the form of CAD or Monte Carlo (MC) input files, in addition to the results of measurements performed by the inspector. Then the system performs calculations and combines the results of these calculations with the inspector's measurement result to estimate the mass of the NM. The only information automatically conveyed to the inspector is the final conclusion regarding whether the declared and the estimated masses of NM are matched or not. The proposed NIS concept is tested using samples of NMs, and the results are presented.

FMB: A functional manipulation benchmark for generalizable robotic learning

In this paper, we propose a real-world benchmark for studying robotic learning in the context of functional manipulation: a robot needs to accomplish complex long-horizon behaviors by composing individual manipulation skills in functionally relevant ways. The core design principles of our Functional Manipulation Benchmark (FMB) emphasize a harmonious balance between complexity and accessibility. Tasks are deliberately scoped to be narrow, ensuring that models and datasets of manageable scale can be utilized effectively to track progress. Simultaneously, they are diverse enough to pose a significant generalization challenge. Furthermore, the benchmark is designed to be easily replicable, encompassing all essential hardware and software components. To achieve this goal, FMB consists of a variety of 3D-printed objects designed for easy and accurate replication by other researchers. The objects are procedurally generated, providing a principled framework to study generalization in a controlled fashion. We focus on fundamental manipulation skills, including grasping, repositioning, and a range of assembly behaviors. The FMB can be used to evaluate methods for acquiring individual skills, as well as methods for effectively combining and ordering such skills in order to solve complex, multi-stage manipulation tasks. We also offer an imitation learning framework that includes a suite of policies trained to solve the proposed tasks. This enables researchers to utilize our tasks as a versatile toolkit for examining various parts of the pipeline. For example, researchers could propose a better design for a grasping controller and evaluate it in combination with our baseline reorientation and assembly policies as part of a pipeline for solving multi-stage tasks. Our dataset, object CAD files, code, and evaluation videos can be found on our project website: https://functional-manipulation-benchmark.github.io .

Integration of extended reality and CAE in the context of industry 4.0

ABSTRACT Simulation plays a major role in the development of new products and is considered one of the nine technological pillars of Industry 4.0. By encapsulating a plethora of digital tools, simulation has transitioned towards what is known as Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), which further enables engineers to validate the design and ensure product performance. The development of cutting-edge digital technologies, such as Extended Reality (XR), has also gained attention aiming at the facilitation of human-machine interface (HMI) and the creation of communication channels for improved remote collaboration. The contribution of this study lies in the design and development of a cloud-based framework for the integration of CAE tools with Mixed Reality (MR), specifically, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), focusing on industrial refrigeration systems design and editing applications. Furthermore, the developed solution provides augmented 3D visualizations overlaid on the existing installations. The proposed framework supports the virtual co-existence of engineers during the design phase, thus enabling collaboration and mentoring between experienced and young engineers. Additionally, it can be realized as a Cloud platform, which supports the distribution of several services such as storage of CAD files, simulation results, and the XR application for the setup and visualization of simulation results.

Data-driven visual model development and 3D visual analytics framework for underground mining

Data visualisation is broadly utilised to aid in presenting complex information, facilitating decision-making, and enhancing operational efficiency in the mining sector. However, due to the extensive utilisation of CAD files and the complexity and difficulty of converting 2D drawings into 3D models, it is challenging to realise (near) real-time 3D data visualisation in mining applications. The difficulties are including site drawing complexity, lack of standardisation, time-consuming cleaning, and imperative manual intervention. This paper addresses these challenges by focusing on an automatic, data-driven approach for 3D visual model development in mining, with an emphasis on lifetime support and sustainability. Therefore, we introduce standardised visual model data diagram and proposed conversion workflows to leverage digitised 2D drawings in automatic 3D visual model development. Moreover, to improve visualisation efficiency and facilitate visual analytics construction in mining, this paper also proposes a 3D tile index methodology for efficient visual model reconstruction and generic production data integration. To ensure lifetime support and sustainable development in visualisation, we propose two model expansion schemes: one based on dxf file-driven model development, and the other one is interaction-oriented 3D model design and development, which the two schemes share the same data exchange and conversion workflows. Furthermore, to facilitate data fusion among various datasets, we also provide insights into revealing spatial–temporal patterns among multimodality data by real-time visualisation. These advancements aim to propel the field of underground mining visualisation, offering significant insights into enhancing the efficiency and safety of mining operations.

Mesh Optimisation for General 3D Printed Objects with Cusp-Height Triangulation Approach

3D printing (3DP) is increasingly utilized to achieve quick turnaround on various geometric designs and prototypes, being the growing part of additive manufacturing technology (AMT). The 3DP technique effectively improves the production of complex models in terms of low-cost, time-consuming production, and with less material volume. The key to results optimisation with 3DP is the preparation of the geometry. The following techniques can effectively reduce the required time of the 3D printing process for complex and non-linear CAD files. The fused deposition modelling/fabrication (FDM/FFF) techniques become the first choice in many applications, including biomedical ones. Still, some obstacles exist in the geometry roughness and quality zones. This paper proposes an optimisation method for 3D printed shapes used in biomedical devices and instrumentation by minimising the support structure attached to the model using the FDM technique. In this research, we proposed a method for dynamic compensation against gravity-affected parts extended from the main object’s geometry using a forward planar learning (FPL) algorithm to minimise cusp height in 3D printed objects. After the slicing stage, the outcomes proved to be of good quality, optimised the object’s surfaces, and minimised the printing time by 32%–38%. The proposed method is promising in defining a better setting for slicing and toolpath for FDM 3D printing. However, this method was not tested on other 3DP methods (Stereolithography (SLA), Selective laser sintering (SLS), and Digital Light Processing (DLP)), as more verification efforts need to be done on these 3D printing processes.

Comparative Analysis of Internal Tapered Implant-Abutment Connections: Evaluating the Morse Effect.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the Morse effect of different internal tapered implant-abutment connections (ITCs) using a pullout test. Implants with different ITCs were selected: Short (Bicon, USA), G1; Novo Colosso (Medens, Brazil), G2; Epkut (SIN, Brazil), G3; Strong SW (SIN, Brazil), G4; Flash (Conexão, Brazil), G5 and Bone Level (Straumann, Switzerland), G6. The respective computer-aided design (CAD) files were loaded into the analysis software to measure each ITC's taper angle and implant-abutment contact area. Six implants from each group were embedded in acrylic resin blocks, and the respective universal abutments were fixed using a mallet (G1) or by applying 20 Ncm of torque (G2 to G6). After 10 minutes, each abutment's retention screw was removed, and the force necessary for abutment rupture was recorded using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Spearman's correlation was used to check the correlation of the taper angle and contacting area with the pullout strength. G1, a no-screw abutment with a 3° taper, and G2, a 10° tapered abutment tightened by 20 Ncm, presented the highest pullout strength (P < .05). The increased taper angle of G4, compared to G3, reduced the Morse effect despite their similar implant-abutment contacting areas (P < .05). The G5 and G6 abutments loosened after screw removal and did not exhibit pullout resistance. The closer the tapered angle (r = -.958) and the higher the implant-abutment contact area (r = .880), the higher the pullout strength (P < .001). Within the limits of this study, the Morse effect is different among tapered implant-abutment connections. The closer the tapered angle and the higher the interface area, the higher the Morse effect between the abutment and the implant.

Preamplification-free viral RNA diagnostics with single-nucleotide resolution using MARVE, an origami paper-based colorimetric nucleic acid test.

The evolution and mutation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are urgent concerns as they pose the risk of vaccine failure and increased viral transmission. However, affordable and scalable tools allowing rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants are not readily available, which impedes diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance. Here we present a colorimetric nucleic acid assay named MARVE (multiplexed, preamplification-free, single-nucleotide-resolved viral evolution) that is convenient to perform and yields single-nucleotide resolution. The assay integrates nucleic acid strand displacement reactions with enzymatic amplification to colorimetrically sense viral RNA using a metal ion-incorporated DNA probe (TEprobe). We provide detailed guidelines to design TEprobes for discriminating single-nucleotide variations in viral RNAs, and to fabricate a test paper for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Compared with other nucleic acid assays, our assay is preamplification-free, single-nucleotide-resolvable and results are visible via a color change. Besides, it is smartphone readable, multiplexed, quick and cheap ($0.30 per test). The protocol takes ~2 h to complete, from the design and preparation of the DNA probes and test papers (~1 h) to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 or its variants (30-45 min). The design of the TEprobes requires basic knowledge of molecular biology and familiarity with NUPACK or the Python programming language. The fabrication of the origami papers requires access to a wax printer using the CAD and PDF files provided or requires users to be familiar with AutoCAD to design new origami papers. The protocol is also applicable for designing assays to detect other pathogens and their variants.

Advantages of stereolithographic 3D printing in the fabrication of the Affiblot device for dot-blot assays

In stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printing, objects are constructed by exposing layers of photocurable resin to UV light. It is a highly user-friendly fabrication method that opens a possibility for technology sharing through CAD file online libraries. Here, we present a prototyping procedure of a microfluidics-enhanced dot-blot device (Affiblot) designed for simple and inexpensive screening of affinity molecule characteristics (antibodies, oligonucleotides, cell receptors, etc.). The incorporation of microfluidic features makes sample processing user-friendly, less time-consuming, and less laborious, all performed completely on-device, distinguishing it from other dot-blot devices. Initially, the Affiblot device was fabricated using CNC machining, which required significant investment in manual post-processing and resulted in low reproducibility. Utilization of SLA 3D printing reduced the amount of manual post-processing, which significantly streamlined the prototyping process. Moreover, it enabled the fabrication of previously impossible features, including internal fluidic channels. While 3D printing of sub-millimeter microchannels usually requires custom-built printers, we were able to fabricate microfluidic features on a readily available commercial printer. Open microchannels in the size range 200–300 μm could be fabricated with reliable repeatability and sealed with a replaceable foil. Economic aspects of device fabrication are also discussed.Graphical abstract

Direct Writing of Mesoscale Circuits using Subsonic Cold Spray

Abstract This article reports on work at the Center for Thermal Spray Research over the past 25 years to develop and commercialize a new technology for digital printing of mesoscale circuits directly from a CAD file onto plates, cylinders, and complex 3D components and structures. With the evolution of cold spray technology and new powder materials, as well as advancements in control and robotics, innovative thermal spray applications are on the horizon.

Generalized particle domain method: An extension of material point method generates particles from the CAD files

SummaryIn this paper, a generalized particle domain method (GPDM) is proposed and developed within the framework of the convected particle domain interpolation method. This new method generates particles directly from non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS)‐based CAD file of a continuum body. The particle domain corresponds to a NURBS element even for trimmed elements of solids with complex geometries. The shape functions and the gradient of shape functions are evaluated using NURBS basis functions to map material properties between particles and grid nodes. It approves that this proposed GPDM can track the domain of particles accurately and avoid the issue of cell‐crossing instability. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the high performance of this proposed new particle domain method. It is shown that the results obtained using the proposed GPDM are consistent with the experimental data reported in the literature. Further development of the generalized particle domain method can provide a link to the material point method and isogeometric analysis.

Enabling the design of surgical instruments for under-resourced patients through metal additive manufacturing: ulnar shortening osteotomy as an example

BackgroundUlnar shortening osteotomy (USO) has demonstrated good outcomes for patients with ulnar impaction syndrome. To minimize complications such as non-union, precise osteotomy and firm fixation are warranted. Despite various ulnar shortening systems have been developed, current technology does not meet all needs. A considerable portion of patients could not afford those designated USO systems. To tackle this challenge, our team reported successful results in standardized free-hand predrilled USO technique. However, it is still technical demanding and requires sufficient experience and confidence to excel. Therefore, our team designed an ulnar shortening system based on our free-hand technique principle, using metal additive manufacturing technology. The goal of this study is to describe the development process and report the performance of the system.MethodsUtilizing metal additive manufacturing technology, our team developed an ulnar shortening system that requires minimal exposure, facilitates precise cutting, and allows for the easy placement of a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate, available to patients at zero out-of-pocket cost. For performance testing, two surgeons with different levels of experience in ulnar shortening procedures were included: one fellow-trained hand and wrist surgeon and one senior resident. They performed ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) using both the free-hand technique and the USO system-assisted technique on ulna sawbones, repeating each method three times. The recorded parameters included time-to-complete-osteotomy, total procedure time, chip diameter, shortening length, maximum residual gap, and deviation angle.ResultsFor the hand and wrist fellow, with the USO system, the time-to-complete osteotomy was significantly reduced. (468.7 ± 63.6 to 260.0 ± 5 s, p < 0.05). Despite the preop goal was shortening 3 mm, the average shortening length was significantly larger in the free-hand group (5 ± 0.1; 3.2 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.05). Both maximum residual gap and deviation angle reported no statistical difference between the two techniques for the hand surgeon. As for the senior resident, the maximum residual gap was significantly reduced, using the USO system (2.9 ± 0.8; 0.4 ± 0.4 mm, p = 0.02). Between two surgeons, significant larger maximum residual gap and deviation angle were noted on the senior resident doctor, in the free-hand technique group, but not in the USO system group.ConclusionThe developed USO system may serve as a valuable tool, aiding in reliable and precise cutting as well as fixation for patients undergoing ulnar shortening osteotomy with a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate, even for less experienced surgeons. The entire process, from concept generation and sketching to creating the CAD file and final production, serves as a translatable reference for other surgical scenarios.

Calculation method for novel upright CT scanner isodose curves.

A computational method based on Monte-Carlo calculations is presented and used to calculate isodose curves for a new upright and tilting CT scanner useful for radiation protection purposes. The TOPAS code platform with imported CAD files for key components was used to construct a calculation space for the scanner. A sphere of water acts as the patient would by creating scatter out of the bore. Maximum intensity dose maps are calculated for various possible tilt angles to make sure radiation protection for site planning uses the maximum possible dose everywhere. The resulting maximum intensity isodose lines are more rounded than ones for just a single tilt angle and so closer to isotropic. These maximum intensity curves are closer to the isotropic assumption used in CTDI or DLP based methods of site planning and radiation protection. The isodose lines are similar to those of a standard CT scanner, just tilted upwards. There is more metal above the beam that lessens the dose above versus below isocenter. Aside from the orientation, this upright scanner is very similar to a typical CT scanner, and nothing different for shielding needs to be done for this new upright tilting CT scanner, because an isotropic scatter source is often assumed for any CT scanner.

Accelerating the shooting and bouncing ray based electromagnetic scattering calculations via CPU and GPU Implementations: Application to PREDICS tool

In this paper, we present the parallel computation of physical electromagnetic (EM) solvers, namely physical optics (PO), shooting and bouncing rays (SBR), and the physical theory of diffraction (PTD), which are used for EM scattering/diffraction calculations. The accelerated solvers have been tested on CPU and GPU kernels for significantly faster calculation times. As an application, the developed implementation is employed to recently developed tool of PREDICS that uses combined techniques PO, SBR, and PTD for the calculation of EM scattering/diffraction and radar cross section (RCS) from electrically large, complex objects. First, the CPU parallelization of these three combined techniques on the PREDICS code is explained. The parallelization implementation is specially tailored for the nature of SBR technique such that the CPU iteration loop is accomplished over triangular facets of the CAD file by employing a read/write spin lock task dispatching technique. Next, a lock-free implementation of the PO, SBR, and PTD techniques on the GPU threads is presented. Thanks to availability of many GPU cores, the parallelization procedure is widened such that triangular facets, observation angles of elevation and azimuth are used for a much faster calculation set-up. Numerical examples for the EM/RCS calculation of simple canonical and electrically big, complex objects are shared to demonstrate the effectiveness, accuracy and the computational acceleration based on the multi-CPU and multi-GPU implementations. The key metric of the contribution of the study is the speed-up value of the implementations. The acceleration gained via multi-CPU realization yielded directly in parallel with the number of available CPU cores. On the other hand, the acceleration factor can reach to hundreds when multi-GPUs are used. In fact, the acceleration factor has reached to 4.7 for a machine with 4 Core 8 Thread CPU processor, and 141.3 for a 2560 CUDA GPU Core system.

Optimization of Topology and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Hollow and Thin-Walled Structures via Integration of Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) as one of 3D printing technique allow for the layer-by-layer construction of objects from a CAD file using a variety of different materials. The process has become quicker and more versatile as a result of technological innovation. In this study, the Taguchi method and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were integrated to examine the mechanical performance and topology optimisation of polylactic acid (PLA) 3D printed hollow and thin-walled structures by FDM. The results showed that the optimized factors for the 3D printed part were identified as topology design (hexagonal), wall thickness (2 mm), layer height (0.2 mm), infill density (20%), infill layer thickness (0.6 mm), infill flow (80%), infill pattern (Triangle), print speed (100 mm/s), printing temperature (210°C), bed temperature (65°C), and orientation direction (flat along the Y-axis). The compression properties of the 3D printed part particularly for maximum force, maximum stress and compression modulus were improved by 15.42%, 66.62% and 68.61% respectively after the optimization.

Determining the mechanical characteristics of some tensile specimens, depending on the material and the printing position

3D printing is finding more and more applications in the industrial field and represents a modern additive manufacturing process based on a digital model. There are a number of advantages of additive manufacturing through 3D printing compared to classic manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing through 3D printing allows material savings compared to classic manufacturing processes. Material consumption is punctual according to the project, without unnecessary losses and excess material. Through additive manufacturing, the design can be optimized in the sense that rapid changes can be made to the prototype in the CAD file. Also, through additive manufacturing through 3D printing, the principle of sustainability is promoted. We can say that additive manufacturing through 3D printing ensures rapid prototyping, which leads to the development of new products, shortens the design and manufacturing cycle, improves the quality and precision of models, eliminates costly mistakes, and optimizes the way of collaboration between engineers, marketing departments and sales and management team. In addition to these advantages, it must be seen if the 3D printed elements can replace the elements manufactured by classical methods in terms of mechanical resistance. In this sense, an investigation of some mechanical properties of some samples manufactured by 3D printing from various types of materials is required. The samples will be subjected to tension and bending. In this paper, only the tensile tests of some specimens, obtained by 3D printing in three positions: horizontal, vertical and in height, using three categories of printing filaments of the type: ABS+, PETG, PLA+, are presented. They have been made 5 samples for each material and printing direction, resulting in a total of 45 samples. The samples made from the three categories of material and in the three printing positions were subjected to tension until breaking. The formulas that were the basis of the tests are presented and graphs are drawn that represent the average characteristic curves of the samples for each category of material and printing guidelines.

Investigation of Polylactic Acid 3D Printed Hollow and Thin-Walled Structures through Topology and Mechanical Properties Optimization Using Integration of Taguchi Method and Principal Component Analysis

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a spectrum of techniques that enables the fabrication of objects from diverse materials, layer-by-layer, and directly from a CAD file. With the advancement of technology, the procedure has grown more adaptable and swifter. In this study, the mechanical performance and topology optimization of the polylactic acid (PLA) 3D printed hollow and thin-walled structures produced by FDM was investigated via integration of Taguchi method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Eleven factors namely topology design (square), wall thickness (1 mm), layer height (0.3 mm), infill density (20%), infill layer thickness (0.6 mm), infill flow (80%), infill pattern (Octet), print speed (80 mm/s), printing temperature (210°C), bed temperature (65°C), and orientation direction (flat along the y-axis) were identified as the optimal factors for the 3D printed part. The integration approach concurrently solves the problem in particular for numerous quality criteria, especially in 3D printing. Integrating the Taguchi method with PCA can help to improve the quality of the final product or process, and enhance the understanding of the underlying relationships between variables.

(140) What Spatulation Angle Most Optimally Increases Anastomosis Circumference While Maintaining The Flap Length: Width Ratio To &amp;lt; 2:1? Three-Dimensional Modelling Applications for Surgical Spatulation for Urologic Reconstruction

Abstract Introduction Spatulation is a surgical technique used to anastomose tubular structures in urology, including the urethra, ureter, and in transgender surgery, the neovaginal canal-end to a peritoneal pouch. This is critical in restoring normal function with a water-tight repair, and reducing the risk of stricture-formation secondary to post-operative scarring at the site of repair within a tubular structure. Considerations such as the optimization of the length-to-width ratio of the spatulated tube to &amp;lt;2:1 have been described as a means of ensuring adequate blood supply to the distal-most spatulated end, however, no studies to date have evaluated the optimal angle of spatulation to achieve this. We used CAD models to 3-D print tubular structures that would maintain their internal measurements as we conducted our analysis to ascertain the optimal angles of spatulation. (Figure 1a) Objective 1) To ascertain the optimal angle of spatulation using 3-D tubular structures maintain a 2:1 ratio of length to width for consideration during operative repair of tubular structures. Methods Three-dimensional CAD files of hollow, tubular structures were designed and printed with an internal circumference of 110mm. Each of the four models were then cut at 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° to represent each of the different incision angles (Figure 1b). The inner circumferences and added length of each of the resulting flaps were measured on each CAD models. Using this information, the optimal angle of spatulation was calculated using geometric and mathematical analysis. We used the accepted convention of the 2:1 length to width ratio to ensure sufficient perfusion to the distal-most point of the flap as the limit when calculating the optimal angle of spatulation. Results The inner circumferences and added length is shown in Figure 1c. Overall, as expected, increasing the angle of spatulation from 30° to 75° increased the circumference of the anastomotic site and decreased the risk of stricture-formation post-operatively. It was noted that as the angle of spatulation increases, the inner circumference and the length of the resulting flap both increase exponentially. The angle of spatulation corresponding to the widely accepted criterion of 2:1 for the Length-to-Width ratio is 63.4°. Conclusions Our findings show that as the angle of spatulation increases, the circumference of the spatulation site increases. However, a competing limit to increasing spatulation-angle is that the spatulated ends become increasingly narrow and far from the source of the blood vessels, which compromises the blood supply to the distal tip-ends. To help ensure adequate perfusion of the spatulated limbs, it is desirable to maintain a Length-to-Width ratio of &amp;lt;2:1. Our work finds that the maximum spatulation angle that maintains Length-to-Width at &amp;lt;2:1 is 63.4 degrees. Disclosure No.

Synthetic Training Data in AI-Driven Quality Inspection: The Significance of Camera, Lighting, and Noise Parameters.

Industrial-quality inspections, particularly those leveraging AI, require significant amounts of training data. In fields like injection molding, producing a multitude of defective parts for such data poses environmental and financial challenges. Synthetic training data emerge as a potential solution to address these concerns. Although the creation of realistic synthetic 2D images from 3D models of injection-molded parts involves numerous rendering parameters, the current literature on the generation and application of synthetic data in industrial-quality inspection scarcely addresses the impact of these parameters on AI efficacy. In this study, we delve into some of these key parameters, such as camera position, lighting, and computational noise, to gauge their effect on AI performance. By utilizing Blender software, we procedurally introduced the "flash" defect on a 3D model sourced from a CAD file of an injection-molded part. Subsequently, with Blender's Cycles rendering engine, we produced datasets for each parameter variation. These datasets were then used to train a pre-trained EfficientNet-V2 for the binary classification of the "flash" defect. Our results indicate that while noise is less critical, using a range of noise levels in training can benefit model adaptability and efficiency. Variability in camera positioning and lighting conditions was found to be more significant, enhancing model performance even when real-world conditions mirror the controlled synthetic environment. These findings suggest that incorporating diverse lighting and camera dynamics is beneficial for AI applications, regardless of the consistency in real-world operational settings.