[comp.graphics] When was 'Nesting Unfolded 3D geometrics' first mentioned?

zeev@cybvax0.UUCP (Zeev Mehler) (01/07/88)

I'm looking for any infomation about systems that existed before 1981
which integrated the concept of nesting 2D outlines generated from 3D
design data. Nesting is a process of organizing outlines for space
efficiency and is primarily used in plate cutting systems.

While nesting programs existed before 1981 as did 3D geometric design,
a company is claiming patents on the concept of combining both ideas.
The emphasis of the patents is not on the process of unfolding the 3D
part into its 2D elements, rather it is stricly on the concept of
dimensioning 2D elements by refering to a 3D part as a guideline, and
then automatically nesting the results.

Any help in refuting this claim would be greatly appreciated.
Please reply by E-mail. Thanks in advance.

				Ze'ev Mehler
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			Ze'ev Mehler
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