3D Model Printability Control via Reversible Facet Modifications

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to protect the monetary interests of 3D model creators by preventing unauthorized printing of their models, as providing actual 3D model files allows users to download and print without payment, while maintaining an appealing 'What You See Is What You Get' (WYSIWYG) display experience for potential customers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that modify a 3D model to render it unprintable initially, with reversible transformations that break printability rules, allowing restoration to a printable state only upon fulfillment of specific requirements, such as payment, using a key that identifies and reverses the transformations applied to specific facets of the model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the actual 3D model file is provided to enable WYSIWYG display, then the viewing experience is improved, but the model becomes printable without payment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing experience qualityVSAvoidprintability control

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary modifications to the 3D model file before providing it to users, transforming it into an unprintable state while preserving display quality. The model is modified with imperceptible changes that break printability rules, and this modified version is provided upfront for viewing and purchasing decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes specific parameters of the 3D model file, such as facet definitions, vertex coordinates, or mesh topology, in ways that are imperceptible during visual display but render the model unprintable. These parameter modifications allow the model to maintain its visual appearance while becoming incompatible with 3D printing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the 3D model is modified to render it unprintable, then payment protection is improved, but the model file structure is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment protectionVSAvoidmodel file structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies modifications to specific local regions or facets of the 3D model rather than altering the entire structure uniformly. By targeting specific facets, vertices, or mesh elements for modification, the system minimizes structural changes while achieving the unprintable state, preserving the overall model integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If transformations are applied to facets to break printability rules, then unauthorized printing is prevented, but the appearance may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized printing preventionVSAvoidmodel appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies transformations analogous to color changes in visual media - imperceptible modifications to facet properties, coordinates, or definitions that do not affect visual appearance when rendered but do affect printability. These changes are below the threshold of human perception during display but sufficient to break 3D printing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9457518B2Method and apparatus for controlling printability of a 3-dimensional model

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 ADOBE INC

AI summary

A computer implemented method and apparatus for controlling printability of a 3D model. The method comprises modifying a 3D model according to a plurality of transformation details, wherein the transformation details modify the 3D model so as to break one or more printability rules, and wherein modifying does not alter an appearance of the 3D model.