3D Printed Object Identification via Layer Feature Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively embed identification information into three-dimensional solid objects that is hardly removable and allows identification of the shaping unit that created the object.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that generates shaping data to create a three-dimensionally shaped pattern with varying feature quantities in layer regions, allowing the identification information to be embedded within the object, which is then integrated into a second solid object using third shaping data, enabling the shaping unit to be identified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If identification information is embedded into the three-dimensional solid object, then traceability and identification of the shaping unit is enabled, but the complexity of the shaping data generation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification information is segmented into multiple layer regions of the three-dimensional solid object. Each layer region contains portions of the identification information, and the combination of all layer regions reconstructs the complete identification data, enabling traceability while managing complexity through distributed storage
Solution Approach 2:
The identification information is nested within the structural layers of the three-dimensional solid object itself. The pattern is embedded in the layer regions as varying feature quantities, allowing the object to contain identification data without requiring separate external tagging systems
2Reliability
If a three-dimensionally shaped pattern with varying feature quantities is created, then identification information is embedded in the object, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different layer regions are assigned different feature quantities (such as varying heights, densities, or material compositions) to encode identification information. Each local region has specific quality characteristics that contribute to the overall identification pattern, allowing embedding while accommodating manufacturing tolerances through local variations
3Reliability
If the first solid object representing identification information is integrated into the second solid object, then the identification is embedded within the shaping target, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first solid object containing identification information is merged with the second solid object (shaping target) to create a unified third solid object. The shaping data combines both the identification pattern and the target object geometry, enabling integrated production in a single shaping process rather than separate operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first generator, a second generator, and a shaping controller. The first generator generates first shaping data for shaping a first solid object that represents identification information for a shaping unit for shaping a solid object, in the form of a three-dimensionally shaped pattern in which a plurality of layer regions are stacked and at least adjacent ones of the layer regions differ from each other in feature quantities. The second generator generates third shaping data that includes second shaping data for shaping a second solid object serving as a shaping target and also includes the first shaping data, and that is used for shaping a third solid object in which the first solid object is arranged in the second solid object. The shaping controller controls the shaping unit to shape the third solid object using the third shaping data.