3D Printing Control Unit for Encrypted Object Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additively manufacturing apparatuses for three-dimensional objects allow third-party manufacturers or users to access and view secret details of the objects being manufactured, compromising their secrecy during and after the process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a control unit that generates and decrypts encrypted object data, using an encryption structure to conceal secret geometrical details, and restricts access to unauthorized personnel, ensuring only authorized users can access and view the manufacturing process and completed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If third-party manufacturers provide apparatus for additive manufacturing to users, then productivity and service capability are improved, but secrecy of object details deteriorates because manufacturers and other users can view manufactured objects and access manufacturing data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing system into isolated workstations, each dedicated to a single user. This physical segmentation prevents users from accessing each other's manufactured objects and data, while still allowing the service provider to operate multiple workstations simultaneously, maintaining productivity without compromising secrecy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that verifies user identities and grants access rights. This intermediary layer ensures that only authorized users can access their own manufactured objects and data, preventing unauthorized viewing while maintaining the service model.
2Ease of operation
If multiple users share the same additive manufacturing apparatus, then ease of operation and resource utilization are improved, but manufacturing precision and data security deteriorate due to unauthorized access to object data and process parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shared apparatus into multiple isolated workstations, each with dedicated control systems and software interfaces. This segmentation allows multiple users to operate simultaneously with full resource utilization, while each user's data and manufacturing parameters remain secure and inaccessible to others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by providing each user with a customized software interface and control system tailored to their specific needs and authentication credentials. This ensures that each user experiences optimal ease of operation for their specific applications while maintaining data security through localized access controls.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains the secrecy of three-dimensional object details by encrypting data and using an encryption structure, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring only authorized personnel can view or access the manufacturing process and completed objects, thus protecting intellectual property.
Implementation Method 1
selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source... irradiation with an energy source, such as an energy beam, e.g. a laser beam or an electron beam
Implementation Method 2
laser beam or an electron beam... selective laser sintering apparatus, a selective laser melting apparatus
Implementation Method 3
electron beam... selective electron beam melting apparatus
Implementation Method 4
irradiated with a suitable energy source, e.g. a UV light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source (4), wherein a control unit (6) is provided that is adapted to receive or generate encrypted object data relating to at least one three-dimensional object (2) to be built in a, in particular additive, manufacturing process performed on the apparatus (1), wherein the or a control unit (6) is adapted to decrypt the encrypted object data for performing the additive manufacturing process