3D Printing Position Code for Rapid Information Code Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for embedding information codes within 3D-modeled objects make it difficult for external devices to quickly locate the embedded structure, requiring complete scanning of the object, which is inefficient, especially for larger objects.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing apparatus and method that incorporates an information code former to embed an information code and a position code former to indicate the information code's location, allowing external devices to easily detect and read the information code without scanning the entire object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an information code is embedded inside a 3D-modeled object without a position code, then the object contains identification information, but external devices cannot quickly locate the information code and must scan the entire object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation code detectabilityVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the identification system into two separate components: an information code embedded inside the object and a position code formed on the surface. This segmentation allows external devices to first quickly locate the position code on the surface and then efficiently access the information code at the indicated location, avoiding the need to scan the entire object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position code acts as an intermediary element between the external device and the embedded information code. It provides a visible indicator on the object surface that guides external devices to the precise location of the hidden information code, enabling quick access without exhaustive scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless communication tag is embedded in an object, then automatic recognition is enabled, but the tag requires encryption, is prone to damage, and may not fit in small objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition capabilityVSAvoidtag durability and security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a physical wireless communication tag that is vulnerable to damage and requires encryption, the patent creates a structural copy or representation of identification information by forming an information code within the object's material structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate tags and their associated security and durability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the information code is formed using different materials or structures, then it can be detected by external devices, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation code detectabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the information code formation process with the existing additive manufacturing process. The information code is embedded within the object during the same manufacturing operation, using the same modeling material and apparatus, thereby avoiding the need for separate detection or post-processing steps and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3132919B1Three-dimensional fabricated object manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3132919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3132919B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3132919B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A three-dimensional fabricated object manufacturing apparatus (1) provided with a fabrication block (20), an information code-forming block (30) and a position code-forming block (40). The fabrication block (20) sequentially stacks fabrication material layer by layer. The information code-forming block (30) forms an information code in which information for identifying the three-dimensional fabricated object is encoded inside the three-dimensional fabricated object that is fabricated by the fabrication block (20). The position code-forming block (40) forms a position code in which information representing the information code formation position in the three-dimensional fabricated object is encoded inside or on the surface of the three-dimensional fabricated object.