3D Printed Objects with Embedded RFID Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread use of 3D printers has made it difficult to prevent unauthorized copying of 3D objects, as digital files can be easily shared or scanned to reproduce identical copies, compromising the uniqueness and authenticity of collectibles and limited-edition items.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a unique identifier, such as a passive RFID tag, into the digital file used for 3D printing, which is embedded within the object's inner volume, allowing verification of authenticity through external sensors and a central database, ensuring that each printed item is recognized as original or part of a limited run.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a 3D object is printed with standard 3D printing technology, then the object can be easily reproduced by sharing digital files or scanning, but the ability to prevent unauthorized copying is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification element from the external surface and embeds it within the interior volume of the 3D object. This internal embedding makes the ID element inaccessible to external scanning techniques, thereby preventing unauthorized copying while maintaining the ease of 3D printing manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The identification element is nested within the interior volume of the 3D object, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting approach allows the ID element to be contained within the object itself, making it impossible to scan from the outside and reproduce through standard 3D printing processes
2Reliability
If an identification element is embedded within the inner volume of the 3D object, then unauthorized copying is limited, but the complexity of verifying authenticity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the embedded ID element and communicate with a database to verify authenticity. The system provides feedback to users about whether the object is genuine, simplifying the verification process despite the embedded complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and a database as intermediary components between the embedded ID element and the user. These intermediaries handle the complexity of verification automatically, allowing users to simply scan or approach the object for authentication without understanding the underlying complex systems
3Reliability
If the ID element is made inaccessible to external scanning, then copying is prevented, but the ability to verify authenticity externally becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or visual inspection methods with sensor-based detection systems. Sensors can detect the embedded ID element through the object material without requiring physical access or disassembly, making verification as easy as the copying prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a three dimensional (3D) printer to limit unauthorized copying and provide authentication of 3D objects printed from authorized models fabricated on 3D printers. The method includes providing a digital file defining a 3D model of an object to the 3D printer. The 3D model includes a model of an identification (ID) element. The method includes processing the digital file to define print layers of the 3D model, and a number of the print layers include layers of the model of the ID element. The method involves operating the 3D printer to print the layers to form a 3D object with an integrally formed ID element. The ID element is embedded within object elements of the 3D object. The integrally formed ID element may be a radio frequency ID (RFID) tag providing identification data when read by an RFID reader scanning the 3D object.