3D Printer Steganography for Object Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for authenticating 3D-printed objects are inadequate, as they can be easily copied, leading to potential counterfeiting issues due to their obvious nature, which compromises the integrity of designs and violates intellectual property rights.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that embeds printer identification information within 3D printed objects by analyzing print files to identify candidate regions and inserting computer-executable code, allowing for the encoding of printer identification information in a way that is not structurally compromising, such as through steganographic patterns or barcodes, using single or multi-material 3D printing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional authentication methods (seals, watermarks, holograms, surface bar codes) are used on 3D printed objects, then authentication capability is provided, but these methods are obvious and can be copied along with the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds authentication information (bar codes, data matrices, or steganographic patterns) within the internal structure of the 3D printed object rather than placing them on the surface. This nesting approach ensures that the authentication markers are hidden inside the object and cannot be easily copied, as they require breaking into the object to access and replicate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates unique authentication patterns that are generated specifically for each object during the printing process. These patterns are embedded in a way that makes copying difficult, as the authentication information is tied to the specific object's internal structure rather than being a separate surface element that can be replicated
2Reliability
If authentication information is embedded in 3D printed objects, then counterfeiting is prevented, but the embedding process may compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds authentication information in localized regions within the 3D printed object that are selected to minimize impact on structural integrity. The embedding process targets specific areas where the authentication markers can be placed without compromising the overall strength or functional properties of the object
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the printing process to embed authentication information. By modifying printing parameters such as layer height, infill patterns, or material deposition in specific regions, the authentication markers are created as part of the normal printing process without requiring additional structural modifications that would weaken the object
3Loss of information
If printer identification information is embedded in 3D printed objects, then printing source can be identified, but the embedding process increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically analyzing the 3D model file to identify suitable embedding regions and generating the authentication patterns without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously determines where to place the markers and what patterns to use, reducing the complexity burden on the manufacturer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the 3D model file before printing to identify optimal regions for embedding authentication information. This pre-processing step automatically determines the best locations and patterns, so the actual printing process only needs to execute the pre-planned embedding without complex real-time decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
When printing 3D objects a print file to be executed by a 3D printer to generate a 3D object is analyzed to identify candidate regions for insertion of printer ID information that identifies the printer printing the 3D object. Code describing the printer identification information is inserted into the print file at appropriate locations to cause the 3D printer to print one or more structures representing the printer identification information in one or more identified candidate regions. The printer identification information is printed by omitting or replacing one or more voxels in the printed object. Structures representing the printer identification information may include, e.g., barcodes, glyphs, alphanumeric sequences, etc. The printer identification information may include, e.g., a printer serial number and/or time stamp, manufacturer copyright and/or trademark information, etc.