Remote 3D Manufacturing Without Exposing Object Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote manufacturing systems for 3D objects face security challenges as 3D object data can be intercepted and copied during transmission to 3D printers, allowing for unauthorized duplication and redistribution.
Innovation Solution
A secure manufacturing system comprising a mechanical processing machine, a security module, and a system server, where the system server converts 3D object data into machine instructions that are transmitted to the security module, which then directs the mechanical processing machine to manufacture the 3D object without receiving the 3D object data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 3D object data is transmitted to the 3D printer for manufacturing, then the user can produce the 3D object, but the 3D object data can be intercepted and copied by the user or others for unauthorized purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 3D object data from the transmission path to the 3D printer. Instead of sending the original 3D object data to the printer, the system converts it into machine instructions that contain only the necessary manufacturing commands without the actual design data, thereby removing the security vulnerability while preserving manufacturing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms 3D object data into machine instructions. This intermediary step acts as a barrier that prevents direct access to the original 3D object data while still enabling the printer to execute the manufacturing process through the converted instructions
2Reliability
If the marketplace limits purchasing to manufacturing instances without 3D object data, then unauthorized duplication is reduced, but the user cannot access the 3D object data for legitimate uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D object data into two distinct components: the original 3D object data retained by the content creator for future updates and modifications, and the converted machine instructions provided to the user for manufacturing. This segmentation allows the user to have sufficient access for production while the creator maintains control over the source data
3Reliability
If the system converts 3D object data to machine instructions, then security is improved by preventing data interception, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service conversion mechanism where the system automatically converts 3D object data to machine instructions through an integrated process. The conversion happens seamlessly within the existing manufacturing workflow without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing system for securely and remotely manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) object can include the mechanical processing machine, a security module, and a system server. The mechanical processing machine can be configured to manufacture the 3D object. The security module can be configured to transmit the machine instructions to the mechanical processing machine. The system server can include a processor, a memory, and a marketplace subsystem. The memory can have a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium with processer-executable instructions stored thereon. The marketplace can include a content creator module and a user module. The content creator module can be configured to receive and store at least one of 3D object data, interfacing settings, the machine instructions, and combinations thereof. The mechanical processing machine does not receive the 3D object data.