Starter Module for 3D Printing IP Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated fabrication devices (AFDs) face challenges in intellectual property protection and user capability limitations, leading to underutilization, as users often lack the skills and resources for setup and fabrication instruction management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a 'starter' module with a build platform, initial object, scaffolding, tag, and feedstock material, which includes encrypted fabrication instructions stored in starter memory, allowing AFDs to operate independently with reduced network dependency and enhanced security through cryptographic keys retrieved from the feedstock material or a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fabrication instructions are distributed without control to users, then user accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but intellectual property protection and manufacturing control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides fabrication instructions into multiple encrypted segments and distributes them across different feedstock materials. Each segment alone is insufficient to reconstruct the complete object, ensuring that even if some segments are accessed unauthorizedly, the full intellectual property remains protected. This segmentation allows broad distribution while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption layer between the fabrication instructions and the automated fabrication device. The instructions are encrypted using cryptographic keys that are separate from the instructions themselves, acting as a mediator that controls access. This allows the instructions to be distributed widely while the intermediary encryption mechanism maintains intellectual property protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are provided with complete fabrication capabilities, then manufacturing versatility is improved, but setup complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-encrypting fabrication instructions and embedding cryptographic keys within the feedstock materials before they reach the user. The automated fabrication device is pre-configured with decryption capabilities. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex setup procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedstock materials are designed to be self-contained with embedded cryptographic keys and encrypted instructions. When loaded into the automated fabrication device, they automatically initiate the decryption and fabrication process without requiring external setup or configuration by the user. This self-service approach simplifies operation while providing complete fabrication capabilities.
3Reliability
If cryptographic keys are stored in starter memory, then security and intellectual property protection are improved, but loss of time occurs during key retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cryptographic keys with the feedstock materials themselves, embedding them within the physical structure of the material. This combination ensures that the keys are securely protected within the starter assembly, maintaining high security. The keys are integrated into the material flow, allowing automatic retrieval during the fabrication process without requiring separate retrieval operations, thus minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A starter may be used to facilitate fabrication of objects from an automated fabrication device, such as a 3-D printer. In one implementation, the starter may include a starter memory storing encrypted fabrication instructions and feedstock material that encodes the cryptographic key suitable for decrypting the encrypted fabrication instructions. The cryptographic key is accessed and used to generate decrypted fabrication instructions from the encrypted fabrication instructions. Subsequent fabrication consumes or changes the feedstock material such that the data stored thereon is destroyed or otherwise inaccessible.