Vibration-Based Identification of 3D Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying 3D-printed objects are limited by requiring dense structures, specific materials like translucent materials, and the need for openings in the object, restricting their applicability to objects with low filling rates, opaque, or metallic materials.
Innovation Solution
An identification device that generates and detects vibrations within the object using a vibration generator and detector, analyzing the frequency characteristics to identify the object based on stored feature quantities, allowing for identification regardless of filling rate, material type, or structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light reflectivity method is used to identify 3D-printed objects, then identification can be achieved, but the object must be printed with dense structure and translucent material which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system (light reflectivity) with a mechanical vibration system. Instead of using light to identify objects, the invention uses vibration generators to excite the object and vibration detectors to measure its resonant frequencies. This substitution allows identification of opaque and metallic materials that cannot be detected by light-based methods, thereby improving material compatibility while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for identification from optical properties (light reflectivity) to mechanical properties (vibration frequency). By measuring the resonant frequencies and mode shapes of the object under vibration, the system can identify objects regardless of their optical characteristics, enabling identification of translucent, opaque, and metallic materials with equal effectiveness.
2Loss of information
If air pocket method is used for identification, then information can be embedded, but portions other than air pockets must have dense structure which cannot be applied to low filling rate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the structural modification approach (creating air pockets) with a dynamic measurement approach (vibration analysis). Instead of modifying the object's structure to embed information through air pockets, the system uses vibration generators and detectors to measure the object's natural resonant frequencies and mode shapes, which inherently contain identification information. This eliminates the need for dense structures or air pockets, allowing application to low filling rate objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the object to identify itself through its own vibration characteristics. The object's structure, material properties, and geometry naturally determine its resonant frequencies and mode shapes when excited by vibration. This self-identification capability eliminates the need for external information embedding structures like air pockets, allowing the method to work with any filling rate or structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sound vibrancy method is used, then information can be identified using air pockets, but at least two openings must be provided which restricts object structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic resonance method requiring sound waves to pass through air pockets with direct mechanical vibration of the solid structure. Instead of using openings and air cavities to create resonant acoustic modes, the system applies mechanical vibration directly to the object and measures its structural resonant frequencies and mode shapes. This substitution eliminates the need for openings or complex internal air pocket structures, simplifying the object design while maintaining identification capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate identification of three-dimensional objects with integrated structures, including those made from opaque or metallic materials, without the need for openings, using acoustic spectrums and resonance characteristics, improving identification accuracy and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generation unit that generates, by a vibration generator, first vibrations to be provided to a three-dimensional object to be identified
Implementation Method 2
an acquisition unit that acquires, from a vibration detector, a detection signal corresponding to a second vibration that has propagated inside the three-dimensional object
Implementation Method 3
a feature quantity generation unit that generates a feature quantity indicating a frequency characteristic of the second vibration, based on the acquired detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
An identification device according to one embodiment includes a vibration generation unit that generates, by a vibration generator, first vibrations to be provided to a three-dimensional object to be identified having an integrated structure; an acquisition unit that acquires, from a vibration detector, a detection signal corresponding to a second vibration that has propagated inside the three-dimensional object among the first vibrations provided to the three-dimensional object; a feature quantity generation unit that generates a feature quantity indicating a frequency characteristic of the second vibration, based on the acquired detection signal; and an identification unit that identifies the three-dimensional object to be identified, based on a feature quantity stored in a storage device in which the feature quantity indicating a frequency characteristic based on a vibration that has propagated inside a previously identified three-dimensional object is stored and on the feature quantity generated by the feature quantity generation unit.