Three dimensional (3D) printed objects with embedded identification (ID) elements

Number: 9656428
Published: 2017-05-23
Filed: 2014-09-09
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Voris; Jeffrey, Christen; Benjamin Foster, Alted; Jorge, Crawford; David W.
CPC: B33Y50/02; B29C64/386
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

A 3D printer method that embeds identification elements into printed objects to authenticate authorized models and limit unauthorized copying.

Abstract

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.

Background

The increased availability and widespread use of 3D printers has generated a number of new problems. For example, 3D printed objects are very easy to reproduce or copy... A collectable manufactured for sale to collectors as collectables is often more valued by their owners when they have a proven authenticity as coming from a particular source or are part of a limited run. For example, a collector may seek out a figurine of a character from a live or animated film when they can readily verify that the figurine (or 3D object) is one of a limited run produced by a particular company.

Claims

1. A method of operating a three dimensional (3D) printer to print an object that is difficult to copy, comprising: providing a digital file defining a 3D model of an object to the 3D printer, wherein the 3D model includes a model of an identification (ID) element and wherein the ID element is positioned at a predefined location in the 3D model; processing the digital file to define a plurality of print layers of the 3D model...; and operating the 3D printer to sequentially print the print layers to form a 3D object with an integrally formed ID element... 9. A printed 3D object adapted to be difficult to copy, comprising: an outer shell comprising a plurality of print layers formed using a first print material; an interior portion providing infill of a void space within the outer shell; and an ID element integrally formed with the interior portion... 16. A method of validating authenticity of printed 3D objects, comprising: receiving a validation query, from a user device, comprising ID data for a printed 3D object...; searching ID records of a database for a match to the ID data...; and when the ID data is matched..., generating a response... that includes a validation of the printed 3D object as an authentic printed object.