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Posted by: Jim on: 10/16/2012 01:48 PM
Applied for in 2008 and granted on 10/9/2012, the patent lays out a process that every 3D printing machine would have to connect to a central database to make certain it had the right to print the requested design. Much like you currently attach your Kindle to see if you have the right to read an e-book. This would in theory protect current company designs from being hacked / pirated for home use. Then a company - Lets say Rovio - could licence you a printed at home version of Angry Birds toys, without fear of you releasing that file to every kid on the block.
Here's the meat of the patent.
"A method for secure manufacturing to control object production rights, the method comprising: identifying at least one object data file configured to produce an object by a manufacturing machine; confirming that an authorization code is associated with the object data file, the authorization code configured to be received by the manufacturing machine, the manufacturing machine adapted to receive the authorization code; and enabling the manufacturing machine to interface with the object data file only if the authorization code meets one or more predetermined conditions, wherein the manufacturing machine is configured for at least one or more of additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, extrusion manufacturing, melting manufacturing, solidification manufacturing, ejection manufacturing, die casting, or a stamping process."
Some are contending this could end the 3D printing explosion, but that is unlikely. DRM hasn't killed the software, book, movie or music industries and id likely wont harm the printing industry either. There is nothing to stop people from releasing Open Source items or designs. Nor, designing your own items and requiring them registered. It may actually give incentive and courage to larger companies to come market with items which could advance the pace of the whole industry.
It is interesting how broad the patent is:
"The computer program product of claim 26 wherein the one or more instructions for identifying at least one object data file configured to produce an object by a manufacturing machine includes: one or more instructions for identifying the at least one object data file, wherein the object data file is configured to produce the object via attaching, printing, painting, engraving and/or tattooing by the manufacturing machine.
Tattooing? Really? Didn't see that one coming, but stranger things have happened. I'm just saying that I'm not going to be the first to stick my arm in that machine.
You can read the full patent here:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,286,236.PN.&OS=PN/8,286,236&RS=PN/8,286,236
What's your thoughts?
Here's the meat of the patent.
"A method for secure manufacturing to control object production rights, the method comprising: identifying at least one object data file configured to produce an object by a manufacturing machine; confirming that an authorization code is associated with the object data file, the authorization code configured to be received by the manufacturing machine, the manufacturing machine adapted to receive the authorization code; and enabling the manufacturing machine to interface with the object data file only if the authorization code meets one or more predetermined conditions, wherein the manufacturing machine is configured for at least one or more of additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, extrusion manufacturing, melting manufacturing, solidification manufacturing, ejection manufacturing, die casting, or a stamping process."
Some are contending this could end the 3D printing explosion, but that is unlikely. DRM hasn't killed the software, book, movie or music industries and id likely wont harm the printing industry either. There is nothing to stop people from releasing Open Source items or designs. Nor, designing your own items and requiring them registered. It may actually give incentive and courage to larger companies to come market with items which could advance the pace of the whole industry.
It is interesting how broad the patent is:
"The computer program product of claim 26 wherein the one or more instructions for identifying at least one object data file configured to produce an object by a manufacturing machine includes: one or more instructions for identifying the at least one object data file, wherein the object data file is configured to produce the object via attaching, printing, painting, engraving and/or tattooing by the manufacturing machine.
Tattooing? Really? Didn't see that one coming, but stranger things have happened. I'm just saying that I'm not going to be the first to stick my arm in that machine.
You can read the full patent here:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,286,236.PN.&OS=PN/8,286,236&RS=PN/8,286,236
What's your thoughts?