WO2018140021A1

WO2018140021A1 - Disposition of printed 3d objects

Info

Publication number: WO2018140021A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/015086
Authority: WO
Inventors: William E. Hertling; Melanie Robertson; Mike Whitmarsh
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2017-01-26
Filing date: 2017-01-26
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-26

Abstract

A system and method for disposing of a printed 3D object, including an analyzer to determine the identity of the printed 3D object, an imaging device to capture an image of the printed 3D object, a communication manager to provide the identity and image to a right-to-print licensing system, and an object disposal device to implement disposal of the printed 3D object.

Description

DISPOSITION OF PRINTED 3D OBJECTS BACKGROUND

[0001] Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), may produce a 3D object. In particular, the 3D printing or AM may add successive layers of material under computer control to produce the 3D object. The AM may rely on digital model data from a 3D model to generate the 3D object. The printed 3D objects may be different shapes and geometries.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Certain examples are described in the following detailed description and in reference to the drawings, in which:

[0003] Fig. 1 A is a block diagram of a disposer system to dispose of a printed three-dimensional (3D) object, such as a defective printed 3D object, in accordance with examples of the present techniques;

[0004] Fig. 1 B is a block diagram of an example of a disposer system to dispose of a printed 3D object, such as a printed 3D object having a defect, in accordance with examples of the present techniques;

[0005] Fig. 2 is a block flow diagram of a method for disposing of a printed 3D object in accordance with examples of the present techniques;

[0006] Fig. 3 is a block flow diagram of a method for disposing of a printed 3D object in accordance with examples of the present techniques; and

[0007] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a medium containing code to execute disposition of a printed 3D object in accordance with examples of the present techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Techniques for the disposition or secure disposition of a printed three- dimensional (3D) object are described herein. The printed 3D object may have a defect. As discussed, below, a disposer system for disposal of printed 3D objects may include an analyzer (e.g., a reader), an imaging device, a communication manager, and an object disposal device. The analyzer may determine the identity of the printed 3D object. The imaging device may capture an image of the printed 3D object. The communication manager may provide the identity and image of the printed 3D object to a right-to-print licensing service. The object disposal device may remove or destroy the printed 3D object.

[0009] In the field of secure 3D printing, physical objects are printed when a right- to-print license is obtained. If an object fails to be successfully manufactured (e.g., manufactured with the object having a defect) because of errors during printing or post-production finishing, a response may be to note the failure, release the license, and remanufacture the object. To automate and safeguard this process, disposition (e.g., secure disposition) of the failed object (e.g., having a defect) may be implemented. For example, a disposer system may receive the physical object and an analyzer may scan the object for a mark or identifier (ID). Various technologies, such as quick response (QR) codes, quantum dots, topographical encoding, or other image marking technologies, can be used. After the ID has been scanned, in certain examples, an imaging device may photograph the object, an object disposal device may partially or fully destroy or demolish the object, or otherwise render the object unusable or undesirable, and a communication manager may convey the ID, photograph, and record of destruction to a right-to-print licensing/digital rights management (DRM) system. The licensing/DRM system may release the previously reserved right-to-print license and provide an auditable trail for the destruction of the object.

[0010] Some approaches to 3D printing are not secure and may be prone to content theft. In contrast, examples herein protect content through DRM and track- and-trace methods, including a right-to-print licensing service. Secure printing may reduce business risk and exposure related to on-demand additive manufacturing, provide for new business models, and result in distributed networks of printers, increasing the demand for and utilization of 3D printers in some examples.

[0011] When an object fails to be successfully manufactured (e.g., when the object is manufactured with a defect), this failure may be indicated to the licensing service, and the right-to-print license may be released, so that additional attempts at fulfillment can legitimately take place. However, the procedures or systems involving release of the license and additional attempts at fulfillment open up the potential for abuse. For instance, a printer operator can claim that print of an object has failed, when the print was successful. Or a manufacturing run may be purposely interrupted such that an object is nearly complete, but is functionally useful, even though the object has not completely finished printing.

[0012] In an open 3D printing system, there may be no right-to-print licensing service. In this case, the disadvantage may be that theft of both digital models and physical objects is easily accomplished. The models can be stolen from any intermediate system or the printer itself. The physical objects can typically be reprinted at any time with as many copies as desired. In such an environment, properly accounting for these objects can reduce abuse and improve security.

[0013] A prior solution is a 3D printing system based on a right-to-print license. In this system, content is protected, but determining when content needs to be legitimately reprinted can be difficult, such as when production of an object fails mid- print or during post-processing. In this case, it can be difficult for the operator to legitimately reprint the part. Alternatively, the operator can be given the ability to manually release the license and reprint the part, but this opens up the potential for theft, because the operator can claim the object failed when the object did not fail.

[0014] Examples of the secure disposal techniques described herein may be based on a right-to-print licensing service and a serial-number service. With a right- to-print licensing service, each order for an object may be accompanied by a license to print a specified number of the object. The license may be granted to a particular organization that has one or more 3D printers. At the time a 3D printer receives the command to print a model, the 3D printer may reserve the right-to-print license from the licensing service and may be given the license ID and may be informed of the quantity to be printed. The licensing service may mark the right-to-print license as reserved for the given quantity and allocated to the specific printer. When the printer finishes printing the object, the license may be redeemed for the given quantity. Further printing of the object is generally not permissible without reserving another license. The process of reserving a license may also involve the exchange of encryption keys and other encrypted data according to a protocol that enables printing.

[0015] In certain examples, a serial-number service may provide each printed 3D object with a unique identifier. The identifier may by encoded using hidden or visible image marking technologies that can include QR codes, bar codes, quantum dots, radio frequency identification (RFID), topography encoding, steganography techniques, and combinations thereof. In such a system, every object printed has a unique ID or uniform resource identifier (URI). The unique information specific to an object is detected and interpreted by a reader. The reader may be a combination of hardware and software, such as an RFID reader or a mobile phone with a QR code reader. The reader or associated computing device may provide the unique information to a centralized look-up service.

[0016] The right-to-print licensing service and the serial-number service may work in concert. When a license is reserved to print one instance of an object, that object may receive a unique ID and mark from the serial-number service, such that there is a one-to-one correlation between an entry in the serial-number service and an entry in the right-to-print licensing service for a given instance of an object.

[0017] The printing of an object typically involves a 3D printing organization requesting to print an instance of the object. A licensing service may create a right- to-print license and grant the license to the organization. The organization may send the printing request to a printer. The printer may reserve the license and obtain a link to download the encrypted model.

[0018] A serial-number service may allocate a unique ID and mark to the object and apply it to the associated model. The printer may download the model embedded with the unique mark. The printer may print the model including the unique mark. The printer operator may inspect the output of the printer and notice a defect in the printed 3D object.

[0019] Secure disposition of the defective printed 3D object typically involves the operator inserting the object into a secure disposer system. The secure disposer system may have a user interface(s) for an operator to use the disposer system. For example, a door opens and closes allowing the part to be placed within the object disposal device and a button is depressed to begin the secure disposition process.

[0020] The secure disposer system may contain a reader, which detects the unique mark on the printed 3D object. The secure disposer system may have a camera which takes one or more photographs of the object. Via a communication manager, the secure disposer may contact the right-to-print licensing service with the unique ID and photograph(s), and indicate that the printed 3D object will be destroyed.

[0021] The licensing service may either approve the destruction of the object or provide alternative instructions, such as return of the object to its owner. If destruction is approved, the secure disposer system may receive instructions to destroy the printed 3D object. The secure disposer system may destroy the object by mechanical, chemical, or incendiary means, or by a combination thereof.

[0022] Destruction of the printed 3D object may be reported to the licensing service. The licensing service may log information relating to the destruction of the object, thereby creating an audit trail. The licensing service may reallocate the right- to-print license, so that the same or another 3D printer can reserve the license and reprint the object. The secure disposition of a printed 3D object does not have to occur in the order given. Secure disposition may occur in a different order as long as the same objective is achieved.

[0023] The secure object disposal device may be a physical device capable of partially or fully destroying 3D printed objects, or otherwise rendering the objects unusable or undesirable. The type of destruction may vary depending on the nature of the object to be destroyed. For example, nylon objects can be shredded.

However, the destruction of titanium objects may require a type of destruction other than shredding.

[0024] The secure disposer system may include sensors and computing infrastructure to read the unique mark on an object to be destroyed. The computing infrastructure may also enable the secure disposer system to communicate with the centralized serial-number and licensing services via a communication manager.

[0025] The secure disposition process described herein may be easier and more user-friendly to implement than other approaches to a secure print flow that include DRM. The process may also reduce the likelihood of fraud by providing an audit trail that indicates object disposition. Furthermore, the secure disposition process can help increase product quality by providing a photographic record of printing and post- production finishing failures. Moreover, the process may increase customer confidence in 3D printing by providing lifecycle tracking of secure print objects.

[0026] Fig. 1 A is a block diagram of a disposer system 100 to dispose of a printed three-dimensional (3D) object which may have a defect. The disposer system 100 may include an analyzer 102A to determine the identity of the printed 3D object. The identity of the printed 3D object may be determined in a number of different ways. For example, the analyzer 102A may be a reader that reads a unique identifier (ID) on the printed 3D object. The identifier may be encoded on the object via hidden or visible image marking techniques that include barcodes. A barcode is generally a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which the barcode is attached. Another marking technique that may be employed is QR codes. A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode. Information about the item to which the QR code is attached is contained in both horizontal and vertical patterns in the QR code image. The identifier may be encoded using quantum dots, which are very small semiconductor particles. A quantum dot emits light of a specific frequency if electricity or light is applied to the dot. The emitted frequency can be tuned by changing the dot's size, shape, and material of construction.

[0027] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is another technique that may encode identifiers on printed 3D objects. An RFID tag attached to the object, embedded in the object, or printed as part of the object may encode the identifier. The tag contains electronically stored information. A two-way radio transmitter- receiver sends a signal to the tag and reads the tag's response. Topography encoding is yet another technique that can be used to encode identifiers on printed 3D objects. Topography encoding employs the shape and features of the surface of an object to identify the object. Steganography techniques may be used to encode identifiers on printed 3D objects. Steganography is the practice of concealing information. Applied to a printed 3D object, steganography techniques involve hiding an identifier on the printed 3D object. Furthermore, the aforementioned marking techniques can be combined to encode a unique identifier on a printed 3D object.

[0028] Instead of or in addition to reading an ID, the analyzer 102 may be an analytical device or scanner to identify a printed 3D object by sensing or measuring a property (e.g., a unique property) of the printed 3D object. For example, the printed 3D object may have a composition, shape, color, or other physical property (e.g., unique property) that can be sensed and measured, and that distinguishes the printed 3D object from other printed 3D objects. For example, spectroscopy can be used to scan printed 3D objects and obtain a 3D image to detect an embedded mark. The embedded marks may be created by printing with different material so that different wavelengths show up on spectral renderings creating a unique image signature.

[0029] The disposer system 100 may also include an imaging device 1 04 to capture an image of the printed 3D object. The imaging device 104 may be a 2D camera, a 3D camera, a camera array, a scanner, a microscope, or other imaging system. Moreover, the disposer system 100 may include more than one imaging device 1 04 for capturing images of the printed 3D object from different angles. Further, the disposer system 1 00 may have a receiving component, chamber, or platform to receive and position the printed 3D object for identification and imaging. In certain examples, the printed 3D object may be identified and/or imaged within the object disposal device 1 1 2.

[0030] The disposer system 100 may include a computing device 108 to facilitate control of the disposer system 100 and to provide an interface for the disposer system 1 00. In some examples, the computing device 108 has a communication manager 106 to facilitate communication with a right-to-print licensing service 1 10. The computing device 108 and communication manager 106 may receive the identity of the printed 3D object from the analyzer 102 and the image of the printed 3D object from the imaging device 104. The computing device 108 and

communication manager 106 may forward the identity and image to a right-to-print licensing service 1 10. The communication manager 106 may be code stored in memory of the computing device 108 and executed by a processor of the computing device 1 08. In other examples, the computing device 108 may include an

application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or similar component customized as a communication manager 108 to communicate with the licensing service 1 10. The communication manager 108 may also be located on another computing device or system not a component of the disposer system 100.

[0031] In some examples, the right-to-print licensing service 1 10 may be a centralized, RESTful Web service. A representational state transfer (REST) or RESTful Web service provides interoperability between computer systems on the Internet. In particular, as a RESTful Web service, the right-to-print licensing service 1 10 may provide interoperability between the communication manager 106 and the right-to-print licensing service 1 10. This interoperability may facilitate the right-to- print licensing service 1 10 to track the lifecycle of a printed 3D object from issue of a right-to-print license to disposition or disposal.

[0032] The right-to-print licensing service 1 10 may send or provide instructions for the disposition or disposal of the printed 3D object to the disposer system 100 or associated system. The instructions may be sent from the licensing service 1 10 as requested by the disposer system 100 in response to the printed 3D object being defective, out-of-specification, in-specification but having an aesthetic defect (e.g., scratch or dent), or otherwise unacceptable. In some instances, the printed 3D object may be acceptable but the owner of the object may nevertheless desire disposal of the object.

[0033] The disposition or disposal instructions from the licensing service 1 10 may be implemented by an object disposal 1 12 device. The instructions may be standing instructions and/or provided in substantially real time by the licensing service 1 10. The instructions may direct the object disposal device 1 12 to destroy the 3D object or return the 3D object to its owner, or otherwise dispose of the 3D object.

[0034] In some examples, the disposer system 100 and its object disposal device 1 12 destroy or demolish the printed 3D object by mechanical techniques.

Mechanical destruction may involve shredding, splitting, compacting, melting, etc. For example, the disposer system 100 and its object disposal device 1 12 (e.g., a shredder) destroy printed 3D objects (e.g., made of paper or cloth) by shredding the objects, while the object disposal device 1 12 may destroy large printed 3D objects by splitting the objects into smaller pieces, and so on. In other examples, the disposer system 1 00 and its object disposal device 1 12 (e.g., a compactor) destroy printed 3D objects (e.g., made of lower density or loosely bonded material) by compacting. Printed 3D objects made of wax may be destroyed by melting. For example, the object disposal device 1 1 2 may apply heat to the printed 3D object and discharge molten wax.

[0035] The disposer system 100 and its object disposal device 1 12 may employ chemical techniques to destroy printed 3D objects. For example, the object disposal device 1 12 may be a chamber or vessel that receives the printed 3D object and a chemical(s) (e.g., acid, solvent, base, etc.) to destroy or dissolve the printed 3D object. The object disposal system 1 12 may discharge spent chemicals or chemical waste, and so forth.

[0036] Furthermore, the object disposal device 1 1 2 may employ incendiary techniques to destroy printed 3D objects. For example, the object disposal device 1 12 may apply fire or flame to printed 3D objects (e.g., made of wood, paper, or cloth, etc.) to partially or fully destroy or demolish the object, or otherwise render the object unusable or undesirable. The disposer system 100 and object disposal device 1 12 may be configured to destroy printed 3D objects by techniques other than mechanical, chemical, or incendiary. Moreover, printed 3D objects may be destroyed by combinations of mechanical, chemical, and thermal techniques. [0037] The object disposal device 1 12 may have several configurations. For example, the object disposal device 1 12 may be a single or multiple chambers. The analyzer 102 and imaging device 104 may be contained in or associated with such a chamber. Destruction of a printed 3D object may take place in the chamber. In this case, the printed 3D object may be placed inside the destruction chamber or another chamber, where the analyzer 102 determines the identity of the printed 3D object and the imaging device 104 captures an image of the printed 3D object. If the disposition or disposal instructions are to return the printed 3D object to its owner, the object disposal system 1 12 may reject the printed 3D object and remove the printed 3D object from the chamber to provide for sending the object to the owner.

[0038] Alternatively, the disposer system 100 or the object disposal system 1 12 may have a receiving platform or receiving cell in addition to the destruction chamber. When the printed 3D object is placed on the receiving platform, the analyzer 102 may determine the identity of the printed 3D object and the imaging device 1 04 may capture an image of the printed 3D object. The printed 3D object may enter the chamber if the disposal instructions are to destroy the printed 3D object. The printed 3D object may not enter the chamber if the disposal instructions are to return the printed 3D object to its owner. Of course, many other configurations for the disposer system 100 and the object disposal device 1 12 with respect to the positioning and destruction of the printed 3D object are applicable.

[0039] The destruction chamber may be physically secure. For example, the construction of the destruction chamber may be tamper-proof, e.g., the destruction chamber may be welded together instead of screwed. Furthermore, the destruction chamber may have an electronically locking door. These security measures may prevent the printed 3D object from being removed from the destruction chamber after destruction is initiated, but before destruction is complete. Interior cameras that record and transmit the destruction may be another security measure taken to reduce the likelihood of tampering with the destruction process.

[0040] Once disposition or disposal (e.g., destruction or return to owner) of the printed 3D object is complete, the communication manager 106 may report the disposal to the right-to-print licensing service 1 10. The right-to-print licensing service 1 10 may record the disposal, thereby ending the tracking of the lifecycle of the printed 3D object. The right-to-print licensing service 1 10 may also send data for reprinting of the 3D object to the communication manager 106 or to a printing service that is able to obtain right-to-print authorization from the right-to-print licensing service 1 10. As a result, a copy of the 3D object may be printed without the defect.

[0041] The disposer system 100 may be located in a printing facility, or near or adjacent to a printing facility. In some examples, the disposer system 100 is located on the production floor in a 3D printing and post-finishing complex. In a particular example, the disposer system 1 00 may be placed near the last of the post-finishing machines. This placement may facilitate inspection of the 3D object by an operator at the completion of the manufacturing process and thereafter the placement of the printed 3D object in the object disposal device 1 12 if the printed 3D object is defective, for example.

[0042] Fig. 1 B is a block diagram of a disposer system 100 to dispose of a printed three-dimensional (3D) object which may be defective. The disposer system 1 00 may include an analyzer 102, an imaging device 104, a computing device 108 (which may have a communication manager 106), and an object disposal device 1 12, which perform the same or similar functions as their counterparts in Fig. 1 A.

[0043] The computing device 108 may include memory 1 16 that stores instructions executable by a processor 1 14. The processor 1 14 may be more than one processor, and each processor may have more than one core. The processor 1 14 may be a single core processor, a multi-core processor, a computing cluster, or other configurations. The processor 1 14 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor emulated on programmable hardware (e.g. FPGA), or other type of hardware processor. The processor 114 may be implemented as a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor, an x86 Instruction set compatible processor, or other microprocessor or processor.

[0044] The memory 1 16 may be non-volatile memory and/or volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include hard drive(s), solid state drive(s), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., Mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), flash memory, and so forth. The volatile memory may include cache, random access memory (RAM) (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, zero capacitor RAM, SONOS, eDRAM, EDO RAM, DDR RAM, RRAM, PRAM, etc.), and other volatile memory. Other memory systems may be employed. The memory 1 16 can be used to store data and computer- readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1 14, direct the processor 1 14 to perform various operations in accordance with examples described herein. [0045] The memory 1 16 may store the communication manager 106. The communication manager 106 may be stored code (e.g., instructions, logic, etc.) executable by the processor 1 14 to provide the identity and the image of the printed 3D object to a right-to-print licensing service 1 10, request and receive instructions from the right-to-print licensing service 1 1 0 regarding disposition or disposal of the printed 3D object, report to the right-to-print licensing service 1 10 disposal of the printed 3D object, and receive data from the right-to-print licensing service 1 10 for reprinting of the 3D object.

[0046] The memory 1 16 may also store a disposition manager 1 18. The disposition manager 1 18 may be code executable by the processor 1 14 to control the object disposal device 1 12. For example, the disposition manager 1 18 may include code to direct the disposer 1 1 2 to reject and remove the printed 3D object if the standing disposal instruction or the disposal instruction received from the right-to- print licensing service 1 10 is to return the printed 3D object to its owner.

Furthermore, the disposition manager 1 18 may include code to control the parameters of the destruction process if the disposal instruction is to destroy the printed 3D object. The parameters controlled by the disposition manager 1 18 may include such things as the duration of shredding, the type and amount of chemical(s) added, and the temperature of the flame during incineration. Instead of being part of the computing device 108 as shown in Fig. 1 B, the disposition manager 1 18 may be part of the object disposal device 1 12. If this is the case, the object disposal device 1 12 may have its own separate computing device with a processor and memory. The memory may include the disposition manager 1 1 8.

[0047] The block diagram of Fig. 1 B is not intended to indicate that the disposer system 1 00 is to include all of the components shown in Fig. 1 B. Rather, the disposer system 1 00 can include fewer or additional components not shown in Fig. 1 B, depending on the details of the specific implementation. The disposer system 1 00 may include both local and Web/Internet implementations. For example, some functions of the processor 1 14 may be implemented on a centralized Internet service, while other functions are implemented on a local processor. Also, the disposer system 1 00 may need to receive firmware updates from the Internet in addition to performing some of the functionality of the disposer system 100 in the cloud. Furthermore, any of the functionalities of the processor 1 14 may be partially, or entirely, implemented in hardware and/or a processor. For example, the functionality may be implemented in any combination of Application Specific

Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), logic circuits, and the like. In addition, examples of the present techniques can generally be implemented in electronic devices, including ultra-compact form factor devices, such as System-On-a-Chip (SOC), multi-chip modules, and other electronic devices.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a block flow diagram of a method 200 for disposal of a printed 3D object. The method 200 may be performed by the disposer system 100 shown in Figs. 1 A and 1 B. The method 200 may start at block 202 when a printed 3D object is placed in, on, or adjacent to a disposer system. The printed 3D object may have a defect, such as when production fails mid-print or during post-processing. However, the printed 3D object may not have a defect, but is still subject to disposal. The owner of a printed 3D object may simply change his mind and decide he does not want the printed 3D object even though the printed 3D object is without defect.

[0049] At block 204, the identity of the printed 3D object may be determined. This may be accomplished in a variety of different ways. The printed 3D object may have a visible or invisible identifying mark. The identifying mark may be made on the printed 3D object by image marking techniques that include QR codes, bar codes, quantum dots, radio frequency identification (RFID), topography encoding, spectroscopy marking, steganography techniques, and combinations thereof. The identifying mark may be read by a reader to determine the identity of the printed 3D object. Alternatively, the printed 3D object may by identified by sensing or measuring a property of the printed 3D object. The identifying mark or property may be unique to the printed 3D object and used to track the printed 3D object throughout its lifecycle, i.e., from reservation of a right-to-print license to disposition or disposal.

[0050] At block 206, an image of the printed 3D object may be captured by a 2D camera, a 3D camera, a scanner, or other imaging device. The image of the printed 3D object may provide a record of a defect. From the image, the operator of the 3D printer or the owner of the printed 3D object may determine if the defect occurred during printing or post-processing. The image may reveal the cause of the defect and suggest or imply corrective actions. As used herein, the term "image" may include a 3D representation of the printed 3D object. For example, at block 206, RFID readers and/or distance readers may measure the distance to the surface of the printed 3D object to facilitate the building of a 3D representation of the printed 3D object. [0051] At block 208, the identity and image of the printed 3D object may be provided to the right-to-print licensing service by the communication manager. The communication manager may also request and receive instructions from the right-to- print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object. The connection between the communication manager and the right-to-print licensing service may generally utilize secure communications. The secure communications may typically be encrypted in such a way that the identity of the sender and the receiver are known, but the message itself may not be altered. Secure communications may rely on public key cryptography, which is a cryptographic system that uses two keys - public keys which are disseminated widely and private keys which are known only to the recipient of the message. Secure communications may also rely on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). SSL is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server (e.g., the right-to-print licensing service) and a client (e.g., the disposer system). HTTPS is a protocol for secure communications over a computer network and is widely used on the Internet. HTTPS provides bidirectional encryption of

communications between a client and a server. Specifically, the communication manager may have a unique public/private key pair, so that no other entity can impersonate the communication manager.

[0052] At block 210, the communication manager may determine whether the instructions received from the right-to-print licensing service include approval to destroy the printed 3D object. If approval to destroy the printed 3D object is received at block 210, the method 200 may progress to block 212 where disposal occurs by destroying the printed 3D object. Destruction may be by mechanical, chemical, or incendiary techniques. The destruction technique may be determined by the characteristics of the printed 3D object. Characteristics considered in determining the method of destruction may include materials of construction and physical properties of the printed 3D object. Printed 3D objects may be destroyed by techniques other than mechanical, chemical, or incendiary. Moreover, printed 3D objects may be destroyed by combinations of mechanical, chemical, incendiary, and other techniques.

[0053] After the printed 3D object is destroyed at block 212, the communication manager may report the destruction of the printed 3D object to the right-to-print licensing service at block 214. The right-to-print licensing service may log the information relating to the destruction of the printed 3D object, thereby completing an auditable record of the lifecycle of the printed 3D object.

[0054] If approval to destroy the printed 3D object is not received at block 210, the method 200 may progress to block 21 6 where the communication manager may receive other instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object. For example, the communication manager may receive instructions to return the printed 3D object to its owner.

[0055] At block 218, the disposal of the printed 3D object occurs per the other instructions received by the communication manager. If the disposer system has a receiving platform in addition to a chamber where destruction occurs, the printed 3D object may not enter the chamber in certain examples if the disposal instructions are to return the printed 3D object to its owner. Alternatively, if the printed 3D object has entered the destruction chamber, the object disposal device may reject the printed 3D object and remove the printed 3D object from the chamber. Upon receipt, the owner may inspect the printed 3D object and determine the cause of failure and the corrective actions that may reduce or prevent future failures of the same type.

[0056] The method 200 proceeds to block 214 after disposal of the printed 3D object per the other instructions at block 21 8. At block 214, the communication manager may report the disposal of the printed 3D object to the right-to-print licensing service. The right-to-print licensing service may log the information relating to the disposal of the printed 3D object according to the other instructions. The logging of the information may complete the tracking of the 3D object from the reservation of a right-to-print license to disposal.

[0057] At block 220, the communication manager may receive data for reprinting the 3D object from the right-to-print licensing service. This data may include a modification of the initial license to permit the reprint, or may be a new license, and so forth. The data may include the same or an updated encrypted model of the 3D object, as well as special instructions, and so on. At block 222, a copy of the 3D object may be printed without the defect.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a block flow diagram of a method 300 for disposing of a printed 3D object. The method 300 is analogous to the method 200 shown in Fig. 2. Like the method 200, the method 300 may be carried out by the disposer system 1 00 shown in Figs. 1 A and 1 B. [0059] The method 300 may start at block 302 when the identity of the printed 3D object is determined. The printed 3D object may have been produced by or obtained from a process that involves receiving a license to print the 3D object from a right-to- print licensing service, receiving a model for the 3D object, and printing the 3D object per the model. However, the printed 3D object may have a defect resulting from an error that occurred during printing or post-production finishing.

[0060] The model for the printed 3D object may have a mark (e.g., unique mark) for the object. The 3D printer may print the 3D object such that the 3D object has the mark. At block 302, this mark may be read by a reader to determine the identity of the printed 3D object. Alternatively, at block 302, the printed 3D object may by identified by sensing or measuring a property of the printed 3D object.

[0061] At block 304, an image of the printed 3D object is captured. In some examples, the image of the printed 3D object may complement the identity and/or provide a record of the defect that the owner of the printed 3D object or the operator of the 3D printer can use for troubleshooting purposes.

[0062] At block 306, the identity and image of the printed 3D object may be provided to a right-to-print licensing service by a communication manager. The communication manager may also request and receive instructions from the right-to- print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object. The instructions received by the communication manager may be to destroy the printed 3D object. Alternatively, the communication manager may receive instructions to dispose of the printed 3D object in another manner. For example, the communication manager may receive instructions to return the printed 3D object to its owner.

[0063] At block 308, the method implements disposal of the printed 3D object per the disposal technique. The disposal of the printed object may take place per the instructions received by the communication manager from the right-to-print licensing service. If the instructions are to destroy the printed 3D object, the method of destruction may be determined by the characteristics of the printed 3D object.

Depending on the nature of the printed 3D object, destruction may be by mechanical techniques, chemical techniques, incendiary techniques, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, printed 3D objects may be destroyed by techniques other than mechanical, chemical, or incendiary.

[0064] At block 308, the disposal of the 3D object may occur by other than destruction. If the instructions are to return the printed 3D object to its owner or distributor, the disposer system may reject or otherwise provide the printed 3D object for sending to the owner. The method may implement disposal of the printed 3D object per other instructions.

[0065] At block 310, data (e.g., a new license or contractual instructions) for reprinting the 3D object may be received from the right-to-print licensing service. The data may include an encrypted model of the 3D object. The encrypted model may have an identifier or unique identifier on the 3D object.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a medium 400 containing code to execute secure disposition of a printed 3D object. The medium 400 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores code that can be accessed by a processor 402 via a bus 404. For example, the computer-readable medium 400 can be a volatile or non-volatile data storage device. The medium 400 can also be a logic unit, such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or an arrangement of logic gates implemented in one or more integrated circuits, for example.

[0067] The medium 400 may include modules 406-412 configured to perform the techniques described herein. For example, an identify module 406 may be configured to identify the printed 3D object. In certain examples, the identify module 406 may identify the printed 3D object by reading, via a reader, an identifier on the printed 3D object. The image capture module 408 may be configured to capture, via an imaging device, an image of the printed 3D object. The dispose module 410 may be configured to dispose of the printed 3D object by destructive or non-destructive means. The communicate module 412 may be configured to establish and maintain communications with the right-to-print licensing service. In particular, the

communication module 412 may provide the identity and image of the printed 3D object to the right-to-print licensing service. The communication module 412 may request and receive instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding the disposal of the printed 3D object. The communication module 412 may report disposal of the printed 3D object to the right-to-print licensing service. Further, the communication module 412 may receive data for reprinting the 3D object from the right-to-print licensing service.

[0068] The block diagram of Fig. 4 is not intended to indicate that the medium 400 is to include all of the components shown in Fig. 4. Further, the medium 400 may include any number of additional components not shown in Fig. 4, depending on the details of the specific implementation. [0069] In summary, an example may include a method for addressing a printed 3D object (e.g., having a defect). In the initial production or printing of the printed 3D object, the method may include receiving a license from a right-to-print licensing service to print the 3D object, receiving a model for the 3D object, printing the 3D object per the model, and so forth. Moreover, an error may occur, for instance, in the printing or in post-production finishing, and the like.

[0070] Once printed, the method may include determining an identity of the printed 3D object, capturing an image of the printed 3D object, and providing the identity and the image to the right-to-print licensing service. The determining of the identity may include reading, via a reader, an identifier on the printed 3D object.

[0071] The method may include implementing disposal of the printed 3D object. Implementing disposal may involve destroying the printed 3D object mechanically or chemically, or by combustion, or any combination thereof. On the other hand, implementing disposal may involve providing the printed 3D object to be sent to an owner or distributor of the printed 3D object. The method may include requesting and receiving instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object, and reporting to the right-to-print licensing service the implemented disposal of the printed 3D object. Lastly, the method may include receiving data from the right-to-print licensing service for reprinting, e.g., for printing a copy of the printed 3D object. Subsequently, the method may print the copy.

[0072] Another example is a disposer system to address a printed 3D object (e.g., the object having a defect). The system may include an analyzer to determine an identity of the printed 3D object, an imaging device to capture an image of the printed 3D object, a communication manager to provide the identity and the image to a right-to-print licensing service, and an object disposal device to implement disposal of the printed 3D object. The analyzer may be a reader and the determination of the identity involves the reader reading an identifier on the printed 3D object.

[0073] Implementing disposal may involve destroying the printed 3D object mechanically or chemically, or by combustion, or any combination thereof.

Implementing disposal may involve providing the printed 3D object for sending to an owner, owner agent, or distributor of the printed 3D object.

[0074] In some instances, the communication manager may request and receive instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object. Further, the communication manager may report or facilitate reporting of the implemented disposal of the printed 3D object to the right-to-print licensing service. The communication manager may receive data from the right-to-print licensing service for reprinting, the reprinting involving printing a copy of the printed 3D object without the defect. The communication manager may be implemented on a computing device of the disposer system. The communication manager may be implemented on a computing device separate from but associated with the disposer system, and so forth.

[0075] While the present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the examples discussed above have been shown only by way of example. It is to be understood that the technique is not intended to be limited to the particular examples disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the scope of the present techniques.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A method for addressing a printed three-dimensional (3D) object, comprising:

determining an identity of the printed 3D object;

capturing an image of the printed 3D object;

providing the identity and the image to a right-to-print licensing service;

implementing disposal of the printed 3D object; and

receiving data from the right-to-print licensing service for reprinting, the

reprinting comprising printing a copy of the printed 3D object.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein implementing disposal comprises to destroy the printed 3D object mechanically or chemically, or by combustion, or any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the printed 3D object comprises a defect, and wherein implementing disposal comprises to send the printed 3D object to an owner of the printed 3D object.

4. The method of claim 1 , comprising:

requesting and receiving instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object;

reporting to the right-to-print licensing service the implemented disposal of the printed 3D object; and

printing the copy of the printed 3D object.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the identity comprises reading, via a reader, an identifier on the printed 3D object.

6. The method of claim 1 , comprising:

receiving a license from the right-to-print licensing service to print the printed 3D object; receiving a model for the printed 3D object; and

printing the printed 3D object per the model, wherein an error is experienced in the printing or in post-production finishing.

7. A disposer system to address a printed three-dimensional (3D) object, comprising:

an analyzer to determine an identity of the printed 3D object;

an imaging device to capture an image of the printed 3D object;

a communication manager to provide the identity and the image to a right-to- print licensing service; and

an object disposal device to implement disposal of the printed 3D object.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the communication manager is to report to the right-to-print licensing service the implemented disposal of the printed 3D object, and wherein to implement disposal comprises to destroy the printed 3D object mechanically, thermally, or chemically, or by combustion, or any combination thereof.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein to implement disposal comprises to provide the printed 3D object for sending of the printed 3D object to an owner of the printed 3D object.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the printed 3D object comprises a defect, and wherein the communication manager to request and receive instructions from the right-to-print licensing service regarding disposal of the printed 3D object.

1 1 . The system of claim 7, wherein the analyzer comprises a reader, and wherein to determine the identity comprises the reader to read an identifier on the printed 3D object.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the communication manager receives data from the right-to-print licensing service for reprinting, the reprinting comprising to print a copy of the printed 3D object without the defect.

13. A non-transitory, computer readable medium comprising machine- readable instructions for addressing a printed three-dimensional (3D) object, the instructions, when executed, direct a processor to:

analyze the printed 3D object to identify the printed 3D object;

capture an image of the printed 3D object;

provide an identity of the printed 3D object and the image to a right-to-print licensing service; and

dispose of the printed 3D object.

14. The non-transitory, computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein to analyze comprises to read, via a reader, an identifier on the printed 3D object.

15. The non-transitory, computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions when executed direct the processor to:

request and receive instructions from the right-to-print licensing service

regarding disposal of the printed 3D object;

report to the right-to-print licensing service the disposal of the printed 3D object; and

receive data from the right-to-print licensing service for reprinting, the

reprinting comprising to print a copy of the printed 3D object.