NETWORKED THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:
- a web server configured to provide a user interface over a data network, the user interface adapted to receive user preferences from a user including a subscription to a plurality of sources of a plurality of three-dimensional models, a prioritization of content from the plurality of sources, and an identification of one or more fabrication resources coupled to the data network and suitable for fabricating objects from the plurality of three-dimensional models;
a database to store the user preferences, and to receive and store the plurality of three-dimensional models as they are issued by the plurality of sources;
a processor configured select a selected one of the plurality of three-dimensional models for fabrication based upon the prioritization; and
a print server configured to communicate with the one or more fabrication resources through the data network, to determine an availability of the one or more fabrication resources, and to transmit the selected one of the plurality of three-dimensional models to one of the one or more fabrication resources.
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Abstract
Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a web server configured to provide a user interface over a data network, the user interface adapted to receive user preferences from a user including a subscription to a plurality of sources of a plurality of three-dimensional models, a prioritization of content from the plurality of sources, and an identification of one or more fabrication resources coupled to the data network and suitable for fabricating objects from the plurality of three-dimensional models; a database to store the user preferences, and to receive and store the plurality of three-dimensional models as they are issued by the plurality of sources; a processor configured select a selected one of the plurality of three-dimensional models for fabrication based upon the prioritization; and a print server configured to communicate with the one or more fabrication resources through the data network, to determine an availability of the one or more fabrication resources, and to transmit the selected one of the plurality of three-dimensional models to one of the one or more fabrication resources. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A device comprising:
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a three-dimensional printer; a network interface; and a processor configured to subscribe to a plurality of sources of content selected by a user for fabrication by the three-dimensional printer through the network interface, to receive one or more three-dimensional models from the plurality of sources, and to select one of the one or more three-dimensional models for fabrication by the three-dimensional printer according to a user preference for prioritization. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for operating a three-dimensional printer comprising:
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coupling the three-dimensional printer to a data network; locating one or more sources of content for fabrication by the three-dimensional printer on the data network according to one or more user-provided criteria; subscribing to new content from the one or more sources of content; receiving at least one three-dimensional model from one of the one or more sources of content; and fabricating an object from the at least one three-dimensional model. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification