Security-activated production device

• US 9,626,487 B2
• Filed: 03/27/2008
• Issued: 04/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Secure3Dp+ Pte. Ltd. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Jung, Edward K. Y., Levien, Royce A., Lord, Robert W., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, Jr., John D., Tegreene, Clarence T., Wood, Jr., Lowell L.
• Primary Examiner(s): ABEDIN, SHANTO
• Application Number:
  US12/079,921
• Publication Number:
  US 20100031351A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,309 Days
• Field of Search: 726 1, 726 21, 726 30, 705 11, 705 64, 705 59, 705310, 705901, 705904, 705905, 700 97, 700108, 700109, 700213, 700245, 713 1, 713182
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources

Abstract

Methods and systems for a security-activated production device include but are not limited to obtaining access to an object data file configured to produce one or more objects on the production device; verifying an authorization code associated with the object data file; and controlling operation of the production device to enable or prevent production of the one or more objects pursuant to the authorization code in accordance with one or more predetermined conditions.

Claims

1. A method for securely operating a production device, the method comprising:

verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions via at least one computing device, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object; and

enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions via the at least one computing device.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving the object data file at a buffer for the production device;

sending an acknowledgment that the object data file was received by the production device to a source of the object data file; and

processing the object data file in the buffer to verify a request to instantiate the object data file.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving the authorization code at a buffer, the buffer configured to notify an application if the object data file is loaded in the buffer, the object data file including one or more of a production model file and/or a computer-aided design (CAD) solid model file and/or a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the receiving the authorization code at a buffer, the buffer configured to notify an application if the object data file is loaded in the buffer, the object data file including one or more of a production model file and/or a computer-aided design (CAD) solid model file and/or a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file includes:

extracting the authorization code from the object data file in the buffer, the authorization code required to enable the production device to acknowledge the object data file as a valid file.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

extracting the authorization code as one or more of a redundancy check, error checking algorithm, checksum code, or cryptographic hash function.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

removing a header from the object data file, the header including the authorization code;

transmitting the authorization code to a control system operably coupled to the production device; and

receiving an enabling signal from the control system to enable reification of the object.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

comparing the authorization code to a stored list of authorization codes accessible to the production device.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

receiving an indication from a control system operably coupled to the production device that the authorization code has been verified as valid.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization code is associated with copyright protection of the object data file, the object data file including one or more reproducible object files to enable the production device to reify the object.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization code is associated with a licensing status associated with the at least one of the object or the object data file, the licensing status indicative of one or more of a royalty status, an expiration date pertaining to a license, or a number of manufacturing runs permitted according to the license.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization code enables a determination at least one of a payment status or an authorization status under a reification agreement.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling manufacturing using one or more of a polymer, ABS (Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene), ABSi (ABS with high impact strength), ABS M-30 (Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene), PC (Polycarbonate), PC-ISO (Polycarbonate-ISO), PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/ABS Blend), PPSF (Polyphenylsulfone), clear and/or colored resin.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions via the at least one computing device includes:

enabling one or more of rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, two-dimensional printing, freeform fabrication, solid freeform fabrication, or stereolithography.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling one or more of stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), computer numerical control (CNC), and fused deposition modeling (FDM) if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling three-dimensional manufacturing using one or more of metal, wood, ice, stone, glass, polymer, composite, laminate, semiconductors, printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, nuclear materials, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, edible substances, sand, ceramic materials, aluminum, silicon, carbides, silicon nitrides, silicon carbides, metal/ceramic combinations including aluminum/silicon nitride, aluminum/silicon carbide, aluminum/zirconia and aluminum/aluminum nitride including materials alterable by chemical processing, mixing, combustion, friction, heating and cooling if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling two-dimensional manufacturing using one or more of skin, textiles, edible substances, paper, silicon printing if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling subtractive manufacturing, including enabling or preventing drilling, milling, grinding, machining, polishing, patterning, etching, turning, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, wire electrical discharge cutting, cold forging, warm forging, and hot forging metal fabrication, if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling one or more of the following types of manufacturing in accordance with the authorization code;

computer numerical controlled fabrication, micro-fabrication, injection molding, additive manufacturing, robotic production, packaging, engraving, casting, plating, coating, glazing, laminating, and bonding.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling functioning of a physical component of the production device if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling the production device to perform a read function directed to the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling a physical component of the production device to function if the authorization code matches a stored list of codes accessible by a control system operably coupled to the production device.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

enabling the object data file to become readable by the production device if the authorization code passes a compare function associated with a machine identifier.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more predetermined conditions are selected from:

a benchmark comparison, temporal milestone, time period restriction, production quantity limitation, production machine qualification, operator qualification, event occurrence, and quality certification.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object includes:

one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, the production device including at least one of;

chemical process apparatus, product packaging apparatus, injection molding unit, subtraction machine, additive manufacture unit, two-dimensional production technique apparatus, three-dimensional production technique apparatus, stamping machine, extrusion machine, melting machine, die-casting machine, solidifying machine, manufacturing system, rapid prototyping device, or robotic production line apparatus.

25. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform one or more acts for securely operating a production device, the one or more acts comprising:

one or more instructions for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object; and

one or more instructions for enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions.

26. The computer program product of claim 25 further comprising non-transitory signal-bearing storage media for encoding the instructions for executing the one or more acts for securely operating the production device.

27. The computer program product of claim 25 further comprising non-transitory signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions for executing the one or more acts for securely operating the production device.

28. The computer program product of claim 25 further comprising:

one or more instructions for receiving the object data file at a buffer for the production device;

one or more instructions for sending an acknowledgment that the object data file was received by the production device to a source of the object data file; and

one or more instructions for processing the object data file in the buffer to verify a request to instantiate the object data file.

29. The computer program product of claim 25 further comprising:

one or more instructions for receiving the authorization code at a buffer, the buffer configured to notify an application if the object data file is loaded in the buffer, the object data file including one or more of a production model file, a computer-aided design (CAD) solid model file, or a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file.

30. The computer program product of claim 29 wherein the one or more instructions for receiving the authorization code at a buffer, the buffer configured to notify an application if the object data file is loaded in the buffer, the object data file including one or more of a production model file, a computer-aided design (CAD) solid model file, or a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file, includes:

one or more instructions for extracting the authorization code from the object data file in the buffer, the authorization code required to enable the production device to acknowledge the object data file as a valid file.

31. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

one or more instructions for extracting the authorization code as one or more of a redundancy check, error checking algorithm, checksum code or cryptographic hash function.

32. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

one or more instructions for removing a header from the object data file, the header including the authorization code;

one or more instructions for transmitting the authorization code to a control system operably coupled to the production device; and

one or more instructions for receiving an enabling signal from the control system to enable reification of the one or more objects.

33. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

one or more instructions for comparing the authorization code to at least one code of a stored list of authorization codes accessible to the production device.

34. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object, includes:

one or more instructions for receiving an indication from a control system operably coupled to the production device that the authorization code has been verified as valid.

35. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the authorization code is associated with copyright protection of the object data file, the object data file including one or more reproducible object files to enable the production device to reify the object.

36. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the authorization code is associated with a licensing status associated with at least one of the object or the object data file, the licensing status indicative of one or more of a royalty status, an expiration date pertaining to a license, and/or a number of manufacturing runs permitted according to the license.

37. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the authorization code enables a determination of at least one of a payment status or an authorization status under a reification agreement.

38. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling manufacturing using one or more of a polymer, ABS (Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene), ABSi (ABS with high impact strength), ABS M-30 (Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene), PC (Polycarbonate), PC-ISO (Polycarbonate-ISO), PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/ABS Blend), PPSF (Polyphenylsulfone), clear and/or colored resin.

39. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, two-dimensional printing, freeform fabrication, solid freeform fabrication, and stereolithography.

40. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling one or more of stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), computer numerical control (CNC), and fused deposition modeling (FDM) if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

41. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling three-dimensional manufacturing using one or more of metal, wood, ice, stone, glass, polymer, composite, laminate, semiconductors, printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, nuclear materials, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, edible substances, sand, ceramic materials, aluminum, silicon, carbides, silicon nitrides, silicon carbides, metal/ceramic combinations including aluminum/silicon nitride, aluminum/silicon carbide, aluminum/zirconia and aluminum/aluminum nitride including materials alterable by chemical processing, mixing, combustion, friction, heating and cooling if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

42. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling two-dimensional manufacturing using one or more of skin, textiles, edible substances, paper, silicon printing if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

43. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling subtractive manufacturing, including enabling or preventing drilling, milling, grinding, machining, polishing, patterning, etching, turning, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, wire electrical discharge cutting, cold forging, warm forging, and hot forging metal fabrication, if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

44. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling one or more of the following types of manufacturing in accordance with the authorization code;

computer numerical controlled fabrication, micro-fabrication, injection molding, additive manufacturing, robotic production, packaging, engraving, casting, plating, coating, glazing, laminating, and bonding.

45. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling functioning of a physical component of the production device if the authorization code meets the one or more predetermined conditions.

46. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling a read function if the authorization code is accepted by a control system operably coupled to the production device.

47. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling a physical component of the production device to function if the authorization code matches at least one code of a stored list of codes accessible by a control system operably coupled to the production device.

48. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more instructions for the enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions includes:

one or more instructions for enabling the object data file to become readable by the production device if the authorization code passes a compare function associated with a machine identifier.

49. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the one or more predetermined conditions are selected from at least one of:

a benchmark comparison, temporal milestone, time period restriction, production quantity limitation, production machine qualification, operator qualification, event occurrence, or quality certification.

50. The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the production device is selected from at least one of:

a chemical process apparatus, product packaging, injection molding unit, subtraction machine, additive manufacture unit, two-dimensional production technique, three-dimensional production technique, stamping machine, extrusion machine, melting machine, die-casting machine, solidifying machine, manufacturing system, rapid prototyping device, or robotic production line.

51. A production system subject to security control, wherein the system comprises:

a production device;

means for verifying a compliance of an authorization code associated with an object data file with one or more predetermined conditions, the object data file including one or more instructions for configuring a production device to at least partially produce an object; and

means for enabling the production device to interface with the object data file in response to a verification of compliance of the authorization code with the one or more predetermined conditions.

52. The production system of claim 51 wherein the authorization code is associated with copyright protection of the object data file, the object data file including one or more reproducible object files to enable the production device to reify the object.

53. The production system of claim 51 wherein the authorization code is associated with a licensing status associated with at least one of the object or the object data file, the licensing status indicative of one or more of a royalty status, an expiration date pertaining to a license, or a number of manufacturing runs permitted according to the license.

54. The production system of claim 51 wherein the authorization code enables a determination of at least one of a payment status or an authorization status under a reification agreement.

55. The production system of claim 51 wherein the one or more predetermined conditions are selected from at least one of:

a benchmark comparison, temporal milestone, time period restriction, production quantity limitation, production machine qualification, operator qualification, event occurrence, or quality certification.

56. The production system of claim 51 wherein production device is selected from at least one of:

a chemical process apparatus, product packaging device, injection molding unit, subtraction machine, additive manufacture unit, two-dimensional production technique, three-dimensional production technique, stamping machine, extrusion machine, melting machine, die-casting machine, solidifying machine, manufacturing system, rapid prototyping device, or robotic production line.