Web-based design tools for three-dimensional printing
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.
1. A system comprising:
a print server coupled through a data network to a plurality of three-dimensional printers, the print server configured to receive status information from each one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers and to manage a print queue for each one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers according to one or more criteria from a remote user requesting a print job;
a database coupled in a communicating relationship with the print server and configured to store print queue data and status information for each one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers, wherein the stored print queue data and status information are used by the print server to manage the print queue; and
a web server configured to provide a virtual workspace for the remote user to access capabilities of the print server, the virtual workspace including a web-based design interface that permits the user to create and modify a model, to search one or more remote databases of printable objects, and to manage subscriptions to one or more syndicated content sources, the web server further configured to receive a user command to fabricate the model, wherein the print server is configured to automatically select a first model from one of the syndicated content sources and direct the first model to a user-specified one of the three-dimensional printers.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the virtual workspace includes a search tool for searching one or more databases of printable objects.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the virtual workspace includes a queue management tool for managing one or more pending prints.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the virtual workspace includes a status tool for receiving a user specification of one or more preferences for receiving status updates.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the one or more preferences include notification by electronic mail.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the one or more preferences include notification by instant text message.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the virtual workspace includes a tool for managing one or more subscriptions to content.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the web server automatically selects one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers to fabricate the model according to the user command.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the web server automatically selects one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers according to one or more user criteria for prioritization of resources.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the web server receives a manual user selection of one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers to fabricate the model.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of three-dimensional printers include a fused deposition modeling printer.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of three-dimensional printers include a stereolithography printer.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the web server displays status information from one or more sensors of the plurality of three-dimensional printer.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the one or more sensors include a temperature sensor.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the web server is configured to provide queue information for each of the plurality of the three-dimensional printers.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein a queue for one of the plurality of the three-dimensional printers is stored locally at the one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein a queue for one of the three-dimensional printers is allocated between the database and a local memory of one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein the web server is configured to display a video feed from at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional printers.
19. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second database coupled in a communicating relationship with the print server, the second database storing printable content for the plurality of three-dimensional printers.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the web server includes a search tool for the printable content.