Extracting an embedded database from a physical object
View Patent ↗A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for performing an action on the data such as: displaying at least a portion of the data, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external database, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external application, or receiving user input for handling the data. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device. The method includes performing the action, and returning a result of the action to a user of an electronic device. It may also include receiving a user selection of the portion of the data.
1. A method comprising:
by a 3D scanning device, scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded in the 3D object;
by a processing device:
receiving a plurality of structural parameters for the 3D object,
using the plurality of structural parameters and the extracted data to develop an instruction set that, when executed by a processor of a 3D printing device, will cause the device to form a copy of the 3D object in accordance with the structural parameters by depositing a build material in a plurality of layers and curing the build material,
saving the instruction set to a data file, and
identifying an address for a location of the data file when saved; and
by the 3D printing device, executing the instruction set and, based on the instruction set, forming a copy of the 3D object, wherein the copy of the 3D object comprises a plurality of physical representations corresponding to the address embedded inside the copy of the 3D object, wherein:
the plurality of physical representations comprises a set of cavities or raised areas such that a size of each cavity or raised area represents a value of a data point within a data structure, and
forming the copy of the 3D object comprises building the copy of the 3D object so that the build material includes a plurality of cavities or raised areas having sizes that correspond to values of a data structure that represents the address.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the address comprises a web address; and
the method further includes, by a processor, executing an application that retrieves the instruction set from the web address.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein scanning the 3D object and extracting data embedded in the 3D object comprises:
using a sensor to detect a location and size of each cavity or raised area;
determining a value for each cavity or raised area based on its location, size or both; and
including each value in the extracted data.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D scanning device comprises the processing device.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the processing device is part of an external system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising, by the processing device, performing at least one of the following:
causing a display device to output at least a portion of the extracted data;
cause a transmitter that is in communication with the processing device to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external database;
cause a transmitter that is in communication with the processing device to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external application; or
solicit and receive user input for handling the extracted data.