Extracting an embedded database from a physical object
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 causing the processing device to perform an action such as identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object. The processing device will also perform the action to identify the building instructions, and cause a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object. 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.
1. A method of extracting a data embedded in a three dimensional (3D) object, the method comprising, by a processing device:
identifying a 3D scanning device capable of extracting data embedded as physical representations inside the 3D object based on a type of the physical representations;
causing the identified 3D scanning device to scan a 3D object and extract data embedded as physical representations inside the 3D object, the physical representations being invisible from outside the 3D object;
determining at least a location or a size of each of a plurality of physical representations;
determining a value for each of the plurality of physical representations based on its location, size or both;
including each value in the extracted data;
identifying, from the extracted data, instructions for causing the processing device to perform an action that uses the data, wherein the action comprises identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object;
performing the action to identify the building instructions; and
causing a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
causing a display device to display at least part of the extracted data; and
receiving a user selection of a portion of the extracted data.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
identifying instructions for performing the action comprise identifying, from the extracted data, instructions for building the 3D object; and
the method further includes transmitting the building instructions to the 3D printer.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
identifying instructions for performing the action comprises:
identifying, from the extracted data, a web address, and
accessing the building instructions at the web address; and
the method further includes:
causing the building instructions to be transmitted to the 3D printer.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the physical representations comprise cavities or raised areas inside the 3D object, and a size of each cavity or raised area represents a value of a data point within a data structure; and
causing the identified 3D scanning device to scan the 3D object and extracting the data embedded in the 3D object comprises:
detecting 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 data.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the physical representations comprise metal particles; and
causing the identified 3D scanning device to scan the 3D object and extracting the data embedded in the 3D object comprises:
detecting a configuration of the metal particles,
determining a value based on the detected configuration, and
including each value in the data.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identified 3D scanning device comprises the processing device.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the processing device is part of an external system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for causing the processing device to perform the action that uses the data further comprise instructions to do at least one of the following:
cause a display of the electronic device to output at least a portion of the extracted data;
cause a transmitter that is in communication with the processor to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external database;
cause a transmitter that is in communication with the processor to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external application; or
cause the processing device to solicit and receive user input for handling the extracted data.
10. A system for extracting a data embedded in a three dimensional (3D) object, the system comprising:
a computer-readable memory containing programming instructions that are configured to, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to:
identify a 3D scanning device capable of extracting data embedded as physical representations inside the 3D object based on a type of the physical representations;
cause the identified 3D scanning device to scan a 3D object and extract data embedded as physical representations inside the 3D object, the physical representations being invisible from outside the 3D object;
determine at least a location or a size of each of a plurality of physical representations;
determine a value for each of the plurality of physical representations based on its location, size or both;
include each value in the extracted data;
identify, from the extracted data, instructions for causing the processing device to perform an action that uses the data, wherein the action comprises identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object;
perform the action to identify the building instructions; and
cause a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the instructions for causing the processing device to perform the action that uses the data further comprise instructions to do at least one of the following:
cause a display device to output at least a portion of the extracted data;
cause a transmitter to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external database;
cause a transmitter to transmit at least a portion of the extracted data to an external application; or
cause a user interface to solicit and receive user input for handling the extracted data.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein:
the system also includes the 3D printer;
the programming instructions that are configured to cause the processing device to cause the 3D printer to use the building instructions to build the copy of the 3D object comprise instructions to transmit the building instructions to the 3D printer; and
the 3D printer comprises programming that is configured to, when applied to the building instructions, cause the 3D printer to build the copy of the 3D object.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein:
the system also comprises the 3D printer;
the instructions for performing the action comprise instructions to:
identify, from the extracted data, a web address,
access the building instructions at the web address; and
the system also includes instructions to cause the build instructions to be transmitted to the 3D printer.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein:
the plurality of physical representations comprise cavities or raised areas inside the 3D object, and a size of each cavity or raised area represents a value of a data point within a data structure;
and
the instructions to cause the identified 3D scanning device to scan the 3D object and extract the data embedded in the 3D object comprise instructions to:
analyze data collected by the scanning device to detect a location and size of each cavity or raised area,
determine a value for each cavity or raised area based on its location, size or both, and
include each value in the data.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein:
the plurality of physical representations comprise metal particles;
the identified scanning device comprises an x-ray or magnetic sensor; and
the instructions to cause the identified 3D scanning device to scan the 3D object and extract the data embedded in the 3D object comprise instructions to:
use the scanning device to detect a configuration of the metal particles,
determine a value based on the detected configuration, and
include each determined value in the data.