U.S. patent application number 15/243036 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-08 for structurally encoded component and method of manufacturing structurally encoded component.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian Kieser. Invention is credited to Brian Kieser.
Application Number | 20160358057 15/243036 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55267652 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160358057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kieser; Brian |
December 8, 2016 |
STRUCTURALLY ENCODED COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING
STRUCTURALLY ENCODED COMPONENT
Abstract
A structurally encoded component stores identification data and
comprises a readable body. The readable body comprises at least one
detectable element and indicia as a plurality of detectable
elements disposed within the structurally encoded component. The
indicia are discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy,
computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound,
positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Inventors: |
Kieser; Brian; (San Antonio,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kieser; Brian |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55267652 |
Appl. No.: |
15/243036 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14823234 |
Aug 11, 2015 |
9424503 |
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15243036 |
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62035875 |
Aug 11, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/12 20130101; G06K
19/06 20130101; G06K 19/06046 20130101; G06K 19/06028 20130101;
A61B 2090/3966 20160201; G06K 19/06037 20130101; G06K 19/06075
20130101; G06K 19/06121 20130101; B29L 2031/7532 20130101; G06K
2019/06253 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 19/06 20060101
G06K019/06 |
Claims
1. A structurally encoded component storing identification data,
said structurally encoded component comprising: a readable jewelry
body comprising indicia as a plurality of detectable elements
disposed within said structurally encoded component and subsurface
of the structurally encoded component such that said indicia are
discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed
tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron
emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
2. The structurally encoded component of claim 1, further
comprising an outer jewelry portion of said structurally encoded
component and a readable jewelry portion of said structurally
encoded component, wherein said readable jewelry portion comprises
said readable jewelry body and is integral with said outer jewelry
portion.
3. The structurally encoded component of claim 1, further
comprising an outer jewelry portion of said structurally encoded
component and a readable jewelry portion of said structurally
encoded component, wherein said readable jewelry portion comprises
said readable jewelry body and is disposed upon said outer jewelry
portion.
4. The structurally encoded component of claim 1, wherein said
plurality of detectable elements includes an array of voids in said
readable jewelry portion.
5. The structurally encoded component of claim 1, wherein said
indicia include 3D encoded information.
6. The structurally encoded component of claim 1, wherein said
plurality of detectable elements disposed within said structurally
encoded component and subsurface of the structurally encoded
component is additively manufactured as at least part of the
readable jewelry body.
7. A structurally encoded component storing identification data,
said structurally encoded component comprising: a readable firearm
body comprising indicia as a plurality of detectable elements
disposed within said structurally encoded component and subsurface
of the structurally encoded component such that said indicia are
discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed
tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron
emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
8. The structurally encoded component of claim 7, further
comprising an outer firearm portion of said structurally encoded
component and a readable firearm portion of said structurally
encoded component, wherein said readable firearm portion comprises
said readable firearm body and is integral with said outer firearm
portion.
9. The structurally encoded component of claim 7, further
comprising an outer firearm portion of said structurally encoded
component and a readable firearm portion of said structurally
encoded component, wherein said readable firearm portion comprises
said readable firearm body and is disposed upon said outer firearm
portion.
10. The structurally encoded component of claim 7, wherein said
plurality of detectable elements includes an array of voids in said
readable firearm portion.
11. The structurally encoded component of claim 7, wherein said
indicia include 3D encoded information.
12. The structurally encoded component of claim 7, wherein said
plurality of detectable elements disposed within said structurally
encoded component and subsurface of the structurally encoded
component is additively manufactured as at least part of the
readable firearm body.
13. A structurally encoded component storing identification data,
said structurally encoded component comprising: a readable vehicle
portion comprising indicia as a plurality of detectable elements
disposed within said structurally encoded component and subsurface
of the structurally encoded component such that said indicia are
discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed
tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron
emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
14. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, further
comprising an outer vehicle portion of said structurally encoded
component, wherein said readable vehicle portion is integral with
said outer vehicle portion.
15. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, further
comprising an outer vehicle portion of said structurally encoded
component, wherein said readable vehicle portion is disposed upon
said outer vehicle portion.
16. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, wherein said
readable vehicle portion forms part of an aircraft.
17. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, wherein said
readable vehicle portion forms part of an automobile.
18. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, wherein said
readable vehicle portion forms part of a watercraft.
19. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, wherein said
indicia include 3D encoded information.
20. The structurally encoded component of claim 13, wherein said
plurality of detectable elements disposed within said structurally
encoded component and subsurface of the structurally encoded
component is additively manufactured as at least part of the
readable vehicle portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/823,234, filed Aug. 11, 2015, which claims the priority
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/035,875, filed Aug.
11, 2014, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to structurally encoding
objects and, in particular, to structurally encoded components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The security and identification of particular goods, parts,
or components may require an identification tag, plate, or label in
the form of a series of numbers or letters, a barcode, or another
type of readable code. Such identification means may become
ineffective due to wear, intentional or unintentional removal, or
another type of alteration. For effective tracking, identification,
and updates, component data storage and communication means must be
more robust than what is currently available for sensitive objects,
such as medical devices and implants, vehicles or vehicle parts,
aircraft or aircraft parts, spacecraft or spacecraft parts,
military equipment, firearms or other weapons, jewelry or similar
valuables, commercial electronic devices, toys and other commercial
goods, or pharmaceutical goods, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,900,832, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Moreover, the size of existing identification devices limits the
amount of information capable of being included in the data storage
and communication means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a
structurally encoded component is provided comprising an outer
structure portion of the structurally encoded component and a
readable portion of the structurally encoded component. The
readable portion may comprise a readable or radio-reflective
element, such as a radiopaque element, and indicia disposed on at
least one surface thereof or disposed within the structurally
encoded component. The indicia may include a plurality of
modifications to at least one surface of the readable portion or a
plurality of elements disposed within the readable portion such
that the indicia are discernible by any imaging modality, such as
at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission
tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The invention likewise
may be applied advantageously in industrial imaging methods,
modalities, and protocols, such as for inspection, quality control,
inventory management, anti-counterfeiting, and other similar
purposes.
[0005] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the
readable portion may be integral with the main portion. The
readable portion may also be disposed upon the main portion. The
plurality of modifications may include an array of holes in the at
least one surface of the readable element. The plurality of
modifications may include an array of notches or variations of
density in the at least one surface of the readable portion. The
array of notches in the at least one surface of the readable
portion may form at least one bar code. The at least one bar code
may comprise an error correction and/or detection code, such as a
Hamming code. The plurality of modifications may be less than or
equal to two centimeters in length.
[0006] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a
system for identifying a structurally encoded component is provided
comprising an outer structure portion and a readable portion. The
readable portion may comprise a readable element and indicia
disposed on at least one surface thereof. The indicia may include a
plurality of modifications to at least one surface of the readable
portion or a plurality of elements disposed within the readable
portion. The indicia may further include a database containing a
plurality of records associated with a plurality of structurally
encoded components and a user interface comprising means for
displaying information associated with the indicia based on the
plurality of records. The indicia may be discernible by at least
one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic
radiation, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic
resonance imaging.
[0007] The plurality of modifications may include an array of holes
in the at least one surface of the readable portion. The plurality
of modifications may include an array of notches in the at least
one surface of the readable portion. The array of notches in the at
least one surface of the readable portion may form at least one bar
code. The at least one bar code may comprise an error correction
and/or detection code, such as a Hamming code.
[0008] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a
method of identifying a micromanufactured structurally encoded
component is provided comprising discerning indicia by at least one
of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic
radiation, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic
resonance imaging. The indicia may include a plurality of
modifications to at least one surface of a readable portion or a
plurality of elements disposed within a readable portion. The
method of identifying a micromanufactured structurally encoded
component may further comprise accessing a plurality of records
associated with at least one of a plurality of structurally encoded
components and providing information associated with the
micromanufactured structurally encoded component based on the
indicia and the plurality of records. As used herein, the term
"micromanufactured" encompasses all microfabrication techniques
such as additive manufacturing and micromachining, and use of this
term is not intended to limit the size or scale constraints or the
type of the manufacturing process in any way. The term is used to
elucidate the desire for the readable portion or the detectable
portion of the structurally encoded component of the present
disclosure to be either an incorporated portion of a structurally
encoded component or of a size capable of being coupled to,
assembled with, or attached to a separate component or in a larger
assembly.
[0009] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the
method of identifying a micromanufactured structurally encoded
component may further comprise displaying information associated
with the micromanufactured structurally encoded component based on
the indicia and the plurality of records through a user interface.
The readable portion may be disposed upon an outer structure
portion of the micromanufactured structurally encoded component.
The plurality of modifications may include an array of holes in the
at least one surface of the readable portion. The plurality of
modifications may include an array of notches in the at least one
surface of the readable portion. The array of notches in the at
least one surface of the readable portion may form at least one bar
code. The at least one bar code may comprise a Hamming code or
other similar methods for error detection and/or correction that
are known in the coding theory art. Additionally, data compression
may be used in the coded indicia of an embodiment.
[0010] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a
structurally encoded component is provided comprising an outer
structure portion of the structurally encoded component and a
readable portion of the structurally encoded component. The
readable portion may comprise a plurality of laminae or laminar
planes (a finite planar volume). The plurality of laminae or
laminar planes may correspond to physical surfaces, edges, or
structures, or may be imaginary. A structurally encoded component
may be divided into the plurality of laminae or laminar planes,
actual or imaginary, and the plurality of laminae or laminar planes
may be oriented in any direction relative to the component. Each of
the laminae, hereafter referred to as "laminar planes," may
comprise separately readable indicia such that the indicia may be
discernible in three dimensions by at least one of x-ray,
fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation,
ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance
imaging.
[0011] The readable portion may be integral with the main portion.
Also, the readable portion may be disposed upon the main portion.
Further, the indicia may include an array of voids on or in a
corresponding laminar plane of the readable portion. The indicia
may include an array of embedded markers on or in a corresponding
laminar plane of the readable portion. The embedded markers may
comprise a modulation of material compositions such that a first
material composition of at least one first embedded marker is
different than a second material composition of at least one second
embedded marker. Further, the indicia may include a first array of
embedded markers on or in a first laminar plane of the readable
portion and a second array of embedded markers on or in a second
laminar plane of the readable portion. The first array may comprise
a first embedded marker having a first material composition
different than a second material composition of a second embedded
marker disposed in the second array. The indicia may comprise
information in the form of a code. The code may comprise a Hamming
code or other similar methods for error detection and/or correction
that are known in the coding theory art. Additionally, data
compression may be used in the coded indicia of an embodiment.
[0012] In accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure, a method of manufacturing an identifiable structurally
encoded component is provided comprising providing an outer
structure portion of the structurally encoded component, providing
a readable portion of the identifiable structurally encoded
component, printing a first material onto a first readable portion
surface to create a first printed layer, and printing the first
material onto the first printed layer to create a second printed
layer. The printing of the first material onto the first readable
portion surface or the printing of the first material onto the
first printed layer may comprise printing encoded indicia. The
encoded indicia may comprise voids in the first material or
measurable variations in density. The method of manufacturing an
identifiable structurally encoded component may further comprise
printing a second material onto at least one of the first readable
portion surface and the first printed layer, such that the encoded
indicia comprises the second material.
[0013] In accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure, a structurally encoded component is provided comprising
an outer structure portion of the structurally encoded component
and a readable portion of the structurally encoded component. The
readable portion comprises an internal structure inside the
readable portion. The internal structure comprises a plurality of
linking structures. Each of the linking structures has a
predetermined size or orientation. The linking structures are
interconnected to substantially form the internal structure. The
linking structures form predetermined indicia such that the indicia
are discernible by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission
tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging. The readable portion
may be integral with the main portion or disposed upon the main
portion. The indicia in the readable portion of the structurally
encoded component may comprise a Hamming code or other similar
methods for error detection and/or correction that are known in the
coding theory art. Additionally, data compression may be used in
the coded indicia of an embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present disclosure, it is
believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from
the following description in conjunction with the accompanying
Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like
elements, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a structurally
encoded component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross sectional view of a
structurally encoded component in accordance with further aspects
of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram relating to indicia data of a
structurally encoded component in accordance with further aspects
of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 8A is a diagram relating to indicia data of a
structurally encoded component in accordance with further aspects
of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a structurally encoded
component in accordance with further aspects of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following detailed description of an embodiment,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part
hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by
way of limitation, a specific embodiment in which the present
disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] The present disclosure relates to U.S. provisional patent
application 61/938,475, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/302,133, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/302,171, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/302,197, all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a structurally
encoded component rod structure 10 having a series of notches 12 in
one longitudinal side 14 of the rod structure 10. The structurally
encoded component rod structure 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1
features a readable portion 16 shown in FIG. 1 to be integral with
an outer structure portion 18 of a structurally encoded component
20. The structural encoding may also be integrated within a
component so as to require imaging methods to obtain the encoded
data. One or more embodiments of the structurally encoded component
20 described in the present disclosure includes a readable portion
16 and/or indicia 26 disposed at a subsurface location of the
structurally encoded component. In this way, one could prevent
modification of the encoding so as to prevent counterfeiting of
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Alternatively, the
readable portion 16 of the structurally encoded component 20 may be
disposed upon the main portion 18 of the structurally encoded
component 20. As used herein, a structurally encoded component
refers to any component, device, part, assembly, or other physical
structure capable of being encoded. The present disclosure further
includes unique device identification and information extraction
through high data density structural encoding.
[0033] The readable portion, or any readable element, as discussed
throughout the present disclosure, may be a radiopaque element or
another structure with properties capable of being detected using
such methods as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
ultrasound, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance
imaging, other forms of imaging, including medical imaging and
industrial imaging, known in the art, or any imaging device or
system that utilizes one or more frequencies and/or wavelengths
along the electromagnetic spectrum. The readable portion 16 may be
coupled to the main portion 18 by such means as fasteners or
adhesives or through interference fit. Each of the notches 12 is a
modification to the surface of the readable portion 16, has a
predetermined width 22, and is located at a predetermined axial
position 24 so as to create indicia 26 representing one-dimensional
data. The rod structure 10 in an embodiment is a radiopaque
structure, such as a tantalum rod. As will be further described
below, the rod structure 10 may have a variable density such that
the rod structure contains indicia in the form of a variable
density internal structure or a particular mesh structure created
by additive manufacturing, thereby increasing the density of data
coding. After fabricating the structurally encoded component, the
rod structure 10 and indicia 26 are detectable and readable via a
variety of methods such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission
tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The indicia 26 is
detected and received by conventional imaging devices. Imaging
software, preferably high resolution imaging software, then reads
the data from the indicia 26 to decode and store and/or display the
information from the structurally encoded component 20.
[0034] In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the data
represented by the indicia 26 on the surface of the rod structure
10 references unique information located in an external database.
One example of such information includes data from the indicia 26
representing a unique numerical identifier corresponding to a
wealth of information located in an external database.
[0035] In further embodiments of the present information, the size
of the indicia may be decreased, and the density of the data
thereby increased, such that additional information beyond mere
reference data may be recorded onto the structurally encoded
component. Such embodiments are further discussed below.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, error correction
is used to increase the resolution of the imaging technology,
thereby allowing an increase in data density. Error correction is
discussed in more detail below.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 9, rod structure 310 includes a
plurality of threads 312 in a spiral or helical configuration
around the circumference of the rod structure 310. Although the
threads 312 shown in FIG. 9 are continuous to form a screw
structure, such as a machine screw, the inner diameter 314 between
adjacent threads 312 is varied to form indicia. As indicated in
FIG. 9, the predetermined indicia allow coded data to appear within
the functional structure of the rod structure 310 before and after
structurally encoded component. Alternatively, the outer diameter
316 of threads 312 may be varied in addition to, or instead of, the
variation of the inner diameter 314 to retain coded indicia on the
rod structure 310. Further, the axial spacing 318 between adjacent
threads 312 may be varied in order to store data. Even further, the
particular shape of the spacing between adjacent threads 312, such
as a square, triangular, or circular shape, may also allow data
storage in the rod structure 310. A variation of this embodiment
includes a micromanufactured structurally encoded component having
indicia in or on the head 320 of the rod structure 310, such as
coded indicia in the head of a machine screw.
[0038] Any of the embodiments, including each particular structure,
disclosed in the present application may include structurally
encoded components having the forms of, or being incorporated into,
screws, rods, or other devices.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, a structurally encoded component
rod structure 40 of an embodiment of the present disclosure
features a series of notches 42 around the circumference of the rod
structure 40. The structurally encoded component rod structure 40
of an embodiment of FIG. 2 features a readable portion 44 shown in
FIG. 2 to be integral with an outer structure portion 46 of a
structurally encoded component 48. Alternatively, the readable
portion 44 of the structurally encoded component 48 may be disposed
upon the main portion 46 of the structurally encoded component 48.
The readable portion 44 may be coupled to the main portion 46 by
such means as fasteners or adhesives or through interference fit.
Each of the notches 42 is a modification to an exterior surface 50
of the readable portion 44, has a predetermined width 52, and is
located at a predetermined axial position 54 so as to create
indicia 56 representing one-dimensional data. The rod structure 40
in an embodiment is a radiopaque structure, such as a metallic rod.
After integrating the structurally encoded component into or onto
an assembly or separate structure, the rod structure 40 and indicia
56 are detectable and readable via a variety of imaging methods
such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic
radiation, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic
resonance imaging. The notches 42 of the embodiment may be created
using known manufacturing methods, such as using a lathe, milling
machine, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine, or
other machining techniques or through additive manufacturing
processes, as further discussed below. As opposed to indicia
located only on a side of a rod structure as shown in FIG. 1,
positioning of indicia 56 around the circumference of the rod
structure 40, as shown in FIG. 2, increases visibility of the
indicia 56 and readability of the data by imaging methods. The
indicia 56 is detected and received by imaging devices, which
transmits the data to imaging software with sufficient resolution
for accurately resolving the indicia. The imaging software reads
the indicia 56 to decode and store and/or display the information
from the structurally encoded component 48.
[0040] Although the indicia 26 and 56 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod
structures 10 and 40, the indicia of the rod structures 10 and 40
may be oriented in a skewed or slanted orientation such that the
indicia is not perpendicular to the axis of the rod structures 10
and 40. As will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the
art, any embodiment of the exemplary rod structures shown in FIGS.
1-3 and 9 may include notches, threads, or similar surface
modification. Furthermore, each notch, thread, or similar structure
may vary in depth, cross-section, or geometric shape across the
series or array for further data storage.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data
represented by the indicia 56 on the surface of the rod structure
references unique information located in an external database. One
example of such information includes the data from the indicia 56
representing a unique number corresponding to a wealth of
information located in an external database, such information
including manufacturer, model, design file, batch, lot, date of
manufacture, sales, supply chain, engineering, assembly,
material(s), history, ownership, and/or manufacturing process
data.
[0042] Error correction is used in an embodiment of the present
disclosure to increase the resolution of the imaging technology,
thereby allowing an increase in data density for a given
measurement technology. By encoding, for example, a number into the
structurally encoded component through micro-machined holes and/or
notches, sufficient permutations of the code can be recorded. In an
embodiment of a structurally encoded component according to the
present disclosure, a structurally encoded component contains, for
one example, 400 micron discrete notches. The full code width and
the bit count could, in this example, be dictated by machining
precision and accuracy, number of variable machining widths (e.g.,
100 microns, 200 microns, and 300 microns), total bar length, and
image resolution. To ensure robustness in the encoding scheme,
error correction in the form of a Hamming code is implemented in an
embodiment but any error correction method known in the coding
theory art could be employed. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, four variable width notches every 250 microns allow eight
bits of data to be encoded reliably every millimeter and read by a
computed tomography scan with sufficient resolution to identify the
notches. This is an example under an embodiment having values that
are "power of 2 friendly" in order to clarify one embodiment of the
present disclosure. The specific values of any particular
embodiment of the present disclosure depend upon the imaging and
manufacturing resolution, which will improve over time, as one
having ordinary skill in the art may recognize.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, a structurally encoded component
rod structure 70 of an embodiment of the present disclosure
features multiple materials in discrete layers 72 to create
one-dimensional data around the circumference of the rod structure
70. The structurally encoded component rod structure 70 of the
embodiment of FIG. 3 features a readable portion 74 shown in FIG. 3
to be integral with an outer structure portion 76 of a structurally
encoded component 78. Alternatively, the readable portion 74 of the
structurally encoded component 78 may be disposed upon the main
portion 76 of the structurally encoded component 78. The readable
portion 74 may be coupled to the main portion 76 by such means as
fasteners or adhesives or through interference fit. Similar to the
notched indicia shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the variance of material
across the layers 72 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 creates
indicia 80 representing data that is readable across the axial
dimension of the rod structure 70. Alternative embodiments may
feature multiple material layers readable across a different
dimension or a structure having a different shape constructed using
layers of multiple materials.
[0044] Referring again to an embodiment of FIG. 3, each of the
distinct material layers 72 has a predetermined width 82 and is
located at a predetermined axial position 84 so as to create the
indicia 80 representing one-dimensional data. At least one of the
layers 72 in the rod structure 70 of FIG. 3 may be a radiopaque
structure. In an embodiment each of the layers 72 is composed of a
particular material having some degree of opacity. Like the rod
structures of FIGS. 1 and 2, after incorporation of the
structurally encoded component into, onto, or with a separate
assembly or component, the rod structure 70 and indicia 80 of the
structurally encoded component 78 of FIG. 3 are detectable and
readable via a variety of imaging methods such as x-ray,
fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation,
ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance
imaging. The indicia layers 72 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3
are structured so as to be visible from any side of the rod
structure 70 to increase readability of the data by imaging
methods. The indicia 80 are detected and received by imaging
devices, which transmits the data to imaging software, preferably
high resolution imaging software. The imaging software reads the
indicia 80 to decode and store and/or display the information from
the structurally encoded component 78.
[0045] The information or data encoded onto or into the
structurally encoded components of the embodiments disclosed in the
present disclosure may be detected, decoded, read, transferred,
stored, displayed, or processed according to such methods and
devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,233,967 or U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2013/0053680, both of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0046] The structurally encoded component 78 of FIG. 3 is
manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Due to
their precision and programmability, AM processes may be used for
any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 to allow a reduction in
the size of the indicia and, therefore, increased density of data
included onto the surface of the structurally encoded component rod
structure. In some cases, machining may be sufficient to provide
the indicia necessary for the structurally encoded component rod
structure. With increased data density, additional information
beyond mere reference data may be recorded onto the structurally
encoded component 78. The data recorded onto the structurally
encoded component itself may include manufacturer, model, design
file data, batch, lot, date of manufacture, sales, supply chain,
engineering, assembly, material(s), component or assembly history,
ownership, or manufacturing process data that would otherwise need
to be stored in and accessed through an external database.
Additionally, AM allows complex, mass customized, internal
structures otherwise unavailable with conventional manufacturing,
including three-dimensional structures discussed in further detail
below. Moreover, AM eliminates the need for tooling and can
therefore allow fabrication of structurally encoded components with
unique identifiers within the structure with no additional masks,
molds or user interaction.
[0047] ASTM International formed Committee F42 on Additive
Manufacturing Technologies in 2009 with the mission of setting the
standards for design, process, and materials with regards to AM.
The committee defined a taxonomy of seven sub-technologies that
together constitute the full suite of AM techniques. The seven
sub-technologies are described in ASTM F2792-12a, the details of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0048] Material extrusion is an additive manufacturing process
where material is selectively dispensed through an extrusion
nozzle. The most common implementation of this method involves the
extrusion of thermoplastic material through a heated orifice. The
materials available for the most common implementation tend to be
functional plastics that are sufficiently robust to withstand harsh
environments such as chemical, mechanical, or temperature
exposure.
[0049] Vat photo polymerization features a vat of liquid photo
curable polymer that is selectively cured with an energy source
such as a laser beam or other optical energy. The part is typically
attached to a platform that descends one cure depth after a layer
is completed and the process is repeated. This class of additive
manufacturing benefits from feature sizes dictated by either the
laser beam width or optical resolution in the X and Y axis and
minimum cure depth in Z.
[0050] Powder bed fusion processes include selectively melting or
sintering a layer of powder using an energy source such as a laser
or electron beam, lowering the layer by a fabrication layer
thickness, and adding a new powder layer by delivery with a rake or
roller and material storage mechanism. The process continues with
the next layer. Unmelted powder in the bed acts inherently as
support material for subsequently built layers.
[0051] Material jetting uses ink-jetting or other nozzle-based
technology to selectively deposit the build material with a cure
prior to the application of subsequent layers. An exemplary version
of this technology may be ink-jetting multiple photo-curable
polymers and follow the inkjet head with a UV lamp for immediate
and full volume curing. With multiple materials, fabricated items
can be multi-colored or materials can be chosen with varying
stiffness properties. Ink-jetting is also naturally well suited for
parallelism and thus can be easily scaled to larger and faster
production.
[0052] Binder jetting includes selectively depositing a binder into
a layer of powder feedstock. Additional powder material is then
dispensed from a material storage location by a rake or roller
mechanism to create the next layer. Some binder jetting
technologies may require a post-anneal furnace cycle depending on
the materials being used (e.g., metals, ceramics). One exemplary
system may inkjet color (much like a commercial inkjet color
printer) in addition to the binder into a powder, and may therefore
provide structures with colors throughout the structure for
conceptual models. Another binder jetting system may utilize a post
anneal process to drive out the binder to produce metal or ceramic
structures.
[0053] Sheet lamination is another additive manufacturing process
in which individual sheets of material are bonded together to form
three-dimensional objects. In one exemplary embodiment, sheets of
metal are bonded together using ultrasonic energy. The process has
been shown to produce metallurgical bonds for aluminum, copper,
stainless steel, and titanium. A subsequent subtractive process
between layers adds internal structures and other complex
geometries impossible with conventional subtractive manufacturing
processes that start from a billet of material.
[0054] Directed energy deposition is another additive manufacturing
process that directs both the material deposition and the energy
source (typically a laser or electron beam) at the surface being
built. Directed energy deposition processes typically use powder or
wire-fed metals and exemplary applications of the process may
include repair of high value components used in aircraft engines.
These directed energy AM processes, as well as the other AM
processes described above, can be used to add material to existing
parts, components, or devices to provide structurally encoded
information. In addition, as the adaptation of AM technologies is
advancing to provide end-use products, parts, components, and
devices, structural encoding as described herein can be designed
within a computer-aided design (CAD) file of a particular part to
be fabricated and simultaneously fabricated within or integral with
the finished part.
[0055] The structurally encoded component of the present disclosure
may be manufactured by conventional methods such as a machining
operation using any milling, lathe machining, or drilling operation
to include standard machining and fabrication methods known in the
art of manufacturing structurally encoded components.
[0056] The embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 show a structurally encoded
component rod structure having a length of one centimeter.
Exemplary embodiments of each structurally encoded component shown
in FIGS. 1-3 include each notch or material variation having a
thickness of 0.1-0.3 millimeters, which results in storage of about
30-40 bits of information on the structurally encoded component rod
structure. After utilizing bits for Hamming code error correction,
about 25-35 actual data bits create approximately 30 million to 30
billion indexing options into an external database or for limited
information stored on the structurally encoded component such as a
structurally encoded component expiration date and lot number.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4, a structurally encoded component
plate structure 100 of an embodiment of the present disclosure
features a two-dimensional array of modifications 102 to a surface
104 of the plate structure 100. The array of modifications 102 of
the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes at least two sets of data that
can be read from at least two different respective directions,
including a first direction disposed at 90 degrees from a second
direction. The at least two sets of data may also exist from two
different respective perspectives of the array of modifications
102, such as from a read perspective aligned with the Z axis from a
first perspective and a read perspective aligned with the X axis
from a second perspective. The structurally encoded component plate
structure 100 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 features a readable
portion 106 shown in FIG. 4 to be integral with an outer structure
portion 108 of a structurally encoded component 110. Alternatively,
the readable portion 106 of the structurally encoded component 110
may be disposed upon the main portion 108 of the structurally
encoded component 110. The readable portion 106 may be coupled to
the main portion 108 by such means as fasteners or adhesives or
through interference fit. The modifications 102 to the surface 104
of the plate structure 100 shown in FIG. 4 are holes 112 that are
micromanufactured through the surface 104 of the plate structure
100. The plate structure 100 may be composed of any material such
as a metal, polymer, or ceramic compatible with the imaging
modality selected. Further, any single or combination of composite
or nanoparticle material, including fine particles between 1 and
100 nanometers in size, may be used for the present structure, such
as the readable portion.
[0058] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 features a plate structure
100 that is one centimeter squared and one millimeter thick and has
a seven-by-seven array of holes 112. The holes 112 are spaced about
one millimeter from each other to provide 49 bits. After
subtracting bits used for error correction, approximately four
trillion reliable database entry fields with error correction are
provided by the seven-by-seven array of holes 112. A Hamming code
is implemented in an embodiment of the structurally encoded
component with an additional eight bits to provide for the
detection and correction of single bit errors.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5, a structurally encoded component
plate structure 140 of an embodiment of the present disclosure
features a two-dimensional array of embedded markers 142 located at
an internal plane 144 of the structurally encoded component plate
structure 140. The embedded markers 142 of an embodiment are
internal volumes of a second material of different density. The
structurally encoded component plate structure 140 of FIG. 5
features a readable portion 146 shown in FIG. 5 to be disposed upon
an outer structure portion 148 of a structurally encoded component
150. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the readable portion 146 may be
coupled to the main portion 148 by such means as fasteners or
adhesives or through interference fit. Alternatively, the readable
portion 146 of the structurally encoded component 150 may be
integral with the main portion 148 of the structurally encoded
component 150. The second material having a different density than
the plate structure shown in FIG. 5 may be a substance of any
material phase including a solid, liquid, or a gas. The embedded
markers 142 as an array of internal volumes of FIG. 5 may also be
voids in the material of the readable portion 146 of the
structurally encoded component plate structure 140. The
structurally encoded component plate structure 140 may be composed
of any material such as a metal, ceramic, or polymer.
[0060] Similar to the plate structure of FIG. 4, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5 features a plate structure 140 that is one
centimeter squared and one millimeter thick and has a
seven-by-seven array of internal volumes or voids forming embedded
markers 142. The markers 142 form an array in an embodiment and
include at least two sets of data that can be read from at least
two different respective directions, including a first direction
disposed at 90 degrees from a second direction. The at least two
sets of data may also exist from two different respective
perspectives of the array of markers 142, such as from a read
perspective aligned with the Z axis from a first perspective and a
read perspective aligned with the X axis from a second perspective.
The volumes are spaced about one millimeter from each other to
provide 49 bits. After subtracting bits used for error correction,
four trillion reliable database entry fields with error correction
are provided by the seven-by-seven array of volumes or voids. A
Hamming code is implemented in an embodiment of the structurally
encoded component with an additional eight bits to provide for the
detection and correction of single bit errors.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 6, a structurally encoded component
structure 170 of an embodiment of the present disclosure features a
three-dimensional array 186 of embedded markers 176 located on a
series of internal planes 174 of the structurally encoded component
structure 170 that are separated across the z-axis of the
structurally encoded component structure 170. Each of the internal
planes 174 shown in FIG. 6 comprise a three-dimensional array of
embedded markers 176. The array of markers 176 includes at least
three sets of data that can be read from at least three different
respective directions, including a first direction disposed at 90
degrees from a second direction along a first plane, and a third
direction disposed at 90 degrees from both the first direction and
the second direction along a second plane and a third plane. The at
least three sets of data may also exist from three different
respective perspectives of the array of markers 176, such as from a
read perspective aligned with the Z axis from a first perspective,
a read perspective aligned with the X axis from a second
perspective, and a read perspective aligned with the Y axis from a
third perspective. The embedded markers 176 in an embodiment are
internal volumes of a second material of differing density than a
first material forming the remainder of the structurally encoded
component structure 170. The embedded markers 176 may additionally
be composed of a material differing from both the first and second
materials forming an identifiable structurally encoded component
having three or more materials, similar to the structurally encoded
component shown in FIG. 3. This material modulation further
increases the density of data recorded in the structurally encoded
component structure 170.
[0062] The structurally encoded component structure 170 of the
embodiment of FIG. 6 features a readable portion 178 shown in FIG.
6 to be disposed on an outer structure portion 180 of a
structurally encoded component 182. Although not shown in FIG. 6,
the readable portion 178 may be coupled to the main portion 180 by
such means as fasteners or adhesives or through interference fit.
Alternatively, the readable portion 178 of the structurally encoded
component 182 may be integral with or within the main portion 180
of the structurally encoded component 182. The second material
having a different density than the structurally encoded component
structure 170 shown in FIG. 6 may be a substance of any material
phase including a solid, liquid, or a gas. The array of internal
volumes of FIG. 6 forming embedded markers 176 may also be voids in
the material of the readable portion 178 of the structurally
encoded component structure 170. The structurally encoded component
structure 170 may be composed of any material such as a metal,
ceramic, or polymer.
[0063] As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each plane 174 in
the three-dimensional array 186 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6
features a unique seven-by-seven two-dimensional array 184 of
embedded markers 176. The structurally encoded component structure
170 of FIG. 6 features the seven unique two-dimensional arrays 184
along the planes 174 such that the seven-by-seven-by-seven
three-dimensional array 186 is formed. Data is extracted from the
three-dimensional array 186 shown in FIG. 6 through volume imaging
used with an extraction algorithm and advanced error correction
coding in three dimensions. Due to the large amount of data within
the internal array 186 of the structurally encoded component
structure 170 shown in FIG. 6, external databases may not be
required to access detailed structurally encoded component
manufacturer, sales, supply chain, engineering drawings and
analyses, assembly, material(s), component or assembly history,
ownership, or manufacturing process data, or other related records.
Through image analysis, a party, such as an owner, service
professional, government or industry official, would have immediate
access to records encoded entirely within the structurally encoded
component 182.
[0064] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which shows a structurally
encoded component structure 200 of an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The structurally encoded component structure 200 of an
embodiment is a metal mesh structure fabricated using additive
manufacturing (also known in the art as 3D printing). The Materials
Science & Engineering article titled "Characterization of
Ti-6AI-4V Open Cellular Foams Fabricated by Additive Manufacturing
Using Electron Beam Melting" by Murr, et al. discusses such
additive manufacturing methods to produce such exemplary structures
as are displayed in the article, and is hereby incorporated herein
by reference. Through an AM manufacturing process, a unique
internal structure is formed while maintaining the structural
requirements of the structurally encoded component 200. A readable
portion 202 includes an internal structure 204 inside the readable
portion 202. The internal structure 204 includes linking structures
206 that interconnect to form the internal structure 204.
Individual linking structures 206 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7
each have a predetermined size and orientation in reference to a
unique registration structure that would be included in every
structurally encoded component and easily identifiable. As shown in
FIG. 8, the size and orientation of a particular linking structure
206 of an embodiment of the present disclosure is predetermined to
represent binary data. As with the embodiments of the present
disclosure shown in FIGS. 1-6, the data is read to gather valuable
information relating to the structurally encoded component. The
data contained in the readable portion 202 of the structurally
encoded component structure 200 can be accurately read through
non-invasive or non-destructive means such as x-ray, fluoroscopy,
computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound,
positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. FIGS.
7A and 8A show, in detail, the readable portion 202, internal
structure 204, and linking structure 206 of the structurally
encoded component structure 200 according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. If, for example, the component structure 200 is
load bearing, the linking structures 206 is capable of maintaining
the desired and/or necessary mechanical properties for static or
dynamic performance of the component structure 200.
[0065] One or more of the embodiments of the present disclosure are
structurally encoded components, which refers to the 3D encoding of
digital information in a structure as variations in geometric or
physical features--widths, densities, color, feature angles, etc.
Bar codes are an example of a 2D encoding of digital information
with modulations of color (dark versus light) with varying widths
of printed bars on a surface. A typical embodiment of the
structurally encoded components of the present disclosure may
contain data that is not readily apparent to a viewer of the device
structure. Further, encoding of the typical embodiments of the
present disclosure is handled by physical means other than those
accomplished through circuitry, electromagnetic or other, within
the structurally encoded component itself or through a type of
internal storage means such as magnetic storage means or the like.
Such structurally encoded components, as disclosed herein and
described in relation to the typical and/or potential embodiments
of the present disclosure allow simplified production, maintenance,
and/or operation costs for identification, storage, and/or
retrieval of unique structurally encoded component data while
retaining a substantial amount of information with reduced
probability for error.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, the structurally encoded
component of the present disclosure is shown in several
embodiments. Referring specifically to FIG. 10, a structurally
encoded vehicle part 310 is shown. The vehicle part 310 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is an oil filter, which is a
replaceable part in a vehicle's engine assembly. At an internal
location 312 of the vehicle part 310, a readable portion 314 is
structurally encoded with data that may be related to the filter
manufacturer, the filter serial number, the vehicle type or model
for which the filter is designed, the manufacture or installation
date, or any recall or manufacture service information. The
readable portion 314 may be structured or manufactured according to
any of the embodiments discussed above or shown in FIGS. 1-9. Such
encoded information may be read via any of the imaging methods
discussed above, including x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission
tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and may include error
correction as discussed above. Other parts contemplated by the
present disclosure may include one or more fasteners, such as the
machine screw shown in FIG. 9, utilized in a vehicle or other
assembly and encoded with data relating to the part or assembly.
One example of the structurally encoded vehicle part includes a
structurally encoded section of a vehicle engine block constructed
using laser engineered net shaping (LENS), an additive
manufacturing directed energy deposition technology, onto the
existing engine block structure manufactured by another method,
such as traditional casting, forging, and machining. The methods
described above may be used to provide structural encoding on
virtually any automotive part by (1) directly fabricating
components with structural encoding either externally accessible or
fully embedded within the component and not accessible without one
or more of the imaging processes described herein, or (2)
fabricating a fraction or portion of a major component or subsystem
with structural encoding information on or in it, and then
incorporating the portion on or in the major component either as an
attachment or embedded within a larger component through assembly
or integration during fabrication of the larger component.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 11, a structurally encoded vehicle
frame 320 is shown to include a structurally encoded component 322.
It is contemplated that the structurally encoded vehicle frame 320
of the present disclosure may include a passenger car or truck
frame, a motorcycle frame, a watercraft hull, an aircraft or
spacecraft frame, or any military or law enforcement vehicle,
aircraft, spacecraft, or watercraft. The structurally encoded
component 322 of the vehicle frame 320 of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 11 is a frame gusset that is welded onto the remaining frame
portions to create the unitary frame. The structurally encoded
component 322 may include a separate readable portion 324 or the
component 322 may itself be the readable portion 324. The readable
portion 324 is structurally encoded with data that may be related,
as non-limiting examples, to the vehicle manufacturer, the vehicle
identification number (VIN) or serial number, the vehicle type,
model, engineering drawings or analyses, or production number, the
manufacture, assembly, or sale date, any recall, service, repair,
or ownership information.
[0068] Further, any of the embodiments of the present disclosure
may include data relating to the unique image, properties, or
manufacturing characteristics of the part or component itself, such
as particular programming language directed to identification or
replication of the structure.
[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the structurally encoded
component 322 provides a redundant means of identifying the
vehicle. In the event that a vehicle identification number
displayed at other vehicle locations, such as displayed on a
dashboard plate, a frame plate, or stamped onto the frame or
engine, is altered, replaced, or removed, the vehicle
identification number contained in the data of the readable portion
324 of the structurally encoded component 322 provides a secure
means of retaining data pertaining to the vehicle with the vehicle.
The structurally encoded component 322 may also take the form of
another vehicle component such as a dashboard part, a vehicle
panel, a wheel component, or an engine component.
[0070] The readable portion 324 may be structured or manufactured
according to any of the embodiments discussed above or shown in
FIGS. 1-9. Such encoded information may be read via any of the
imaging methods discussed above, including x-ray, fluoroscopy,
computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound,
positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and
may include error correction as discussed above.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 12, a weapon 330 having a structurally
encoded component 332 is shown. The weapon 330 shown in FIG. 12 is
a firearm, but any weapon, such as a knife or other bladed weapon
or a projectile launching weapon, is contemplated by the present
disclosure. The structurally encoded component 332 is or includes a
readable portion 334, which is a barrel portion of the weapon 330.
However, the readable portion 334 may be located elsewhere, such as
a stock or grip of a firearm. As firearms and other weapons are
sensitive objects that are tracked by government and law
enforcement agencies, an embedded or otherwise secure readable
portion 334 prevents illicit purchasing, trafficking, or carrying
of weapons, while also preventing alteration or removal of serial
numbers located on weapons such as firearms. The methods described
above may be used to provide structural encoding on virtually any
weapon or weapon part by (1) directly fabricating components with
structural encoding either externally accessible or fully embedded
within the component and not accessible without one or more of the
imaging processes described herein, or (2) fabricating a fraction
or portion of a major component or subsystem with structural
encoding information on or in it, and then incorporating the
portion on or in the major component either as an attachment or
embedded within a larger component through assembly or integration
during fabrication of the larger component.
[0072] The readable portion 334 is structurally encoded with data
that may be related to the weapon manufacturer, the serial number,
the weapon type, model, engineering design drawings and analyses,
or production number, ammunition, the manufacture, assembly, or
sale date, and any recall, service, repair, or ownership
information, including country of origin. The readable portion 334
may be structured or manufactured according to any of the
embodiments discussed above or shown in FIGS. 1-9. Such encoded
information may be read via any of the imaging methods discussed
above, including x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, positron emission
tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and may include error
correction as discussed above.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 13, a piece of jewelry 340 having a
structurally encoded component 342 is shown. The jewelry 340 shown
in FIG. 13 is a ring having a precious metal base with one or more
gemstones embedded within. However, any type of jewelry, such as
bracelets, necklaces, watches, or earrings, is contemplated by the
present disclosure. Additionally, the structurally encoded
component 342 is, or forms part of, an in-ear hearing aid or other
personalized medical instrument. The structurally encoded component
342 is or includes a readable portion 344. The readable portion
344, as shown in FIG. 13, is located integrally at an inner portion
of the ring, but may be separately attachable as a decorative
and/or valuable component to the jewelry. The readable portion 344
allows an enhanced measure of security for the jewelry as the
methods for encoding discussed above allow a large amount of data
to be included in a very small space, such as a surface or inner
space of a piece of jewelry.
[0074] The readable portion 344 of the jewelry shown in FIG. 13 is
structurally encoded with data that may be related to the jewelry
designer, the design information including dates, the material type
and quality, the serial number, any gemstone information such as
research or laboratory certification or grading, history, any sale,
repair, or evaluation date, insurance information, and any
ownership information. Because many valuable gemstones, such as
diamonds, include a serial number engraved onto their surface, the
structurally encoded component 342 of the present disclosure
provides secure confirmation of such data for a piece of jewelry
that includes the valuable gemstone.
[0075] The readable portion 344 may be structured or manufactured
according to any of the embodiments discussed above or shown in
FIGS. 1-9. Such encoded information may be read via any of the
imaging methods discussed above, including x-ray, fluoroscopy,
computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound,
positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and
may include error correction as discussed above.
[0076] As further contemplated by the present disclosure, other
sensitive objects, such as pharmaceutical goods, having
structurally encoded components, packaging, or containers would
benefit from the efficient and secure identification, tracking, and
storage of information relating to the objects. Additionally, the
structurally encoded components discussed herein may be
incorporated into or form part of consumer electronics such as cell
phones, or toys to track information relating to such products.
[0077] The embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown
individually in FIGS. 1-13, may be manufactured by one or more of
the AM processes described above. The method of manufacturing an
identifiable structurally encoded component according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure comprises providing an outer
structure portion of an identifiable structurally encoded
component, providing a readable portion of an identifiable
structurally encoded component, printing a first material onto a
first readable portion surface to create a first printed layer, and
printing the first material onto the first printed layer to create
a second printed layer. At least one of the printing of the first
material onto the first readable portion surface and the printing
of the first material onto the first printed layer comprises
printing encoded indicia. Further, the encoded indicia may comprise
volumes of a second material having a different density than the
first material found elsewhere in the readable portion of the
identifiable structurally encoded component. As an example, the
readable portion of an identifiable structurally encoded component
may be formed by an additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing
process such that micro-volumes of a metal material having a
relatively high density are deposited within a polymer substrate
having a relatively low density. The encoded indicia may also
comprise voids in the first material of the identifiable
structurally encoded component. Further, any single embodiment of
the present disclosure may be manufactured using a combination of
traditional manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing
processes. For example, a 3D printed structurally encoded component
with internal indicia formed by the 3D printing process may also
have a series of notches micromachined onto an exterior surface of
the 3D printed structurally encoded component.
[0078] The identifiable structurally encoded component of the
present disclosure enables more accurate reporting, reviewing, and
analyzing of adverse event reports so that problem devices can be
identified and corrected more quickly. Additionally, the
identifiable structurally encoded component of the present
disclosure reduces error by manufacturing professionals, service
professionals, and others to rapidly and precisely identify a
device and obtain important information concerning the
characteristics of the device. The present disclosure enhances
analysis of devices on the market by providing a standard and clear
way to document device use in electronic records, testing
information systems, claim data sources, and registries. Through
the structurally encoded component of the present disclosure, a
more robust post-market surveillance system may also be leveraged
to support premarket approval or clearance of new devices and new
uses of currently marketed devices. The present disclosure further
provides a standardized identifier that will allow manufacturers,
distributors, and service facilities to more effectively manage
device recalls. Moreover, the present disclosure provides a
foundation for a global, secure distribution chain, helping to
address theft, counterfeiting, and diversion and prepare for
emergencies. The identifiable structurally encoded component of the
present disclosure enables development of a device identification
system that is recognized around the world.
[0079] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *