💻Mechanism & Technology

PRINTED-IN combines cutting-edge blockchain technology with advanced AI capabilities to create a secure, transparent, and efficient ecosystem for 3D model creation, licensing, and physical production. This unique blend of technologies enables a seamless experience for creators and users alike, ensuring that digital assets are protected, transactions are verifiable, and the creative process is as streamlined as possible. Here’s a closer look at the core mechanisms and technologies that power the PRINTED-IN platform:

Blockchain-Based Ownership and Licensing

PRINTED-IN leverages blockchain technology to provide a transparent and tamper-proof record of ownership for all 3D models on the platform. Each model that is minted as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is recorded on a blockchain, using protocols like ERC-721 and ERC-1155. These protocols enable the creation of unique and semi-fungible digital assets, ensuring that each model has a verifiable proof of ownership.

By recording ownership on the blockchain, the platform enables creators to maintain a clear chain of custody for their digital assets. This means that every time a model is sold, licensed, or transferred, the transaction is permanently logged in a public ledger that is accessible to all. This level of transparency ensures that creators retain control over their work even as it is distributed globally. Buyers can trust that they are receiving authentic and properly licensed models, as the blockchain provides an immutable record that can be verified at any time.

Moreover, the blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures that no single entity controls the data, reducing the risk of manipulation or data breaches. Even in the event of server failures or security incidents, the blockchain ensures that ownership records remain intact and accessible. This makes the platform resilient against data loss, giving both creators and buyers confidence in the permanence and reliability of their transactions.

ERC-6551 (Token Bound Account) Integration

A key technological innovation on PRINTED-IN is the integration of the ERC-6551 standard, which allows for Token Bound Accounts. This protocol adds advanced account functionalities directly to NFTs, turning them into more than just static assets. With ERC-6551, each 3D model NFT is assigned an associated IP Account—a smart account tied to the NFT that manages interactions such as licensing, royalty distributions, and ownership transfers.

This integration significantly enhances the utility of NFTs by enabling them to perform actions autonomously through their associated accounts. For example, if a 3D model is licensed for commercial use, the Token Bound Account can automatically process royalty payments every time a product using that model is sold. This eliminates the need for manual tracking and ensures that creators receive their earnings promptly, reducing administrative overhead.

The Token Bound Account also allows NFTs to participate in complex ecosystems where assets interact dynamically. For instance, an NFT representing a 3D model can automatically update its licensing status or adjust royalty rates based on market conditions, creating a responsive and adaptable digital asset. This level of programmability opens new possibilities for how digital assets can be used, managed, and monetized within the PRINTED-IN ecosystem, providing creators with tools that go beyond traditional static NFTs.

AI-Powered Modeling and Optimization

PRINTED-IN incorporates AI-based tools that assist creators throughout the modeling process. These tools use advanced deep learning algorithms to analyze 3D models, offering recommendations for improving structural integrity, optimizing design for printing, and suggesting material adjustments based on the intended use of the model.

For example, if a model has thin areas that could lead to structural weaknesses during printing, the AI can suggest thickening those sections or adding internal supports. The tool can also simulate different printing conditions, predicting how the model might behave when printed with various materials or at different resolutions. This helps creators make design choices that reduce the risk of failed prints, saving time and resources.

Additionally, the AI tools can generate detailed print settings tailored to specific 3D printers and materials. This includes suggestions for layer height, print speed, and infill patterns that balance quality and efficiency. By offering these recommendations, the AI empowers creators to produce print-ready models that are optimized for the user’s chosen printing setup, ensuring the best possible results without needing expert knowledge in 3D printing techniques.

On-Chain IP Management and Verification

PRINTED-IN’s platform includes a proprietary protocol for IP management that integrates directly with blockchain records. This protocol enables creators to register their intellectual property on-chain, providing immutable proof of creation and ownership. Each model’s metadata includes timestamped records of its creation and any subsequent transactions, which can serve as a legal-grade certificate of authenticity.

This on-chain IP management is especially valuable for creators who need to defend their work against infringement. In cases where disputes arise over the ownership or licensing of a model, the blockchain’s records serve as definitive proof of the creator’s rights. By using a decentralized ledger, PRINTED-IN offers a transparent, trustless system where both parties can refer to the same source of truth, reducing the need for lengthy and costly legal processes.

The protocol also allows for seamless licensing adjustments and transfers. For instance, if a creator sells the rights to a model or licenses it to another party, the blockchain instantly updates to reflect the new ownership status. This ensures that all stakeholders are aware of who holds the rights to a particular model at any given time, simplifying the management of IP assets in a global digital marketplace.

Royalty Management and Secondary Sales Automation

A standout feature of PRINTED-IN is its ability to automate royalty management through smart contracts and ERC-6551 accounts. Creators can set royalty percentages during the NFT minting process, ensuring that they receive a share of any future sales of their models. For instance, if a creator sets a 5% royalty, they automatically receive 5% of the value every time the NFT is resold.

The integration of ERC-6551 allows the NFT’s associated account to handle these transactions seamlessly. When a secondary sale occurs, the Token Bound Account of the NFT automatically calculates the royalty, processes the payment, and transfers it to the creator’s wallet. This eliminates delays and ensures that creators are compensated fairly for their ongoing contributions to the marketplace.

This feature encourages creators to participate actively in the marketplace, knowing that they will continue to benefit from the resale of their models. It also adds a layer of transparency for buyers, who can see exactly how much of their purchase supports the original creator. This fosters a fairer marketplace where the value generated by digital assets is shared equitably between creators and participants.