System and method for generating an image in a three-dimensionally printed object

Abstract

A system for generating three dimensional objects that include an image, and methods for manufacturing and using same. Some embodiments include an elongated line for generating a three dimensional object via additive manufacturing having an image defined by a pixel array, where the line includes a plurality of discrete pixels disposed along the length of the line, the pixels configured to generate the pixel array. Other embodiments include an extruder system configured to extrude a line. Further embodiments include a method of generating a three dimensional object via additive manufacturing having an image defined by a pixel array

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of generating a three dimensional object, via additive manufacturing, having an image defined by a pixel array, the method comprising:
 determining a line path for generating the three dimensional object;   determining line pixel specifications to generate the image being defined by image data on the three dimensional object; and   feeding a filament to an extruder of a three-dimensional printer, the filament comprises an elongated line of pixels;   depositing the filament based on the determined line pixel specification via the extruder to generate the three dimensional object,   wherein the elongated line includes at least two unique materials.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising injecting colored dye into the filament within the three-dimensional printer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a first and a second material of the two unique materials are each a different one of either a nylon, a polymer, a resin, a metal, or a ceramic gypsum. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said depositing comprises generating a plurality of pixels via inkjet printing. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said depositing comprises extruding the filament based on the determined line path to generate the three dimensional object. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said feeding the filament to the extruder further comprises coupling a plurality of pixel bodies together in an order defined by the determined line pixel specification. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the pixel bodies are coupled together via magnetism. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising obtaining the image data corresponding to the three dimensional object by obtaining a computer aided drawing file. 
     
     
         9 . A method of generating a three dimensional object, via additive manufacturing, having an image defined by a pixel array, the method comprising:
 determining a line path for generating the three dimensional object;   determining line pixel specifications to generate the image being defined by image data on the three dimensional object;   feeding a filament to an extruder of a three-dimensional printer, the filament comprises an elongated line of pixels;   depositing the filament based on the determined line pixel specification via the extruder; and   injecting colored dye into the filament within the three-dimensional printer.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said injecting occurs before said depositing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said injecting occurs after said depositing. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said depositing comprises extruding the colored filament based on the determined line path to generate the three dimensional object. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated line comprises at least two unique materials. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein a first and a second material of the two unique materials are each a different one of either a nylon, a polymer, a resin, a metal, or a ceramic gypsum. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said feeding the filament to the extruder further comprises coupling a plurality of pixel bodies together in an order defined by the determined line pixel specification. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pixel bodies are coupled together via magnetism. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising obtaining the image data corresponding to the three dimensional object by obtaining a computer aided drawing file. 
     
     
         18 . A method of generating a three dimensional object, via additive manufacturing, having an image defined by a pixel array, the method comprising:
 determining a line path for generating the three dimensional object;   determining line pixel specifications to generate the image being defined by image data on the three dimensional object; and   generating an elongated line based on the determined line pixel specification via an extruder of a three-dimensional printer,   wherein said elongated line includes at least two unique materials.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising depositing the generated line based on the determined line path to generate the three dimensional object. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising injecting colored dye into the filament within the three-dimensional printer.