Abstract: The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. An example system includes a network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system. The example system also includes a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus. The example system also includes a print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the network interface.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. An example system includes a network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system. The example system also includes a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus. The example system also includes a print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the network interface.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. An example system includes a network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system. The example system also includes a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus. The example system also includes a print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the network interface.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an operating system configured to enable arbitrary applications to output 3D models to be physically formed by arbitrary 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system manages the 3D manufacturing devices, including installation of related software, device drivers, device properties, and so forth. The operating system also provides a path through which the arbitrary applications pass arbitrary print jobs (or documents) of 3D models, in a standard format, to the 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system handles queuing and spooling on behalf of the applications and the 3D manufacturing devices. Drivers of the 3D manufacturing devices may translate the 3D models outputted by the applications (in the standard format) to instructions or device language content that is specific to the respective 3D manufacturing devices.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. An example system includes a network interface to obtain a 3D model from a client system. The example system also includes a print bureau data collection engine to identify capabilities of a plurality of print bureaus. The example system also includes a print bureau filter to compare characteristics of the 3D model with capabilities of the plurality of print bureaus to identify a subset of the plurality print bureaus that are able to print the 3D model and send the subset to the client system via the network interface.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an operating system configured to enable arbitrary applications to output 3D models to be physically formed by arbitrary 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system manages the 3D manufacturing devices, including installation of related software, device drivers, device properties, and so forth. The operating system also provides a path through which the arbitrary applications pass arbitrary print jobs (or documents) of 3D models, in a standard format, to the 3D manufacturing devices. The operating system handles queuing and spooling on behalf of the applications and the 3D manufacturing devices. Drivers of the 3D manufacturing devices may translate the 3D models outputted by the applications (in the standard format) to instructions or device language content that is specific to the respective 3D manufacturing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that enable communications to be established regardless of the presence of communications blockers, e.g., firewalls and NATs, in the path between two computing devices. Two devices each establish communications with a rendezvous service. Through the service, the devices signal each other to set up direct, peer-to-peer communications between themselves. If the devices fail to establish direct communications, then they invoke a relay service that provides the illusion of direct communications. In another aspect, an originating device attempts to establish communications with a recipient, using an address and port number associated with the recipient. If that attempts fails, possibly because a firewall is blocking communications, then the originating device retries using a port normally held open by firewalls. If this attempt also fails, then the originating device invokes the services of a proxy to negotiate a port acceptable for use by the recipient and by any intervening firewalls.

Abstract: A game or other software program is made accessible for execution by clients on a peer-peer network only after a plurality of verifications are made to ensure that control of the software is maintained. With a request sent to a server to access the software, a client includes a nonce and an ID of the user. The server digitally signs a portion of a ticket that is returned to the client, which includes the nonce, a time stamp, and the ID. The ticket is required to access the software. The clients are required to exchange the tickets, verify the digital signature on the portion of each ticket, and use the information therein to confirm that the tickets are current, issued by the correct server, issued to the proper users, and received from the users who are intended to execute the software.