Extracting an embedded database from a physical object

A method comprising:

• by a 3D scanning device, scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded in the 3D object;
• by a processing device:
• receiving a plurality of structural parameters for the 3D object,
• using the plurality of structural parameters and the extracted data to develop an instruction set that, when executed by a processor of a 3D printing device, will cause the device to form a copy of the 3D object in accordance with the structural parameters by depositing a build material in a plurality of layers and curing the build material,
• saving the instruction set to a data file, and
• identifying an address for a location of the data file when saved;
• and
• by the 3D printing device, executing the instruction set and, based on the instruction set, forming a copy of the 3D object, wherein the copy of the 3D object comprises a plurality of physical representations corresponding to the address embedded inside the copy of the 3D object, wherein:
• the plurality of physical representations comprises a set of cavities or raised areas such that a size of each cavity or raised area represents a value of a data point within a data structure, and
• forming the copy of the 3D object comprises building the copy of the 3D object so that the build material includes a plurality of cavities or raised areas having sizes that correspond to values of a data structure that represents the address.