Automated simultaneous multiple article sublimation printing process and apparatus
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented automated method for simultaneously sublimating images on two or more products using an apparatus including an interface device containing one or more processors, comprising:
- prompting the user, via the interface device, to indicate a desired number of products to sublimate;
receiving, via the interface device, one or more digital image files representing an image selected by the user for sublimating onto the products;
presenting to the user, via the interface device, information relating to pricing of the desired products;
determining, via the one or more processors, a spatial arrangement of the images for sublimation upon the user'"'"'s desired number of products to be sublimated;
positioning the desired number of products on a substrate in a manner corresponding to the determined spatial arrangement;
configuring, via the one or more processors, a single thermal cycle such that the images will be sublimated substantially simultaneously onto each one of the desired number of products in a single thermal cycle; and
sublimating at least one image onto each of the desired number of products using the configured single thermal cycle.
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Abstract
A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
221 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented automated method for simultaneously sublimating images on two or more products using an apparatus including an interface device containing one or more processors, comprising:
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prompting the user, via the interface device, to indicate a desired number of products to sublimate; receiving, via the interface device, one or more digital image files representing an image selected by the user for sublimating onto the products; presenting to the user, via the interface device, information relating to pricing of the desired products; determining, via the one or more processors, a spatial arrangement of the images for sublimation upon the user'"'"'s desired number of products to be sublimated; positioning the desired number of products on a substrate in a manner corresponding to the determined spatial arrangement; configuring, via the one or more processors, a single thermal cycle such that the images will be sublimated substantially simultaneously onto each one of the desired number of products in a single thermal cycle; and sublimating at least one image onto each of the desired number of products using the configured single thermal cycle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for sublimating images onto multiple products for a user in a retail environment, comprising:
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a user interface device including one or more processors configured to receive one or more digital image files representing one or more images, wherein the user interface is configured to determine a spatial arrangement of the images for sublimation based upon the user'"'"'s desired number of products to be sublimated; a dye sublimation printer configured to print the received images; a substrate configured to receive the multiple products; a transport mechanism configured to position the multiple products onto the substrate; and a control unit for configuring the apparatus such that the images will be sublimated substantially simultaneously onto each of the multiple products in a single thermal cycle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification