System and method for applying multi-colored surface markings to a surface
First Claim
1. A method for applying multi-colored surface markings to a surface using a first manifold configured to receive a first colored marking fluid and a second manifold configured to receive a second colored marking fluid, the first and second manifolds each including a plurality of spray nozzles and a plurality of valves, each valve being configured to regulate the flow of marking fluid from a respective one of the spray nozzles, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a controller communicatively connected to the valves, a pixel data map associated with a desired surface marking to be applied across an area of the surface, the surface marking including a first portion to be applied using the first colored marking fluid and a second portion to be applied using the second colored marking fluid;
scaling the pixel data map based on the dimensions of the desired surface marking and a resolution capability of the first and second manifolds;
controlling, via the controller, the operation of the valves of the first manifold as the first manifold is moved along the surface such that the first colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the first manifold in a manner that generates the first portion of the desired surface marking across the surface; and
controlling, via the controller, the operation of the valves of the second manifold as the second manifold is moved along the surface such that the second colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the second manifold in a manner that generates the second portion of the desired surface marking across the surface.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one aspect, a system for applying painted surface markings to roads, parking lots, fields and/or any other suitable surfaces is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of valves and associated spray nozzles mounted onto and/or within a manifold, with each valve being individually controllable in order to regulate the flow of paint being dispensed from the spray nozzles. For instance, a controller may be coupled to each valve in order to control the opening and closing of such valve, thereby controlling the flow of paint supplied to the corresponding spray nozzle. In addition, information regarding the surface marking to be applied (the design, dimensions, orientation, geographical location, etc.) may be stored within and/or received by the controller. The controller may then control each valve such that paint is applied to the surface to be marked via the spray nozzles in a manner that creates the desired surface marking.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for applying multi-colored surface markings to a surface using a first manifold configured to receive a first colored marking fluid and a second manifold configured to receive a second colored marking fluid, the first and second manifolds each including a plurality of spray nozzles and a plurality of valves, each valve being configured to regulate the flow of marking fluid from a respective one of the spray nozzles, the method comprising:
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receiving, at a controller communicatively connected to the valves, a pixel data map associated with a desired surface marking to be applied across an area of the surface, the surface marking including a first portion to be applied using the first colored marking fluid and a second portion to be applied using the second colored marking fluid; scaling the pixel data map based on the dimensions of the desired surface marking and a resolution capability of the first and second manifolds; controlling, via the controller, the operation of the valves of the first manifold as the first manifold is moved along the surface such that the first colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the first manifold in a manner that generates the first portion of the desired surface marking across the surface; and controlling, via the controller, the operation of the valves of the second manifold as the second manifold is moved along the surface such that the second colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the second manifold in a manner that generates the second portion of the desired surface marking across the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for applying multi-colored surface markings to a surface, the system comprising:
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a first manifold configured to receive a first colored marking fluid; a second manifold configured to receive a second colored marking fluid, the first and second manifolds each including a plurality of spray nozzles and a plurality of valves, each valve being configured to regulate the flow of marking fluid from a respective one of the spray nozzles; and a controller communicatively coupled to the valves, the controller configured to; receive a pixel data map associated with a desired surface marking to be applied across an area of the surface, the surface marking including a first portion to be applied using the first colored marking fluid and a second portion to be applied using the second colored marking fluid; scale the pixel data map based on the dimensions of the desired surface marking and a resolution capability of the first and second manifolds; control the operation of the valves of the first manifold as the first manifold is moved along the surface such that the first colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the first manifold in a manner that generates the first portion of the desired surface marking across the surface; and control the operation of the valves of the second manifold as the second manifold is moved along the surface such that the second colored marking fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles of the second manifold in a manner that generates the second portion of the desired surface marking across the surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification