Apparatus and method for marking multiple colors on a contoured surface having a complex topography
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for printing on a three-dimensional contoured surface having a complex topography, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of movable markers for printing an image on the surface with inks of different colors;
(b) a sensor or sensors disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing position information of points on the surface prior to printing on the surface and generating first signals relative to the position information; and
(c) a controller responsive to the first signals and in response to the first signals generating second signals to control position of the markers to effect complex movements of the markers through pivoting of the markers about a point or points, the controller also being responsive to image data represented as a two-dimensional plural color image to be printed on the surface and programmed to derive adjusted plural color image data that is adjusted in accordance with the three-dimensional contour of the surface.
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Abstract
Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topography and preferably with multiple color marking. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.
80 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for printing on a three-dimensional contoured surface having a complex topography, comprising:
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(a) a plurality of movable markers for printing an image on the surface with inks of different colors;
(b) a sensor or sensors disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing position information of points on the surface prior to printing on the surface and generating first signals relative to the position information; and
(c) a controller responsive to the first signals and in response to the first signals generating second signals to control position of the markers to effect complex movements of the markers through pivoting of the markers about a point or points, the controller also being responsive to image data represented as a two-dimensional plural color image to be printed on the surface and programmed to derive adjusted plural color image data that is adjusted in accordance with the three-dimensional contour of the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of printing an image on a three-dimensional contoured surface having a complex topography, the method comprising:
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sensing position information of points on the surface and generating signals relative to the position information;
providing image data representing a plural colored two-dimensional expression of the image to be printed;
adjusting the image data in response to the signals to define a plural colored three-dimensional expression of the image data that is adjusted for printing on the surface;
in response to the signals adjusting positions of a plurality of movable markers by at least one pivotable movement of the markers so as to locate the markers at locations for printing the image on the surface with inks of different colors; and
ejecting inks from the plurality of movable markers in accordance with the plural colored three-dimensional expression of the image data. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification