Method and apparatus for creating visual effects on grass
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for precise and consistent lawn and field patterning, comprising:
- a global positioning system;
a processor for generating a desired pattern, wherein said pattern is translated into patterning instructions;
a patterning implement for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said pattern into turf patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes, said patterning implement comprising;
a plurality of independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement, each of said independent printing mechanisms comprises;
a ventilated load bearing roller having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough that allow air pressure to freely direct a lay of natural or artificial turf into a face of said roller without impedance and which, when rolled over turf, imparts stress on blades of the turf such that said blades lay down in a predetermined direction when rolled over by said load bearing roller;
a pneumatic system comprising;
a source of compressed air;
a plenum for distributing compressed air from said source of compressed air to a linear orifice;
a deflector positionable relative to said linear orifice by an actuator into an air flow path between a first position that lays the turf into the direction of the oncoming roller by directing the air flow to allow compression of the turf in an unnatural mode of lay, and a second position that lays the turf in an opposite direction of the oncoming roller by directing to the air flow into the oncoming turf to allow the roller to compress the turf in a natural mode of lay;
wherein each of said independent printing mechanism is coupled to receive said patterning instructions from said processor and operate selectively in response thereto;
a guide mechanism for guiding said patterning implement to position it along a desired path at least in part with information from said global positioning system; and
a control mechanism for individually controlling each of said independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement responsive to said patterning instructions and in coordination with positioning of said patterning implement along said desired path.
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Abstract
High resolution images are imprinted onto precise and consistent lawns and fields by use in combination of a global positioning system; a processor for generating a desired pattern which is translated into patterning instructions; and a patterning implement which is used for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes.
31 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An apparatus for precise and consistent lawn and field patterning, comprising:
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a global positioning system; a processor for generating a desired pattern, wherein said pattern is translated into patterning instructions; a patterning implement for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said pattern into turf patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes, said patterning implement comprising; a plurality of independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement, each of said independent printing mechanisms comprises; a ventilated load bearing roller having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough that allow air pressure to freely direct a lay of natural or artificial turf into a face of said roller without impedance and which, when rolled over turf, imparts stress on blades of the turf such that said blades lay down in a predetermined direction when rolled over by said load bearing roller; a pneumatic system comprising; a source of compressed air; a plenum for distributing compressed air from said source of compressed air to a linear orifice; a deflector positionable relative to said linear orifice by an actuator into an air flow path between a first position that lays the turf into the direction of the oncoming roller by directing the air flow to allow compression of the turf in an unnatural mode of lay, and a second position that lays the turf in an opposite direction of the oncoming roller by directing to the air flow into the oncoming turf to allow the roller to compress the turf in a natural mode of lay; wherein each of said independent printing mechanism is coupled to receive said patterning instructions from said processor and operate selectively in response thereto; a guide mechanism for guiding said patterning implement to position it along a desired path at least in part with information from said global positioning system; and a control mechanism for individually controlling each of said independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement responsive to said patterning instructions and in coordination with positioning of said patterning implement along said desired path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An imprinting method for precise and consistent lawn and field patterning, comprising the computer and machine implemented steps of:
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generating an intended pattern; manipulating said pattern to accommodate a viewing area and viewing conditions for said pattern; creating pattern features comprising imprinted areas of contrasting detail that are to be produced by patterning equipment; rendering a full scale image of said pattern using constraints defined by said patterning equipment; establishing contrast polarity of said pattern by assigning dark/light shading values; using a compensation program to combine global position and angular orientation of said lawn or field to predict the effect of the sun'"'"'s path on said pattern, wherein viewing position contrast is optimized for an anticipated viewing period; generating field-ready artwork data files, wherein said files interact with a position tracking system to provide dynamic instructions for patterning; generating machine command code instructions for guiding and timing operation of patterning equipment; and processing said machine command code with an equipment controller and coordinating said patterning equipment operation with a patterning equipment location, wherein said equipment controller also coordinates instructional information that is supplied to patterning equipment guidance and speed control mechanisms. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An apparatus for patterning a lawn or field, comprising:
a tool for producing variations in refractive properties of a lawn or field turf by deforming or bending said turf in accordance with command signals generated by a system controller. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
Specification