Sign generating apparatus with input of second sign information while cutting a first sign

A sign generating apparatus comprising:

• keyboard means for entering first sign data and second sign data,
• processor means connected in operative relation with said keyboard means for determining a first sign layout based on said first sign data and a second sign layout based on said second sign data,
• said processor means includes means for receiving said second sign data entered through said keyboard means during entry intervals, and includes means for supplying cutting vectors to the cutting means in between said entry intervals in which said processor means receives said second signal data, said cutting means utilizing said vectors to cut said first sign, and
• means for cutting a first sign according to said first sign layout while said second sign data is entered through said keyboard means and for subsequently cutting a second sign according to said second sign layout.

A process for efficiently making signs utilizing a sign cutting apparatus, said process comprising the steps of:

• making an entry of first data on a keyboard, said first data describing a first sign,
• processing said first data to define a first sign layout based on said first data,
• transmitting cutting information defining a portion of said first sign layout to said sign cutting apparatus, and cutting a portion of said first sign,
• making a first entry of second data on said keyboard, said second data describing at least a portion of a second sign,
• making a second entry of second data on the keyboard, said second entry of second data describing another portion of said second sign wherein
• the step of transmitting cutting information to said sign cutting apparatus is performed between the steps of making the first and second entries of second data.

In a sign generating apparatus having a cutting instrument, an X-motor for providing relative movement between said cutting instrument and sign cutting material along an X-coordinate axis and Y-motor for providing relative movement of said cutting instrument and said cutting material along a Y-coordinate axis, the improvement comprising:

• keyboard means for inputting data defining first and second sign text and first and second sign parameters,
• first processor means for determining a first sign layout based on said first sign text and said first sign parameter data and reading said second sign text and said second sign parameter data,
• means for storing data defining said first sign layout, and
• second processor means for directing the movement of said X and Y motors to cut a sign according to direction vectors,
• said first processor means including a means for converting said stored data defining said first sign layout into said direction vectors and supply them to said second processor means while said first processor means reads said second sign text and said second sign parameter data which in input through said keyboard means.

A sign generating apparatus comprising:

• display means for displaying a layout of first sign data and second sign data,
• processor means for supervising said first sign data displaying during first intervals and said second sign data displaying during second intervals, and
• means for cutting a first sign based in part on said first sign data and a second sign based in part on said second sign data, and wherein
• said processor means also includes means for supplying cutting vectors to the cutting means in between said second intervals, said cutting vectors defining said first sign and indicating a cutting course for the cutting means, so that the cutting means cuts said first sign while said second sign data is displayed by said display means.