Apparatus and method for marking a contoured surface having complex topology
AssigneeEastman Kodak Company
InventorsDavid L. Patton, John R. Fredlund
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topology. 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.
Claims14
An apparatus for printing an image on a contoured surface having a complex topography, the image to be printed being represented by first image data, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a movable ink marker for marking the surface;
- (b) a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface;
- (c) a controller that is programmed to operate said sensor to map the surface prior to commencement of printing and then to derive adjusted image data of the first image data in accordance with the sensing of contour of the surface and then to control printing signals to the marker in accordance with the adjusted image data.
A method for printing an image on a contoured surface having a complex topography, the method comprising:
- providing first image data of an image to be printed on the surface;
- sensing the contour of the surface;
- forming adjusted image data of the image to be printed in response to sensing of the contour;
- and
- printing the image with the adjusted image data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.