In-line printer with automatic positioning multiple microprocessor controlled print heads

A method for printing on a substrate material within a plurality of printing bands, wherein the printing bands are distributed in a predetermined manner over the width of the substrate, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) registering one edge of the substrate;
• (b) feeding the substrate material from a feed area into a print area along a feed direction substantially perpendicular to the width;
• (c) providing a plurality of automatic, positional print head assemblies in the print area, each assembly including at least one print head;
• (d) determining a print position, utilizing microprocessor-based controller means, for each one of said print head assemblies;
• (e) directing said each one of said print head assemblies to associated print position, via one or more motor controller assemblies, in order to simultaneously place the print head assemblies over a distance relative to the substrate edge registering means;
• (f) moving the print head assemblies relative to each other in a moving direction substantially perpendicular to the feed direction in order to place the print head assemblies over the printing bands;
• (g) determining a dimension of said substrate via auto-sensing means as said substrate is fed into said printer;
• and
• (h) providing a set of pre-determined criteria by which said microprocessor-based controller means determines said print position for each of said print head assemblies.