Automated cutting system for customized field stencils

A method for creating field stencils for reproducing a color image, using an automated means for cutting sheet material, comprising the steps of:

• translating the color image into a line drawing of the multi-color image;
• scaling the line drawing;
• automatically placing a plurality of guideline aperture cut location coordinates for each line within the line drawing;
• generating cutting instructions to the automated cutting means;
• providing sheet material;
• and
• cutting guideline apertures in the sheet material using the automated cutting means in accordance with the cutting instructions;
• wherein the cutting instructions are based on the guideline aperture cut location coordinates and direct the automated cutting means to cut one guideline aperture for each guideline aperture cut location coordinate;
• wherein the shapes for each guideline cut aperture location coordinate are either approximately triangular or approximately semicircular guideline apertures, wherein the guideline apertures cut in the sheet material are either approximately semicircular apertures or approximately triangular apertures, and wherein the approximately triangular apertures are located to denote a sharp angle in the line drawing.

A method for creating a field stencil based on a color image, comprising the steps of:

• converting the color image into a line drawing of the multi-color image;
• placing a plurality of guideline aperture cut location coordinates within the line drawing;
• and
• generating cutting instructions for automated cutting of sheet material to form a stencil;
• wherein the cutting instructions are based on the plurality of guideline aperture cut location coordinates;
• and wherein each guideline aperture cut location coordinate corresponds to a single guideline aperture located along a line within the line drawing;
• wherein the shapes for each guideline cut aperture location coordinate are either approximately triangular or approximately semicircular guideline apertures, wherein the guideline apertures cut in the sheet material are either approximately semicircular apertures or approximately triangular apertures, and wherein the approximately triangular apertures are located to denote a sharp angle in the line drawing.