Method for preparing graphics on sheets

Abstract

A method for preparing a graphic on a sheet ( 40 ) of material which also includes at least one registration mark ( 44 ) at and about the graphic in predetermined positions. The method involves the steps of applying the graphic ( 42 a , 42 b ) and at least one registration mark on a sheet of material in positions according to layout data, transferring the layout data to a processing controller, placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface ( 16 ), sensing the position of the registration mark on the sheet of material, and utilizing the layout data and the position of the registration mark to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material. Certain embodiments use either (a) a subset ( 46 ) of marks which is applied on one side of the graphic or (b) certain reference features, such as edges and corners of the sheet and elements of the graphic, to ascertain the position and orientation of the sheet on the apparatus. The invention provides efficient, rapid, automated, and precise processing around the graphic.

1 . A method for automatically preparing at least one graphic on a sheet of material, the method comprising: 
 non-removably applying to the sheet of material the graphic and at least one registration mark in positions according to layout data;    transferring the layout data to a processing controller;    placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface;    automatically sensing the position(s) of the registration mark(s) on the sheet of material; and    utilizing the layout data and the position(s) of the registration mark(s) to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple lines applied to the sheet of material along an edge thereof.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple marks applied to the sheet of material along an edge thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple marks applied to the sheet of material surrounding the graphic.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least registration mark includes a bar code, the method further including the steps of: 
 reading the bar code to identify the sheet of material on the sheet-receiving surface; and    finding the layout data corresponding to the graphic and the at least one registration mark.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the layout data is transferred to the processing controller through a network connection.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the layout data is transferred to the processing controller by downloading the layout data to a disc and uploading the layout data from the disc to the processing controller.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the layout data comprises graphic data and registration mark data and the transferring step comprises: 
 transferring the graphic data and registration mark data to at least one file;    transferring the at least one file to the processing controller; and    uploading the graphic data and registration mark data from the file to the processing controller.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the registration mark data comprises data pertaining to X-Y position, angle orientation and scale factor.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step includes providing at least one registration mark within the graphic.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step includes providing at least one registration mark at a known position relative to the graphic.  
   
   
       12 . A method for automatically preparing at least one graphic on a sheet of material, the method comprising: 
 printing on the sheet of material the graphic and at least one registration mark in positions according to layout data;    transferring the layout data to a processing controller;    placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface;    automatically sensing the position(s) of the registration mark(s) on the sheet of material; and    utilizing the layout data and the position(s) of the registration mark(s) to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple lines printed on the sheet of material along an edge thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple marks printed on the sheet of material along an edge thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one registration mark is multiple marks printed on the sheet of material surrounding the graphic.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least registration mark includes a bar code, the method further including the steps of: 
 reading the bar code to identify the sheet of material on the sheet-receiving surface; and    finding the layout data corresponding to the graphic and the at least one registration mark.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the layout data is transferred to the processing controller through a network connection.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the layout data is transferred to the processing controller by downloading the layout data to a disc and uploading the layout data from the disc to the processing controller.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the layout data comprises graphic data and registration mark data and the transferring step comprises: 
 transferring the graphic data and registration mark data to at least one file;    transferring the at least one file to the processing controller; and    uploading the graphic data and registration mark data from the file to the processing controller.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the registration mark data comprises data pertaining to X-Y position, angle orientation and scale factor.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the printing step includes providing at least one registration mark within the graphic.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the printing step includes providing at least one registration mark at a known position relative to the graphic.  
   
   
       23 . In a method for preparing a graphic on a sheet of material, the method being of the type including the steps of non-removably applying to the sheet of material the graphic and at least one registration mark, placing the sheet on a sheet-receiving surface, sensing positions of the registration marks and utilizing the positions of the registration marks to narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material, the improvement wherein a processing controller utilizes processing data to narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material and the method comprises: 
 creating and using layout data to apply the graphic and registration marks to the sheet of material;    transferring the layout data to the processing controller;    identifying the sheet placed on the sheet-receiving surface;    locating the layout data which pertains to the identified sheet; and    utilizing the layout data as the processing data.