Computer program and method for converting an image to machine control data

Abstract

A method of transferring a representation of an image to a surface ( 12 ) of a building ( 14 ). The method comprising receiving the image as an image file, converting the image file to a raster file comprising a series of dots, scaling the raster file to the surface and dividing the raster file into a plurality of sub-components, associating the dots with markings ( 26 ), and transferring the markings ( 26 ) onto a plurality of metal sheets ( 24 ). The markings ( 26 ) may be indentations, holes, and/or bumps. The dots may be manipulated to accommodate features ( 20 ) of the surface ( 12 ), such as windows, doors, indicia ( 22 ), and edges of the sheets ( 24 ). The markings ( 26 ) are preferably transferred to the sheets ( 24 ) by a metal working machine ( 28 ). Thus, the method may include generating one or more control files that may be used by the machine ( 28 ).

1 . A method of transferring a representation of an image to a surface of a building, the method comprising: 
 a) acquiring a raster file corresponding to the image;    b) scaling the raster file to the surface by dividing the raster file into a plurality of sub-components, such that each sub-component corresponds to a portion of the representation to be transferred to at least one of a plurality of sheets that are to be combined to form the surface;    c) manipulating at least one of the sub-components to accommodate a feature selected from the group consisting of windows, doors, and edges of the sub-components; and    d) generating at least one control file that may be used by a machine to transfer at least a portion of the representation to the sheets.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sheets include at least one metal sheet.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the raster file includes a plurality of dots corresponding to the image and the sub-components are manipulated by adjusting dots associated with the features to be accommodated.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further including assembling the sheets adjacent the building, thereby transferring the representation of the image to the building.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is larger than the machine can handle.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the raster file is acquired by converting an image file.  
   
   
       7 . A computer program to facilitate transferring a representation of an image to a surface of a building, the computer program comprising: 
 a code segment operable to acquire a raster file;    a code segment operable to scale the raster file to the surface by dividing the raster file into a plurality of sub-components, such that each sub-component corresponds to a portion of the representation to be transferred to at least one of a plurality of sheets that are to be combined to form the surface;    a code segment operable to manipulate at least one of the sub-components to accommodate a feature selected from the group consisting of windows, doors, and edges of the sub-components; and    a code segment operable to generate at least one control file that may be used by a machine to transfer at least a portion of the representation to the sheets.    
   
   
       8 . The computer program of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of sheets include at least one metal sheet.  
   
   
       9 . The computer program of  claim 7 , wherein the raster file includes a plurality of dots corresponding to the image and the sub-components are manipulated by adjusting dots associated with the features to be accommodated.  
   
   
       10 . The computer program of  claim 7 , further including a code segment operable to receive an input from a user and manipulate at least one of the sub- 25  components based on the user input.  
   
   
       11 . The computer program of  claim 10 , wherein the user input corresponds to a location of at least one of the features to be accommodated.  
   
   
       12 . The computer program of  claim 7 , further including a code segment operable to convert an image file to the raster file.  
   
   
       13 . The computer program of  claim 7 , wherein the code segment is operable to generate a plurality of control files corresponding to each of the sheets.  
   
   
       14 . The computer program of  claim 13 , further including a code segment operable to, after the control files are generated, manipulate one of the sub-components and regenerate the control file corresponding to the manipulated sub-component without regenerating the other control files.  
   
   
       15 . A computing device to facilitate transferring a representation of an image to a surface of a building, the computing device operable to: 
 acquire a raster file;    scale the raster file to the surface by dividing the raster file into a plurality of sub-components, such that each sub-component corresponds to a portion of the representation to be transferred to at least one of a plurality of sheets that are to be combined to form the surface;    manipulate at least one of the sub-components to accommodate a feature selected from the group consisting of windows, doors, and edges of the sub-components; and    generate at least one control file that may be used by a machine to transfer at least a portion of the representation to the sheets.    
   
   
       16 . The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the computing device is operable to couple with the machine that transfers at least a portion of the representation to the sheets.  
   
   
       17 . The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the computing device is integral with the machine that transfers at least a portion of the representation to the sheets.  
   
   
       18 . The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of sheets include at least one metal sheet.