Fred S Martin

US Patent:

6538767, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Jan 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/493412

Inventors:

Alan E. Over - Duluth GA
Fred Martin - Knoxville TN

Assignee:

Designer Image Technologies, Inc. - Duluth GA

International Classification:

G06K 1500

US Classification:

358 118, 358 15

Abstract:

A printing system and method applies images to an object, such as a golf ball, through the use of one or more print heads. The object is mounted in a manipulator assembly that rotates the object as the image is transferred to the object. The print head is also movable with respect to the object so that it is at a desired distance from the object as it prints from one end of the object to the other. A plurality of print heads may be provided with each print head applying a different color to the object. These print heads may be arranged in a vertical fashion with the object traveling in a vertical direction between the print heads or the object may be mounted on a rotatable table with the print heads situated about the perimeter of the table. Images to be applied to the object are broken down into their constituent colors with the image data for each color being provided to a separate print head. The image data for each color is further broken down into individual tracks that are successively applied to the object.