Toy Doll Manufacturing

Abstract

The inkjet printing system includes: a generating device, the generating device is configured to receive an original body template and generate a three-dimensional body based on the original body template; a metering device, the metering device is configured to receive the generated three-dimensional body from the generating device and topographically scan the received three-dimensional body, thereby generating an updated body template of the three-dimensional body; a control device, the control device communicating with the metering device; and an inkjet printing device. The control device is configured to receive the updated body template and create a topographical print design based on the updated body template. The inkjet printing device communicates with the control device and is configured to receive the three-dimensional body and apply the created topographical print design to the three-dimensional body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62 / 936,132, filed on November 15, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an inkjet printing device and system configured to make a three-dimensional subject (e.g., a head of a toy doll having the appearance of an animal or a human) and to decorate the three-dimensional subject with a design. For example, the described inkjet printing device and system can be used to create a human face, including forming a three-dimensional outline on the face and applying features to the three-dimensional outline. Background Art

[0004] Dolls and action figures can be customized to resemble a specific person. Technologies including scanners and 3D printers can be used for customized heads and bodies. Facial features can be printed onto the head using inkjet. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some general aspects, a method of printing on a three-dimensional body is described. The method includes: receiving a three-dimensional body that has been formed based on an original body template; topographically scanning a print area of ​​the received three-dimensional body; generating an updated body template of the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body based on the topographic scan; creating a topographic print design based on the updated body template; and applying the created topographic print design to the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body.

[0006] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: For example, by determining a reference plane for the print region and an orientation of the reference plane, the updated body template of the three-dimensional body may be generated based on the topographical scan.

[0007] The topographical print design may be created based on the updated body template by creating a two-dimensional print design that illustrates the three-dimensional features of the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body.

[0008] The method may further include fixing the three-dimensional body relative to the nozzle with a fixture device, delivering ink through the nozzle, thereby applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body. The method may also include creating the fixture device based on the updated body template before fixing the three-dimensional body with the fixture device. The fixture device can be created by constructing a guide plate, the guide plate being configured to be mounted to a substrate so that a body volume is defined between the mounted substrate and the guide plate, wherein the guide plate includes a print opening. The guide plate can be constructed by forming an interaction area of ​​the guide plate to supplement the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body, the front area surrounding the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body. The three-dimensional body can be fixed by the fixture device by sandwiching the three-dimensional body in the body volume between the substrate and the guide plate so that the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body is exposed through the print opening. The three-dimensional body can be fixed by the fixture device by contacting the guide plate with the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body, the front area surrounding the print area.

[0009] The created topographical print design may be applied to the three-dimensional body by ejecting ink through one or more nozzles toward the three-dimensional body according to the topographical print design.

[0010] The created topographical print design can be applied to the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body by controlling the distance between a guide plate in contact with a front area of ​​the three-dimensional body and one or more nozzles. The front area of ​​the three-dimensional body defines and surrounds a print area exposed to the one or more nozzles through a print opening of the guide plate.

[0011] In other general aspects, the inkjet printing system includes: a generating device, which is configured to receive an original body template and generate a three-dimensional body based on the original body template; a metering device, which is configured to receive the generated three-dimensional body from the generating device and topographically scan the received three-dimensional body to generate an updated body template of the three-dimensional body; a control device, which communicates with the metering device, and is configured to receive the updated body template and create a topographic printing design based on the updated body template; and an inkjet printing device, which communicates with the control device and is configured to receive the three-dimensional body and apply the created topographic printing design to the three-dimensional body.

[0012] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, the inkjet printing device may include a nozzle configured to eject ink according to the topographical print design created. The inkjet printing device may include a fixture device configured to fix the three-dimensional body relative to the nozzle. The fixture device may include a guide plate and a substrate, the guide plate and the substrate being connectable to define a body volume, and the guide plate defining a print opening, the guide plate being shaped based on the updated body template. The guide plate may have a geometry complementary to a front region of the three-dimensional body, the front region surrounding a print area for the ink to be applied.

[0013] In other general aspects, an inkjet printing device includes: an ink supply device, the ink supply device including one or more reservoirs for storing ink and one or more nozzles, each nozzle defining an opening at a first end in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs and at a second end aligned with a target printing area; and a fixture device, the fixture device being configured to interact with the target printing area. The fixture device includes: a substrate; a guide plate, the guide plate being configured to be connected to the substrate, the guide plate facing the one or more nozzles when the fixture device surrounds the target printing area; and one or more sub-fixtures. Each sub-fixture is defined by corresponding and aligned portions of the guide plate and the substrate, each guide plate portion having a topographic shape complementary to a front region of a three-dimensional body, and each guide plate portion defining a print opening, the print opening being larger than a print area defined within the front region of the three-dimensional body.

[0014] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, when the guide plate and the base plate are mounted to each other, each three-dimensional body may be fixed between the base plate portion and the guide plate portion, and the print area of ​​each three-dimensional body is exposed through the print opening of the guide plate portion.

[0015] The nozzles may be configured to eject ink from one or more reservoirs toward the target area according to a topographical print design based on the topographical shape of the three-dimensional body.

[0016] The inkjet-printing device may also include a control system in communication with the ink supply, the control system being configured to control one or more properties of the ink ejected from the one or more nozzles based on a topographical print design.

[0017] In use, each guide plate portion may be in contact with the front region of the three-dimensional body, and the distance between the guide plate portion and one or more nozzles may be controlled.

[0018] The inkjet printing device may also include a fixture manufacturing device, which is configured to receive information about the topographic shape of the three-dimensional body after generating the three-dimensional body, and adjust the geometric structure of the guide plate part based on the received information so that the guide plate part has a tighter interface with the three-dimensional body when the three-dimensional body is fixed in the fixture device.

[0019] When inkjet printing is used to decorate a three-dimensional area (such as a face), paint or ink is applied to the entire face in a single operation, and dozens of heads may be printed at any one time. Therefore, during printing, inkjet printing requires very precise placement and orientation of the head relative to the inkjet nozzle. In addition, even before inkjet printing begins, each head may experience uneven shrinkage or adhesion during injection molding, and this causes slight and inconsistent deformations in the head. In existing inkjet printing devices and methods, such deformations may result in misaligned facial decorations and a high percentage of defective faces. Moreover, the described inkjet printing devices, systems, and methods take into account the deformations present in the head, which may affect the placement of printed features on the face. In some aspects, the head is placed in a fixture by aligning the front of the head (as opposed to the back or rear) with a fixture.

[0020] Some aspects of the inkjet printing apparatus, systems, and methods may be more suitable for heads of certain sizes, for example, heads for toy figures that are less than 6 inches tall. Other aspects may be more suitable for heads for toy figures that are larger than 6 inches tall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inkjet printing system including a generation device configured to generate a three-dimensional subject, a metrology device configured to generate a topographical print design from the three-dimensional subject, a control device, and an inkjet printing device configured to apply the topographical print design to the three-dimensional subject;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a generating device;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of an inkjet printing device;

[0024] FIG4A is Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of an inkjet printing apparatus including a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fixture apparatus for receiving and holding a three-dimensional body;

[0025] FIG4B is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fastener apparatus of FIG4A;

[0026] Figure 4C is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fixture apparatus of FIG. 4B , illustrating effective cooperation between the three-dimensional body and the fixture apparatus;

[0027] Figure 5A is used for Figure 1 A top perspective and close-up view of an embodiment of a fixture device in an inkjet printing device and configured to receive a plurality of three-dimensional bodies;

[0028] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A top perspective and open view of the fixture equipment;

[0029] Figure 6 is used for Figure 1 An exploded perspective top view of an embodiment of a fixture device in an inkjet printing device and configured to receive four three-dimensional bodies;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top perspective view of a frame and a guide plate of a fixture device, the fixture device including an assembly of the frame and the guide plate;

[0031] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 A flowchart of exemplary steps performed by an inkjet printing system;

[0032] Fig.9A It is assembled Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of the frame and the guide plate, and receiving a body in each of the plurality of openings;

[0033] Fig. 9B is shown in the subject being received as Fig.9A Each opening shown in the figure is then mounted to the assembled Figure 7 A frame and guide plates to form a perspective view of the fixture device; and

[0034] Fig. 9C It is a top and bottom stereoscopic view of the assembled fixture equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] refer to Figure 1 , shows an inkjet printing system 100. The inkjet printing system 100 includes a generating device 110, a metering device 130, a control device 140 and an inkjet printing device 150. The control device 140 is in a state of communication with the metering device 130 and the inkjet printing device 150.

[0036] The generation device 110 is configured to receive an original body template 111 and generate a three-dimensional body 112 based on the original body template 111. The metrology device 130 is configured to receive the generated three-dimensional body 112 from the generation device 110. The metrology device 130 topographically scans the received three-dimensional body 112, thereby generating an updated body template 132 of the three-dimensional body 112. The difference between the updated body template 132 and the original body template 111 reveals information about how the generation of the three-dimensional body 112 affects or modifies the shape of the three-dimensional body 112 beyond the original body template 111. The control device 140 is configured to receive the updated body template 132 and create a topographic print design 142 based on the updated body template 132.

[0037] The inkjet printing device 150 is configured to receive the three-dimensional subject 112 and apply the created topographical print design 142 to the three-dimensional region 112-3D of the three-dimensional subject 112. For example, as described below, the inkjet printing device 150 includes a fixture device 155 and an ink supply device 170 that are in a controllable and adjustable position relative to each other. The fixture device 155 is configured to receive and fix the three-dimensional subject 112. The ink supply device 170 is configured to apply ink or paint 173 to the three-dimensional subject 112 according to the created topographical print design 142.

[0038] Once the three-dimensional body 112 is formed by the production device 110, it is necessary to use the inkjet printing device 150 to print the design elements of the three-dimensional area 112-3D by inkjet printing. However, even before the inkjet printing begins, the three-dimensional body 112 and the area 112-3D may have been deformed by the real processing of the production device 110, so that the three-dimensional body 112 does not match the original body template 111. These deformations of the body 112 are unforeseeable and unpredictable. For example, if the production device 110 is an injection molding device, the three-dimensional body 112 may shrink after being removed from the production device 110 and after the body 112 has been completely cooled. Therefore, the body 112 may not match the original body template 111.

[0039] Thus, inkjet-printing device 150 does not use original subject template 111; instead, inkjet-printing device 150 uses updated subject template 132. In particular, inkjet-printing device 150 may be updated in one or more aspects based on updated subject template 132. In this manner, three-dimensional region 112-3D of subject 112 and ink or design applied to three-dimensional region 112-3D of subject 112 are more consistently aligned, and ink or design applied to three-dimensional region 112-3D of subject 112 is adjusted to accommodate unforeseen changes to subject 112 that occur during production in production device 110.

[0040] For example, the fixture device 155 can be manufactured based on the updated main body template 132. In particular, the fixture device 155 is manufactured by the fixture manufacturing device 159. The fixture manufacturing device 159 receives the updated main body template 132 and adjusts how to design the fixture device 155 based on the updated main body template 132. For example, the interface between the three-dimensional region 112-3D of the main body 112 and the surface of the fixture device 155 can be designed to provide a tighter and more stable fit, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As discussed in more detail and also shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0041] As another example, ink supply device 170 may adjust how ink 173 is applied to three-dimensional region 112-3D of subject 112 based on topographic print design 142 that control device 140 generates from updated subject template 132. That is, the artwork applied to region 112-3D may be adjusted to accommodate changes that occur during generation of subject 112, which changes are captured in topographic print design 142.

[0042] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional body 112 is the head of a toy, doll, or action figure, such as Figure 1 112-3D may be the surface of the chest of the torso. As another example, the three-dimensional body 112 may be an appendage, such as an arm or leg of a toy, doll or action figure, and the area 112-3D may be the surface of the appendage. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional body 112 is in the shape of a toy, such as a toy gun or toy electronic product.

[0043] Reference again Figure 1 , metrology device 130 may use the three-dimensional scan to analyze three-dimensional region 112-3D of subject 112. In particular, the scan may collect data about the shape of region 112-3D. Metrology device 130 uses this collected data to construct an updated subject template 132, which is a digital three-dimensional model representing the shape of subject 112. Thus, updated subject template 132 may include a point cloud of geometric samples on region 112-3D of subject 112. These points may be used to infer the shape of region 112-3D.

[0044] The metrology device 130 includes a scanning fixture that fixes the subject 112 relative to the three-dimensional scanner, and the three-dimensional scanner collects information about the region 112 - 3D or subject 112 at the surface in its field of view.

[0045] In some embodiments, the entire surface of the body 112 is scanned, including the area 112-3D. By scanning the entire surface of the body 112 (rather than just the area 112-3D), a more accurate registration between the area 112-3D and the ink supply device 170 can be obtained. For example, and with additional reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the rear area 112-R of the body 112 and the area 112-3D (which can be considered to be at the front area of ​​the body 112) are both scanned. The information obtained from scanning the area 112-3D (which is incorporated into the updated body template 132) can be used by the fixture manufacturing device 159 to adjust the design of the fixture device 155. In particular, this is useful because the fixture device 155 is in contact with the surface of the area 112-3D or surrounding the area 112-3D.

[0046] The information obtained from scanning the rear region 112-R (which is incorporated into the updated master template 132) can be used to shape the substrate portion of the fixture device 155 that is in physical contact with the region 112-R during inkjet printing. Figure 3 4A and 4B discussed in more detail below, the fixture device 355 includes a base portion 356p that receives the rear region 112-R of the body 112 when the body 112 is placed in the body volume 374 of the fixture device 355. The body volume 374 is an open volume of the sub-fixture 358 of the fixture device 355, the open volume is defined between the base portion 356p and the guide plate portion 357p, and the body volume 374 is configured to receive the body 112, as discussed in more detail below. The base portion 356p can include a cushion 456p (see Figures 4A and 4B), and the cushion 456p can be created based on the information related to the rear region 112-R in the updated body template 132. After the cushion 456p is formed, it can be fixed (e.g., by an adhesive) to the inner side of the base portion 356p. The cushion 456p is capable of absorbing some of the forces applied to the body 112 when the body 112 is inserted into the body volume 374 of the fixture device 355 (or 455). The cushion 456p also enables the fixture device 355 to tolerate changes in deformation or contraction of the body 112 that occur when the body 112 is formed by the generating device 110. The cushion 456p can be made of an elastic and stable material, such as rubber, silicon or other thermosetting soft plastic. The cushion 456p should be able to withstand aging without permanent deformation each time it is used so as to maintain a consistent retention force on the body 112. The shape of the cushion 456p can be a flat surface, or its shape can conform to the shape of the rear area 112-R of the body 112. For example, the shape of the cushion 456p can depend on the accuracy requirements of inkjet printing and the size of the body 112.

[0047] The updated subject template 132 can be considered as a picture produced by a three-dimensional scanner, and such a picture describes the distance from the region 112-3D at each point in the picture. This allows the three-dimensional position of each point in the picture to be identified.

[0048] The metrology device 130 may capture a complete model of the subject 112 after one or more scans. In addition, the metrology device 130 may capture various scans from different directions to obtain information about different curves / contours of all sides or regions 112-3D of the subject 112. These scans are combined into a common reference system (using alignment or registration) and then merged to create a complete three-dimensional model (which is the updated subject template 132).

[0049] In some embodiments, the metrology device 130 uses a non-contact (i.e., contactless) technology that may be active or passive. For example, the metrology device 130 may include a radiation source that emits some radiation or light and a detector that detects the reflection or transmission of the radiation relative to the subject 112 in order to detect the subject 112. Possible types of emissions used include light (such as lasers), ultrasound, or X-rays. As another example, the metrology device 130 lacks a radiation source, and the detector detects reflected ambient radiation (such as visible light or infrared light). The metrology device 130 may be a stereo system, a photometric system that typically uses a single camera, or a silhouette technique. In other embodiments, the metrology device 130 uses a contact technique.

[0050] As an example, the metrology equipment 130 includes three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology using laser triangulation or structured light technology.

[0051] As another example, the metrology equipment 130 includes a laser-based 3D scanner that uses a process of triangulation called triangulation that can accurately capture a 3D shape as millions of points. Such laser-based 3D scanners work by projecting a laser line or lines onto an object and then capturing its reflection with a single sensor or multiple sensors. Such sensors are located at a known distance from the laser source. Accurate point measurements can be made by calculating the reflection angle of the laser.

[0052] As another example, the metrology device 130 includes a projected light or structured light 3D scanner that uses light projected by blue or white light emitting diodes (LEDs). A light pattern consisting of bars, blocks, or other shapes is projected onto the subject 112. One or more sensors look at the edges of those patterns or structured shapes to determine the 3D shape of the subject 112. A triangulation method of triangulation can be used because the distance from the sensor to the light source (LED) is known.

[0053] Reference again Figure 1, the control device 140 is configured to receive the updated main body template 132 and create a topographical print design 142 based on the updated main body template 132. The control device 140 includes an electronic processor, an electronic storage, and an input / output (I / O) interface. The electronic processor is one or more processors (such as a general or special microprocessor) suitable for executing a computer program and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or from both. The electronic processor can be any type of electronic processor. The electronic storage can be a volatile memory (such as a RAM) or a non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the electronic storage can include both non-volatile and volatile parts or components. The electronic storage stores instructions that may be a computer program, which when executed causes the processor to communicate with other components in the control device 140 or other components of the inkjet printing system 100. The I / O interface is any type of electronic interface that allows control device 140 to receive and / or provide data and signals to other components of inkjet printing system 100, an operator, and / or an automated process running on another electronic device. For example, the I / O interface may include one or more of a touch screen or a communication interface.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , shows an embodiment of the production device 110. In this embodiment, the production device 210 is an injection molding device, in which the material 213 is injected into the cavity 214 of the injection mold 215. The injection mold 215 is composed of a pair of mold parts 216, 217, and the mold parts 216, 217 define corresponding cavities 216c, 217c; when the mold parts 216, 217 are mounted on each other (such as Figure 2 ), forming cavity 214. The shapes of cavities 216c, 217c and thus cavity 214 determine the shape of three-dimensional body 112, including any three-dimensional aspects or contours that form a three-dimensional area 112-3D (such as a face) to be printed using the design.

[0055] Although not required, the mold parts 216, 217 of the injection mold 215 may be made using computer-aided manufacturing, such as a computer-guided machine tool.

[0056] refer to Figure 3, an embodiment of the inkjet printing device 150 is shown. The inkjet printing device 350 includes an ink supply device 370 and a fixture device 355 arranged relative to each other in a known and adjustable manner. The ink supply device 370 includes one or more reservoirs 371 and one or more nozzles 372, each reservoir 371 for storing ink. Each nozzle 372 defines an opening 373 at a first end in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs 371 and at a second end aligned with a target area 378. The opening 373 extends along an axial direction 375.

[0057] The fixture device 355 is configured to interact with the target area 378, and when the target area 378 is appropriately surrounded by the fixture device 355, the Z direction defined by the fixture device 355 is parallel to and overlaps the axial direction 375. Conventionally, the Z direction extends from the back side of the body 112 toward the area 112-3D of the body 112. The fixture device 355 includes: a base plate 356 and a guide plate 357 configured to be connected to the base plate 356. The fixture device 355 includes one or more sub-fixtures 358, each sub-fixture 358 is defined by a portion 357p of the guide plate 357 and a portion 356p of the base plate 356. The portions 356p, 357p are aligned along the Z direction.

[0058] Each guide plate portion 357p includes a surface 357s facing the body volume 374, the surface 357s having a topographic shape complementary to the region 112-3D of the three-dimensional body 112, as discussed below. Each guide plate portion 357p defines a print opening 359p that is larger than a print area defined within the region 112-3D of the three-dimensional body 112. When the body is placed in the body volume 374, the guide plate portion 357 receives the region 112-3D and the base portion 356p receives the rear region 112-R of the body 112.

[0059] When the target area 378 is surrounded by the fixture device 355, the guide plate 357 faces the one or more nozzles 372. When the body volume 374 and the Z direction are aligned with the axial direction 375, the print opening 359p is exposed to the opening 373 of the nozzle 372.

[0060] In operation of the inkjet printing device 350, the three-dimensional body 112 is received in the body volume 374, and when the guide plate 357 and the base plate 356 are mounted to each other, the three-dimensional body 112 is fixed between the base plate portion 356p and the guide plate portion 357p. Each guide plate portion 357p is in contact with the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body 112 (around the outer edge of the area 112-3D), and the distance between the guide plate portion 357p and one or more nozzles 372 is controlled. The area 112-3D of the three-dimensional body 112 is exposed through the print opening 359p of the guide plate portion 357p. This means that the area 112-3D is also exposed to the opening 373 of the nozzle 372.

[0061] The nozzles 372 are configured to eject ink from the one or more reservoirs 371 toward the target area 378 and along the -Z direction according to the topographical print design 142 that is based on the topographical shape of the three-dimensional body 112 determined by the metrology device 130, as discussed above.

[0062] The inkjet printing device 350 may also include a dedicated control system 376 in communication with the ink supply device 370 (and reservoir 371) and the control device 140. The control system 376 is configured to control one or more properties of the ink 173 ejected from the one or more nozzles 372 based on the topographical print design 142.

[0063] As mentioned above Figure 1 As discussed above, the inkjet printing device 150 is updated in one or more aspects based on the updated subject template 132. Figure 3 4 , the three-dimensional region 112-3D of the body 112 and the ink or design applied to the three-dimensional region 112-3D of the body 112 are more consistently aligned because the interface between the fixture device 155 and the three-dimensional region 112-3D is adjusted based on the updated body template 132. Also, the ink or design applied to the three-dimensional region 112-3D of the body 112 is adjusted based on the topographical print design 142 (which is generated from the updated body template 132) to accommodate unforeseen changes to the body 112 that occur during production in the production device 110.

[0064] For example, the ink supply device 370 can adjust the manner in which the ink 173 is applied to the three-dimensional area of ​​the body 112 based on the topographical print design 142. In particular, the control system 376 can design or generate an illustration 377 for inkjet printing based on the topographical print design 142. The nozzles 372 eject ink 173 along the -Z direction toward the area 112-3D (which can be the face of the head) during printing according to the illustration 377.

[0065] As another example, refer to Figure 1 , the fixture manufacturing device 159 receives the updated main body template 132 from the control device 140, and adjusts the design surface 357s based on the updated main body template 132, thereby providing a tighter and more stable fit at the interface between the area 112-3D and the surface 357s. Specifically, the topographic shape of the surface 357s is formed based on the updated main body template 132. The fixture manufacturing device 159 uses the updated main body template 132 to construct the guide plate portion 357p of the fixture device 355, and the guide plate portion 357p holds the main body 112 during inkjet printing. The fixture manufacturing device 159 can use computer numerical control (CNC) to cut or shape the shape of the guide plate portion 357p, thereby adjusting the geometry of the surface 357s, and this is done based on the updated main body template 132. In this way, the surface 357s is more accurately shaped to resemble the main body 112 output from the generating device 110. The surface 357 s has a geometry that is complementary to the outer edge of the region 112 - 3D of the three-dimensional body 112 .

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4A , the fixture device 355, and specifically each sub-fixture 358, is designed so that when the body 112 is placed within the body volume 374, it is aligned with the area 112-3D of the body 112 rather than the rear area 112-R of the body 112. This means that it is the area 112-3D of the body 112 that is placed in a known position relative to the nozzle 372. By using the area 112-3D (which faces the nozzle 372) rather than the rear area 112-R of the body 112 to align with the nozzle 372 (and therefore with the ink supply device 170), due to the injection molding process (such as that used to form the body 112) Figure 1 The cumulative deformation extending from the region 112-3D of the body 112 to the rear region 112-R is performed as inkjet printing (by the generation device 110 shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 The factors in the inkjet printing device 150 shown are removed. In particular, each guide plate portion 357p is aligned with the area 112-3D of the body 112. And, because each guide plate portion 357p is also aligned with the nozzle 372, the entire inkjet printing device 150 has a more accurate placement of the area 112-3D relative to the ink 173 ejected to the area 112-3D.

[0067] The rear region 112-R of the body 112 is registered with the base plate portion 356p, while the base plate portion 356p is not placed in a known position relative to the nozzle 372. Therefore, the rear region 112-R of the body 112 is not registered with the guide plate portion 357p or the nozzle 372 or the ink supply device 170. This is important because, as discussed above, unpredictable deformations may occur during the production of the body 112 (by the production device 110), and any registration that relies on the rear region 112-R of the body 112 will not be able to capture these unpredictable deformations in the body 112 between the rear region 1112-R and the area 112-3D to be printed. In addition, the base plate portion 356p can include a deformable surface that conforms to the shape of the rear region 112-R, as shown in Figure 4A, to further improve the fixation and fit between the body 112 and the sub-mount 358.

[0068] In this way, if the body 112 is a head and the region 112-3D is the face of the head, the sub-fixture 358 relies only on effective matching carvings, such as the forehead, cheeks and chin on the face. Even if the entire face is slightly depressed due to shrinkage during injection molding (performed by the production device 110), the position of the three-dimensional features on the face (such as the eyeballs and lips) remains unchanged and has a negligible effect on the accuracy of the inkjet decoration applied by the inkjet printing device 150.

[0069] FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of the sub-mount 358 , showing another view when the body 112 is placed in the body volume 374 .

[0070] like Figure 4C As shown, the orientation and planar angle of the region 112-3D registered in the guide plate portion 357p of the fixture device 355 matches the inkjet print position and angle (defined by the axial direction 375) because both the inkjet illustration 377 and the guide plate portion 357p of the fixture device 355 are constructed from the same updated body template 132. Using the updated body template 132 to create the inkjet illustration 377 (using the topographical print design 142) and the facial guide plate portion 357p of the fixture device 355 (using the fixture manufacturing apparatus 159) allows for consistent registration of multiple prints in one process or operation.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 5A and 5B, discuss another embodiment of a fixture device 555 that can be used in the inkjet printing device 350. The fixture device 555 is capable of receiving sixty bodies 112 (in this example, which are shaped as heads H). Sixty sub-fixtures are thus formed, each of which includes a guide plate portion 557p and a base plate portion 556p, and each sub-fixture defines an opening 559p. The fixture device 555 includes a guide plate 557 and a base plate 556, the guide plate 557 receiving the head H in the corresponding opening 559p, and the base plate 556 is hinged relative to the guide plate 557. The guide plate portions 557p are arranged in a two-dimensional array in the guide plate 557, and the base plate portions 556p are arranged in a two-dimensional array in the base plate 556, so that each sub-fixture includes a base plate portion aligned with a corresponding guide plate portion.

[0072] Figure 5A A top perspective view of a closed fixture apparatus 555 is shown in which a number of heads H have been placed. When closed, the base plate 556 and guide plates 557 latch together so that the heads H are secured between the base plate 556 and guide plates 557 in their respective body volumes 374. The front side 557f of the guide plates 557 is exposed, and the print area (area 112-3D) of each face F is exposed. Figure 5B A perspective view of the fixture device 555 in an open state is shown, in which some heads H have been placed. In the open state, the base plate 556 is separated from the guide plate 557, and the back side 557b of the guide plate 557 and the rear region 112-R of each head H are exposed. Each base plate portion 556p includes a soft pad 556pp (visible in the open state) that is aligned with each print opening 559p, so that when the head H is placed in the main body volume 374 and the base plate 556 and the guide plate 557 are latched together, the rear region 112-R of the head H contacts the soft pad 556pp, and the soft pad is aligned with the corresponding main body volume 374 and the corresponding print opening 559p.

[0073] After generating the updated subject template 132 for each face F of the head H ( Figure 1 ), the surface 557s of each guide plate portion 557p that receives the face F is machined (via the fixture manufacturing device 159) to precisely match the corresponding face F to be received in the body volume 374. The machining of each surface 557s is based on the updated body template 132. Once all the faces F are inserted into their corresponding body volumes 374, the fixture device 555 is closed by installing (e.g., by latching) the base plate 556 and the guide plate 557, and then placing the closed fixture device 555 on a workbench.

[0074] The inkjet illustration 377 has been adjusted to fit the topographical print design 142 of each face F in the fixture device 555, and the inkjet printing device 150 is then operated on the face F while the fixture device 555 is on the workbench.

[0075] In some embodiments, to improve manufacturing efficiency, the fixture device 555 is configured to receive sixty bodies 112 formed based on the same original body template 111. In some embodiments, each body 112 placed into the fixture device 555 can be scanned individually by the metrology device 130. Then, in these embodiments, each of the guide plate portion 557p and the base portion 556p and each sub-fixture defining the print opening 559p is configured to match the corresponding body 112 received in the print opening 559p. In other embodiments, only a single body 112 placed into the fixture device 555 is scanned individually by the metrology device 130. Then, in these embodiments, each of the guide plate portion 557p and the base portion 556p and each sub-fixture defining the print opening 559p is configured to match the single scanned body 112, so that each sub-fixture is identical to each other.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , another embodiment of a fixture device 655 that can be used in an inkjet printing device 350 is shown. In this embodiment, the fixture device 655 is capable of receiving a row of bodies 112 (in this example, it is formed as a head H). In this example, the row can accommodate four bodies 112. The fixture device 655 includes a guide plate 657 and a substrate 656. Four sub-fixtures are formed, each of which includes a portion 657p_i of the guide plate 657 and a corresponding and aligned portion 656p_i of the substrate 656. Each sub-fixture defines an opening 659p_i. In this embodiment, the fixture device 655 also includes a rigid frame 679, to which a removable guide plate 657 and a removable substrate 656 are fixed. In this way, the guide plate 657 and / or the substrate 656 can be removed and replaced with a new guide plate 657 and a new substrate 656. For example, if an updated subject template 132 is generated from one or more new scans of the subject 112, the guide plate 657 may be replaced with a new guide plate 657. The subject 112 to be printed is received in the corresponding opening 659p_i and then received in the base plate 656 fixed to the guide plate 657.

[0077] refer to Figure 8, execute step 880. Initially, an original master template 111 is created (881). A master digital file (MDF) is created from the original master template 111 (882), and the master digital file MDF is used to make or manufacture the production device 110 (883). For example, if the production device 110 is the one described above in Figure 2 215, the cavities 216c, 217c of the corresponding mold parts 216, 217 of the injection mold 215 can be formed by machining (directly cutting) the corresponding raw materials using a CNC machine tool based on the master digital file (MDF). Another method that can be used to form the cavities 216c, 217c is casting. Once the injection mold 215 (883) is produced, the production device 110 uses, for example, injection molding to form the body 112 (884).

[0078] Now that the body is formed (884), the metrology device 130 creates an updated body template 132 by scanning the body 112 (885), such as Figure 1 Based on the updated body template 132, a fixture device 855 and an illustration (886) for the inkjet printing device 150 are created, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 By registering area 112-3D (rather than rear area R of body 112) with ink supply device 170, body 112 is placed into fixture device 355 (body volume 374) (887), as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Once body 112 is placed into fixture device 355, inkjet printing device 150 applies the design to area 112-3D through print opening 359p (888).

[0079] For example, refer to Fig.9A After the guide plate 657 has been fixed in the rigid frame 679, the bodies 112_1, 112_2, 112_3 and 112_4 are pushed into the corresponding openings 659p_1, 659p_2, 659p_3 and 659p_4 of the guide plate 657. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B As shown, the base plate 656 is fixed to the rigid frame 679 so that the cushion is aligned with the corresponding rear region 112-R_1, 112-R_2, 112-R_3 and 112-R_4 of each body. The fully assembled fixture device 655 is then ready to be incorporated into the inkjet printing device 150, as shown. Fig. 9C The regions 112 - 3D_1 , 112 - 3D_2 , 112 - 3D_3 , and 112 - 3D_4 of each body are fully exposed through the corresponding openings 659 p_i of the guide plate 657 , so that the regions 112 - 3D_1 , 112 - 3D_2 , 112 - 3D_3 , and 112 - 3D_4 can be printed by the supply device 370 .

Claims

1. A method for printing on a three-dimensional body, the method comprising: receiving a three-dimensional body that has been formed based on an original body template; topographically scanning the received print area of ​​the three-dimensional body; generating an updated body template of the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body based on the topographical scan; creating a topographical print design based on the updated subject template; as well as applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the topographically scanned three-dimensional body, Wherein applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the topographically scanned three-dimensional body includes ejecting ink through one or more nozzles toward the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body according to the topographical print design.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the updated body template of the three-dimensional body based on the topographical scan comprises determining a reference plane of the print area and a normal to the reference plane.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein creating the topographic print design based on the updated body template comprises creating a two-dimensional print design that describes three-dimensional features of the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising fixing the three-dimensional body relative to a nozzle with a fixture device, delivering ink through the nozzle, thereby applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body. 5 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising creating the fixture device based on the updated body template before securing the three-dimensional body with the fixture device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein creating the fixture device comprises constructing a guide plate configured to be mounted to a substrate such that a body volume is defined between the mounted substrate and the guide plate, wherein the guide plate comprises a print opening.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein constructing the guide plate comprises forming an interaction region of the guide plate to complement a front region of the three-dimensional body, the front region surrounding the print region of the three-dimensional body.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein fixing the three-dimensional body with the fixture device comprises clamping the three-dimensional body in the body volume between the substrate and the guide plate so that the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body is exposed through the print opening.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein fixing the three-dimensional body with the fixture device includes contacting the guide plate with a front area of ​​the three-dimensional body, the front area surrounding the printing area.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein applying the created topographic printing design to the printing area of ​​the three-dimensional body includes controlling the distance between a guide plate in contact with a front area of ​​the three-dimensional body and one or more nozzles, wherein the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body defines and surrounds a printing area exposed to the one or more nozzles through a printing opening of the guide plate.

11. An inkjet printing system, comprising: a generating device configured to receive an original subject template and generate a three-dimensional subject based on the original subject template; a metrology device configured to receive the generated three-dimensional body from the generating device and topographically scan the received three-dimensional body to generate an updated body template of the three-dimensional body; a control device in communication with the metrology device, the control device configured to receive the updated body template and create a topographical print design based on the updated body template; as well as an inkjet printing device in communication with the control device and configured to receive the three-dimensional body topographically scanned by the metrology device and to apply the created topographic print design to the three-dimensional body topographically scanned by the metrology device, The inkjet printing device includes a nozzle configured to eject ink toward a printing area of ​​the three-dimensional body according to the created topographical printing design.

12. The inkjet printing system of claim 11, wherein the inkjet printing device comprises a fixture device configured to fix the three-dimensional body relative to the nozzle.

13. The inkjet printing system of claim 12, wherein the fixture device includes a guide plate and a base plate, the guide plate and the base plate being connectable to define a body volume, and the guide plate defines a print opening, the guide plate being shaped based on the updated body template.

14. The inkjet printing system of claim 13, wherein the guide plate has a geometry complementary to a front region of the three-dimensional body, the front region surrounding a printing area to which the ink ejected from the nozzle is applied.

15. An inkjet printing device comprising: an ink supply device comprising one or more reservoirs for storing ink and one or more nozzles, each nozzle defining an opening at a first end in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs and at a second end aligned with a target area; as well as a fixture device configured to interact with the target area, wherein the fixture device comprises: substrate; a guide plate configured to be coupled to the base plate, wherein the guide plate faces one or more nozzles when the fixture device surrounds the target area; and one or more sub-mounts, each sub-mount being defined by corresponding and aligned portions of the guide plate and the base plate, each guide plate portion having a topographic shape complementary to a front region of the three-dimensional body, each guide plate portion defining a print opening that is larger than a print area defined within the front region of the three-dimensional body, and each guide plate portion being registered with the front region of the three-dimensional body and with a nozzle of the ink supply device, wherein the nozzles of the ink supply device are configured to eject ink toward the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body according to a topographical print design based on a topographical shape of the three-dimensional body.

16. An inkjet printing device according to claim 15, wherein when the guide plate and the substrate are mounted to each other, each three-dimensional body is fixed between the substrate portion and the guide plate portion, and the printing area of ​​each three-dimensional body is exposed through the printing opening of the guide plate portion.

17. The inkjet-printing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the nozzles are configured to eject ink from one or more reservoirs toward the target area according to the topographical print design.

18. The inkjet printing device according to claim 15, further comprising: A control system is in communication with the ink supply, the control system being configured to control one or more properties of the ink ejected from the one or more nozzles based on a topographical print design.

19. An inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in use, each guide plate portion contacts the front region of the three-dimensional body, and the distance between the guide plate portion and one or more nozzles is controlled.

20. The inkjet printing device according to claim 15, further comprising: A fixture manufacturing device is configured to receive information about the topographic shape of the three-dimensional body after the three-dimensional body is generated, and adjust the geometric structure of the guide plate portion based on the received information so that the guide plate portion has a tighter interface with the three-dimensional body when the three-dimensional body is fixed in the fixture device.

21. An inkjet printing device comprising: an ink supply device defining an axial direction and a target area aligned with the axial direction; A fixture apparatus configured to retain a three-dimensional body in a body volume, the fixture apparatus comprising: a guide plate including a guide plate portion that contacts a front region of the three-dimensional body when the three-dimensional body is received in the body volume, the guide plate portion being aligned with the front region of the three-dimensional body and with a nozzle of the ink supply device; and a substrate arranged relative to the guide plate to define the body volume, wherein in operation, when the target area is surrounded by the fixture device and a Z direction defined by the base plate and the guide plate overlaps an axial direction of the ink supply device, the fixture device is aligned with the ink supply device; and a control system in communication with the ink supply device and the fixture device and, in operation, configured to register a distance between the front region of the three-dimensional body and the ink supply device, wherein the nozzles of the ink supply device are configured to eject ink toward a printing area of ​​the three-dimensional body defined within the front area according to a topographical printing design based on a topographical shape of the three-dimensional body.

22. The inkjet printing device according to claim 21, wherein the guide plate portion has a three-dimensional geometric shape complementary to a front area of ​​the three-dimensional body, the front area surrounding a printing area of ​​the three-dimensional body facing the ink supply device.

23. The inkjet printing device according to claim 22, wherein the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body is exposed to the ink supply device through a print opening in the guide plate portion.

24. An inkjet printing device according to claim 21, wherein the ink supply device includes one or more reservoirs configured to store ink and one or more nozzles, each nozzle defining an opening at a first end in fluid communication with at least one of the reservoirs and at a second end aligned with the target area.

25. The inkjet-printing device of claim 24, wherein the control system is configured to control one or more properties of the ink ejected from the one or more nozzles based on a topographical print design.

26. The inkjet-printing device of claim 21, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the distance between the guide plate portion and a nozzle of the ink supply device based on the registered distance.

27. An inkjet printing device according to claim 21, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the distance between the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body and the ink supply device based at least on the distance of the alignment between the front area of ​​the three-dimensional body and the ink supply device.

28. The inkjet printing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the orientation and plane angle of the front region of the three-dimensional body registered in the guide plate portion matches a position and angle of inkjet printing.

29. The inkjet-printing device of claim 21, wherein the control system is independent of registration between a rear region of the three-dimensional body and the ink supply.

30. A three-dimensional body of a toy, the three-dimensional body being actually printed by: receiving an unprinted three-dimensional body that has been formed based on an original body template; topographically scanning the received print area of ​​the unprinted three-dimensional body; generating an updated body template of the print area of ​​the unprinted three-dimensional body based on the scan of the topography; creating a topographical print design based on the updated subject template; as well as applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the topographically scanned unprinted three-dimensional body, thereby forming the three-dimensional body, Wherein applying the created topographical print design to the print area of ​​the topographically scanned unprinted three-dimensional body comprises ejecting ink through one or more nozzles toward the print area of ​​the three-dimensional body according to the topographical print design.

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