Computer projector system and method for garment customization labeling

Abstract

A computer projector system and method for garment and merchandise customization (tagging). The computer projector system is specially used for providing virtual customer auxiliary typesetting of clothes and commodities according to the customization requirements of brand sports commodities which are assembled or transferred manually. The computer projector system is composed of a mechanical arm fixed to the heat transfer printing machine, a micro projector, a computer and cloud software integrated with a customized decoration element database. The computer projector system displays an image of a set of customized digital, alphabet or badge designs directly on the apparel (or other merchandise), enabling an operator to manually position and transfer the assembly in an efficient and precise manner. The computer projector system also solves the problem of automatically adjusting word pitch adjustment and arc arrangement on a customized product according to preset typesetting specifications in sports and entertainment industries.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 422,898, filed on November 4, 2022, entitled "Computer Projector System and Method for Customized Apparel Printing Labels", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part of this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a clothing printing label system, and more particularly, to a customized clothing printing label system. Background Art

[0004] Consumers participating in sports events, music activities, etc. often seek to purchase customized decorative goods or clothing printed with their own names and / or the names, numbers, or logos of the teams they support, such as jerseys, T - shirts, backpacks, and trousers.

[0005] Traditional methods of customizing goods usually rely on oral or written descriptions of customization requirements. Then, through measurement, judgment, and alignment, physical samples of the customized samples are selected and transferred to the product.

[0006] Traditional methods of customizing goods are time - consuming and laborious, rely on manual judgment, and are prone to errors or misalignments. For example, the names and numbers of players on sports jerseys may have centering deviations or spelling mistakes; long names may be arranged in irregular arcs; numbers may be upside - down, and the spacing between letters and numbers varies according to their width differences (i.e., '1' and '0', or 'i' and 'W').

[0007] More advanced methods can use a computer display screen to present a photo of the good and digitally display the proposed customized layout on the image. The drawback of such systems is that the physical positioning and transfer operations of the actual product still need to be manually completed, and the results still depend on the operator's perception, memory, and understanding of the presented image.

[0008] Errors can lead to waste of branded products (i.e., enterprises have to scrap the goods), resulting in additional time waste.

[0009] In addition, when positioning the product on the transfer machine, it is a manual operation process, and this process usually has deviations from the positioning shown on the computer screen or the physical samples shown to the customer.

[0010] Therefore, a system that can accurately calculate image spacing and presentation methods is needed, which can further meet the requirements of customized operations and efficiently position the image on the product to be transferred with high accuracy, without "unexpected deviations" when transferring (or embroidering or printing) customized patterns on the goods to be customized. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A computer projector system and method for custom printing labels on clothing and merchandise. The computer projector system is specifically designed for the customization needs of branded sports merchandise and provides virtual customer-assisted layout for clothing and merchandise. The computer projector system consists of a robotic arm fixed to a heat transfer printer, a micro-projector, a computer, and cloud software integrated with a database of custom decoration elements. The computer projector system directly displays a set of images of custom digits, letters, or badge designs on clothing (or other merchandise), enabling an operator to position and transfer components in an efficient and precise manner. The computer projector system also solves the problem of automatically adjusting kerning and arc arrangement on custom products according to the predetermined layout specifications of the sports and entertainment industries. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0013] Figure 1B is a partial close-up view of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0014] Figure 2A is an assembled schematic diagram of a mounting bracket.

[0015] Figure 2B is a disassembled schematic diagram of a mounting bracket.

[0016] Figure 3A is a perspective line drawing of a mounting bracket.

[0017] Figure 3B is a top plan line drawing of a mounting bracket.

[0018] Figure 3C is a right side line drawing of a mounting bracket.

[0019] Figure 3D is a left side line drawing of a mounting bracket.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the working process of an exemplary projector system.

[0021] Figure 5 is an exemplary snapshot of each step of the working process shown on a computer graphical user interface (GUI).

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the retail experience of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of order collection and order management of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of POS and payment of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of customization of an exemplary computer projector system.

[0026] Figures 10A - 10E It is a real - shot photo of an exemplary computer projector system during operation.

[0027] Figure 11A and 11B It is a conceptual schematic diagram of an exemplary computer projector system operated by a self - service terminal robot in the fan area. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] The present disclosure combines a computer projector system equipped with an image projector with customized software to directly project an image onto a heat transfer printer, thereby solving the above - mentioned defects. The computer projector system is also called an Accurate Alignment Projector System (AAPS).

[0029] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary Accurate Alignment Projector System (AAPS) or computer projector system.

[0030] According to Figure 1A , the computer projector system 100 consists of the following components:

[0031] · Mounting bracket 102,

[0032] · Heat transfer printer 104,

[0033] · Mini - projector 106,

[0034] · Computer 108,

[0035] · Cables, and

[0036] · Cloud software program integrated with a database of customized decorative elements.

[0037] According to Figure 1A , the omnidirectionally adjustable mounting bracket 102 of the computer projector system 100 consists of a base clamp, a mounting column, an adjustable robotic arm (i.e., projector fixing base), and an adapter for mounting the heat transfer printer 104. The mounting column is detachably fixed to the heat transfer printer 104, and the robotic arm is connected to the mini - projector 106. The mini - projector 106 supports 4K and HD (High Definition), and its external dimensions are 2 inches (height) × 5 inches (width) × 5 inches (depth).

[0038] According to Figure 1A, the computer 108 can be a desktop or a laptop computer, and can be configured to an integrated connection and shared file site with data files and customized programs (i.e., AAPS software). In a further embodiment, the computer 108 can be a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

[0039] Locate the desired merchandise on the heat transfer machine, perform image fiducial alignment, and then the customized content can be directly projected onto the merchandise. The customized content can be adjusted and immediately displayed on the merchandise, and the merchandise can be repositioned arbitrarily to ensure an exact match with the customer's expectations. Then, according to the exact image, numbers, letters, or badges are located on the product and then physically transferred in place. When the heat transfer machine is turned on, the customized merchandise will ensure the exact positioning of the customized content. This process is highly efficient, shortening the typesetting time and eliminating errors and material waste. Figure 1B It is a partial close-up view of an exemplary computer projector system when creating a sports jersey label.

[0040] Figure 2A It is an assembly schematic diagram of the mounting bracket. Figure 2B It is a disassembly schematic diagram of the mounting bracket. According to Figure 2A and 2B , the mounting bracket 200 is composed of a base clamp 202, a mounting column 204, a heat transfer machine fixing seat 208, and an adjustable projector fixing seat 206.

[0041] According to Figure 2A , the adjustable projector fixing seat 206 is a robotic arm fixed to the micro projector (106 in Figure 1). The outer dimensions of the base clamp 202 are approximately 8 inches × 11 inches, and the mass range is 2 - 10 pounds.

[0042] According to Figure 2A , the assembled dimensions of the mounting bracket 200 are approximately 48 inches (height) × 16 inches (width) × 32 inches (depth).

[0043] Figures 3A - 3D It is different views of the mounting bracket. Figure 3A It is a perspective line drawing of the mounting bracket. Figure 3B It is a top - down plane line drawing of the mounting bracket. Figure 3C It is a right - hand side line drawing of the mounting bracket. Figure 3D It is a left - hand side line drawing of the mounting bracket.

[0044] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the working process of an exemplary projector system. According to Figure 4 , the working process 400 is the technological process for a computer projector system to achieve customized sports jersey or clothing printing, supporting different sports, leagues, teams, and players.

[0045] According to Figure 4, the workflow 400 starts from step 402. In step 404, the operator or user of the computer projector system selects a sports league. Next, the user selects a team in step 406, selects exclusive clothing in step 408, and then selects a player in step 410.

[0046] According to Figure 4 , the subsequent information is sent to the micro-projector to achieve precise alignment. Then, in step 412, the user or operator locates numbers, letters, or team logos on the clothing (such as a sports jersey). A partial close-up view of the location is as shown in Figure 1B .

[0047] Then, the user performs clothing alignment in step 414. Once the alignment is confirmed, the user then performs customized clothing printing in step 416, heat-transferring the pattern onto the clothing to form the finished customized clothing.

[0048] Figure 5 are exemplary snapshot diagrams of the steps of the workflow shown on the computer graphical user interface (GUI). According to Figure 5 , the graphical user interface (GUI) 502 shows the selection of the league. GUI 504 shows the selection of the team. GUI 506 shows the selection of the jersey, and GUI 508 shows the selection of the player.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the retail experience of an exemplary computer projector system. According to Figure 6 , the customer (sports enthusiast) selects the desired customization content in an interactive and entertaining way. The fan interaction system includes a fan zone self-service terminal 602 and an application that enables fans to obtain an online mobile ordering experience.

[0050] According to Figure 6 , the computer projector system has pre-loaded the current player rosters, fonts, and styles of each team in full, so the system should be able to achieve error-free customization, where the system is responsible for processing styles, sizes, player registered names, alphanumerics, kerning, and pricing. The system can make real-time synchronous updates for player changes and team color / font changes (such as player transfers).

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of order collection and order management of an exemplary computer projector system. According to Figure 7 , the computer projector system supports order collection and order management. The application on the mobile device 702 can support order collection. Order management can support physical tickets / virtual tickets, single barcodes or multiple barcodes, single merchant or multiple merchant point of sale (POS) or payment systems, fan zone order management systems, and refined / lightweight order management systems.

[0052] Figure 8 is a point-of-sale (POS) and payment schematic diagram of an exemplary computer projector system. According to Figure 8 , the computer projector system supports known point-of-sale (POS) terminals, including a cash register 802, a barcode scanner 804, and a mobile POS terminal 806.

[0053] According to Figure 8 , once an order is sent, the computer projector system should also perform inventory management, deduct inventory upon scanning, and then push an instruction to the transfer processing area to complete a customized order, or perform barcode scanning, or enter a purchase order (PO).

[0054] Figure 9 is a customization schematic diagram of an exemplary computer projector system. According to Figure 9 , the customization process is initiated by scanning, selecting, or entering an order. Next, specific jersey positioning is performed, and precise alignment of names, letters, or numbers is initiated. Then, the system will achieve precise positioning and precise kerning adjustment.

[0055] Figures 10A - 10E is a real-shot photo of an exemplary computer projector system during operation. Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a laptop computer equipped with AAPS software and a micro-projector that displays names and numbers onto a sports jersey. Figures 10B - 10D shows a staff member positioning letters and numbers on a jersey to be transferred. Figure 10E shows a finished sports jersey with precise positioning of numbers and letters.

[0056] Figure 11A and 11B are conceptual schematic diagrams of an exemplary computer projector system operated by a self-service terminal robot in a fan area. According to Figure 11A and 11B , robot operators 1102, 1104, and 1106 can be positioned at the self-service terminal in the fan area and can assist in creating customized jerseys. The robot operators are programmed to work in coordination with the computer projector system and can load, align, and print jerseys according to requirements without manual intervention.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, when an event is in progress, the computer projector system can be used for activities within the venue. Sometimes unskilled personnel need to queue for on-site production / transfer of customized products. According to the present disclosure, compared with traditional transfer methods that use dedicated instruments, manual gauges, and manual judgment, the projector system has higher precision and faster speed. In addition, the computer projector system can also be used in a customized production factory, and it is equally important to maximize efficiency and eliminate errors during the process of mass-producing customized products.

[0058] According to the present disclosure, in various different presentation formats, sizes, color schemes, and fonts, the programming for image generation tools must dynamically adjust the spacing between letters and numbers, so the programming process is relatively complex.

[0059] According to the present disclosure, image projection can assist in manually positioning numbers / letters, which not only improves work efficiency but also eliminates the risk of misalignment, thereby reducing the expensive scrapping cost of authorized products.

[0060] According to the present disclosure, the computer projector system further integrates an order management program, and the order management program can automatically deduct inventory for each number, letter, heraldry, or logo used in the commodity production process, thereby realizing automatic replenishment.

[0061] According to the present disclosure, the printing industry can adopt computer systems that display virtual images and customized content of commodities, but such systems cannot solve the following problems, that is, they cannot automatically correct kerning and arc arrangements on customized products according to the predetermined typesetting specifications of the sports and entertainment industries. In addition, when these computer systems directly print on clothing, there is currently no solution in the industry that can customize clothing by manually transferring physical components - which is usually used for customized production in the sports and entertainment industries.

[0062] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the computer projector system can be integrated with a customized workbench, and this workbench adopts an ergonomic layout and can accommodate (or fix) a laptop and a computer projector system, which is convenient for use and operation.

[0063] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a further embodiment can adopt a robotic manipulator instead of an adjustable robotic arm, and the robotic manipulator can be programmed to move to different positions.

[0064] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the software can adopt machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to assist in improving the accuracy and verification of generated information (or labels). For example, the AI algorithm can be used as the final verification and confirmation step for labels before heat transfer printing. In addition, these algorithms can also provide suggestions for alignment deviation and / or misalignment.

[0065] According to the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for creating customized clothing using a computer projector system is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: selecting a league, selecting a team, selecting a clothing style and material, selecting a player associated with the team and the league, positioning the clothing on the computer projector system, projecting a label onto the clothing, aligning the clothing, and printing a label associated with the league and the player on the clothing.

[0066] According to the present disclosure, the computer projector system is configured to perform customized alignment and verification of labels before printing on clothing. The labels of the method further include information related to the league, team, or player.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, the step of printing on clothing of the method further includes performing a heat transfer process or a heating process on the label. The customized clothing of the method is selected from the list including the following items: jerseys, sweatshirts, knitted shirts, T-shirts, jackets, jogging pants, jeans, and training pants.

[0068] According to the present disclosure, a computer projector system for creating customized clothing is disclosed. The system includes a computer, a software program on the computer configured for customization of decorative elements, a micro projector, a heat transfer printer, and a mounting bracket.

[0069] The mounting bracket further includes a base clamp, a mounting column, a projector holder, and an adapter for mounting the heat transfer printer. The mounting bracket is detachably fixed to the heat transfer printer, and the adapter is connected to the micro projector. The computer projector system can print labels associated with a league, team, or player on clothing, and is further configured to perform customized alignment and verification of the labels before printing on clothing.

[0070] According to the present disclosure, the labels of the system further include information related to the league, team, or player. The step of printing on clothing of the system further includes performing a heat transfer process or a heating process on the label.

[0071] According to the present disclosure, the system further includes a cable, and the computer is a laptop. The software program on the computer of the system further includes cloud software integrated with a database of customized decorative elements. The projector holder of the system further includes an adjustable robotic arm or an automated robotic operating arm. The micro projector of the system can be a high definition (HD) or 4K projector.

[0072] According to the present disclosure, the system directly displays an image of a set of customized numbers, letters, or badge designs on clothing, enabling an operator to manually position and transfer components in an efficient and precise manner.

[0073] According to the present disclosure, the system corrects kerning and arc arrangements on customized clothing products according to the predetermined typesetting specifications of the sports and entertainment industries.

[0074] According to the present disclosure, the computer and the system are further configured to be integrated with a customized desk. The customized clothing is selected from the list including the following items: jerseys, sweatshirts, knitted shirts, T-shirts, jackets, jogging pants, jeans, and training pants.

[0075] Although some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in a fully functional computer and computer system, other embodiments or aspects can also be in the form of various computing products, and the other embodiments or aspects can be applied regardless of the machine or computer-readable medium used.

[0076] The methods described in the present disclosure include one or more steps or operations for implementing the methods. Without departing from the scope of the claims, the method steps and / or operations can be interchanged with each other. In other words, unless the method needs to be correctly executed in a specific order of steps or operations, the order and / or use of the specific steps and / or operations can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0077] The above specific embodiments have been presented by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments can be adjusted in various modified and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed forms, but cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Although the above written description of the system enables those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use what is currently considered the best mode of implementation, those skilled in the art will understand and recognize that there are various variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the system should not be limited by the above embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the system. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in the present disclosure, but conforms to the disclosed principles and novel features to the greatest extent.

[0078] The information detailedly shown and described in the present disclosure can fully achieve the above purposes of the present disclosure, is the currently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus represents the subject matter widely covered by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully covers other embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art, and is correspondingly limited only by the appended claims, where the reference to an element in the singular form does not mean "one and only one" (unless expressly stated), but should be understood as "one or more". All solutions that those of ordinary skill in the art consider equivalent to the elements of the above preferred embodiments and additional embodiments in terms of structure or function are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure and are intended to be covered by the claims of the present disclosure.

[0079] The scope of protection of the claims of the present disclosure does not require a certain system or method to solve every problem that the present disclosure seeks to solve. In addition, whether any element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims does not constitute a dedication to the public. However, as described in the appended claims, various changes and modifications to the form, material, workpiece, and details of the manufacturing materials that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are also covered in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating customized clothing using a computer projector system, the method comprising the following steps: Select a league; Select a team; Select clothing styles and materials; Select players associated with the team and league; Locate the clothing on the computer projector system; Project labels onto the clothing; Perform clothing alignment; Print labels associated with the league and players on the clothing, wherein the computer projector system is configured to perform customized alignment and verification of the labels before printing on the clothing.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the label further includes information related to the league, team or player.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the step of printing on the clothing further includes performing heat transfer processing or heating processing on the label.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the customized clothing is selected from a list including the following items: jerseys, sweatshirts, knitted shirts, T-shirts, jackets, jogging pants, jeans and training pants.

5. A computer projector system for generating customized clothing, comprising: A computer; A software program on the computer, configured for customized decoration element; A micro projector; A heat transfer printer; And A mounting bracket, further including a base clamp, a mounting column, a projector fixing seat and an adapter for mounting the heat transfer printer, wherein the mounting bracket is detachably fixed to the heat transfer printer, and the adapter is connected to the micro projector, wherein the computer projector system is configured to print labels associated with a league, team or player on the clothing, wherein the computer projector system is configured to perform customized alignment and verification of the labels before printing on the clothing.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the label further includes information related to the league, team or player.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the step of printing on the clothing further includes performing heat transfer processing or heating processing on the label.

8. The system according to claim 5, further comprising a cable, wherein, the computer is a laptop.

9. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the software program on the computer further includes cloud software integrated with a customized decoration element database.

10. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the projector fixing seat further includes an adjustable robotic arm or an automated robotic operating arm.

11. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the micro projector is a high-definition or 4K projector.

12. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the system directly displays an image of a set of customized numbers, letters or badge designs on the clothing, enabling an operator to manually locate and transfer components in an efficient and accurate manner.

13. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the system corrects the kerning and arc arrangement on the customized clothing product according to the predetermined typesetting specifications of the sports and entertainment industries.

14. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The computer and system are further configured to be integrated with a customized desk.

15. The system according to claim 5, wherein, the customized clothing is selected from the list including the following items: jerseys, sweatshirts, knitted shirts, T-shirts, jackets, jogging pants, jeans, and training pants.

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