DEVICE FOR PRINTING ON A Spherical Object

Abstract

A device, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium for printing on a spherical object are disclosed. The device includes, for example, a printhead, at least two wheels, each of which rotates about a single axis, at least one ball holder coupled to a mechanical arm, wherein the ball holder rotates 360 degrees and is positioned to secure the spherical object to the wheels, and a controller communicating with the printhead and the wheels to move the spherical object over the wheels into a position for printing over the printhead.

Description

[0001] Current printing devices allow printing on cylindrical objects such as bottles and cans. For example, a path of rollers can be used to rotate the cylindrical objects under a printhead to print labels or text onto them.

[0002] Spherical objects present a challenge. Some printing devices allow printing on smaller spherical objects, such as golf balls, using a suction arm and providing only a single axis of rotation. For example, the suction arm can rotate the golf ball around this single axis while an image or text is printed onto it.

[0003] Another example of a printing machine for spherical objects is the Heidelberg Jetmaster. However, these printing devices require six vector components to guide the print head around the spherical object. Having a large number of vector components results in many mechanical parts and drives that can fail, as well as additional complexity for motion control, the control scheme, and the like.

[0004] According to aspects illustrated herein, a device, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium for printing on a spherical object are provided. A disclosed feature of the embodiments is a device comprising: a printhead, at least two wheels, each of the at least two wheels rotating about a single axis, at least one ball holder coupled to a mechanical arm, the ball holder rotating 360 degrees and positioned to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels, and a controller communicating with the printhead and the at least two wheels to move the spherical object over the at least two wheels into a position for printing over the printhead.

[0005] Another disclosed feature of the embodiments is a method comprising: receiving an image to be printed on the spherical object, releasing at least one mechanical arm with a ball holder rotating 360 degrees, detecting that the spherical object is positioned on at least two wheels, each of the two wheels rotating about a single axis, engaging the at least one mechanical arm having the ball holder to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels, and rotating the at least two wheels to guide the spherical object to allow a stationary printhead to print the image onto the spherical object.

[0006] Another disclosed feature of the embodiments is a non-transitory, computer-readable medium containing a plurality of instructions, wherein the plurality of instructions include instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations that: receive an image to be printed on the spherical object; release at least one mechanical arm with a ball holder that rotates 360 degrees; detect that the spherical object is positioned on at least two wheels, each of the two wheels rotating about a single axis; engage the at least one mechanical arm having the ball holder to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels; and rotate the at least two wheels to guide the spherical object to allow a stationary printhead to print the image onto the spherical object.

[0007] The teaching of this disclosure will be readily understood from the consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0008] Fig. 1 a block diagram of an exemplary device of the present disclosure;

[0009] Fig. 2 an exemplary wheel;

[0010] Fig. 3 an exemplary block diagram of the axis of rotation of the wheels;

[0011] Fig. 4. A flowchart of an exemplary procedure for printing on a spherical object and

[0012] Fig. 5 An exemplary high-level block diagram of a computer suitable for use in performing the functions described herein.

[0013] To facilitate understanding, identical reference symbols were used – where possible – to denote identical elements common to all figures.

[0014] The present disclosure generally discloses a device and a method for printing on a spherical object. As explained above, printing on spherical objects presents a challenge. Some printing devices allow printing on smaller spherical objects, such as golf balls, and use a suction arm and provide only a single axis of rotation. For example, the suction arm can rotate the golf ball about a single axis while an image or text is printed onto the golf ball.

[0015] Another example of a printing machine for spherical objects is the Heidelberg Jetmaster. However, these printing devices require six vector components to guide the print head around the spherical object. Having a large number of vector components results in many mechanical parts and drives that can fail, as well as additional complexity for motion control, the control scheme, and the like.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device that uses multiple wheels capable of guiding the spherical object in all directions. In other words, the wheels can rotate or move the spherical object in all 360 degrees. The device can employ a stationary printhead while allowing the wheels to rotate the spherical object using two vector components.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary device 100 of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the device can 100 at least two wheels 102 , one or two ball holders 104 (also known as spherical swivel casters or spherical holders), which is equipped with a mechanical arm 106 coupled is / are, a printhead 108 and a register module 110 include. In one embodiment, the wheels can 102 to each other and on opposite sides of a spherical object 114 be angled. The wheels 102 can each be equipped with one axis 120 be coupled, which are then connected to one or more drives 122 is coupled.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ball holders can 104 on the mechanical arm 106 rotate 360 ​​degrees. In one embodiment, the mechanical arm can 106It should be spring-loaded to hold the ball holder. 104 to pull downwards. As a result, the ball holder can 104 , if the spherical object 114 on wheels 102 is placed, pointing downwards against the spherical object 114 press to remove the spherical object 114 at its position on the wheels 102 to hold. As a result, the spherical object 114 through the ball holder 104 held in its position while the wheels 102 the spherical object 114 guide, move or rotate during printing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the printhead 108 a pressure fluid onto the spherical object 114 dispense. For example, the printing fluid can be a printing ink or other fluid for displaying text, images, designs, or the like on the spherical object. 114 be.

[0020] In one embodiment, the register module 110 can be used to determine the origin of the spherical object 114 to recognize. For example, to ensure that the image is projected onto the spherical object. 114 To ensure correct mapping and printing, an origin or starting point may need to be identified. In one embodiment, the register module 110 a video camera (e.g. a red-green-blue (RGB), black and white, infrared camera and the like) to capture the spherical object 114 to scan for a unique identifier. For example, the identifier could be a valve inside a ball. In another embodiment, the spherical object could be 114 must be marked with a dot or other inconspicuous mark before being placed in the device 100 is given. The register module 100can detect the valve or the marker and set this point as the origin.

[0021] In another embodiment, the register module 110 They can be pressure-sensitive or mechanical. For example, a needle 118 be inserted into the valve for detection by the register module 110 based on a physical connection with the needle 118 The needle 118 can serve as the origin for the spherical object 114 be recognized.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device 100 also a control 112 include the control system. 112 It can be used as a processor and as a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions to be executed by a processor. In one embodiment, the controller 112 an image of the spherical object 114and an image (e.g., a text, a design, a graphic, a logo, a representation, and the like) that is applied to the spherical object 114 to be printed, received.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control 112 with the drive 122 , the mechanical arm 106 , the printhead 108 and the register module 110 communicate and control their operation. For example, the control system can 112 , after the control 112 the image of the spherical object 114 and has received the image to be printed, the mechanical arm 106 release, so that the mechanical arm 106 into one through the dotted lines 126 The open position shown is moved (by an arrow) 129 (shown). The mechanical arm 106 It can be spring-loaded or mechanically driven. In another embodiment, the mechanical arm can be 106It can be guided manually by an operator. In one embodiment, the printhead can be 108 It can be moved vertically up and down to provide more room for placing the spherical object. 114 on wheels 102 in the device 100 to provide.

[0024] The spherical object 114 can be on wheels 102 be placed. In one example, the register module can be used. 110 can also be used to detect when the spherical object 114 on wheels 102 was placed. In another embodiment, an operator can provide an input for the control. 112 provide that the spherical object 114 in the device 100 and on wheels 102 was placed.

[0025] If the spherical object 114 than on wheels 102If the location is detected, the control can 112 the mechanical arm 106 snap into place so that the ball holder 104 against the spherical object 114 presses. In another embodiment, an operator can press the mechanical arm. 106 into a closed position on the spherical object 114 lead. The ball holder 104 at the end of the mechanical arm 104 can be used to remove the spherical object 114 to hold it in position during printing. Although in Fig. 1 two ball holders 104 As illustrated, it should be noted that any number of ball holders 104 (less or more) in the device 100 can be used.

[0026] The control 112 can then the drive 122 operate to turn one or more of the wheels 102 to turn. By turning one or more of the wheels102 can the spherical object 114 be rotated to access the register module 110 locating the origin (e.g., of a valve, a stain, a mark, the needle) 118 or the like). Once the origin has been identified, the control can be adjusted. 112 then the drive 122 and the printhead 108 control, the image onto the spherical object 114 to print. For example, the actuation of the printhead can 108 This includes controlling when and how much pressurized fluid is dispensed.

[0027] The control 112 can the operation of the wheels 102 control to move the spherical object 114 into a position to receive the printing fluid from the printhead 108 to guide, rotate, or move. In one example, the printhead 108 be stationary along an x-axis and a y-axis and the control 112can the drive 122 control one or more of the axis 120 and the wheels 102 to rotate. However, as noted above, the printhead can 108 moved vertically up and down to allow the print head to move closer to the spherical object 114 to move closer or make room when the spherical object 114 on wheels 102 inside the device 100 is placed.

[0028] It is worth noting that all 360 degrees of the spherical object 114 using only two vector components with the print head 108 can be printed on. For example, a first wheel can be printed on. 102 turn in one direction and a second wheel 102 can turn in a second direction, perpendicular to the direction of the first wheel 102 lies. Consequently, the spherical object can 114even when the printhead 108 is located in a fixed position, through the wheels 102 so that any surface of the spherical object 114 It is printed in all directions over 360 degrees.

[0029] In one embodiment, the design of the wheels can 102 allow the spherical object 114 to lead to two-dimensional printing. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a more detailed view of the wheels. 102 .

[0030] In one embodiment, each wheel 102 a stack of two discs 208 and 210 include each disc 208 and 210 can an opening 212 include, which is coupled to an axle, a rod or the like, which is then connected to the drive 122 is coupled.

[0031] In one embodiment, each wheel 102have a casing consisting of a plurality of cylindrical rollers 202 and a plurality of connecting pieces 204 consists of. In one embodiment, the connecting pieces 204 They are made of a metal and consist of metal connecting pieces. In one embodiment, the cylindrical rollers can be 202 They can be made of plastic with a urethane coating. In another embodiment, the cylindrical rollers can be made of... 202 be made of a rubber material.

[0032] In one embodiment, the enclosure, outer edge or circumference of each wheel can be 102 an alternating sequence of cylindrical rollers 202 and connecting pieces 204 include. In other words, the outer ring of each wheel can 102 from a cylindrical roller 202 be made with a metal connector 204which is connected to another cylindrical roller 202 is connected, which in turn is connected to another metal connector. 204 is connected, etc., until the outer ring is complete.

[0033] In one embodiment, the discs can 208 and 210 stacked in such a way that the corresponding outlines of the discs 208 and 210 are offset from each other. In other words, each cylindrical roller would 202 the disc 208 next to a connecting piece 204 the disc 210 lie. Furthermore, each connecting piece would 204 the disc 208 next to a cylindrical roller 202 the disc 210 lie. In other words, the discs can 208 and 210 They can be stacked in any staggered arrangement, as long as the cylindrical rollers 202 the discs 208 and 210not be in a straight line and the connecting pieces 204 the discs 208 and 210 They are not aligned. The offset position of the discs. 208 and 210 can ensure that at least one of the cylindrical rollers 202 always in contact with the spherical object 114 stands.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cylindrical rollers can 202 be manufactured in such a way that they form the spherical object 114 "grab" when the wheel 102 rotates. Furthermore, the cylindrical rollers can 202 They must be manufactured in such a way that they rotate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the opposite wheel. 102 lies when the corresponding wheel 102 is certain. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example of this relationship.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of two wheels 1021 and 1022 In one embodiment, the wheel can 1021 around a single axis of rotation 302 turn and the wheel 1022 can rotate around a single axis 306 rotate. Using these two axes of rotation. 302 and 306 can the spherical object 114 can be rotated, moved or guided into any position through 360 degrees.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cylindrical rollers can 202 be constructed in such a way that a cylindrical roller 202 , which come into contact with the spherical object 114 is located, rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 302 or 306 of the corresponding wheel 1021 or 1022 lies. For example, the axis of rotation of the cylindrical roller would 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel1021 extend into the document page and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 302 lie. Similarly, the axis of rotation of the cylindrical roller would 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel 1022 extend into the document page and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 306 lay.

[0037] In other words, the cylindrical roller can 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel 1021 , which come into contact with the spherical object 114 is located in one direction 304 rotate, perpendicular to the axis of rotation 306 of the wheel 1022 lies. Similarly, the cylindrical roller can 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel 1022 , which come into contact with the spherical object 114 is located in one direction 308 rotate, perpendicular to the axis of rotation 302 of the wheel 1021 lies.

[0038] Put another way, the cylindrical roller can 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel 1021 , which come into contact with the spherical object 114 is located in one direction 304 rotate, parallel to the axis of rotation 302 of the wheel 1021 lies. Similarly, the cylindrical roller can 2021 the disc 210 of the wheel 1022 , which come into contact with the spherical object 114 is located in one direction 308 rotate, parallel to the axis of rotation 306 of the wheel 1022 lies. Consequently, the design of the wheels allows 1021 and 1022 , the spherical object 114 to guide in every direction through 360 degrees.

[0039] It should be noted that Fig. 3 a single example of positioning the wheels 1021 and 1022 illustrated. The wheels 1021and 1022 However, they can be placed anywhere around the spherical object. 114 be positioned around as long as the wheels 1021 and 1022 the spherical object 114 can carry and maintain the relationships described above.

[0040] It should be noted that the characteristics of Fig. 1– Fig. 3. are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some features such as the wheels may not be drawn to scale. 102 They should be drawn larger to show the details of the wheels. 102 to illustrate. For example, the wheels 102 with regard to the spherical object 114 be half to a third smaller.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure. 400for printing on a spherical object. In one embodiment, one or more steps or operations of the method are 400 from the device 100 (e.g. the control 112 ) and / or are executed by a computer, as in Fig. 5 is illustrated and described below.

[0042] In block 402 The process begins 400 . In block 404 The procedure receives 400An image to be printed onto a spherical object. For example, a graphic illustration tool, a computer-aided design (CAD) tool, and the like can be used to create an image (e.g., text, a graphic, a design, a logo, a representation, and the like) to be printed two-dimensionally onto the spherical object. The image can be received by a controller of the device used to print onto the spherical object.

[0043] In one embodiment, an image of the spherical object can also be received. The image can be mapped onto the spherical object based on an origin or starting point. The spherical object can be scanned to detect the origin, so that the image can be aligned on the spherical object according to the mapping.

[0044] In block406 The procedure 400 At least one mechanical arm with a ball holder that rotates 360 degrees is freely accessible. For example, the mechanical arm can be moved into an open position so that it is out of the way. In one embodiment, the print head can also be moved vertically upwards to provide more space, depending on the size of the spherical object.

[0045] In block 408 The procedure recognizes 400that the spherical object is positioned on at least two wheels. For example, an operator can place the spherical object on the at least two wheels. A sensor (e.g., the register module described above) can detect that the spherical object has been positioned on the at least two wheels. In another embodiment, the detection can be based on an input received from the operator. For example, a button can be pressed, thereby sending a signal to the controller that the spherical object is in position and ready for printing.

[0046] In block 410 The process is halted 400The at least one mechanical arm with the ball holder engages to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels. For example, the mechanical arm can be spring-loaded or have a mechanical drive controlled by the controller. The mechanical arm can be moved into a closed position so that the ball holder at the end of the mechanical arm rests against the spherical object. In one embodiment, the force of the spring-loaded arm or the mechanical drive can press the spherical object against the two wheels with sufficient force or pressure to ensure that the spherical object is secured during the pressing action.

[0047] In one embodiment, the use of the spring-loaded mechanical arm or the mechanical drive allows for printing on a variety of different-sized spherical objects. For example, the movement of the mechanical arm can be flexible enough to adapt to a spherical object of any size.

[0048] In block 412 The process turns 400 The at least two wheels guide the spherical object so that a stationary printhead can print the image onto it. Once the spherical object is secured, the controller can operate the at least two wheels via a drive coupled to the wheels. For example, the controller can rotate one or more of the wheels to rotate, guide, or move the spherical object into many different positions to print the image onto it.

[0049] In one embodiment, the spherical object can be guided in such a way that the at least two wheels and the ball holder do not touch any recently printed ink, thus preventing smearing. For example, the control system can be aware of which images were recently printed and of the position of the spherical object on the wheels, based on its identified origin. In another embodiment, a condition can be set so that the wheels do not pass over a recently printed image until a certain time, t, has elapsed (e.g., in seconds).

[0050] In one embodiment, after printing is complete, the mechanical arm can be released and the spherical object can be removed. In another embodiment, the spherical object can remain inside the device for a specified time (e.g., 1 minute, 1 hour, etc.) to allow the printing fluid to dry before the spherical object is transported to prevent smearing. 414 The procedure ends 400 .

[0051] It should be noted that – although not explicitly listed – one or more steps, one or more functions or one or more processes of the procedure described above may be required. 400This may include a storage, display, and / or output step, as required for a specific application. In other words, all data, records, fields, and / or intermediate results described in the procedures may be stored, displayed, and / or output to another device, as required for a specific application. Furthermore, steps, functions, or operations in Fig. 4. These provisions, which concern a determination process or a decision, do not necessarily require that both branches of the determination process be carried out. In other words, one of the branches of the determination process can be considered an optional step.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 presents, at a high level, a block diagram of a computer that can be transformed into a machine designed to perform the functions described herein. Consequently, the embodiments of this disclosure improve the operation and function of the computer to enhance the shaping of data traffic in a LAN as disclosed herein.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in 5, the computer includes 500 one or more hardware processor elements 502 (e.g., a main processor (CPU), a microprocessor, or a multi-core processor), a memory 504 , e.g. random access memory (RAM) and / or read memory (ROM), a module 505 for printing on a spherical object and various input / output devices 506(e.g., storage devices, including—but not limited to—a tape drive, floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, or CD drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a loudspeaker, a display, a speech synthesizer, an output port, an input port, and a user input device (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, microphone, and the like). Although only one processor element is shown, it should be noted that the computer may employ multiple processor elements. Furthermore, although only one computer is shown in the figure, if the procedure(s) described above is implemented in a distributed or parallel manner for a specific illustrative example, i.e., the steps of the procedure(s) are carried out in a multi-step manner, the computer in this figure will be multi-step.If the foregoing method(s) or the entire method(s) are implemented on multiple or parallel computers, then each of these multiple computers is represented. Furthermore, one or more hardware processors can be used to support a virtualized or shared computing environment. The virtualized computing environment can support one or more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other computing facilities. In such virtualized machines, hardware components such as hardware processors and computer-readable storage devices can be virtualized or logically represented.

[0054] It should be noted that the present disclosure may be implemented in software and / or in a combination of software and hardware, e.g., using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a programmable logic assembly (PLA), including a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a state machine deployed on a hardware device, computer, or other hardware equivalent, e.g., computer-readable instructions relating to the method(s) described above, which are used to configure a hardware processor to execute the steps, functions, and / or operations of the method(s) disclosed above. In one embodiment, instructions and data for the present module or process may be provided. 505 for printing onto a spherical object (e.g., a software program containing computer-executable instructions) into a memory 504loaded and by the hardware processor element 502 to be carried out in order to perform the steps, functions and processes as described above in connection with the exemplary procedure 400 explained how to implement this. Furthermore, when a hardware processor executes instructions to perform "operations," this can include the hardware processor directly performing the operations and / or causing, instructing, or cooperating with another hardware device or component (e.g., a coprocessor or the like) to perform the operations.

[0055] The processor that executes the computer-readable or software instructions relating to the procedure(s) described above can be considered a programmed processor or a specialized processor. Thus, the present module 505The data (including the associated data structures) of this disclosure, intended for printing on a spherical object, may be stored on a tangible or physical (generally non-transient) computer-readable storage device or medium, such as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, ROM memory, RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive, magnetic or optical device, floppy disk, and the like. More specifically, the computer-readable storage device may include any physical device that provides the capability to store information, such as data and / or instructions, which a processor or computing device, such as a computer or application server, may access.

[0056] It will be understood that variations of the foregoing disclosure and other features, functions, or alternatives thereof can be combined to form many other systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variants, or improvements to it, which are not currently foreseeable or anticipated, may later be implemented by those skilled in the art and are also intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Device for printing on a spherical object, comprising: a printhead at least two wheels, each of the at least two wheels rotating about a single axis, at least one ball holder coupled to a mechanical arm, wherein the at least one ball holder rotates 360 degrees and is positioned to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels, and a control system in communication with the printhead and the at least two wheels, to guide the spherical object via the at least two wheels into a position for printing via the printhead. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the print head is located at a fixed position along an x-axis and a y-axis. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the individual axle of each of the two wheels is positioned at a different angle. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two wheels are rotatable to rotate any surface of the spherical object towards the printhead in order to receive a printing fluid. [5] Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two wheels each comprise a stack of two discs, wherein an enclosure of each of the two discs comprises a plurality of cylindrical rollers and a plurality of connecting pieces, wherein the plurality of cylindrical rollers and the plurality of connecting pieces are arranged in an alternating sequence of a cylindrical roller and a connecting piece. [6] Method for printing on a spherical object, comprising: Receiving an image to be printed onto the spherical object, Release at least one mechanical arm with a ball holder that rotates 360 degrees, Recognizing that the spherical object is positioned on at least two wheels, with each of the two wheels rotating around a single axis, Locking of the at least one mechanical arm, which has the ball holder, to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels, and Rotating at least two wheels to guide the spherical object, in order to allow a stationary print head to print the image onto the spherical object. [7] Method according to claim 6, further comprising: Identifying an origin for mapping the spherical object in order to print the image. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the detection comprises inserting a needle into a valve of the spherical object. [9] Device for printing on a spherical object, comprising: a printhead at least two wheels, each of the at least two wheels rotating about a single axis, the at least two wheels each comprising a stack of two disks, each enclosure of which comprises a plurality of cylindrical rollers and a plurality of connecting pieces, the plurality of cylindrical rollers and the plurality of connecting pieces being arranged in an alternating sequence of a cylindrical roller and a connecting piece, such that the plurality of cylindrical rollers of a first disk of the stack is adjacent to the plurality of connecting pieces of a second disk of the stack of two disks, and the plurality of connecting pieces of the first disk of the stack of two disks is adjacent to the plurality of cylindrical rollers of the second disk of the stack of two disks. at least one ball holder coupled to a mechanical arm positioned above the at least two wheels, wherein the at least one ball holder rotates 360 degrees and is positioned to secure the spherical object to the at least two wheels, and a control unit in communication with the print head and at least one drive unit coupled to the at least two wheels, wherein the control unit moves the spherical object into a position for printing an image onto the spherical object by the print head, wherein the spherical object is moved by actuating the at least one drive unit with the at least two wheels. [10] Device according to claim 9, further comprising: a register module that scans the spherical object to identify an origin for mapping the spherical object.