Graphical Application System for Seamless Tile Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying large desired patterns onto surfaces, such as those used in construction, advertising, and vehicle decoration, face challenges in achieving seamless transitions and accurate alignment of tiles due to inaccuracies in positioning and orientation, leading to distortions and geometrical conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A graphical application system comprising a graphical application device with a local camera for precise alignment and an external referencing device for global positioning, allowing for the split application of patterns into tiles with primary and fine-alignment based on global and local referencing, ensuring accurate and seamless coverage of large, free-form surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large desired pattern is applied using conventional methods (brush, airbrush, masking), then the application can be completed, but the positioning accuracy and alignment of tiles deteriorate, leading to distortions and geometrical conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large desired pattern into multiple smaller tiles that can be applied sequentially. Each tile is positioned and aligned independently using global and local referencing systems, ensuring high positioning accuracy while managing the complexity through modular processing of the overall pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces referencing devices (global and local) as intermediaries between the application device and the target surface. These referencing devices provide coordinate information that mediates the positioning and alignment process, enabling high precision without requiring complex direct control mechanisms
2Area of stationary object
If the desired pattern is split into multiple tiles for application, then the coverage of large surfaces is improved, but the alignment accuracy between tiles deteriorates due to positioning and orientation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs referencing devices that continuously provide feedback on the position and orientation of the application device relative to the target surface. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustment of tile positions and orientations, maintaining high alignment accuracy across large coverage areas by compensating for positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional pattern application to three-dimensional spatial positioning by incorporating global and local referencing systems that operate in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion enables accurate tile alignment across large surfaces by accounting for spatial variations in position and orientation
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional application methods are used without referencing systems, then the device complexity is low, but the positional accuracy and seamless transitions between tiles are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and alignment mechanisms with optical and electronic referencing systems. Instead of using intricate mechanical guides and alignment devices, the system uses referencing devices that provide coordinate information electronically, achieving high positional accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a graphical application system to apply a desired pattern by multiple tiles onto a target surface. The system comprises a graphical application device comprising a base structure with a trackable optical feature, at least one nozzle for expelling paint, a driving unit for positioning the nozzle and a local camera for a local referencing of the nozzle. A controller controls the driving unit and the expelling of the nozzle to achieve an application of the desired pattern on the target surface. The system also comprises an external referencing device located remote from the graphical application device, for a global referencing of the application device according to the trackable optical feature. The desired pattern is applied with a primary alignment of the application range by the global referencing and with a fine-alignment of the actual tile to a previously applied tile according to the local referencing.