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WO2012172175A1 - Method and apparatus for reshaping a pattern for printing - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for reshaping a pattern for printing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012172175A1
WO2012172175A1 PCT/FI2012/050597 FI2012050597W WO2012172175A1 WO 2012172175 A1 WO2012172175 A1 WO 2012172175A1 FI 2012050597 W FI2012050597 W FI 2012050597W WO 2012172175 A1 WO2012172175 A1 WO 2012172175A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
model pattern
reshaping
pattern
communications network
information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/FI2012/050597
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Onni Alanen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TEFI Oy
Original Assignee
TEFI Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TEFI Oy filed Critical TEFI Oy
Publication of WO2012172175A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012172175A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T11/00—2D [Two Dimensional] image generation
    • G06T11/40—Filling a planar surface by adding surface attributes, e.g. colour or texture
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0621—Electronic shopping [e-shopping] by configuring or customising goods or services
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06P—DYEING OR PRINTING TEXTILES; DYEING LEATHER, FURS OR SOLID MACROMOLECULAR SUBSTANCES IN ANY FORM
    • D06P1/00—General processes of dyeing or printing textiles, or general processes of dyeing leather, furs, or solid macromolecular substances in any form, classified according to the dyes, pigments, or auxiliary substances employed
    • D06P1/0096—Multicolour dyeing

Definitions

  • the application relates generally to a method and apparatus for reshaping a pattern for printing.
  • the purchase may take place by going to the closest vendor store where the tablecloth can be bought or ordered, or by using the homepages to place an order on the basis of which the ordered pattern is delivered to the customer as agreed.
  • the method according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises displaying a model pattern present in a database, receiving over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and modifying, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a fi- nal result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
  • pattern is used for example in reference to the appearance of a textile, a garment or an object made up by its coloring and/or figuration.
  • the pattern can be printed for example on a tablecloth, a curtain, an interior fabric, a clothing fabric, an upholstery fabric, an awning, a potholder, an apron, on various garments, pillowcases, bed sheets, wallpapers and/or covers.
  • printing is used for example in reference to a digital printing method, by means of which a designed pattern is transferred onto various textiles, paper or some other suitable substrate material.
  • communication network is used for example in reference to a hybrid network made up by an internet network, a 3G/GSM mobile phone network, and a combination of the above.
  • the system according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern present in a database, a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pat- tern, and a processor unit adapted to modify, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
  • the computer program according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a code adapted to display a model pattern present in a database, a code adapted to receive over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and a code adapted to modify, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
  • the method according to embodiments of the invention enables a customer or a designer to reshape and color textile patterns as desired and then have the pattern of his/her design printed on a curtain, interior or tablecloth fabric of his/her choice.
  • the method according to embodiments of the invention and the digital printing technology enable bringing fabrics near the customers in blank condition and printing them on the spot even in small batches exactly with a pattern desired by the customers.
  • the method according to embodiments of the invention enables the customer to easily find a pattern or coloring appropriate for his/her environment, the method enabling the utilization of hundreds of different color options, as well as a variety of fabric imitations and melanges.
  • fig. 1 shows a flow chart of a pattern reshaping method for printing
  • fig. 2 shows functional units for an apparatus carting out the reshaping method
  • fig. 3 shows a system for reshaping and printing a pattern.
  • a method 100 for reshaping textile patterns for example tablecloth patterns, by means of a design and ordering system present in a communications network for digital printing of the pattern.
  • the design and ordering system receives, for example over an internet network, reshaping information for a model pattern and uses the reshaping information as a basis to modify the original model pattern present in a database so as to make it match the reshaped model pattern presented to the user as a final result of reshaping conducted in the design service, such that the modified original model pattern can be printed as designed by the user.
  • Starting phase 105 comprises activating a server computer and an actual de- sign program, the former being intended for maintaining and managing a design and ordering system. If necessary, the model pattern database used by the program can have new model patterns stored and old ones deleted.
  • the model patterns present in databases are designed with a CAD (computer aided design) program, for example with the bestlmage program from Stork Prints Austria.
  • the CAD program can be used for outputting color separating bitmaps for a pattern and pattern data, for example color data for a pattern and the size of a report. For each color used in a pattern exists one grey-scale bitmap, which is stored in the system.
  • color information in the form of an XML file obtained from the CAD program is transferred into the design and or- dering system.
  • the Lab-mode color information of a CAD program is converted to a hexadecimal mode functional in the web and the coloring is stored in the system's database.
  • the database has stored therein also other pattern information, for example the size of a report and the amount of color.
  • the information stored on the computer and in the database can be processed programmatically by means of a user interface of the design and ordering program.
  • Phase 110 comprises presenting the user with model ranges, which contain model patterns.
  • Users of the design and ordering service are able to browse some of the model patterns of the database without registering themselves, but are not able to reshape those.
  • the system's model ranges, along with their model patterns are available to the user for viewing and reshaping.
  • Various model ranges are selectable by means of a drawer included in the service.
  • Phase 120 comprises presenting the user with a selected model pattern, along with its pattern information which comprises for example the pattern name, the coloring name and number, melange information, a spot for the reshaped coloring number, the coloring designer's name and the pattern designer's name, and along with its reshaping tools which enable the user to modify at least the pattern's coloring, its figuration, melange, the size of its report blank, as well as to determine the material and size of a printing substrate.
  • pattern information comprises for example the pattern name, the coloring name and number, melange information, a spot for the reshaped coloring number, the coloring designer's name and the pattern designer's name, and along with its reshaping tools which enable the user to modify at least the pattern's coloring, its figuration, melange, the size of its report blank, as well as to determine the material and size of a printing substrate.
  • a method comprises receiving over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern and/or displaying not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the selected model pattern is reshaped.
  • the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel and/or mirror.
  • the service receives in phase 125 a reshaping command issued by the user and presents in phase 130 the model pattern, which has been reshaped on the basis of the command and which carries the melange selected by the user.
  • a method comprises receiving over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping in- formation concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
  • the individual colors of a pattern can be replaced by giving programmatically a new color to any individual grey-scale bitmap included in a given coloring.
  • the pattern can be further provided with a melange.
  • the melange is also a grey-scale bitmap, which is displayed in a desired color with transparency of 0- 100% on top of the actual pattern bitmaps. Patterns reshaped by the user with a user interface are stored in a database, for example in connection with placing an order.
  • a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises displaying in a communications net- work a model pattern reshaped in accordance with reshaping information.
  • phase 135 In the event that the user wishes to perform further reshaping in phase 135 on a selected model pattern, regarding for example its layout, or wishes to alter its coloring, the method returns to phase 125.
  • a model pattern of his/her reshaping When the user is happy with a model pattern of his/her reshaping, he/she may further determine for example a printing substrate material of his/her preference, for example polyester or cotton, and possibly a report blank for figuration.
  • the user may also independently store, without making an order, the reshaped model pattern in a database of the service, wherein the user may create his/her personal range of models made up by model patterns of his/her re- shaping, and wherein these can be browsed or looked up on the basis of a name or the like identifying information provided by the user.
  • the user Having decided to order a model pattern of his/her design, for example with altered melange or coloring, the user fills out an order form, which is found in connection with the reshaped model pattern and which determines details of the order, for example the subscriber's particulars and the ordered amount, and sends the order by clicking an order link, whereby the service receives in phase 140 the information regarding the reshaped model pattern and the order.
  • the manufacturer Upon the arrival of a pattern order, the manufacturer is able to see from his order tracking system, which shares the system's database with the design and ordering system, which colors the user, i.e. the subscriber, has preferred for his/her product.
  • phase 145 information present in an order is input into a CAD program and the melange and coloring of a model pattern present in the database and originally chosen by a user are altered on the basis of the information contained in the order sent by the user, such that the information of the model pattern present in the database complies with the model pattern created and ordered by the user in the design and ordering service.
  • the altered model pattern information is converted in phase 150 into an output mode required by a digital textile printer by means of an RIP (raster image processor) program, and the information is sent in phase 155 to the printer prior to bringing the method to an end in phase 160.
  • RIP raster image processor
  • a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises converting the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that the printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or supplying the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
  • Fig. 2 shows a computer 200, which enables the implementation of a design and ordering system capable of operating in an internet network and intended for the reshaping of patterns.
  • the computer 200 houses one or more encased processors 210, which enable the execution of instructions defined for example by a user or an application program and the processing of data.
  • the computer 200 is naturally provided with one or more external or internal memory units 220 for storing and preserving data, for example instructions.
  • the computer 200 is provided with a user interface 230, including for example a keyboard and mouse controller intended for inputting data and commands, as well as a display, a printer interface 240 which enables communicating with a printer or its control computer, said printer being suitable for digital printing and being in communication with the computer 200, and a data transfer unit 260 by means of which the computer 200 transmits and receives information over an internet network.
  • the processor 210 which is present in the computer 200 intended for managing a design and ordering system for textile patterns, is adapted to display a model pattern present in the design and ordering service's database, and the data transfer unit 260 is in turn adapted to receive, over an internet network, information about reshaping features made on a model pattern by the user in the design and ordering system.
  • the processor 210 is adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping information, parameters of the original model pattern present in the database, such that the modified original model pattern matches the model pattern, which has been designed by a user in the system, in order to enable the modified original model pattern to be digi- tally printed for example on a fabric.
  • the memory unit 220 further comprises a management program 260 for the design and ordering service of patterns and its databases, as well as a "separate" CAD program unless such is included in the management program 260, controllers 270 for user interfaces, a program 280 intended for controlling the printer interface, and a program 290 intended for controlling the data transfer unit. If the computer 200 is used to directly control a digital printing press, the memory 220 is additionally provided with an RIP program and/or a program intended for controlling a printer.
  • the computer program 260 which enables the reshaping and ordering of tex- tile patterns, is provided with a code adapted to display a model pattern present in a database managed by the program, a code adapted to receive, over an internet network, reshaping information for the displayed pattem, and a code adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping information, a reshaping parameter of the original model pattem present in the database, such that the modified original model pattem matches the reshaped model pat- tern created as a final result of the alterations made by a user in the design and ordering service.
  • An apparatus further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or a processor unit adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped.
  • a computer program according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a code adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or with a code adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped.
  • An apparatus further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command, serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a reshaping message concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
  • a computer program further comprises a code adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command, serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping information concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
  • An apparatus further comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
  • a computer program according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a code adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
  • An apparatus further comprises a processor unit adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a data transfer unit adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
  • a computer program according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a code adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a code adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
  • the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror.
  • the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror.
  • the discussed computer program is a computer program product, which comprises a computer-readable data transfer medium provided with a computer program code intended to be executed by a computer.
  • Fig. 3 shows a system 300, by means of which the user of a design and ordering system of textile patterns is able to design, via an Internet network 310, a textile pattern of his/her preference and to order it from a fabric manufacturer.
  • the system 300 includes a computer 320, which is intended for the management of a design and ordering service as well as databases used thereby, and which is capable of communicating either over a cable link or a wireless link, for example over a fabric manufacturer's own local area network, with another computer 330 of the company, the latter in turn controlling a roller printer 340 intended for digital printing.
  • the printer controlling computer 330 may be located in the same premises of the company as the service computer 320 or alternatively those can be located even in different cities or countries, in which case the communication therebetween is conducted over the internet network 310.
  • the digital printer 340 can be a fabric printer with a capability of printing a designed pattern directly on fabric, or it can be a paper printer, whereby a designed pattern printed on paper is printed with a transfer printing press, i.e. a sublimation printing press, on a desired fabric.
  • a transfer printing press i.e. a sublimation printing press
  • the system 300 for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern, which is present in a database used by a design and ordering service, to a user of the service, a data transfer unit adapted to receive, over an internet network, information about reshaping features made by the user on the model pattern by means of the service, and a processor unit adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping in- formation, the original model pattern present in the database, such that the modified original model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern designed by the user in the service.
  • the design and ordering service's customer uses the service by his/her computer 350 and over the internet network 310, whereby he/she is able to design anywhere in the world a pattern of his/her liking by reshaping a model pattern, and to make an order to the server computer 320.
  • a system further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or a processor unit adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped.
  • a system further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping information concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
  • a system further comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
  • the tasks of the server computer 320 and those of the printer controlling computer 330 may also be shared in such a way that both computers 320, 330 participate in the management of both the design and ordering service and the printer. It is also possible that the printer controlling computer 330 conducts some of the assignments of the service computer 320 should that be necessary, for example from the standpoint of optimizing the system's performance in overload or other fault situations. In addition, it is also possible that the system also includes one or more other computers with a task of maintaining one or more model pattern and customer databases.
  • a system further comprises a processor unit adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a data transfer unit adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
  • the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror. Described above are just a few embodiments for a solution of the invention. The principle according to the invention is naturally subject to modifications within the scope of protection defined by the claims, regarding for example implementation details as well as fields of use.

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Abstract

According to one embodiment, the application relates to a method (100) for reshaping a textile pattern for printing, which comprises displaying (110) a model pattern present in a database, receiving (140) over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and modifying (145), on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESHAPING A PATTERN FOR PRINTING
Technical field
The application relates generally to a method and apparatus for reshaping a pattern for printing.
Background
Traditionally, the purchase of textiles for homes and businesses has taken place in stores by leafing through the vendors' large and heavy sample books, displaying a range of ready-to-use patterns from different manufacturers with diverse coloring, figurations, textile materials, and designers. After choosing from the sample book for example a tablecloth with a pattern that best matches the buyer's advance idea of a pleasant pattern, the buyer either purchases the tablecloth of his/her desire in case such is available at the vendor's store, or makes an order in case a tablecloth with the desired pattern is available at another store of the vendor, from intermediate storage, importer or manufacturer.
Since the use of Internet has become a standard practice, alongside the sample books have emerged the Internet homepages of vendors, importers or manufacturers, whereby the buyer is able to browse through various patterns at home on the computer screen without being disturbed. Hence, the purchase may take place by going to the closest vendor store where the tablecloth can be bought or ordered, or by using the homepages to place an order on the basis of which the ordered pattern is delivered to the customer as agreed.
A problem with these practices has been the inadaptability of textiles on sale to the needs of a buyer, which has forced him/her to choose from among the vendor-offered optional patterns the one that best matches the buyer's expectations. In a worst case scenario, the buyer has been forced to choose the option that has been least displeasing.
Summary It is one objective of the invention to eliminate the above problem and to enable designing a pattern which is individual and exactly befitting for the buyer. The one objective of the invention is achieved by a method of claim 1 , an apparatus of claim 7, a system of claim 8, and a computer program of claim 9.
The method according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises displaying a model pattern present in a database, receiving over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and modifying, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a fi- nal result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
The term "pattern" is used for example in reference to the appearance of a textile, a garment or an object made up by its coloring and/or figuration. The pattern can be printed for example on a tablecloth, a curtain, an interior fabric, a clothing fabric, an upholstery fabric, an awning, a potholder, an apron, on various garments, pillowcases, bed sheets, wallpapers and/or covers.
The term "printing" is used for example in reference to a digital printing method, by means of which a designed pattern is transferred onto various textiles, paper or some other suitable substrate material. The term "communications network" is used for example in reference to a hybrid network made up by an internet network, a 3G/GSM mobile phone network, and a combination of the above.
The apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pat- tern present in a database, a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and a processor unit adapted to modify, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pat- tern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern. The system according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern present in a database, a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pat- tern, and a processor unit adapted to modify, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
The computer program according to one embodiment of the invention for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a code adapted to display a model pattern present in a database, a code adapted to receive over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information for the model pattern, and a code adapted to modify, on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one parameter of the model pattern present in the database, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications network in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
Other embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.
The method according to embodiments of the invention enables a customer or a designer to reshape and color textile patterns as desired and then have the pattern of his/her design printed on a curtain, interior or tablecloth fabric of his/her choice.
In addition, the method according to embodiments of the invention and the digital printing technology enable bringing fabrics near the customers in blank condition and printing them on the spot even in small batches exactly with a pattern desired by the customers. Moreover, the method according to embodiments of the invention enables the customer to easily find a pattern or coloring appropriate for his/her environment, the method enabling the utilization of hundreds of different color options, as well as a variety of fabric imitations and melanges. Brief description of the figures
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more precisely described in the detailed specification of the figures with reference to the accompanying figures, in which fig. 1 shows a flow chart of a pattern reshaping method for printing, fig. 2 shows functional units for an apparatus carting out the reshaping method, and
fig. 3 shows a system for reshaping and printing a pattern.
Detailed description of the figures In fig. 1 is shown a method 100 for reshaping textile patterns, for example tablecloth patterns, by means of a design and ordering system present in a communications network for digital printing of the pattern. The design and ordering system receives, for example over an internet network, reshaping information for a model pattern and uses the reshaping information as a basis to modify the original model pattern present in a database so as to make it match the reshaped model pattern presented to the user as a final result of reshaping conducted in the design service, such that the modified original model pattern can be printed as designed by the user.
Starting phase 105 comprises activating a server computer and an actual de- sign program, the former being intended for maintaining and managing a design and ordering system. If necessary, the model pattern database used by the program can have new model patterns stored and old ones deleted.
The model patterns present in databases are designed with a CAD (computer aided design) program, for example with the bestlmage program from Stork Prints Austria. The CAD program can be used for outputting color separating bitmaps for a pattern and pattern data, for example color data for a pattern and the size of a report. For each color used in a pattern exists one grey-scale bitmap, which is stored in the system. Also, color information in the form of an XML file obtained from the CAD program is transferred into the design and or- dering system. In connection with the transfer, the Lab-mode color information of a CAD program is converted to a hexadecimal mode functional in the web and the coloring is stored in the system's database. At the same time, the database has stored therein also other pattern information, for example the size of a report and the amount of color. The information stored on the computer and in the database can be processed programmatically by means of a user interface of the design and ordering program.
Phase 110 comprises presenting the user with model ranges, which contain model patterns. Users of the design and ordering service are able to browse some of the model patterns of the database without registering themselves, but are not able to reshape those. After registering into the service, the system's model ranges, along with their model patterns, are available to the user for viewing and reshaping. Various model ranges are selectable by means of a drawer included in the service.
After choosing a model range, the user can select his/her favorite from among the model patterns contained therein by clicking a model pattern with a mouse, whereby the service receives a message about the selected model pattern in phase 115. Phase 120 comprises presenting the user with a selected model pattern, along with its pattern information which comprises for example the pattern name, the coloring name and number, melange information, a spot for the reshaped coloring number, the coloring designer's name and the pattern designer's name, and along with its reshaping tools which enable the user to modify at least the pattern's coloring, its figuration, melange, the size of its report blank, as well as to determine the material and size of a printing substrate.
A method according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, comprises receiving over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern and/or displaying not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the selected model pattern is reshaped.
In a method according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel and/or mirror. While for example the melange of a model pattern is being reshaped by a user, the service receives in phase 125 a reshaping command issued by the user and presents in phase 130 the model pattern, which has been reshaped on the basis of the command and which carries the melange selected by the user. A method according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, comprises receiving over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping in- formation concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
Since the color information and the content information of model patterns are separated from each other, the individual colors of a pattern can be replaced by giving programmatically a new color to any individual grey-scale bitmap included in a given coloring. By using the tools of a design and ordering system, the pattern can be further provided with a melange. The melange is also a grey-scale bitmap, which is displayed in a desired color with transparency of 0- 100% on top of the actual pattern bitmaps. Patterns reshaped by the user with a user interface are stored in a database, for example in connection with placing an order.
A method according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, comprises displaying in a communications net- work a model pattern reshaped in accordance with reshaping information.
In the event that the user wishes to perform further reshaping in phase 135 on a selected model pattern, regarding for example its layout, or wishes to alter its coloring, the method returns to phase 125.
When the user is happy with a model pattern of his/her reshaping, he/she may further determine for example a printing substrate material of his/her preference, for example polyester or cotton, and possibly a report blank for figuration. The user may also independently store, without making an order, the reshaped model pattern in a database of the service, wherein the user may create his/her personal range of models made up by model patterns of his/her re- shaping, and wherein these can be browsed or looked up on the basis of a name or the like identifying information provided by the user.
Having decided to order a model pattern of his/her design, for example with altered melange or coloring, the user fills out an order form, which is found in connection with the reshaped model pattern and which determines details of the order, for example the subscriber's particulars and the ordered amount, and sends the order by clicking an order link, whereby the service receives in phase 140 the information regarding the reshaped model pattern and the order. Upon the arrival of a pattern order, the manufacturer is able to see from his order tracking system, which shares the system's database with the design and ordering system, which colors the user, i.e. the subscriber, has preferred for his/her product.
In phase 145, information present in an order is input into a CAD program and the melange and coloring of a model pattern present in the database and originally chosen by a user are altered on the basis of the information contained in the order sent by the user, such that the information of the model pattern present in the database complies with the model pattern created and ordered by the user in the design and ordering service. Once a model pattern present in a database of the service has been altered to comply with a model pattern designed by the user, the altered model pattern information is converted in phase 150 into an output mode required by a digital textile printer by means of an RIP (raster image processor) program, and the information is sent in phase 155 to the printer prior to bringing the method to an end in phase 160.
A method according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, comprises converting the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that the printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or supplying the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
Fig. 2 shows a computer 200, which enables the implementation of a design and ordering system capable of operating in an internet network and intended for the reshaping of patterns.
The computer 200 houses one or more encased processors 210, which enable the execution of instructions defined for example by a user or an application program and the processing of data. The computer 200 is naturally provided with one or more external or internal memory units 220 for storing and preserving data, for example instructions. In addition, the computer 200 is provided with a user interface 230, including for example a keyboard and mouse controller intended for inputting data and commands, as well as a display, a printer interface 240 which enables communicating with a printer or its control computer, said printer being suitable for digital printing and being in communication with the computer 200, and a data transfer unit 260 by means of which the computer 200 transmits and receives information over an internet network. In addition, it is by way of the data transfer unit 250 that communication occurs with the design and ordering service's model pattern and client database in case the latter is included in a different computer. The processor 210, which is present in the computer 200 intended for managing a design and ordering system for textile patterns, is adapted to display a model pattern present in the design and ordering service's database, and the data transfer unit 260 is in turn adapted to receive, over an internet network, information about reshaping features made on a model pattern by the user in the design and ordering system. In addition, the processor 210 is adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping information, parameters of the original model pattern present in the database, such that the modified original model pattern matches the model pattern, which has been designed by a user in the system, in order to enable the modified original model pattern to be digi- tally printed for example on a fabric.
The memory unit 220 further comprises a management program 260 for the design and ordering service of patterns and its databases, as well as a "separate" CAD program unless such is included in the management program 260, controllers 270 for user interfaces, a program 280 intended for controlling the printer interface, and a program 290 intended for controlling the data transfer unit. If the computer 200 is used to directly control a digital printing press, the memory 220 is additionally provided with an RIP program and/or a program intended for controlling a printer.
The computer program 260, which enables the reshaping and ordering of tex- tile patterns, is provided with a code adapted to display a model pattern present in a database managed by the program, a code adapted to receive, over an internet network, reshaping information for the displayed pattem, and a code adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping information, a reshaping parameter of the original model pattem present in the database, such that the modified original model pattem matches the reshaped model pat- tern created as a final result of the alterations made by a user in the design and ordering service.
An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or a processor unit adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped.
A computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a code adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or with a code adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command, serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a reshaping message concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
A computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a code adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command, serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping information concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
A computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a code adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a processor unit adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a data transfer unit adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
A computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a code adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a code adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
In an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror.
In a computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror. In a computer program according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, the discussed computer program is a computer program product, which comprises a computer-readable data transfer medium provided with a computer program code intended to be executed by a computer. Fig. 3 shows a system 300, by means of which the user of a design and ordering system of textile patterns is able to design, via an Internet network 310, a textile pattern of his/her preference and to order it from a fabric manufacturer. The system 300 includes a computer 320, which is intended for the management of a design and ordering service as well as databases used thereby, and which is capable of communicating either over a cable link or a wireless link, for example over a fabric manufacturer's own local area network, with another computer 330 of the company, the latter in turn controlling a roller printer 340 intended for digital printing. Hence, the printer controlling computer 330 may be located in the same premises of the company as the service computer 320 or alternatively those can be located even in different cities or countries, in which case the communication therebetween is conducted over the internet network 310. The digital printer 340 can be a fabric printer with a capability of printing a designed pattern directly on fabric, or it can be a paper printer, whereby a designed pattern printed on paper is printed with a transfer printing press, i.e. a sublimation printing press, on a desired fabric.
The system 300 for reshaping a pattern for printing comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern, which is present in a database used by a design and ordering service, to a user of the service, a data transfer unit adapted to receive, over an internet network, information about reshaping features made by the user on the model pattern by means of the service, and a processor unit adapted to modify, on the basis of the received reshaping in- formation, the original model pattern present in the database, such that the modified original model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern designed by the user in the service.
The design and ordering service's customer uses the service by his/her computer 350 and over the internet network 310, whereby he/she is able to design anywhere in the world a pattern of his/her liking by reshaping a model pattern, and to make an order to the server computer 320.
A system according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern, and/or a processor unit adapted to display not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is reshaped.
A system according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a data transfer unit adapted to receive over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command serving as a basis for reshaping a displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping information concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
A system according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a processor unit adapted to display a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
The tasks of the server computer 320 and those of the printer controlling computer 330 may also be shared in such a way that both computers 320, 330 participate in the management of both the design and ordering service and the printer. It is also possible that the printer controlling computer 330 conducts some of the assignments of the service computer 320 should that be necessary, for example from the standpoint of optimizing the system's performance in overload or other fault situations. In addition, it is also possible that the system also includes one or more other computers with a task of maintaining one or more model pattern and customer databases.
A system according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprises a processor unit adapted to convert the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or a data transfer unit adapted to supply the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
In a system according to one embodiment of the invention, as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, glass, wood panel, and/or mirror. Described above are just a few embodiments for a solution of the invention. The principle according to the invention is naturally subject to modifications within the scope of protection defined by the claims, regarding for example implementation details as well as fields of use.

Claims

Claims
1. A method (100) for reshaping a pattern for printing, said method being conducted on a computer,
characterized in that the method comprises
displaying ( 0) a model pattern present in a database and having its color information and content information separated from each other, such that there is a grey-scale bitmap for each color used in the model pattern,
receiving (140) over a communications network at least one piece of reshaping information regarding at least one color of the model pattern, and
modifying (145), on the basis of the at least one received piece of reshaping information, at least one color in the model pattern present in the database by giving its grey-scale bitmap a new color, such that the modified model pattern matches the reshaped model pattern presented in the communications network as a final result of reshaping conducted in the communications net- work in order to enable printing the modified model pattern.
2. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises receiving (1 5) over a communications network a message about the selection of a model pattern and/or displaying (120) not only the selected model pattern but also at least one reshaping tool by means of which the displayed model pattern is re- shaped.
3. The method according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises receiving (125) over a communications network at least one user-issued reshaping command serving as a basis for reshaping the displayed model pattern and for providing a piece of reshaping information concerning the model pattern and specific for each reshaping command, said reshaping command being related to at least one of the following parameters: at least one color, figuration, melange, the size of a report blank, the material of a printing substrate, and the size of a printing substrate.
4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, which further com- prises displaying (130) a model pattern reshaped in a communications network in accordance with reshaping information.
5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises converting (150) at least the parameters of a modified model pattern, such that a printer is able on that basis to make up the modified model pattern on a printing substrate, and/or supplying (155) the printer with model pattern parameters converted to a format suitable for a printer.
6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing substrate material is polyester, cotton, wool, silk, converted fiber, wood panel, and/or mirror.
7. An apparatus (200), which is adapted to carry out the method according to one of claims 1-6.
8. A system (300), which is adapted to carry out the method according to one of claims 1-6.
9. A computer program, which is adapted to carry out the method according to one of claims 1-6 when it is executed on a computer.
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