Patent ID: 6580962
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: B26D,G06T

Abstract:
A method for aligning a spatial array of pattern pieces comprising a marker, said method including the steps of:providing at least one layer of sheet type work material defining a repeating pattern thereon; providing a work material processing apparatus defining a support surface adapted to carry said work material thereon; spreading said work material onto said support surface; providing means for selectively capturing images of areal portions of said work material; providing a display for projecting images captured by said means for selectively capturing images, thereon; providing a controller for receiving marker signals corresponding to said array of pattern pieces, said marker signals further including a reference signal corresponding to a reference point on a reference pattern piece and a match signal corresponding to a match point on a match pattern piece, where the match pattern piece may only be adjusted along a single direction, said marker to be registered with said work material and said patterns defined thereon, and for analyzing images received from said means for selectively capturing images; operating said means for selectively capturing images to capture an image of said work material at said reference point; operating said means for selectively capturing images to capture an image of said work material at a match point corresponding to a point on said marker where a matching pattern piece is initially positioned; superimposing one of said images of said work material at said reference point and said work material at said match point over the other onto said display; moving one of said images of said work material at said reference point and said image of said work material at said match poin relative to the other to substantially align them; and adjusting the position of said matching pattern piece within said marker, to align said pattern of said sheet material within a boundary defined by said matching pattern piece with that defined by said reference pattern piece.