Patent Publication Number: US-8978551-B2

Title: Projection assisted printer alignment using remote device

Description:
This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0026773, U.S. patent application No. 13/557,935 filed Jul. 25, 2012 and titled “Projector Assisted Alignment and Printing,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear and in particular to a flexible manufacturing system for an article of footwear. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a method of customizing an article includes associating the article with a projection system, projecting a graphic onto the article using the projection system and capturing image information associated with the graphic and the article. The method further includes displaying the image information on a remote device, receiving alignment information from the remote device and adjusting the alignment of the graphic on the article according to the alignment information so that the graphic is disposed in a predetermined portion of the article. The method further includes associating the article with a printing system and printing a printed graphic on the article on the predetermined portion of the article. 
     In another aspect, a flexible manufacturing system for an article includes a printing system and a projection system that is calibrated with the printing system, where the projection system can be used to align a graphic that is to be printed onto the article by the printing system. The flexible manufacturing system also includes a projection area for receiving a graphic and an optical device for capturing image information associated with the projection area. The flexible manufacturing system also includes a remote device configured to display the image information and the remote device can be used to control the alignment of the graphic within the projection area. 
     In another aspect, a flexible manufacturing system includes a first station including: a first printing system and a first projection system, where the first projection system is calibrated with the first printing system so as to assist with printing alignment; a first projection area for projecting a first graphic onto a first article using the first projection system and a second station including: a second printing system and a second projection system, wherein the second projection system is calibrated with the second printing system so as to assist with printing alignment; a second projection area for projecting a second graphic onto a second article using the second projection system. The flexible manufacturing system also includes a remote device configured to receive: first image information corresponding to the first projection area and second image information corresponding to the second projection area. The remote device can be used to control the alignment of the first graphic on the first article and the remote device can be used to control the alignment of the second graphic on the second article. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a process for customizing an article according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system, including a step of printing a test grid; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system, including a step of moving a platform to a display ready position; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system, including a step of projecting a test grid onto the printed grid; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system, including a step of adjusting the position of the projection system to align the projected test grid with the printed test grid; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a computer graphic that has been designed to be printed onto an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a step of projecting a projected graphic onto an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a step of aligning a projected graphic onto a predetermined portion of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a step of moving a platform from a display ready position to a print ready position; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a step of printing a graphic onto an article; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of an embodiment in which an article includes a recently printed graphic; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic side view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system with a printer in a first position; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic isometric view the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 15  in which the printer is in a second position; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view of various components of a flexible manufacturing system, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system in which a projection area is viewable on a remote device; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 18 , in which a graphic has been projected onto a portion of an article; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 19 , in which a graphic has been moved to a different portion of the article using the remote device; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system utilizing a second optical device; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 21 , in which the view of the projection area seen on a remote device is captured by the second optical device; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic view of a flexible manufacturing system that includes at least two customization stations and a remote device in communication with the two customization stations; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 23  in which a user is able to align a graphic on an article at a first station; and 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic view of the flexible manufacturing system of  FIG. 23  in which a user is able to align a graphic on an article at a second station. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of flexible manufacturing system  100 . In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  100  may be intended for use with various kinds of articles including footwear and/or apparel. In particular, flexible manufacturing system  100  may include various kinds of provisions for applying graphics, or any type of design or image, to footwear and/or apparel. Moreover, the process of applying graphics may occur after an article has been manufactured. For example, graphics may be applied to an article of footwear after the article of footwear has been manufactured into a three-dimensional form including an upper and sole structure. 
     The term “graphic” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any visual design elements including, but not limited to: photos, logos, text, illustrations, lines, shapes, images of various kinds as well as any combinations of these elements. Moreover, the term graphic is not intended to be limiting and could incorporate any number of contiguous or non-contiguous visual features. For example, in one embodiment, a graphic may comprise a logo that is applied to a small region of an article of footwear. In another embodiment, a graphic may comprise a large region of color that is applied over one or more regions of an article of footwear. 
     For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplary embodiment, in which flexible manufacturing system  100  is used to apply graphics to article of footwear  102 . In this case, article of footwear  102 , or simply article  102 , may take the form of an athletic shoe, such as a running shoe. However, it should be noted that the other embodiments could be used with any other kinds footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. While  FIG. 1  shows a single article, it will be understood that flexible manufacturing system  100  could be used to apply graphics to two or more articles, including articles that make up a pair of footwear. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  100  need not be limited to use with articles of footwear and the principles taught throughout this detailed description may be applied to additional articles as well. Generally, these principles could be applied to any article that may be worn. In some embodiments, the article may include one or more articulated portions that are configured to move. In other cases, the article may be configured to conform to portions of a wearer in a three-dimensional manner. Examples of articles that are configured to be worn include, but are not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts, pants, socks, scarves, hats, jackets, as well as other articles. Other examples of articles include, but are not limited to: shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, as well as any other type of protective equipment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the article could be another type of article that is not configured to be worn, including, but not limited to: balls, bags, purses, backpacks, as well as other articles that may not be worn. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  100  may comprise various provisions that are useful in applying a graphic directly to an article. In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  100  may include printing system  104 . Printing system  104  may comprise one or more individual printers. Although a single printer is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , other embodiments could incorporate two or more printers that may be networked together. 
     Printing system  104  may utilize various types of printing techniques. These can include, but are not limited to: toner-based printing, liquid inkjet printing, solid ink printing, dye-sublimation printing, inkless printing (including thermal printing and UV printing), MEMS jet printing technologies as well as any other methods of printing. In some cases, printing system  104  may make use of a combination of two or more different printing techniques. The type of printing technique used may vary according to factors including, but not limited to: material of the target article, size and/or geometry of the target article, desired properties of the printed image (such as durability, color, ink density, etc.) as well as printing speed, printing costs and maintenance requirements. 
     In one embodiment, printing system  104  may utilize an inkjet printer in which ink droplets may be sprayed onto a substrate, such as the medial or lateral side panel of a formed upper. Using an inkjet printer allows for easy variation in color and ink density. This arrangement also allows for some separation between the printer head and the target object, which can facilitate printing directly to objects with some curvature and/or surface texture. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  100  can include provisions for facilitating the alignment of a printed graphic onto article  102 . In some embodiments, it may be useful to provide a user with a way of aligning an article with a printing system so as to ensure a graphic is printed in the desired portion of the article. In particular, flexible manufacturing system  100  may include provisions for pre-aligning an article with a printer in such a way as to accommodate articles of various types, shapes and sizes. 
     In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  100  may include alignment system  112 . Alignment system  112  may be seen to further comprise a projection system  114  and a transfer system  120 . In some embodiments, projection system  114  comprises one or more projectors that are capable of displaying images onto one or more portions of an article. Although a single projector is shown in the current embodiment, other embodiments may include two or more projectors. In embodiments where two or more projectors are used, the projectors may operate cooperatively or independently to display one or more graphics onto the surface of an article. Furthermore, as discussed in further detail below, a projection system could incorporate additional provisions including, for example, mirrors, various kinds of lenses, screens for displaying images as well as any other provisions that may be required to generate and display a projected image. 
     Various kinds of projectors can be used and it will be understood that projection system  114  is not limited to a particular kind of projection technology. Examples of different projector technologies that can be used with projection system  114  include, but are not limited to: CRT projection, LCD projection, DLP projection, LCoS projection, LED projection, Hybrid LED projection, Laser diode projection as well as any other kinds of projection technologies. The type of projection technology used may be selected according to various factors including ease of use, compatibility with other systems, visual clarity of the displayed image on the surface of an article as well as any other factors or constraints associated with the operation of flexible manufacturing system  100 . 
     Some embodiments can include provisions for supporting projection system  114 . In some embodiments, support frame  116  is provided. Support frame  116  may comprise any kind of frame and may further include provisions for temporarily fixing the position of projection system  114  in place with respect to flexible manufacturing system  100 . In some cases, support frame  116  includes features that allow the position of projection system  114  to be easily adjusted. In particular, some embodiments may allow the position of projection system  114  to be changed in horizontal and vertical directions. This could be accomplished in some cases by adjusting the position of support frame  116  and/or by adjusting the location to which projection system  114  is attached to support frame  116 . Although the attachment of projection system  114  to support frame  116  is shown schematically in this embodiment, other embodiments could utilize any type of mounting systems for permanently or adjustable mounting projection system  114  to support frame  116 . 
     Transfer system  120  may comprise one or more cooperating systems that facilitate the movement of an article between printing system  104  and projection system  114 . In some embodiments, transfer system  120  may be designed so that once a projected graphic has been aligned in the desired location on an article, the article can be transferred to printing system  104  in a manner that maintains the desired alignment. Details of this alignment method are discussed in further detail below. 
     In one embodiment, transfer system  120  can include platform  122  and tracks  124 . In some embodiments, platform  122  is a generally planar structure that is adapted to hold one or more articles of footwear and/or other kinds of apparel. Specifically, platform  122  may be large enough to accommodate at least one article of footwear such that the article of footwear can be moved to different locations of platform  122 . 
     In some embodiments, tracks  124  are adapted to guide platform  122  between at least two predetermined positions associated with printing system  104  and projection system  114 , respectively. In  FIG. 1 , tracks  124  are illustrated as being independently supported, however other embodiments could utilize a supporting table to which tracks  124  are mounted. 
     With platform  122  mounted to tracks  124  in a slidable manner, platform  122  may be easily adjusted between a first, or display ready, position and a second, or print ready, position. Moreover, some embodiments can include provisions for temporarily locking the position of platform  122  in the first position and/or second position. By transferring an article between projection system  114  and printing system  104  using transfer system  120 , the orientation and relative position of the article can be held constant, as discussed in further detail below. 
     The current embodiment illustrates a transfer system  120  that can be operated manually by a user. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments could incorporate provisions for automating the operation of transfer system  120 . For example, some embodiments could include motors and/or other provisions for automatically driving platform  122  to various positions along tracks  124 . Moreover, in such automated embodiments, the position and/or speed of platform  122  could be adjusted using controls provided at transfer system  120  or using an associated system, such as computing system  106  which is discussed in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, platform  122  may be specifically adapted to secure an article in a fixed position or orientation. For example, some embodiments may include various kinds of mounting devices, harnesses or other provisions that may temporarily fix or hold the position of an article relative to platform  122 . Such provisions may help precisely orient a specific portion of an article towards a projector (and correspondingly towards a printer). For example, some embodiments could utilize a harness that fixes the orientation and position of an article on platform  122  so that a projected graphic can be projected onto any desired portion of the article of footwear. These provisions may also reduce the tendency of an article to move or jostle as the position of platform  122  is adjusted. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  100  may include provisions for supplying printing system  104  and/or projection system  114  with one or more graphics. In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  100  may include computing system  106 . The term “computing system” refers to the computing resources of a single computer, a portion of the computing resources of a single computer, and/or two or more computers in communication with one another. Any of these resources can be operated by one or more users. In some cases, computing system  106  can include user input device  110  that allow a user to interact with computing system  106 . Likewise, computing system  106  may include display  108 . Moreover, computing system  106  can include additional provisions, such as a data storage device (not shown). A data storage device could include various means for storing data including, but not limited to: magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, and/or memory, including volatile memory and non-volatile memory. These provisions for computing system  106 , as well as possibly other provisions not shown or described here, allow computing system  106  to facilitate the creation, storage and export of graphics to any or all of the devices and systems described here and shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     For purposes of facilitating communication between printing system  104 , computing system  106 , and/or projection system  114 , these systems can be connected using a network of some kind. Examples of networks include, but are not limited to: local area networks (LANs), networks utilizing the Bluetooth protocol, packet switched networks (such as the Internet), various kinds of wired networks, wireless networks as well as any other kinds of networks. In other embodiments, rather than utilizing an external network, printing system  104  and/or projection system  114  could be connected directly to computing system  106 , for example, as peripheral hardware devices. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a process for adding a graphic to an article using flexible manufacturing system  100  described above. It will be understood that some embodiments could include additional steps not discuss here. In other embodiments one or more of the following steps may be optional. Furthermore, in some cases some of the following steps could be accomplished by different systems and/or users. For example, in some embodiments a calibration step may be performed by a first operator of the system, while alignment and printing could be performed by a second operator of the system. 
     During step  202 , one or more calibration processes may be performed. In some embodiments, projection system  114  may be calibrated with printing system  104 , relative to platform  122 . In particular, projection system  114  may be calibrated in a manner so that the relative positions and orientations of graphics displayed onto platform  122  correspond substantially identically to the relative positions and orientations of graphics that are printed onto a substrate (such as paper) lying directly over platform  122 . 
     Next, during step  204 , a projected graphic is displayed on an article residing on platform  122 . In this step, the relative position of the projected graphic on the article may be adjusted. In some cases, this could be achieved by moving the position and orientation of the article on platform  122  while keeping the position of the projected graphic fixed. In other cases, this could be achieved by adjusting the position of the projected graphic while keeping the position of the article fixed. Thus, for example, if the projected graphic is displayed at the heel of the article, but the user wants the graphic on the forefoot, the projected graphic can be moved until the projected graphic is aligned with the desired region of the article. 
     Finally, during step  206 , once the display graphic has been properly aligned with the article, the article may be moved to the printing system  104 . At this point, a printed graphic corresponding to the projected graphic can be printed onto the desired region of the article. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  100  may include provisions to calibrate one or more components. In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  100  can include provisions that calibrate the operation of printing system  104  and projection system  114 . In particular, in some cases, projection system  114  may be calibrated so that the alignment of a projected graphic on an article using projection system  114  corresponds to a similar alignment of a printed graphic on the article using printing system  104 . The term “projected graphic” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any graphic that is produced by projection system  114 . Furthermore, the term “printed graphic” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any graphic that is produced by printing system  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the calibration process starts when a printed graphic is printed to sheet  302 . In this case, test grid  304  is printed onto sheet  302 . Test grid  304  may comprise horizontal and vertical lines. The spacing, thickness and any other properties of these lines could be varied in different embodiments. Although the current embodiment uses a test grid, other embodiments could use any other kind of testing graphic, including any other pattern. 
     Next, as seen in  FIG. 4 , platform  122  may be moved from the print ready position to the display ready position. In order to facilitate proper calibration, the print ready position and the display ready position may be distinguished from any possible intermediate positions along tracks  124 . In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by markings along tracks  124 . In other embodiments, this may be accomplished using features that make the user aware that platform  122  is in either the print read or display read position, such as temporarily locking platform  122  in either position. 
     Once platform  122 , which carries sheet  302  and printed test grid  304 , has been moved to the display ready position, projection system  114  may be operated to project a projected graphic. In this case, projection system  114  may be operated to project test grid  308 , as seen in  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, both printed test grid  304  and the projected test grid  308  may be created from a single computer graphic, such as test graphic  310 , that is generated by computing system  106 . In other embodiments, however, printing system  104  and projection system  114  may each generate a test grid from locally stored information, rather than information received from computing system  106 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , printed test grid  304  and projected test grid  308  may not be initially aligned. In order to calibrate the operation of projection system  114  with printing system  104 , projection system  114  may be modified until projected test grid  308  is substantially coincident with printed test grid  304 . In some cases, this can be accomplished by adjusting the position of projection system  114  along support frame  116 , as shown clearly in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an example where the projection system is adjusted until the projected graphic is aligned with the printed graphic. In this case, the horizontal position of projection system  114  may be adjusted to align displayed test grid  308  and printed test grid  310 . However, other cases may include any other kind of movement, including repositioning projection system  114  in any of the usual x, y and z spatial directions. Moreover, some cases may include steps of adjusting the focus of projection system  114  to better align displayed test grid  308  with printed test grid  310 . With the calibration process completed, projection system  114  may be properly registered to platform  122 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a computer graphic  400  that may be applied to article  102 . Computer graphic  400  could be stored using computing system  106 . In some embodiments, computer graphic  400  may be retrieved from another source. In other embodiments, computer graphic  400  could be designed using software associated with computing system  106 . In one embodiment, computer graphic  400  may be a custom designed image that may be applied to article  102  for the purposes of customizing article  102  to suit a particular customer or user. 
     In one embodiment, computer graphic  400  comprises several design elements including a border  402  and numbers  404 . Furthermore, computer graphic  400  may be designed for application to predetermined portion  410  of upper  420 . By applying computer graphic  400  to article  102  through printing, article  102  will be configured with a custom graphic. 
     A computer graphic can be designed with provisions to prevent overlap between a printed graphic and one or more features of an article. For example, some embodiments may utilize graphic templates that help mask one or more portions of a graphic. Such graphic templates could be created using information about the article, including, for example, design information. The masked portions may generally correspond to locations on an article where it may be undesirable to print, such as onto a piece of trim, or onto an existing graphic or image. 
     In some embodiments, computer graphic  400  can include masked portion  406 . In some cases, masked portion  406  comprises a concave, or non-convex, portion of computer graphic  400 . Masked portion  406  may be used to prevent printing onto trim element  412  of upper  420 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , the geometry of masked portion  406  may approximately correspond with the geometry of rearward end portion  414  of trim element  412 . For example, masked portion  406  may have an approximately triangular shape that coincides with the approximately triangular shape of rearward end portion  414 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate schematic views of a process of aligning a projected graphic  502  onto article  102 . In some embodiments, the projected graphic  502  may be generated using information received about computer graphic  400 . In some cases, for example, information about computer graphic  400  may be sent from computing system  106  to projection system  114 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 8 , initially projected graphic  502  may be disposed in a location adjacent to the predetermined region  410  where the user would like the graphic to be printed. In order to align projected graphic  502  in the proper location the position and/or orientation of projected graphic  502  may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the position of projected graphic  502  may vary as a user adjusts the position of computer graphic  400  on display  108 . As seen by comparing the configurations of  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the position of projected graphic  502  can be adjusted until it is properly aligned within predetermined portion  410 . Moreover, in some cases, projected graphic  502  is aligned so that masked portion  406  substantially coincides with rearward end portion  414  of trim element  412 . It should be understood that in some embodiments, the position of projected graphic  502  on article  102  could also be adjusted by moving article  102  on platform  122 . In other words, the alignment of projected graphic  502  on article  102  may be accomplished by adjusting the relative positions of projected graphic  502  and article  102  in any manner. 
       FIGS. 10 through 12  illustrate a schematic view of a process of printing a graphic on an article following alignment with projection system  114 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , platform  122  may be moved from the display ready position to the print ready position. In some cases, a user may manually adjust the position of platform  122  along tracks  124 . In other cases, platform  122  may be automatically repositioned along tracks  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , platform  122  may be in the print ready position, in which article  102  is disposed beneath one or more print heads of printing system  104 . At this point, printed graphic  602  (see  FIG. 12 ) may be printed to predetermined portion  410 . In some embodiments, printed graphic  602  corresponds to computer graphic  400 . In some embodiments, printed graphic  602  may be generated using information about computer graphic  400  that is received from computing system  106 . Finally, as seen in  FIG. 12 , printed graphic  602  has been printed in predetermined portion  410 . Moreover, printed graphic  602  is positioned and oriented as to not overlap with trim element  412 , as previously described. 
     A flexible manufacturing system can include provisions to increase usability of a system. In some embodiments, the arrangement of a printing system and a projecting system can be selected to improve usability, for example, by arranging the projecting system in a manner that increases focal length. Increasing focal length of the projection system may facilitate enhanced usability and accuracy of the system. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate schematic isometric and schematic side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system  1300 . Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , flexible manufacturing system  1300  may be similar in some, but not all, respects to flexible manufacturing system  100  described above. In particular, flexible manufacturing system  1300  may include printing system  104 , transfer system  120  and computing system  106 . Furthermore, as with the previous embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  1300  may be configured for use with article of footwear  102 . 
     In contrast to the previous embodiments, however, flexible manufacturing system  1300  provides a substantially different arrangement for projection system  1314 . In one embodiment, projection system  1314  comprises projector  1316  that may be disposed above printing system  104 . Additionally, in some embodiments, projection system  1314  also includes mirror  1318 , which may be mounted to support frame  116  in some cases. Using this particular arrangement, light projected from projector  1316  is reflected at mirror  1318  down to platform  122 . 
     The increased focal length provided in this particular embodiment may improve operation of flexible manufacturing system  1300 . For example, the increased focal length for projection system  1314  allows for the projected image to be better aligned on platform  122  without the need to use vertical lens shift, which can decrease the sharpness of an image. Improving sharpness of a projected image or graphic may improve the accuracy of alignment between projection system  1314  and printing system  104 . Furthermore, the focal length of the projection system is increased without increasing the overall dimensions of flexible manufacturing system  1300 , whose maximum length may still be approximated by the distance between printing system  104  and platform  122  and whose maximum height may still be approximated by the height of support frame  116 . 
     Although a particular relative position for projector  1316  and mirror  1318  are shown here, it should be understood that these relative positions could vary in any desired manner in other embodiments. For example, projection system  1314  could be disposed behind printing system  104 . Additionally, the distance between projector  1316  and mirror  1318 , as well as the distance between mirror  1318  and platform  122  could vary according to the desired focal length, for example. Still further, it will be understood that the relative position and orientation of mirror  1318  may be adjustable in different embodiments in order to achieve desired optical features for a projected graphic. 
     A flexible manufacturing system can include provisions for limiting the movement of an article during the customization process. In some embodiments, the platform onto which an article is placed may not move. Instead, in some embodiments, a printing system may be configured to move between an inactive position and an active position as the flexible manufacturing system proceeds from an alignment stage to a printing stage. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate schematic views of another embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system  1500 , in which a printing system is capable of moving to various positions. Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , flexible manufacturing system  1500  includes base portion  1501  printing system  1504 , alignment system  1512  and stationary platform  1520 . Base portion  1501  may comprise a substantially flat surface for mounting one or more components of flexible manufacturing system  1500 . Additionally, in some embodiments, stationary platform  1520  comprises a surface for receiving one or more articles. In some cases, stationary platform  1520  is fixed approximately in place on base portion  1501 , in contrast to the movable platform  122  of the previous embodiments. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  1500  can also include a support frame  1516 , which may be used to mount projection system  1514 . In some cases, support frame  1516  could be attached directly to base portion  1501 . In other cases, however, support frame  1516  may be independent of base portion  1501  and the position of support frame  1516  may be adjusted in relation to base portion  1501 . Support frame  1516  may be further associated with mounting arm  1517  that extends outwardly from support frame  1516  and further supports mirror  1518 . As seen in  FIG. 15 , this arrangement allows images projected from projection system  1514  to be projected onto stationary platform  1520  (and onto any objects and/or articles disposed on stationary platform  1520 ). 
     In some embodiments, printing system  1504  may be mounted to tracks  1530  of base portion  1501 . In some cases, printing system  1504  is mounted in a movable manner to base portion  1501 , so that printing system  1504  is capable of sliding along tracks  1530 . This allows printing system  1504  to move between a first position (seen in  FIG. 15 ) and a second position (seen in  FIG. 16 ). In other words, in this embodiment, alignment of a graphic on an article may be done while printing system  1504  is in the first, or inactive, position. With printing system  1504  in this inactive position, printing system  1504  is disposed away from stationary platform  1520  and does not interfere with the projection of images by projection system  1514 . Once the graphic alignment has been completed, printing system  1504  could be moved to the second, or active, position. In this active position, printing system  1504  may be disposed directly over stationary platform  1520  and may be configured to print a graphic onto an article that may be disposed on stationary platform  1520 . In some cases, to help provide clearance for any article disposed on stationary platform  1520 , printing system  1504  can be configured with printing bay portion  1550 . 
     Although the current embodiments include a projection system as a means for aligning a graphic with an article, still other embodiments could make use of other devices or systems for aligning a graphic on an article. For example, some embodiments could utilize a substantially transparent display (such as an LCD screen) for aligning a graphic on an article. In such an embodiment, alignment could be achieved by suspending such a display over an article and displaying a graphic so that it is aligned over the desired region of the article. Moreover, in other embodiments still other technologies could be used for aligning graphics with a portion of an article prior to printing. 
     For purposes of description, the term “projection area” is used throughout this detailed description and in the claims to refer to an area where a projected graphic may be displayed onto an article or some other object. In particular, the projection area may be associated with any region of space along the optical path of the projection system. In some cases, the projection area may approximately designate the location where a projected graphic is displayed on an object (such as an article and/or platform). 
     A flexible manufacturing system can include provisions for displaying a real-time view of a projection area on a remote device. For example, in one embodiment an optical device (such as a camera) may be used to record a live feed of the projection area. The live feed may then be transmitted to a remote device, where the user may view the projection area in order to determine the alignment between the projected graphic and an article disposed in the projection area. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a schematic view of flexible manufacturing system  1700 , which includes some components that are similar to previous embodiments as well as some substantially new components. Referring to  FIG. 17 , flexible manufacturing system  1700  may include printing system  1704  and projection system  1714 , which is calibrated with printing system  1704  in the manner previously described. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  1700  can also include one or more remote devices, such as first remote device  1760  and second remote device  1762 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , second remote device  1762  could be substantially similar to computing system  106  (see  FIG. 1 ). In particular, in some cases, second remote device  1762  could comprise a desktop computing device including a display, keyboard, processor and other provisions. 
     First remote device  1760 , also referred to simply as remote device  1760 , may comprise a tablet-like computing device. Remote device  1760  may be configured with similar provisions to other computing devices. In some embodiments, remote device  1760  may include processing components, memory components, input and output components as well as display components. These various components may be housed within outer casing  1766 . In contrast to some other kinds of computing devices, a tablet-like device may comprise a single touch screen panel that functions as a display as well as an input device. For example, first remote device  1760  may comprise interaction and display panel  1764 , or simply panel  1764 , which extends over a majority of casing  1766 . 
     Other examples of remote devices that may be used include, but are not limited to: tablet computing devices, smart phone devices, personal digital assistant devices (PDAs), laptop computers, desktop computers, netbook computers as well as any other computing devices. As one example, remote device  1760  could be an iPad manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. 
     In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  1700  can include provisions for capturing optical information. In one embodiment, flexible manufacturing system  1700  can include optical device  1770 . Optical device  1770  may be any kind of device capable of capturing image information including both still images as well as video images. Examples of different optical devices that can be used include, but are not limited to: still-shot cameras, video cameras, digital cameras, non-digital cameras, web cameras (web cams), as well as other kinds of optical devices known in the art. The type of optical device may be selected according to factors such as desired data transfer speeds, system memory allocation, desired temporal resolution for viewing a projection area, desired spatial resolution for viewing a projection area as well as possible other factors. In one embodiment, optical device  1770  may be a digital video camera. In one embodiment, optical device  1770  may be a web-camera. 
     Flexible manufacturing system  1700  may include provisions to facilitate communication between two or more systems, devices and/or components. As one possible example, flexible manufacturing system  1700  is shown here to include a network  1730 . In some cases, network  1730  may be a wireless network that facilitates wireless communication between two or more systems, devices and/or components of flexible manufacturing system  1700 . Examples of wireless networks include, but are not limited to: wireless personal area networks (including, for example, Bluetooth), wireless local area networks (including networks utilizing the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards), wireless mesh networks, mobile device networks as well as other kinds of wireless networks. In other cases, network  1730  could be a wired network including networks whose signals are facilitated by twister pair wires, coaxial cables, and optical fibers. In still other cases, a combination of wired and wireless networks and/or connections could be used. 
     It should be understood that in some embodiments, rather than utilizing a network-type communication between various components, devices and/or systems, some components can be connected directly to each other, and may not communicate with all other components. For example, in some cases, printing system  1704  and projection system  1714  could be connected directly to second remote device  1762  and could operate as peripheral devices to second remote device  1762 . In other words, it will be understood that network  1730  is only intended as one possible example of a configuration for connecting various components, devices and/or systems. The type of communication method can be selected according to various factors including, for example, desired data transfer speeds, requirements for the locations of various components, ease of connectivity, compatibility between various devices, components and systems, as well as possibly other factors. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a schematic view of various components of flexible manufacturing system  1700  arranged in an exemplary configuration. Referring to  FIG. 18 , printing system  1704  may be mounted to base portion  1801  in a manner so that printing system  1704  may translate, or move across, base portion  1801 . This arrangement may be substantially similar to the arrangement of printing system  1504  and base portion  1501  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , which has been previously described above. In addition, in some embodiments, a stationary platform  1820 , or simply platform  1820 , may be mounted to base portion  1801  so that stationary platform  1820  stays approximately fixed in place with respect to base portion  1801 . 
     Projection system  1714  may be positioned approximately over printing system  1704 . In some embodiments, projection system  1714  is supported using support frame  1840 . Furthermore, in a similar manner to previous embodiments, flexible manufacturing system  1700  further includes mirror  1830  that may be attached to mounting arm  1832 , which extends outwardly from support frame  1840 . Projection system  1714 , mirror  1830  and stationary platform  1820  may be arranged so that images or graphics projected from a lens of projection system  1714  is reflected from mirror  1830  and onto stationary platform  1820  (and any articles or objects disposed on stationary platform  1820 ). 
     As previously mentioned, stationary platform  1820  and an article  1880  may be associated with projection area  1890  (see  FIG. 19 ). In some cases, projection area  1890  may generally encompass article  1880  as well as some portions or even all of stationary platform  1820 . Any graphics or other images projected by projection system  1714  may be visible upon contact with an object in projection area  1890 . 
     In some embodiments, optical device  1770  may be disposed adjacent to projection system  1714 . This may allow optical device  1770  to capture image information corresponding to projection area  1890 , which may be reflected by mirror  1830 . The term “image information”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any information that may be captured by an optical or imaging device, and includes, for example, photographic information and video information. For purposes of clarity, optical device  1770  is illustrated in the figures as disposed on top of projection system  1714 . However, in other embodiments the location and/or orientation of optical device  1770  can be varied. For example, optical device  1770  could be disposed above, below, to either side of, forwards of, and/or behind projection system  1714 . In still other embodiments, as shown for example in  FIGS. 21 and 22  (and discussed in further detail below), an optical device may not be disposed adjacent to a projection system. 
     As seen in  FIG. 18 , a view of some components of flexible manufacturing system  1700  may be seen by a user who is viewing remote device  1760 . In particular, image information captured by optical device  1770  may be displayed on remote device  1760 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , both platform  1820  and article  1880  are visible on panel  1764  of remote device  1760 . Moreover, due to the viewing angle of optical device  1770 , this view is an approximately straight down or overhead view. This overhead view may help the user to clearly view portions of flexible manufacturing system  1700  (and in particular projection area  1890 ) for purposes of aligning a graphic on article  1880 . It will be understood that the viewing angle of these components as seen by the user can be varied by varying the location and/or orientation of optical device  1770  as well as by varying the position of mirror  1830 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate schematic views of a situation in which the alignment of a graphic on an article can be controlled by a user by interacting with remote device  1760 . Referring first to  FIG. 19 , projection system  1714  projects graphic  1902  onto article  1880 . Graphic  1902  is initially aligned with a forefoot portion  1910  of article  1880 , which may be undesired in this case. A user may visually inspect the alignment of graphic  1902  on article  1880  by way of the image information that is displayed on remote device  1760 . 
     In order to adjust the alignment of graphic  1902  on article  1880 , a user may interact with panel  1764  as shown in  FIG. 20 . In particular, the touch-screen capability of remote device  1760  may allow the user to simply touch graphic  1902  and reposition graphic  1902  by, for example, sliding his or her finger across panel  1764 . In other words, the user may drag graphic  1902  to a desired predetermined portion on article  1880 . 
     The type of interaction depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20  can be achieved in various different ways and the embodiments are not intended to be limited to a particular method. Generally, image information is displayed to a user on remote device  1760  and a user interacts with remote device  1760  to adjust the alignment of graphic  1902  on article  1880 . Based on input provided by the user (through touch gestures, for example), remote device  1760  may then transmit alignment information to projection system  1714 . The alignment information may generally include updated positional information for the desired location of graphic  1902 . 
     In one embodiment, for example, remote device  1760  may include software that is configured to identify graphic  1902  and its relative position. The software may then associate an interactive location on panel  1764  with graphic  1902 . As a user touches the portion of panel where graphic  1902  is displayed, the system may recognize that the user intends to control the position and/or other characteristics of graphic  1902 . Therefore, as a user moves his or her finger across panel  1764 , for example, remote device  1760  communicates with projection system  1714  so that graphic  1902  is moved through the projection area  1890  in a substantially similar manner. 
     For purposes of clarity, the embodiments shown here illustrate a simple translation of the position of a graphic for purposes of aligning the graphic in a desired position on an article. However, it will be understood that any kind of transformation of a graphic may be possible in various embodiments. Examples of possible transformations that may be achieved through user interaction with remote device  1760  include, but are not limited to: translations, rotations, inversions, scalings as well as possibly other transformations. Moreover, some embodiments could include provisions for editing a graphic through remote device  1760  (e.g., cropping, coloring, distorting, etc.). This would increase the adaptability of flexible manufacturing system  1700  and allow a user to make changes in real-time. 
     Once the desired alignment of graphic  1902  with article  1880  has been achieved, flexible manufacturing system  1700  may be used to print a printed graphic onto article  1880  using the methods described above. In particular, with projection system  1714  and printing system  1704  calibrated as described above, a graphic can be printed onto article  1880  so that the printed graphic is associated with the same predetermined portion of article  1880  where the projected graphic  1902  had been placed. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , some embodiments can include provisions for viewing a projection area from two or more different viewing locations. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates an embodiment with an additional optical device  2102  that may serve as a secondary optical device. Switching between the views provided by optical device  1770  ( FIG. 21 ) and optical device  2102  ( FIG. 22 ) could potentially facilitate alignment of a graphic. For example, in situations where some portion of a projection area is obstructed by a first optical device, a second optical device could be used to view the obstructed portions. 
     In different embodiments, the viewing angle of a projection area provided at a remote device could vary. For example, in one embodiment, the view provided by an optical device could be a substantially top down view. In another embodiment, the viewing angle may be in the approximate range between 35 and 75 degrees from a horizontal plane associated with the projection area. In still other embodiments the viewing angle could be below 35 degrees or greater than 75 degrees. The viewing angle could be selected according to different factors such as user preference, spatial constraints as well as possibly other factors. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , multiple optical devices could be used to achieve multiple different viewing angles from which a user could select. Moreover, in situations where graphics are displayed and printed on contoured surfaces, multiple viewing angles can facilitate alignment of a graphic on an article in three dimensions. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system  2300 , which includes at least two different customization stations. Referring to  FIG. 23 , flexible manufacturing system  2300  may include first station  2302  and second station  2304 . First flexible manufacturing system  2302  and second flexible manufacturing system  2304  may be configured with similar components to one another. For example, first station  2302  may include printing system  2324 , projection system  2314 , optical device  2370  and platform  2320 . Likewise, second station  2304  may include printing system  2334 , projection system  2344 , optical device  2372  and platform  2322 . Each system can likewise include additional provisions such as those described in earlier embodiments of a flexible manufacturing system. 
     First station  2302  and second station  2304  may be configured to communicate with remote device  2350  by way of network  2360 . In particular, image information captured (or recorded) by optical device  2370  and optical device  2372  may be transmitted to remote device  2350 . Also, components of first station  2302  and second station  2304  may be configured to receive information (such as control and/or alignment information) from remote device  2350 . With this arrangement, a user of remote device  2350  may be able to adjust the alignment of graphics onto articles at first station  2302  and second station  2304 , as discussed below. 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate schematic views of a possible method of operating flexible manufacturing system  2300 . In this example, a first article  2430  and a second article  2432  have been placed on platforms of first station  2302  and second station  2304 , respectively. Referring first to  FIG. 24 , a user  2402  may operate remote device  2350  in a first mode in which a first projection area  2410  of first station  2302  is visible. This mode could be selected through a navigation menu or toggle button associated with a program running on remote device  2350 . With first projection area  2410  visible, user  2402  may align first graphic  2420  at a desired location on first article  2430 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 25 , a user may operate remote device  2350  in a second mode in which second projection area  2412  of second station  2304  is visible. In some cases, a button or other input can be used to switch to a view of a second projection area  2412  associated with second station  2304 . Due to differences in the initial placement of first article  2430  and second article  2432  on platform  2320  and platform  2322 , respectively, user  2402  may make substantially different adjustments in order to achieve the desired alignment of second graphic  2520  with second article  2432 . For example, in the case depicted in  FIG. 24 , user  2402  is able to align first graphic  2420  in the desired location using a single translation (indicated schematically by arrow  2424 ). In contrast, in the case depicted in  FIG. 25 , user  2402  must rotate and translate (indicated by arrow  2426 ) second graphic  2422  to achieve the desired alignment. 
     The arrangement described here for flexible manufacturing system  2300  allows a user to remotely control the alignment of graphics with articles at two or more stations. It is contemplated that this method could be used with a large number of customization stations, where each station is controlled by a single remote device. Thus, once articles have been laid down at corresponding stations (either by the user or by another worker), a user can control alignment of multiple stations using a single device. This may reduce manufacturing costs and help improve manufacturing efficiency. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.