Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheets, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/105,801 filed on Apr. 14, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates generally to the field of puzzles, and more particularly to the manufacture of customized jigsaw puzzles. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Public photographic vending machines are well known in the prior art. These machines typically include cameras which can take photographs of individuals sitting in the machine or booth. These photographs are developed by the machine and dispensed to the individual. More modern photographic vending machines include systems that are able to produce a photographic montage using an image of the user in combination with a stored image selected by the user. 
         [0006]    There is consumer interest in personalized jigsaw puzzles which include an image or a modified image chosen by the consumer. For example, French patent application FR 2,653,350 (published Apr. 26, 1991) describes a process for creating a jigsaw puzzle from a photograph. The photograph is glued to a cardboard sheet, and then the photograph and the cardboard sheet are pressed together and then are cut into pieces to form a jigsaw puzzle. Unfortunately, the production of individual cardboard jigsaw puzzles is generally not economically feasible, primarily due to equipment costs, as such puzzles are mass-produced and cut using giant industrial presses. A flourishing business still exists for hand-cut personal and custom puzzles, as is evidenced by various web sites that offer this service. These mainly use photographs glued to plywood that is then cut with either scroll saws or water jets. 
         [0007]    WO 98/42420 (Japanese published Oct. 1, 1998) describes a jigsaw puzzle constructing vending machine. The machine captures a picture of an individual and permits the picture to be combined with a selected background. It may be overlaid with text, and morphing and retouching are suggested. The modified picture is then printed onto cardboard. The central portion of the cardboard is then cut out, leaving a surrounding cardboard frame, and the central portion is cut into puzzle pieces having curved but non-interlocking borders. The puzzle pieces are then dispensed. The surrounding cardboard frame is mounted on a backing and is dispensed separately, so that the cardboard pieces may be assembled within the frame by a child. Examples of materials to be used for the jigsaw puzzle sheet are listed and include paper (cardboard), wood (stain sheets), synthetic resins (soft and hard material), synthetic material, stone materials, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, cork, metals, leather and glass. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In at least one of the described embodiments, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheet, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces. Additionally, the apparatus may be provided for producing a custom puzzle using selecting means for selecting a first digital image containing at least two layers of images, within a bank of digital images and digital image capturing means for capturing a second digital image of subject individuals, animals, or objects. Further image processing means provide for integrating the second digital image between the at least two layers of the first digital image to obtain a composite image and puzzle production means for producing the custom puzzle with the digital composite image. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a site showing a jigsaw puzzle machine designed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in relation to a person or other subject that is to be photographed. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of a screen shot of a computer screen, according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating the selection of a background scene for use in the design of a jigsaw puzzle. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  presents a perspective view of a child being photographed in front of a blue background, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic view of a screen shot of a computer screen, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, illustrating the construction of a composite image having three layers. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a layout of a hard copy printout, according to an embodiment of the invention, printed on flexible paper and including both a puzzle picture and also a smaller picture, a bar code, and licensing information that is to be attached to the box which will contain the puzzle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  presents a perspective view of a first flexible sheet bearing a puzzle picture being placed upon the pre-glued surface of a second sheet made of foam, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a jigsaw puzzle resulting after pressure is applied to set the adhesive and to force a puzzle die against the laminated sheets to cut them into puzzle pieces. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of custom packaging prepared in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a part of a jigsaw puzzle machine designed according to an alternate embodiment of the invention different from that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method for producing a custom jigsaw puzzle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method for producing a custom jigsaw puzzle, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method for producing a custom made package in accordance with another aspect of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  presents a schematic flow diagram of the entire process of producing customized puzzles, with many elements represented by block diagrams. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 ,  7 , and  13 , a jigsaw puzzle machine  20  ( FIG. 13 ) is disclosed. The jigsaw puzzle machine  20  can produce a custom jigsaw puzzle  30  ( FIG. 7 ) for a user from a composite image  22  ( FIGS. 4 and 13 ) that is a combination of an image of a subject person  24  (FIGS.  1  and  3 —the subject may also be a pet or a toy or some other object) with at least one stored image  34  ( FIG. 2 ), the composite image  22  being shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0023]    More particularly, the present invention is embodied in a jigsaw puzzle machine  20  which includes a programmed computer  43  that permits one to select a first digital stored image  34  containing at least two layers of images  36 , including background scenes  23  and foreground objects  25  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 13 ), within a bank of digital images  38 . The machine  20  further includes digital image capturing means  40  (such as a camera or scanner or data port) for capturing a second digital image  42  of a person or other subject  24 . The machine  20  also includes image processing means  44  implemented using a computer  43  programmed with a layered image creation and printing program  41  for integrating the second digital image  42  between the at least two layers  36  of the first digital stored image  34  to obtain a composite image  22  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). The machine  20  also includes puzzle production means  46  ( FIG. 1 ) for producing the custom jigsaw puzzle  30  bearing the digital composite image  22 . Included in the puzzle production means  46 , and with reference to  FIG. 13 , are a printer  53  which prints the composite image  22  onto a flexible sheet  48 , a puzzle cutting die  80  resting on a surface  78 , and either a platen  78  or a roller  82  arranged to apply pressure to laminate the printed flexible sheet  48  on to a foam backing sheet  50  that is pre-coated with adhesive  59  and to cut the laminated sheets into a jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle production means  46  also includes a stack of the foam sheets  51  and a supply of the flexible sheets  55  that feeds the printer  53 , as is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0024]    A programmed computer  43  and a program  41  to assist one in selecting a first digital stored image  34  within a bank of digital images  38  cooperate with digital image capturing means  40  (such as a camera or photograph scanner or computer port for receiving digital image data from a camera or portable storage device or camera) which captures a second digital image  42  of a person or other subject  24 . Image processing means  44  in the form of a layered image creation and printing program  41  (such as Adobe&#39;s® Photoshop®) enable an operator to integrate the second digital image  42  into the first digital stored image  34  to produce a composite image  22  that may be printed on a flexible sheet  48 . Jigsaw puzzle production means  46  (see  FIGS. 1 and 13 ) including the printer  53  and an apparatus for producing pressure (either platens  76  and  78  or the platen  78  and a roller  82  shown in  FIG. 13 ) that laminates the sheet  48  onto a sheet  50  made of foam and that causes a puzzle die  80  to cut the laminated sheets  48  and  50  into puzzle pieces to produce the puzzle  30  ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0025]    The first sheet  48 , when pressure is applied, becomes attached to an adhesive coated  59  surface of the second sheet  50  which is made of foam (as is shown in  FIG. 6 ). The foam sheets are pre-coated with the adhesive and are heated to set the adhesive, since the adhesive is thermally activated. The pre-coated sheets of foam are then stacked at  51  for convenient storage before use. 
         [0026]    The image processing means  44  may include a memory  45  in which are stored pre-established parameters upon which the integrating of the images is based. It also includes a computer  43  provided with a keyboard and mouse  57  and a display  49  and programs  41  that can display the layered images and permit the operator to manipulate the composite image  22  and its layered elements  36  and  42 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the jigsaw puzzle machine  20  in one embodiment (different from that shown in  FIG. 1 ) may have an external housing  52  that covers the jigsaw puzzle production means  46 , the external housing  52  including movable parts  54  (to entertain any children) and an exit  56 . The jigsaw puzzle machine may also include a motor for moving the movable parts  54 , a sound generator for generating interesting machine sounds, a conveyer that conveys the finished custom jigsaw puzzle  30  from inside of the housing  52  to the waiting child or adult through the exit  56 , and a button  58  for activating the motor, the sound generator and the conveyer from outside of the housing  52 . In an embodiment of the invention, the housing  52  is modular and takes only 3 hours to assemble. A child goes to the housing  52  and presses a button  58  that triggers the production process during which some parts  54  at the base of the housing  52  move about while making machine sounds. In an embodiment of the invention, a small door  64  opens on one side of the jigsaw puzzle production means  46 , and a sound can be heard as packaging containing the custom jigsaw puzzle  30  is dropped through the opening  56 . The whole jigsaw puzzle production process can be accomplished within a relatively short period of time, in the order of minutes. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the foam sheet  50  may be made of a polyethylene foam having a thickness of at least 3 mm (non-toxic polyethylene foam or foam for a Perfalock™ System). The foam may be LD60, weighing 2.5 pounds per square meter when the sheets are 3 millimeters thick. The puzzle is cut out of an 11 inch by 17 inch sheets. In the case of the thin, flexible sheets  48 , the grain is parallel to the long dimension, and this is why the sheets are 11 by 17, rather than 17 by 11. This paper has a semi-gloss finish, suitable for ink jet color printing. During the puzzle manufacturing process, these sheets are cut down to 14 by 11 for adult puzzles, which can have 200 to 300 pieces. The 3 inch portion of the sheet not cut up into puzzle pieces can be used for generating box labelling, as will be explained. In the case of children&#39;s puzzles, the puzzles may be cut to considerably smaller sizes and the puzzle pieces may be cut larger, so that only 30 pieces are cut out. Different puzzle dies are provided which give these different results. The pre-glued surface  59  may be provided with a glue of a type which remains flexible after setting, thereby permitting the puzzles to bend without pieces falling out. The adhesive is preferably pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 , the printing means can be a printer  53  that prints at least one additional, reduced size, copy  60  of the composite image  22  onto the first sheet  48  for use as a customized box label. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, and referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the digital image capturing means  40  comprises a digital camera arranged to capture the second digital image  42  of the person or other subject  24  in front of a uniformly coloured screen  62 . A child or person can select the specific image in which the child or person wants to be positioned, as if the child or person or pet or other object (a teddy bear, for example) is part of a scene with a cartoon character or in a movie scene or in any other scenery or image, using a multi-layer digital compositing technique. The machine  20  may include the selecting means  32  that aids the customer in selecting from storage the first digital image  34  which normally contains foreground objects  25  and background scenes  23  and also the image processing means  44  which combines a selected background scene  23  and a foreground object  25  with the second digital image  42  of a person or other object  24 , these means being implemented by the programmed computer  43  shown in  FIG. 1  as a “Laptop” and also shown in  FIG. 13 . The display  49  and keyboard and mouse  57  of the computer  43  may be used to grant user approval of the generated composite image  22  for use in designing the custom jigsaw puzzle  30 . 
         [0031]    The person or other subject  24  may be placed in front of a uniformly coloured screen  62  (usually blue or green) with a defined pre-positioning of the person or other subject  24  so that the subject person  24  seems to interact with the stored image  34  or forms an integral part of the stored image  34 . In an embodiment of the invention, a child or a person is photographed in a pre-selected position matching a situation in the stored image  34 . A preset process allows a quick and effective photo shoot on the blue screen background  62 . Every scene has its own very simple process for capture of the photo. The photo will be taken in a store or shopping mall location or in any other location with public traffic. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment of the invention, the selecting means  32  and the image processing means  44  that generate the composite image  22  are implemented by means of a programmed computer  43  (see  FIG. 13 ) which generates the composite image  22 , typically a 3-layered digital composite image  22 . The computer  43  uses computer programs  41 , such as Photoshop™, AdvantEdge™, any other similar program, to sandwich the image  42  of the person or other object  24  in between the components (typically a background scene  23  and one or more foreground objects  25 ) or layers of the stored image  34  (the first image) to form the layered composite image  22  which is printed on one of the flexible sheets  55  that forms the upper surface  59  of the custom puzzle  30 . 
         [0033]    In an embodiment of the invention, a photographer/technician transfers the composite image  22  from the computer  43  to a high resolution printer  53  located within the jigsaw puzzle production means  46 . The high resolution printer  53  or a colour photocopier produces a print containing different sections (shown in  FIG. 5 ). These include one bigger size image  22  for use as the face of the puzzle. Also included is a smaller image of the child in the puzzle setting for use as a label for the puzzle box. Additional box label information may be printed out. Thus, if the background scene  23  or any foreground objects  25  are licensed images, the copyright notice and the terms of the license may need to be printed out on the puzzle box. Ant to facilitate the gathering of accounting information to track royalty payments, a UPC bar code  74  may have to be printed out and studied. Note that all image sizes and die-cut jigsaw puzzle sizes are subject to vary and change, depending on the die line of the jigsaw puzzle. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment of the invention, the jigsaw puzzle production means  46  provides means for transferring the larger hardcopy version of the composite image  22  and pre-glued foam sheet  50  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to a press or roller machine. The press&#39;s platens  78  and  76  ( FIG. 12 ) may squeeze the puzzle die against the foam sheet  50  and the printed image sheet  48 . The puzzle die has a Masonite™ base one-half inch thick into which puzzle grooves are cut, and then metal strips are pushed in to the grooves to do the cutting. A hard rubber pad is then squeezed into the die and cut so that it fills the spaces between the metal strips and enables great force to be applied to the laminated layers. As an alternative to a press, and requiring considerably less force to develop high pressure, a roller  82  may be mounted over the lower platen  78  and die  80 . In one arrangement, the platen  78  is mounted on rollers and rolls under the roller  82  which compresses the two sheets together in a manner similar to an old fashioned clothes ringer. Since pressure is applied along a thin line, rather than over a large area all at once, considerably less downward force is needed when the roller  82  is used than when two platens  76  and  78  and a press (not shown) are used. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment of the invention, the jigsaw puzzle production means  46  also includes means for affixing on generic packaging for each custom jigsaw puzzle one of the at least one smaller hardcopy version  60  of the composite image  22  on a predetermined location on the packaging, as well as means for inserting the fully die cut jigsaw puzzle pieces into the packaging and means for closing the packaging containing the custom jigsaw puzzle. The technician affixes on generic packaging for each personalized jigsaw puzzle a small copy  60  of the composite image  22  on a predetermined location on the packaging. Other smaller images can also be generated as backups for the packaging, or alternately they may be inserted into the box to serve as a colour reference to facilitate jigsaw puzzle assembly. Any legal information  72 , including licence information and copyright notices, any logos and trade-marks  72  related to the use of licensed images in the jigsaw puzzle can also be affixed on a predetermined location on the packaging, as well as a UPC code  74  related to the custom jigsaw puzzle. The technician then inserts the fully die cut jigsaw puzzle pieces into the package which is closed and ready to come out of the jigsaw puzzle production means  46  to be taken home. And as noted above, the bar code allows full automation of the count of each puzzle sold to serve as a basis for royalty payments. 
         [0036]    According to the invention, as shown in  FIG. 10 , there is provided a method for producing a custom jigsaw puzzle, comprising steps of: 
         [0037]    a) selecting  102  a first digital stored image containing at least two layers of images, within a bank of digital images; 
         [0038]    b) capturing  104  a second digital image of a person or other subject; 
         [0039]    c) integrating  106  the second digital image between the at least two layers of the first digital stored image to obtain a composite image  22 ; and 
         [0040]    d) producing  108  the custom jigsaw puzzle with the digital composite image  22 . 
         [0041]    Step d) can include the steps of: 
         [0042]    printing a first copy of the composite image  22  onto a first sheet; 
         [0043]    securing the first sheet onto a pre-glued surface  59  of a second sheet made of foam, to obtain a double sheeted member; and 
         [0044]    die cutting the double sheeted member to obtain the custom jigsaw puzzle. 
         [0045]    Step c) can include the step of storing pre-established parameters upon which the integrating is based. 
         [0046]    Step c) can further include the steps of displaying the composite image  22  on the display  49  and manipulating the composite image  22 . 
         [0047]    In step d), the second sheet can be made of a polyethylene foam having a thickness of at least 3 mm. 
         [0048]    In step d), the pre-glued surface  59  may be provided with a glue of a type which remains flexible after setting thereof. 
         [0049]    In step d), the glue may be pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. 
         [0050]    Step d) can include the step of printing at least one additional copy  60  of the composite image  22  onto the first sheet, the at least one additional copy  60  being smaller than the first copy  22 . 
         [0051]    In step b), the person or other subject  24  may be positioned in a predetermined position in the second digital image  42  to match a situation determined by the at least two layers of the first digital stored image  34 . 
         [0052]    Step b) involves capturing a third digital image of another person or other subject, and step c) involves integrating the third digital image between the at least two layers of the first digital stored image within the composite image  22 . 
         [0053]    According to the invention, as shown in  FIG. 11 , there is also provided a method for producing a custom jigsaw puzzle, comprising steps of: 
         [0054]    a) selecting  112  a first digital stored image, within a bank of digital images; 
         [0055]    b) capturing  114  a second digital image of a person or other subject; 
         [0056]    c) integrating  116  the second digital image into the first digital stored image to obtain a composite image  22 ; and 
         [0057]    d) producing  118  the custom jigsaw puzzle on a sheet made of foam with the composite image  22 . 
         [0058]    Step d) comprises the steps of: 
         [0059]    printing a first copy of the composite image  22  onto a first sheet; 
         [0060]    securing the first sheet onto a pre-glued surface  59  of a second sheet made of foam, to obtain a double sheeted member; and 
         [0061]    die cutting the double sheeted member to obtain the custom jigsaw puzzle. 
         [0062]    Step c) may include storing pre-established parameters upon which the integrating is based. 
         [0063]    Step c) can involve displaying the composite image  22  on the display  49  and using the keyboard and mouse  57  to manipulate the composite image  22 . 
         [0064]    In step d), the second sheet is preferably made of a polyethylene foam having a thickness of at least 3 mm., but it may be as thick as ¼ inch or more, particularly for children&#39;s puzzles. 
         [0065]    In step d), the pre-glued surface  59  is preferably provided with a glue of a type which remains flexible after setting thereof. 
         [0066]    In step d), the glue is a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. 
         [0067]    The step d) can include printing at least one additional copy  60  of the composite image  22  onto the first sheet, the at least one additional copy  60  being smaller than the first copy  22 . 
         [0068]    In step b), the person or other subject  24  may be placed into a predetermined position in the second digital image  42  to match a situation or scene established by the first digital stored image  34 . 
         [0069]    Step b) may involve capturing a third digital image of another person or other subject  24 , and step c) may then involve integrating this third digital image in with the first two digital images  34  and  42  within the composite image  22 . 
         [0070]    The production of a custom jigsaw puzzle  30  for a user from a composite image  22  montage combining an image of a person or other subject with at least one stored image (from a variety of stored images offered to a user) may be carried out using the following more detailed sequence of steps: 
         [0071]    a) selecting, from a variety of stored images offered to a user, at least one stored image in which the person or other subject is to be positioned; 
         [0072]    b) taking a photographic image of the person or other subject in front of a blue screen with a defined pre-positioning of the person or other subject so that such subject person seems to interact with the stored image or forms an integral part of the stored image; 
         [0073]    c) generating the image montage including the photographic image of the person or other subject positioned within the at least one stored image; 
         [0074]    d) approving the generated image montage for use on the jigsaw puzzle; 
         [0075]    e) transferring the image montage to the jigsaw puzzle production means; 
         [0076]    f) triggering a start of the production of the jigsaw puzzle; 
         [0077]    g) initiating movement of movable parts  54  of external housing of the jigsaw puzzle production unit during production of the jigsaw puzzle; 
         [0078]    h) producing at least one larger hardcopy version of the image montage and at least one smaller hardcopy version of the same image montage; 
         [0079]    i) applying the larger hardcopy version of the image montage to a pre-glued foam sheet; 
         [0080]    j) transferring the larger hardcopy version of the image montage and pre-glued foam sheet to pressing means; 
         [0081]    k) gluing the larger hardcopy version of the image montage to the pre-glued foam sheet; 
         [0082]    l) die cutting the glued image montage and foam sheet received from the pressing means into jigsaw puzzle pieces; 
         [0083]    m) affixing on generic packaging for each custom jigsaw puzzle one of the smaller hardcopy versions of the image montage on a predetermined location on the packaging, as well as a custom UPC code and any appropriate legal data; 
         [0084]    n) inserting the fully die cut jigsaw puzzle pieces into the packaging; 
         [0085]    o) closing the packaging; and 
         [0086]    p) providing the custom jigsaw puzzle to the user through an opening in the jigsaw puzzle production unit. 
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another aspect of the custom made packaging  70  is the need to provide a memory, such as the memory  45  of the computer  43  shown in  FIG. 12  for storing data. Programming is needed that can select the correct legal data  72  from a first bank of data stored in the memory  45 , in relation to a specific product, and also select the proper UPC bar code  74  from those stored within a second bank of data stored in the memory  45 . This ties in with the means for selecting visual data  60  which determines which royalty information is applicable and which bar code corresponds to the selected background scene and foreground objects, and a reduced size version of the visual data is included on the label. Thus, a third bank of data stored in the memory  45  is needed. And of course means are required for applying the legal data  72 , the UPC bar code  74  and the visual data  60  onto a generic package to produce the custom made packaging  70 . 
         [0088]    The means for selecting can be the computer  43  provided with a display  49  and with a keyboard and mouse  57 , as is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0089]    The first bank of data is data chosen within the group including license data, copyright data, logo data and trademark data. 
         [0090]    The third bank of data includes the composite images  22  including a person or other subject  24 . 
         [0091]    The applying means may include the printer  53  which prints the legal data  72 , the UPC bar code  74  and the visual data  60  on stickers that can be applied on the generic packaging. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , these may be printed on a portion of the same first flexible sheet  48  on which the puzzle&#39;s composite image  22  is printed and cut off to form labels by the puzzle cutting die  80 , as is illustrated schematically in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0092]    In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus for producing a custom made packaging can be used in conjunction with the jigsaw puzzle machine described above, in order to produce a custom made packaging wherein the visual data  60  on the packaging corresponds to the composite image  22  shown on the custom jigsaw puzzle. The legal data in this case will be any legal information (copyright, licenses, logo, trade-mark or others) related to licensed images used in the composite image  22 . The UPC code is related to the type of custom jigsaw puzzle produced and to the imagery used in the composite image  22 , to ensure proper tracking of inventory and sales of products. 
         [0093]    Referring now to  FIG. 12  a method for producing the custom made packaging is described in that figure and below, involving a number of basic steps to which may a plurality of optional steps may be added, as is explained below. According to the invention, there is provided a method for producing a custom made packaging, comprising steps of: 
         [0094]    a) selecting  122  legal data within a first bank of data stored in a memory, in relation to a product; 
         [0095]    b) selecting  124  a UPC bar code within a second bank of data stored in the memory, in relation to the product; 
         [0096]    c) selecting  126  visual data  60  within a third bank of data stored in the memory, in relation to the product; and 
         [0097]    d) applying  128  the legal data, the UPC bar code and the visual data  60  on a packaging to obtain the custom made packaging. 
         [0098]    The steps a), b) and c) are performed by means of the computer  43  which is provided with a display  49  and with a keyboard and a mouse  57 . 
         [0099]    In step a), the first bank of data can be data chosen within the group including license data, copyright data, logo data and trademark data. 
         [0100]    In step c), the third bank of data is the composite image  22  including a person or other subject. 
         [0101]    The step d) includes printing the legal data  72 , the UPC bar code  74 , and the visual data  60  on stickers to be applied on the generic packaging. Alternatively, this step can include printing the legal data  72 , the UPC bar code  74  and the visual data  60  on the generic packaging. 
         [0102]    Although just a few embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.