Patent ID: 8731703

Claim:
A method for automated decoration of a three dimensional item comprising the steps of: a) providing an input system; b) providing print generating software; c) providing a computer; said computer having a memory; d) providing a fabric printer; e) connecting said fabric printer to said computer f) installing said print generating software on said computer; g) installing an electronic library of two-dimensional templates on said computer; each of said templates comprising a plurality of two-dimensional pattern pieces; at least one of said pattern pieces having at least one location for a decoration; said two-dimensional pattern pieces being adapted for assembly into a virtual three dimensional item; said pattern pieces being use to fabricate two dimensional fabric pieces for assembly into a three dimensional item; h) linking said input system to said computer; i) allowing a customer to select at least one template (customer selection) via said input system; j) allowing said customer to specify a background pattern for said templates comprising said virtual item; k) allowing said customer to specify said decoration (customer specification) in steps for said templates comprising said virtual item via said input system; l) electronically laying out said decoration on said template with said print generating software; m) generating a two-dimensional print image with said print generating software; said print image being the plurality of pattern pieces for the combination of said customer selection and specification; said print image being designed for printing with a dye sublimation printer; n) virtually assembling said plurality of pattern pieces into said virtual three dimensional item; o) displaying said virtual, three dimensional item on a virtual model on said input system; p) allowing said displayed virtual, three dimensional item on said virtual model to be virtually viewed from different sides of said virtual model; q) updating said displayed virtual, three dimensional item and said decoration with each of said steps; and r) sending said print image from said computer to said fabric printer.