DE102005030686A1 - Device and process to model large sport or green surfaces by which graphics are imprinted on surface using row(s) of actuators embodied as spray nozzles which move over surface and transmit signals to background - Google Patents

Abstract

Graphic data are put onto the surface to be modelled with a printer using a computer and associated peripherals. Data from the computer are transmitted to a row of actuators which move over the surface to be shaped and thereby transmit the signals contained within them to the background which can then be customized as wished. The actuators are designed as spray nozzles, which can be supplied individually or centrally. They can be controlled pneumatically or using elecromagnets or piezo elements. Typically they are located within a treatment machine which travels from a start point (1) via pre-programmed travel stretches (4) and starts to print when it has reached a printing position (5).

Description

For the graphic Design of sports surfaces (Lawn) devices are used, with the help of which lines and circles on lawns (boundary markers) This is done with simple scattering or spray car, with those on predetermined lines i.d.R. white powder or slip on Chalk base is applied. The spread widths are adjustable; The amount of powder applied depends on the driving speed. These Facilities are usually operated by hand.

in the road construction become 2K sprayers used to paint on the inside of a marked area road surfaces Instruct. The devices are i.d.R. Hand guided.

 disadvantage of the prior art

With In particular, the above-mentioned devices can be designed in a complex manner graphic representations such as lettering and pictures not on sports and Apply green areas. A corresponding representation would be extremely tedious and expensive.

 Task of invention

task The invention therefore provides a method and apparatus to be complex designed graphical representations (logos, pictures, texts, etc.) on economic Way on green and sports areas, as well as on buildings applied.

 Solution of task

Of the solution the task is based on the basic principle of an inkjet printer. As printing unit serves e.g. a rake equipped with an actuator field, which moves at a constant speed over the surface to be designed becomes.

All Actuators can be controlled individually. They are just above the Lawn. The nozzle is over a Supply line supplied with fluid, which serves to change the color of the lawn to change. The switching times of the nozzles are formed so that a continuous line generated by a nozzle can be, without on the one hand a color coverage, on the other hand Color hole is created.

The Facility is in parallel sections (strips) over the to be printed area led and Prints the surface according to a given plan.

The to be transferred Graphics are processed in a special software for the strip printing.

For example with position sensors, the driverless from the control Transport systems are known, an exact fit of the strips be secured to each other.

 Advantage of invention

• 1. Durch gezielten Auftrag von geeigneten Farben lassen sich nahezu alle Arten von Bildern und Grafiken mühelos auf große Flächen (Rasen, Sandplatz, Eis, Beton, Straßenbelag etc.) austragen. Mit den 3 Grundfarben lassen sich über 3 Düsen in Reihe alle Farben des Farbspektrums darstellen.
• 2. Verwendet man Fluide mit blattaushellenden oder blattverdunkelnden Substanzen anstatt Farben, so lassen sich aus Unterschieden im Grünanteil der Gräser und Blätter Grafiken und Bilder in die Rasenflächen implantieren.
• Die Lebensdauer dieser Bilder hängt ab von den eingesetzten Wirkstoffen und ihrer Abbaubarkeit im Blatt.
• 3. Ersetzt man die Düsen durch motorisch angetriebene Wirbelkämme, so kann man den Rasen mit Bildern gestalten, die nur durch die Veränderung der Graslage entstehen. Diese Art der Mustergebung ist vergleichbar mit der Malerei auf Samt.
• 4. Werden die Kämme schneidend (grasabtragend) gestaltet, lassen sich durch die Reliefdarstellung weitere interessante Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten mit neuen Effekten erzeugen. Beispielhaft seien hier Wappen, Portraits o.Ä. erwähnt.

With the mentioned invention, there are a number of creative possibilities to change sports and green areas:

• 1. Through targeted application of suitable colors, almost all types of images and graphics can be effortlessly spread over large areas (lawn, clay, ice, concrete, road surface, etc.). With the 3 basic colors, all colors of the color spectrum can be displayed via 3 nozzles in series.
• 2. Using fluids with leaf-whitening or darkening substances instead of colors, graphics and images can be implanted in the lawns due to differences in the green content of the grasses and leaves.
• The lifetime of these images depends on the active ingredients used and their degradability in the leaf.
• 3. If the nozzles are replaced by motor-driven swirl combs, the lawn can be created with pictures that only result from the change in grass position. This type of patterning is similar to the painting on velvet.
• 4. If the combs are cut (grass-removing), the relief display can be used to create further interesting design possibilities with new effects. Examples are coats of arms, portraits or similar. mentioned.

 further developments and embodiments

• 1. Eine Einrichtung, die entlang einer vorprogrammierten Linie fährt und im definierten Winkel zu dieser Linie die Grafik in unterschiedlicher Breite erzeugt. Entlang dieser Linie wird zu beiden Seiten ein Streifen benetzt.

There are basically 2 types of facilities that allow for the graphic design of sports and lawns:

• 1. A device that travels along a preprogrammed line and generates the graphics in different widths at a defined angle to this line. Along this line, a strip is wetted on both sides.

The Width of the strip can be changed by the order rake can be swiveled. The largest width you reach through a 90 ° position of the rake opposite the direction of travel. A line is obtained when the rake in or guided parallel to the direction of travel becomes.

This example can be simple Spray mechanisms (spray nozzles) carried out a continuous spray application to the surfaces.

It It should be noted that the nozzles in the 90 ° position the largest output performance must have. In the 0 ° position almost no fluid is needed. Between results from mathematical relationships the right amount of spray. This should be per area share always be the same size a uniform order to ensure.

at Use of motor driven whirl combs takes on the position the rake no consideration be taken. A relief representation is only conditionally possible.

These Gestaltungsart is only for simpler lettering useful in which can be driven along a center line. influences of different peripheral velocities from circular motions of the vehicle can not be compensated.

• 2) A device that produces strips of equal width on a surface to be designed. The width of a strip results from the width of the printing device. Each nozzle generates an exact point, for example 2 × 2 cm ² , analogous to an inkjet printer. The size and shape of the dot depends on: - the distance of the nozzle orifice from the surface to be wetted. - From the exit angle from the nozzle. - From the shape of the nozzle opening

The Nozzles are arranged in rows transversely to the direction of travel. The distance of the nozzles gives from the distance of the outlet opening of the nozzle from the surface to be wetted and the exit angle of the spray cone.

The distances between the nozzles on the one hand, only a small overlap of the applied Allow fluid points, on the other hand, only a very small unwetted Leave space between the applied points. Ideally would the Nozzle on square spray pattern produce. In practice this is not possible. A round spray picture with a higher one color intensity in the middle of the picture is sufficient for a good picture reproduction on the grass field.

• a) Die einzeilige Anordnung der Düsen auf dem Rechen: Damit lassen sich durch Aufsprühen eines Mediums zB. Flüssigdünger Rasenstellen dunkel gestalten. Je nach Düngerdichte wird die Grünfärbung des Rasens dunkler. Durch das stärkere Wachstum ergibt sich hier ein 3-dimensionaler Effekt gegenüber ungedüngten Flächen. Auf Sandplätzen z.B. lässt sich so durch Auftragen von Wasser eine bildliche Darstellung erreichen. Nach dem Abtrocknen ist das Bild nicht mehr erkennbar. Durch Zugabe von Verdunstungshemmern kann die Bilddarstellung länger erhalten bleiben.
• b) Die zweizeilige Anordnung der Düsen auf dem Rechen: Damit lassen sich durch Aufsprühen von 2 Medien z.B. Flüssigdünger und Aufheller Rasenstellen hell und dunkel gestalten. Je nach Dünger- und Aufhellerdichte wird die Grünabstufung des Rasens stärker ausgeprägt. Durch das stärkere Wachstum bzw. einem Wachstumshemmer ergibt sich hier ein besonders ausgeprägter 3-dimensionaler Effekt. Die zweizeilige Anordnung dient auch dazu, um einen Fluidauftrag zu fixieren. Beispielsweise kann der Untergrund durch Aufsprühen eines Aktivators verbessert werden (z.B. Benetzungseigenschaften auf Gras), oder es kann ein aufgetragenes Fluidum über die zweite Zeile stabilisiert werden.
• c) Die dreizeilige und mehrzeilige Anordnung der Düsen auf dem Rechen: Mit 3 hintereinander angeordneten Düsenreihen lassen sich ähnlich wie beim Farbdrucker alle Farben aus den 3 Grundfarben erzeugen. Damit ist eine Bilddarstellung auch in größten Dimensionen möglich. Über weitere Düsenzeilen vor oder nach den Farbzeilen lassen sich die Qualitätsmerkmale der zu erzeugenden Grafik optimieren- z.B. Haftungsverbesserungen, Glanz- und Mattierungseigenschaften, Versiegelungen etc.

If a design of the surfaces by spraying the pixels done, one distinguishes 3 embodiments:

• a) The one-line arrangement of the nozzles on the rake: This can be by spraying a medium eg. Liquid fertilizer Make lawns dark. Depending on fertilizer density, the green color of the lawn becomes darker. The stronger growth results in a 3-dimensional effect over unfertilized areas. On clay courts, for example, a visual representation can be achieved by applying water. After drying, the picture is no longer recognizable. By adding evaporation inhibitors, the image display can be retained longer.
• b) The two-line arrangement of the nozzles on the rake: This makes it possible to create bright and dark lawns by spraying 2 media, eg liquid fertilizers and brighteners. Depending on fertilizer and brightener density, the green gradation of the lawn is more pronounced. Due to the stronger growth or a growth inhibitor, this results in a particularly pronounced 3-dimensional effect. The two-line arrangement also serves to fix a fluid application. For example, the substrate may be improved by spraying an activator (eg, wetting properties on grass), or an applied fluid may be stabilized over the second row.
• c) The three-line and multi-line arrangement of the nozzles on the rake: With 3 rows of nozzles arranged one behind the other, it is possible to produce all the colors from the 3 primary colors similar to the color printer. Thus, an image representation in the largest dimensions is possible. Further nozzle lines before or after the color lines can be used to optimize the quality characteristics of the graphic to be generated - eg adhesion improvements, gloss and matting properties, sealings, etc.

• – Einrichtung, die entlang einer vorprogrammierten Linie fährt und
• – Einrichtung, die Streifen gleicher Breite auf einer zu gestaltenden Fläche erzeugt verschiedene Arten der grafischen Gestaltung des Untergrundes möglich: a) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch Aufsprühen von Fluidpunkten über Düsen b) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch Aufdrücken von Farbschwämmen, die beispielsweise pneumatisch senkrecht zur Gestaltungsebene betätigt werden. c) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch selektives Aufrauen, Ankratzen oder Erhitzen der Oberfläche. d) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch Abtrag mittels rotierenden oder oszillierenden Schneideinrichtungen wie Messern, Bürsten, Trimmern etc. e) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch selektives Aussähen von unterschiedlichen Gras- und Pflanzensamen mittels individuell ansteuerbarer Säheinrichtungen, die das Saatgut selektiv verteilen. Nach dem Anwachsen erhält man auf diese Weise ein lebendes Rasenbild. Die Säheinrichtung kann beispielsweise durch gegeneinander bewegliche Siebe realisiert werden, die nach dem Stand der Technik Saatgut auf den Untergrund streut. f) Gestaltung des Untergrundes durch selektives Ausstreuen von unterschiedlichen Sanden und Granulaten mittels individuell ansteuerbarer Streueinrichtungen, die das Streugut selektiv verteilen. Man erhält auf diese Weise ein Sandbild. Die Streueinrichtung kann beispielsweise durch gegeneinander bewegliche Siebe realisiert werden, die nach dem Stand der Technik Sand auf den Untergrund streut. g) Auch können die vorgeschlagenen Gestaltungseinrichtungen untereinander kombiniert werden (z.B. in der ersten Zeile befindet sich eine mechanische Untergrundgestaltungseinrichtung. In den weiteren Zeilen befinden sich beispielsweise Farbdüsen.)

Besides in both Ausgestaltunsarten are:

• - Device driving along a preprogrammed line and
• - Device, the strip of equal width on a surface to be designed creates various types of graphic design of the substrate possible: a) design of the substrate by spraying fluid points through nozzles b) design of the substrate by pressing color sponges, for example, operated pneumatically perpendicular to the design plane become. c) design of the substrate by selective roughening, scratching or heating of the surface. d) Design of the substrate by removal by means of rotating or oscillating cutting devices such as knives, brushes, trimmers, etc. e) Design of the substrate by selective sowing of different grass and plant seeds by means of individually controlled sowing devices which selectively distribute the seed. After growing, you get a living grass picture in this way. The sowing device can be realized, for example, by sieves which move relative to one another and which, according to the state of the art, scatter seeds onto the substrate. f) Design of the substrate by selective spreading of different sands and granules by means of individually controllable spreaders, which selectively distribute the grit. This gives a sand picture. The scattering device can be realized for example by mutually movable screens, which scatters sand on the ground according to the prior art. g) The proposed design devices can also be combined with one another (for example, in the first line there is a mechanical background design device.) In the other lines are, for example, color nozzles.)

The described device may also be advantageous with conventional Machining devices from huge surfaces be combined, for example, with mowing tractors, ice polishing machines for ice stages or soil smoothing rollers. The machine should be equipped with a device the one precise tracking allowed.

The described device should also be constructed so that bumps can be compensated for example, by a selective distance control of individual actuators or machining segments from the background of the prior art

A another embodiment is mounted in a movable in the direction of travel slide, the Actuator field gradually moved, thus enabling that for the moment of editing the surface the actuator field stands still while the carriage is with constant speed. Preferably, this step is via Malthesergetriebe to solve

The Means may also be provided with the aid of support means, e.g. Lifting cranes or lifting platforms too vertical surfaces like walls but also ceilings work. The device is about a self-propelled frame held by the support device controlled.

 Embodiment 1

One Logo and lettering are said to be on the grass of a soccer field be applied.

To logo and lettering are displayed on a screen using a PC edited. The program queries and measures the dimensions of the football field graphically in the form of a rectangular frame with the existing ones Field markings (goal area, penalty area, middle and boundary lines etc) in the existing color structure available.

in the next Step is the image file of the customer in the representation of the football field loaded. It can be scaled and positioned as desired. About appropriate Color and surface programs can optimally design the image and send it to the customer for approval become.

Image 1

In the next step, the machining program with the required routes for line or strip guidance is generated. Likewise the starting points ( 1 ) and turning points ( 2 ) the machine.

This data is for example routed via the Internet to the processing machine and read there. If required, direction-finding transmitters ( 3 ) are attached to the 4 corners of the field to be printed, so that the positioning of the printing device can be performed accurately.

picture 2

The processing machine starts at the specified starting point ( 1 ) and drives the print program according to the programmed routes ( 4 ). The print program will automatically start when the calculated print position ( 5 ) and stopped after completion of the print job.

Exemplary embodiment 2 (Figure 3)

The machine moves along the center line ( 6 ) of the lettering to be produced. The middle-point ( 7 ) of the printing device ( 8th ) moves along the center line. The printing device ( 8th ) is in focus ( 7 ) rotatably mounted about the vertical axis and can be swiveled by + - 90 °. If the actuators are designed as sprayers, all of which spray continuously as the machine moves along the center line, a spray strip results ( 9 ) in the width of the printing device. If the printing device is rotated about the vertical axis, the strip width is angle-dependent narrower ( 10 ) until at 90 ° only one line is created.

The to be sprayed Field should be as possible sprayed homogeneously become. The spray quantity / actuator is Therefore, to regulate so that angle-dependent per area proportion is always the same size. The Speed of the machine along the center line may be present Don `t change.

Exemplary embodiment 3 (FIG. 4)

described Here is a machine, with the help of a design according to embodiment 1 can be generated.

Three rows of actuators ( 10 ) are in one frame ( 11 ) assembled. Within the frame, the actuators can travel in and against the direction of travel via a traverse ( 12 ) are moved.

The actuators are lined up with fluids (paint, fertilizer, etc) from storage tanks ( 13 ) provided. Each individual actuator can be individually controlled to transmit the received signal to the surface to be processed. He can raise and lower individually.

The Design of the surface can over different Processing types take place:

(Figure 5) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a spray nozzle ( 15 ), it can be a spray point on the surface of the lawn ( 19 ) produce

(Figure 6) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a colored sponge ( 16 ), it can be a form of pad printing on the lawn ( 19 ) realize.

(Figure 7) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a grass cutter ( 17 ), so that reliefs in the lawn ( 19 ) produce.

Figure (8) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a heatable plate ( 18 ), letting the surface of the lawn ( 19 ) thermally change. The leaf tips turn yellow / brown.

Figure (9) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a friction device ( 20 ), the surface ( 21 ) by selective roughening, scratching or brushing.

Figure (10) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a sowing device ( 21 ) for the selective distribution of different plant and seed seeds ( 22 ), seed fields can be individually designed with different types of plants and grass.

Figure (11) Is the actuator ( 14 ) with a sanding device ( 23 ) for the selective distribution of different sands ( 24 ), so for example, tennis courts with graphic representations make visually very appealing. The color gradation can be made so fine that it can only be perceived by a viewer from a greater distance.

Picture (12) The machine shown in picture 4 ( 24 ) can also be used on conventional processing equipment such as a mowing tractor ( 25 ) to be appropriate. However, precise route guidance or position determination should be ensured.

Figure (13) To compensate for bumps ( 26 ), the actuator series ( 27 ) be articulated in several places. In the nodes ( 28 ) can be queried via distance query ( 29 ) or via role query ( 30 ) ensure a constant distance to the ground.

Picture (14) With the help of a track belt laying device ( 31 ), which while driving a track band ( 32 ) deposits on one side of the print strip, an exact juxtaposition of the strips and thus an exact print image can be achieved. Advantageous are at this track band position marks ( 33 ) attached, which are applied when depositing on the surface to be printed by the computer.

After the turn, the controller and / or the operator orients itself at the laid track band. It is advantageous if the designed track belt in the same operation by a device ( 34 ) is rolled up. At the same time, this device can store the position markers ( 33 ) and remove again after the next turn.

Claims (26)

Method and device for the predominantly planar design of larger areas such as sports fields, green spaces, facilities or buildings with images, fonts, patterns and reliefs characterized in that graphic data by means of a computer and the associated peripherals in a comparable manner with a conventional printer on the be landscaped surface applied. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the data is transferred from the computer to at least one set of actuators be over the surface to be designed be moved while transmitting the received signals to the underground, where this is changed as intended. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators designed as spray nozzles are both individually and centrally supplied. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators are controlled pneumatically. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators via electromagnets be controlled. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators via piezo elements be controlled. Method and device according to claim 3, characterized that the spray nozzles are an approximately square spray pattern exhibit. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators can be raised and lowered individually. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators rotating combs have, with which the substrate is processed. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators actuate temperature-controllable elements that thermally heat the substrate change. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators control dosing systems for sands and granules, the for the Picture design needed become. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators control seed dosing systems. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuators control with color filled sponges that on the shaping surface depressed become. Method and device according to claim 3, characterized that the nozzles from each other by vertically and quadratically arranged Webs are separated, which prevent overspray. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the actuator field is gradually so against the direction of travel moves that while the time of processing the substrate the lowest possible relative speed exists against the ground. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that different actuator lines can be combined with each other. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that bumps through selective clearance control of the actuators or actuator segments are balanced against the ground. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the device described can be combined with conventional work and transport equipment is. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that the Aktuatorenfeld is designed to be rotatable about the vertical axis. Method and device according to claim 20, characterized that with change the angle of rotation about the vertical axis and the application rate changeable is a uniform application density to create. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that for the exact positioning of the device on a field used at least 2 locating devices located at the edge of the field become. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that at the described device a unwinding is, when driving on the surface to be machined a leash interprets. Method and device according to claim 22, characterized when the surface is traversed in the opposite direction of a reeling device is taken, which after the next turn the vehicle again acts as a unwinding device. Method and device according to claim 22, characterized that the lane-holding tape marked with markers during laying which controls the printing process. Method and device according to claim 22, characterized that the markers are automatically removed when obtaining the lane-holding tape. Method and device according to claim 1, characterized that with the help of a lifting device that operates at a constant speed on walls and ceilings led becomes, vertical and over head surfaces can be processed in the described manner.