Method and apparatus for printing on a flat substrate

Abstract

The invention concerns an assembly for printing on a substrate having a camera for recording a reference pattern; a computer connected to the camera to store and modify, if required, data (N) concerning the reference pattern; and a printer whereof at least the print head is controlled by a printer file (FI) generated by the computer. The invention is characterised in that it includes a system for supporting and moving the substrate; for analysing and comparing a pre-recorded pattern with a pattern located on the substrate, and for adapting or not the data (N) concerning the reference pattern as a result of the comparison; and for generating a printer file (FI) based on the data whether or not modified.

1 . A printing method for printing a flat substrate, for example a fabric, involving particularly: 
 pre-recording at least one pattern numerically;    where appropriate, processing the pattern thus pre-recorded;    generating a printing file (FI) comprising data relating to the pre-recorded and/or processed pattern and carrying out printing generated directly or indirectly from the printing file;    continuously or discontinuously identifying at least one pattern of a fabric by relative displacement between said fabric and an image acquisition means;    comparing the identified pattern in real time with the reference pattern pre-recorded for recognition purposes;    adapting the pre-recorded reference pattern in line, in order to superpose it on and/or fit it to the identified pattern and generating a printing file (FI);    and carrying out printing dot by dot, directly or indirectly, according to the printing file.