Abstract: Embodiments provide for systems and methods related to kiosks for personalizing a packaged article. The kiosks may also be used for storage, inventory management, retrieval, packaging, and/or personalization of packaged articles. The kiosks discussed herein differ from non-kiosk personalization systems, such as personalization systems installed on a factory or warehouse floor, in that the kiosks are self-contained personalization systems. In some embodiments, the kiosks are portable and can be moved between different sites or events. This portability allows the kiosks to personalize packaged articles for concerts, festivals, conventions, trade shows, and the like.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a heating system with thermal-visual-servo control. The system can include a heat source configured to emit localized heat to an object, a thermal camera configured to capture thermal images of the object, and a motion-control module coupled to the heat source and configured to control movement and focus of the heat source based on temperature information extracted from the thermal images, thereby facilitating controlled heating of the object.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe creating a searchable catalog of composite actions for embroidery designs. The catalog can also store a design intent and the embroidery technique for each of the composite actions. The design intents and the embroidery techniques for the composite actions can be stored in a design intent hierarchy and an embroidery technique hierarchy which can then be compared to text in a search query to identify matches. These matches can then be used to identify composite actions that match the search query.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe creating parent composite actions that can include multiple child objects. The child object can be needle point paths or child composite actions (which also include needle point paths). For example, a parent composite action can include a mix of child composite actions and needle point paths, only child composite actions, or only needle point paths. The needle point paths in the parent composite action can be translated into a single needle point path which can then be converted into a machine embroidery file.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a DTG printing environment that uses autonomous robots to move garments between DTG processing stages (e.g., retrieval stages, pretreatment stages, printing stages, drying stages, etc.). Doing so removes the dependency of DTG printing process on the stage that consumes the most time. In one embodiment, the DTG processing stages or the autonomous robot include an actuator for moving the garment and the DTG processing stage closer together. In one embodiment, the processing stage includes a lift (e.g., an actuator) that lifts a detachable carrier from the robot on which the garment is mounted. The lift can level and rotate the detachable carrier to provide a fine alignment between the garment and the DTG processing stage. While a lift is specifically disclosed, in other embodiments, the actuator could be disposed on the robot to lift up the garment.

Abstract: A method of generating garment images embellished with a personalization art image is disclosed. Creating a garment type, based on a business user input including receiving information related to garment parts available options in colors, fabrics, lighting conditions, camera viewpoints poses related to the garment, generating a garment part image for each distinct combination of garment part fabric, garment part color, lighting condition, camera viewpoint and pose, storing each garment image, receiving a selection of available customization windows corresponding to the garment, and displaying to an end-user, a user selected garment image, embellished with a selected personalization art located in a selected customization window.

Abstract: Kiosk systems are used for personalizing articles. The articles may include an item to be personalized assembled with components of packaging in a pre-hooped configuration. The system may include a housing and a personalization system within the housing. The personalization system may include a plurality of system components for personalizing the article. The system may also include a conveying system within the housing. The conveying system may be used to transfer the article in the pre-hooped configuration between the system components of the personalization systems. The system may also include a control system in the housing and/or remote from the housing. The control system may receive a personalization order and in response the control system may control the system components of the personalization systems and the conveying system so that the article is personalized without human intervention once within the housing.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a system and method for determining joinder points on to-be-joined fabric pieces. During operation, the system captures an image comprising the to-be-joined fabric pieces; identifies to-be-joined edges, respectively, on the fabric pieces; for each edge, computes a curve that substantially fits the edge; and determines the joinder points on the edge based on the computed curve. Variance of distance between two consecutive joinder points on the edge is within a predetermined value.

Abstract: A garment station including a frame, a conveyor coupled to the frame, a gantry, and a folding assembly. The gantry is disposed over the conveyor and includes a tool head moveable over the conveyor. The folding assembly includes a first platen moveable relative to a second platen between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first platen is substantially co-planar with the second platen in the unfolded position. The first platen is disposed above the second platen in the folded position.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for a conveying system to move multiple articles from one location to another. The conveying system may use a transport device to grasp each article from an initial location, rotate the articles away from the initial locations, move the articles linearly, and rotate the articles to destination locations. Rather than moving each article one-by-one, in the embodiments described herein, the conveying system can move multiple articles simultaneously to various locations where each location may contain a different process to perform on the article. Moving multiple articles simultaneously shortens the time required to process the articles.

Abstract: Kiosk systems are used for personalizing articles. The articles may include an item to be personalized assembled with components of packaging in a pre-hooped configuration. The system may include a housing and a personalization system within the housing. The personalization system may include a plurality of system components for personalizing the article. The system may also include a conveying system within the housing. The conveying system may be used to transfer the article in the pre-hooped configuration between the system components of the personalization systems. The system may also include a control system in the housing and/or remote from the housing. The control system may receive a personalization order and in response the control system may control the system components of the personalization systems and the conveying system so that the article is personalized without human intervention once within the housing.

Abstract: A device for providing support for a workpiece on an embroidery machine. The device has a base that is configured to fit on a rod of the embroidery machine, wherein the rod of the embroidery machine is located beneath a bobbin arm. First and second sides extend upward from the base and form a channel therebetween, the channel being configured to receive the bobbin arm of the embroidery machine. The first and second sides have upper edges that are configured to provide a support structure for a workpiece placed thereon, and preferably extend to a height that is substantially the same height as a top of the bobbin arm.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe systems and methods for visually identifying a wheeled robot and associating the wheeled robot with a company or brand. Some embodiments provide a cover, casing, or skin that may be removably attached to the wheeled robot. The casing may feature a pattern, logo, or visuals that are associated with the company. The casing may further conform to features of the movable robot such that the casing does not impede the robot from moving and performing functions, such as transporting objects. The casing may further have a flap that removably attaches to the casing to allow access to the wheeled robot.

Abstract: Methods and systems enabling tracking and managing apparel items are described. The apparel item (e.g. clothing item, shoes, accessories, jewelry and other type of wearables) is tagged and tracked using an inimitable identification tag that is at least partially invisible to the naked human eye, and generating a record of the apparel item in a distributed ledger using the tag data of the inimitable identification tag. The record is associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) on the ledger that allows for tracking the item throughout its life. For example, it is possible to locate and authenticate the apparel item by using the private key associated with the NFT of the token. The apparel item may be tracked starting from a manufacturing phase of the apparel and extending throughout the lifespan of the apparel item. The authenticity of the apparel item can be shown throughout the manufacturing, distribution and ownership stages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide for automated manufacturing of garments using cutting, folding tools and adhesive dispensers operating on continuous webs of fabric webs to manufacture garments in an efficient manner while improving quality and overcoming material handling issues resulting from the properties of fabrics.

Abstract: Packaging for retaining an article to be personalized in a predetermined position relative to the packaging may include a first container defining an interior cavity and an insert designed to retain the article in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the insert. The insert may be positioned within the interior cavity so that the article retained by the insert is within the interior cavity. At least one of the first container may define an opening designed to provide access to a personalization system for personalizing a predetermined surface of the article while the article is retained by the insert and the insert and article are positioned within the interior cavity so that the predetermined surface can be personalized based on the position of the first container relative to the personalization system.

Abstract: A system for determining a discrete number of flexible, non-rigid workpiece items loaded onto a robotic carrier. The system includes a robotic carrier capable of traveling to multiple workstations, at least one of which is a weigh station. A loading mechanism is functional to load one or more workpieces onto the robotic carrier which weighed by the weigh station. By comparing the weight of the loaded items with a predetermined weight range of a single workpiece, the number of discrete workpieces loaded onto the robotic carrier can be determined. In addition, a method can be provided for determine position error of a mobile robot based on a detected center of gravity of the mobile robot.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a DTG printing environment that uses autonomous robots to move garments between DTG processing stages (e.g., retrieval stages, pretreatment stages, printing stages, drying stages, etc.). Doing so removes the dependency of DTG printing process on the stage that consumes the most time. In one embodiment, the DTG processing stages or the autonomous robot include an actuator for moving the garment and the DTG processing stage closer together. In one embodiment, the processing stage includes a lift (e.g., an actuator) that lifts a detachable carrier from the robot on which the garment is mounted. The lift can level and rotate the detachable carrier to provide a fine alignment between the garment and the DTG processing stage. While a lift is specifically disclosed, in other embodiments, the actuator could be disposed on the robot to lift up the garment.