Abstract: An automated artwork generation system employs a video display and a microprocessor for verifying and editing data derived from a digitizer and utilized by a photoplotter. The system includes a data storage and retrieval apparatus in which data processed through the system is stored. The apparatus permits random access to data in a memory, and both the storing and retrieval times are minimized by establishing a direct relationship between the zone of a workpiece in which data is located and the portion of the memory in which the data is stored. Data entries in the memory are made in both a data entry file and a bulk data file. The entry file serves as an index to the bulk data file and contains abbreviated data entries and pointers identifying addresses in the bulk data file where additional related data is stored.

Abstract: An automated artwork generation system employs a video display and a microprocessor for verifying and editing data derived from a digitizer and utilized by a photoplotter. The system includes a data storage and retrieval apparatus in which data processed through the system is stored. The apparatus permits random access to data in a memory, and both the storing and retrieval times are minimized by establishing a direct relationship between the zone of a workpiece in which data is located and the portion of the memory in which the data is stored. Data entries in the memory are made in both a data entry file and a bulk data file. The entry file serves as an index to the bulk data file and contains abbreviated data entries and pointers identifying addresses in the bulk data file where additional related data is stored.

Abstract: There is provided a digital device for creating a series of digital signals indicative of the profile in certain surface variations of a natural tobacco leaf. The light intensity characteristic of an emitted light from various locations on the natural tobacco leaf are scanned in succession across the leaf at parallel positions. The light intensity at the various locations creates a digital signal indicative of whether or not the light intensity is high, low or intermediate. The color profile of the leaf could be created by these signals; however, in accordance with the invention, a digital signal is created when the light intensity signal shifts from one value to another. At that time, a transition signal is created which can be combined to form a transition profile of the leaf which is indicative of the actual profile and color variations of the leaf itself. This information can be used for locating a wrapper cutter at the desired position on the leaf for subsequent cutting of the wrapper from the leaf.

Abstract: A method of selecting the cutting position of a cigar wrapper having a given shape with respect to a natural tobacco leaf using a remotely created leaf image of a given tobacco leaf, which image includes the outline of the given leaf, the position of the leaf stem and the areas with holes in the leaf. This method comprises the steps of providing an outline image of a given cutter shape, shifting the outline image with respect to the leaf image until the outline image is in a selected position avoiding the outline, the stem and any hole areas of the leaf image, and then creating cutting coordinates indicative of said selected position for use in controlling a cutting position of the cigar wrapper cutter on a given leaf.