Nike filed a new patent late last week titled "Image Correction with 3D Printing." While I would consider more of a 2-dimensional method of printing on 3D objects, rather than the 3D printing we are all used to seeing and hearing about, this patent is specifically called "3D printing" by Nike. Patent application US 20140300676 A1 explains both a computing process and a machine for the "3D printing" of images onto objects. Nike considers it "3D printing" because the printers will actually be printing onto the surface of fabrics which are on a cylindrical object, intended to represent the body parts on which apparel will be worn. The desired end result is a predistorted image which, when worn, will appear not be distorted, and may even have some 3-dimensional characteristics to it because of the leg's shape. For more details on this new patent, check out the full article: http://3dprint.com/18990/nike-3d-printing-patent/


Here's a look at a drawing within that filing of the printer:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...keprinter2.gif