Well, I'm frequently pondering how to apply the concept of inkjet printing to various other things, and well... today... it's Easter Eggs.
It's simple.
Place egg into device and laser scan it to model it accurately in the computer.
Using a high-end CADD package, draw the design on the virtual egg.
Next, using a standard ink-jet head attached to a precision robotic arm... paint up the egg.
The deluxe model would then hide it as well.
Happy Easter!-- zigness, Apr 10 2004 seems somewhat related http://www.imaginail.com [theircompetitor, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004] photo-perfect nails http://www.halfbake...oto-Perfect_20NailsLikely inspiration for [tc]'s link. [Worldgineer, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004] Egg Plotter http://www.taomc.co...nes/egg_plotter.htmmotion control easter egg decorator [Novysan, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004] gallery of eggs http://www.taomc.com/gallery/eggs.htmmore plotted eggs! [Novysan, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004] EggBot http://egg-bot.com/Still not inkjet, but another marker-based plotter. But it's a kit you can buy (for several years now). [notexactly, Mar 04 2016] That'd be an expensive printer, but cool.-- zephalim, Apr 10 2004 Simplification of design: Device spins egg along it's long axis. Print head follows a curved track along this long axis. Your egg is printed faster, and without the need of a precision robotic arm.-- Worldgineer, Apr 11 2004 ...because anything a human can do a machine can do *better*???? Please, no. (but, cute idea...)-- Native Dancer, Apr 11 2004 [tc], that actually was invented here. I'll see if I can find the idea...-- Worldgineer, Apr 30 2004 cool-- theircompetitor, Apr 30 2004 Not an "inkjet," but check the links. I'm going to say it's different enough to not call "baked!"-- Novysan, Apr 30 2004 Excellent link [Novysan]... thanks.-- zigness, May 01 2004 Finally baked, er, "boiled". Ha! Ok, move along folks.-- whatrock, Mar 05 2016 random, halfbakery