JPH04261699A - Needle drop data creation device for embroidery sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention is an embroidery sewing machine that creates needle drop data for an embroidery sewing machine that performs embroidery sewing that alternately connects a pair of opposing outline segments of each block of an embroidery pattern with seam lines. The present invention relates to a needle drop data creation device.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when sewing a trapezoidal pattern as shown in FIG. 13, a pair of opposing outline segments 1-3,
If needle drop points A and B are set only on contour line segment 2-4, the larger the difference in length between the contour line segments 1-3 and 2-4, the needle drop point B of the shorter contour line segment 2-4 will be set. The spacing between the stitches becomes narrower, and the thread density of the stitches S becomes unbalanced, which impairs the appearance of the embroidery pattern.

[0003] In order to correct this, for example,
As shown in Publication No. 125284 (see Figure 14), one folding line R is provided between the outer and inner contour segments 1-3 and 2-4.
are set concentrically, reduce the number of needle drop points B on the inner contour line segment 2-4 to half the number of needle drop points A on the outer contour line segment 1-3, and turn back by that amount. Set the middle drop point C on line 5, and perform embroidery by dropping the needle alternately from needle drop point A on the outer circumference side to needle drop point B on the inner circumference side and middle drop point C on the folding line R. There is something like this.

0004

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In the configuration described in the above publication, the position of the middle drop point C is determined on one folding line R, so the position of the middle drop point C is one line within the embroidery pattern. In some cases, the lines became conspicuous and became unsightly. Moreover, the inner and outer contour lines 1-3,
No matter how large the difference in length between 2-4 becomes, the number of needle drop points B on the inner circumference side is only half of the number of needle drop points A on the outer circumference side, so the inner and outer contour line segments 1-3 , 2-4 are significantly different in length, the distance between the needle drop points B of the inner contour line 2-4 becomes too narrow, resulting in an unbalanced thread density, resulting in an unbalanced embroidery pattern. It had the disadvantage of spoiling its appearance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its objects are to disperse the positions of midpoint points so that they become less noticeable, and to reduce the length of a pair of opposing contour line segments. To provide a needle drop data creation device for an embroidery sewing machine which can always make the thread density of the stitches of the entire block uniform and improve the appearance of the embroidery pattern, no matter how large the difference becomes.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The needle drop data creation device for an embroidery sewing machine of the present invention is an embroidery sewing machine that performs embroidery stitches that alternately connect a pair of opposing outline segments of each block of an embroidery pattern with seam lines. A calculation means for calculating the ratio or difference in length of a pair of opposing contour line segments of each block of the embroidery pattern, and a length calculated by the calculation means. folding line creating means for creating data for arranging a number of folding lines at a predetermined pitch between the set of contour lines when the ratio or difference in length exceeds a predetermined range; A center drop point is set for each fold line so that the thread density of the inner and outer seams of each fold line is approximately the same, and the stitches are folded back from this center drop point to the needle drop point on the contour line. and needle drop data creation means for creating needle drop data.

[0007]

[Operation] When creating needle drop data, first, the calculation means calculates the ratio or difference in length between a pair of opposing outline segments of each block of the embroidery pattern. When the calculated value of the length ratio or difference is within a predetermined range, both contour segments are of the same length, so a return line is not set between both contour lines, and both contour lines are Only the needle drop points on the contour line segments are set and used as needle drop data.

On the other hand, when the calculated value of the length ratio (difference) of the contour line segments exceeds a predetermined range, folding lines of the number corresponding to the length ratio (difference) are placed between the two contour lines at a predetermined pitch. After creating the data to be arranged in , set a center drop point for each fold line so that the thread density of the inner and outer seams of each fold line is almost the same, and from this center drop point on the contour line segment. Create needle drop data so that the stitch is folded back to the needle drop point.

[0009] In this case, the number of folding lines changes depending on the length ratio (difference) of the contour line segments, and accordingly, the positions of the middle drop points are appropriately distributed to make the thread density uniform. Therefore, the positions of the center drop points do not appear to be continuous in a single line as in the conventional case. Moreover, the number of needle drop points on the shorter contour line segment also increases or decreases according to the number of folding lines corresponding to the length ratio (difference) of the contour line segments, so No matter how large the difference (difference) becomes, the number of needle drop points on the shorter contour line and their spacing will be appropriate values to equalize the thread density, and the stitches of the entire block will always be the same. The thread density becomes uniform.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. First, the overall mechanical configuration is shown in Figure 7.
The explanation will be based on. A sewing machine arm 13 having a sewing machine bed 12 is provided on the sewing machine table 11. A needle bar 14 is provided on the head of the sewing machine arm 13 so as to be movable up and down, and a sewing needle 15 is fixed to the lower end of the needle bar 14. This needle bar 14 is caused to reciprocate up and down by a sewing machine motor 16 (see FIG. 8) provided within the sewing machine arm 13.

On the other hand, a needle plate 17 having a needle hole (not shown) directly below the sewing needle 15 is attached to the sewing machine bed 12.
A circular embroidery frame 18 is arranged above it. This embroidery frame 18 is supported by sandwiching a cloth (not shown) between an annular outer frame 18a and an inner frame 18b, and is moved in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) by an X-Y moving device 19. Front-back direction (Y
It is movable in the axial direction).

This X-Y moving device 19 includes an X-axis feed screw 21 that is rotationally driven by an X-axis feed motor 20, and the slide base 22 is moved parallel to the left-right direction (X-axis direction) by this will be moved. A pair of Y-axis guide pipes 23, 23 extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) are fixed to this slide base 22, and a pair of Y-axis guide pipes 23, 23 formed on the outer frame 18a of the embroidery frame 18 are attached to both Y-axis guide pipes 23, 23. A support portion 24 is slidably supported.

Further, a Y-axis feed spindle 25 is provided parallel to the X-axis feed screw 21, and this Y-axis feed spindle 2
5 is rotationally driven by a Y-axis feed motor 26. This Y-axis feed spindle 25 has the slide base 22
A drive pulley 27 rotatably supported by is spline-fitted to the drive pulley 27 . This drive pulley 27 and a driven pulley 2 supported by a support 30 on the front end side of the Y-axis guide pipe 23
A wire belt 29 is stretched between the embroidery frame 18 and the embroidery frame 18, and a support portion 24 of the embroidery frame 18 is connected to the wire belt 29. As a result, the rotation of the Y-axis feed spindle 25 by the Y-axis feed motor 26 is transmitted to the wire belt 29 via the drive pulley 27, and the embroidery frame 18 is translated in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). ing.

The embroidery sewing machine configured as described above is controlled by a control device 32. As shown in FIG. 8, this control device 32 includes a CPU 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35,
The embroidery machine is mainly composed of a microcomputer, which is formed by interconnecting various embroidery machines through a bus 36, and not only controls various embroidery operations, but also functions as a needle drop data creation device, which will be described later. A keyboard 38 and an external storage device 39 are connected to an input interface 37 built into the control device 32 . The keyboard 38 is provided with various keys for inputting various data such as embroidery patterns, pattern formation intervals, and stitch density.

On the other hand, the output interface 40 of the control device 32 includes motor drive circuits 41, 42, 43 for driving each motor 16, 20, 26, and a display device 4 such as a CRT.
A display drive circuit 45 for driving 4 is connected. This display device 44 displays the embroidery pattern on the screen based on the pattern data. In addition, in the RAM 35 of the control device 32,
As shown in FIG. 9, a counter area, an outline memory area, a block pattern data memory area, a thread density memory area, a drop point memory area, etc. are provided together with the working area.

The ROM 34 also contains programs for controlling various operations of embroidery stitching, as well as programs shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, which will be described later.
A program for creating needle drop data shown in is also stored. According to this program, the control device 32 controls a pair of opposing contour line segments 1-3, 2- of each block of the embroidery pattern.
4, and when the difference in length calculated by the calculation means exceeds a predetermined range, the number of folding lines R1, R2 is determined according to the length difference (Fig. 1
(reference)) is arranged at a predetermined pitch between the pair of contour line segments 1-3 and 2-4;
Each of the folding lines R1, R2...
It functions as a needle drop data creation means that sets a middle drop point Q for each R2... and creates needle drop data so that the stitch is folded back from the middle drop point Q to the needle drop point P on the contour line segment 1-3. It looks like this.

On the other hand, the external storage device 39 stores outline data of an embroidery pattern, which is the basis for creating needle drop data. If the embroidery is a circle, this outline data includes the coordinates of three points on the circumference and data indicating that it is a circle,
In the case of a circular ring, it includes the coordinates of three points on the outer circumference, the coordinates of one point on the inner circumference, and data indicating that it is a circular ring. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the case of a rectangular or triangular pattern, data indicating that the starting point, end point, and line element of each of the plurality of contour line segments that define the contour are straight lines is provided. , and data on the embroidery progress direction (arrow direction in FIGS. 10 and 11).

General embroidery stitching without a center point Q, which will be described later, is performed by alternately connecting a pair of opposing contour line segments 1-3 and 2-4, as shown in FIG. 10(b). 7 in a zigzag shape at equal pitches. As shown in Figure 10, if the embroidery pattern is a square such as a trapezoid,
Numbers 1 to 4 are assigned to the four vertices, and the embroidery progress direction (arrow direction) is designated by the arrangement of the numbers. The numbering method for each vertex is such that the starting point of the contour segment where the needle drop point is located is numbered 1 or 2, and the ending point is numbered 3 or 4. , 2-4 is the "principal edge"
It is called. In addition, as shown in Figure 11, in the case of a triangular pattern, there is only one main side represented by a line, but two numbers are attached to one vertex opposite to the main side. As a result, it is treated in the same way as a case where one main side of a rectangular pattern is extremely short.

Furthermore, in the case of a fan-shaped pattern, each vertex is numbered 1 to 4 to specify the direction of embroidery progress, as described above, but in this case, the main side is an arc. Data indicating that is created is created. Here, the term "fan shape" refers to a figure defined by four outline segments, as well as a shape defined by one triangle.
Also included are figures whose sides are circular arcs (figures defined by three outline segments).

These rectangles, triangles, and fan shapes are one basic block in creating embroidery patterns, and the above-mentioned pattern data is created independently, but embroidery patterns of other shapes (for example, alphabets, letters, (symbols, other general designs), the pattern may be rectangular, triangular,
It is divided into fan-shaped unit blocks, etc., and pattern data (hereinafter referred to as "block pattern data") is created for each block, and the number of blocks is also stored as data. still,
The present applicant has applied for several methods of automatically blocking patterns, but in this embodiment, for example,
The processing method described in detail in the specification of No. 266546 may be used. According to this method, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the blocks are divided so that the direction of embroidery progress (direction of the arrow) in each divided block approaches the direction of the center line of each block, so that the direction of the stitches matches the shape of the embroidery pattern.

The outline data of the embroidery pattern described above is created by the worker using a digitizer (not shown);
The design of the embroidery pattern may be read using the embroidery pattern, and the outline data may be automatically created from the image information.

Next, the procedure for creating needle drop data by the control device 32 will be explained. When the operator specifies the process of "creating needle drop data" by operating the keyboard 38, C
The PU 33 creates needle drop data in the following manner according to the needle drop data creation programs shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 written in the ROM 34.

First, the outline data of the embroidery pattern stored in the external storage device 39 is read out (step M1). Then, the outline of the pattern that has been read out is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in (Step M2), the image is divided into rectangular, triangular, or fan-shaped blocks. This blocking method is
The applicant has previously filed an application, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 1-26
The processing method of No. 6546 may be used. According to this method, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the blocks are divided so that the embroidery progress direction (arrow direction) in each divided block approaches the center line direction of each block, and the direction of the seam is aligned with the embroidery pattern. It matches the shape of .

[0024] Then, four (3) pieces of each divided block are
Numbers 1 to 4 are assigned to the vertices of the vertices of
-3, 2-4 is specified as a straight line or a circular arc (curve). In this way, block pattern data is created for each block, and the number of blocks is also stored in the RAM as data.
35. In this case, the starting point of the embroidery stitch of each block is set to 1 or 2, and the ending point is set to 3 or 4, but 1
or 2 as the starting point, and which of 3 and 4 as the ending point is selected depending on how each block is continuous so that the embroidery stitches are smoothly connected.

After block formation (creation of block pattern data) is performed in this manner, the subroutine of FIGS. 5 and 6 for calculating needle drop data is executed as follows (step M3). First, the number of divided blocks is checked from the data stored in the RAM 35, and the number of blocks is assigned to the variable N (step S1). Then, a counter C for counting the number of blocks is cleared to 1 (step S2).

After that, the coordinates of the vertices 1 to 4 of the Cth block (C=1 to N) are loaded into the RAM 35 (step S3), and based on the coordinates of the vertices, the main sides 1 to 3 and the main sides are The length of 2-4 is determined to find out which main side is longer (step S4), and the longer one is set as the outer main side and the shorter one is set as the inner main side (steps S5, S6). And RAM35
Stitch S stored together with block pattern data
The main sides 1-3 and 2-4 are divided into equal intervals based on the thread density data (step S7). The manner of this division is shown with scales in Figures 1 to 3, where one scale corresponds to the distance traveled in the embroidery direction for one standard stitch.
Normally, the interval between needle drop points P on main sides 1-3 and 2-4 is 2
It is a scale. The length of one scale becomes shorter as the thread density of the designated stitch S becomes finer.

After dividing the main sides 1-3 and 2-4, main side 1
The number of needle drop points P and T (number of needle drops) on -3 and 2-4 is calculated (step S8). Normally, the interval between needle drop points P on main sides 1-3 and 2-4 is two scales, so the number of needle drops is calculated by multiplying the number of marks on each main side 1-3 and 2-4 by 2. However, if the number of scale marks is an odd number like the inner main side 2-4 in Figure 1, or it includes a fraction below the decimal point like the inner main side 2-4 in Figures 2 and 3. In this case, divide the scale number by 2 and round off the decimal point (0.2
5 or more) or rounded to the nearest integer. The reason why the number of needle drops is set as an integer is that the starting point of the block is number 1 and the ending point is number 3. Therefore, if the starting point and ending point are set on different main sides, the number of needle drops will be determined to be 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, etc. This sets the number of needle drops at the start point and end point to 0.
5, and if the start point and end point are on the same main side, the number of needle drops is counted as 1 by combining the start point and end point (needle drop points P and T other than the start point and end point are the number of needle drops per point) is counted as 1).

Using this calculation method, the figure in FIG.
If the starting point is No. 1 and the ending point is No. 3, the number of needle drops on the outer main side 1-3 is 6 (the number of graduations is 12), and the number of needle drops on the inner main side 2-4 is 2 (the number of graduations is 3). becomes. Similarly, in Figures 2 and 3, if the starting point is number 1 and the ending point is number 3, the figure in Figure 2 is
The number of needle drops on the outer main side 1-3 is 4 (the number of scale marks is 7), the number of needle drops on the inner main side 2-4 is 2 (the number of scale marks is 2.5), and the figure in Fig. 3 is The number of needle drops on side 1-3 is 4 (the number of scale marks is 7.8), and the number of needle drops on inner main side 2-4 is 2 (
The number of scale marks is 2.5).

After calculating the number of needle drops in this way, the difference in length between the main sides 1-3 and 2-4 is calculated using the number of graduations (
Step S9). After that, it is determined whether the difference in length exceeds a predetermined range, for example, two scales (step S10), and if NO, that is, the difference in length is less than or equal to two scales, Since both main sides 1-3 and 2-4 have the same length, as shown in Fig. 10(b), without setting a folding line between both main sides 1-3 and 2-4. , both principal sides 1−
3. Set only the needle drop points P and T on 2-4 to determine the stitch order, and use it as needle drop data (step S
12).

On the other hand, if YES in step S10, that is, the difference in length between the main sides 1-3 and 2-4 exceeds two scales, the process moves to step S11, and the main sides 1-3 and 2-4 are 3,2
-4 fold lines R1, R2... (see FIG. 1) are determined as follows. First, the folding line R1 is shortened by, for example, two scales (one needle drop) with respect to the longer main side (the outer main sides 1-3 in the figures of FIGS. 1 to 3).
seek. Next, a folding line R2 that is shorter by two scales is determined from the folding line R1. Thereafter, folding lines R3 and R4 are similarly shortened by two scales.
Find the length of the folding line and the shorter main side (Fig. 1
In each of the figures shown in FIGS. 3 to 3, the folding line calculation is repeated until the difference in length between the inner main sides 2-4) becomes 2 scales or less.

A specific method of calculating the folding lines R1, R2, . . . will be explained using general figures shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as an example. In the figure in Figure 2, the number of scale marks on the outer main sides 1-3 is 7, and the number of scale marks on the inner main sides 2-4 is 2.5, so the folding line that becomes shorter by 2 scales is 5 scales. There are two, R1 and R2 for 3 scales. Therefore, both main sides 1-3,
To draw two return lines, R1 for 5 scales and R2 for 3 scales, between 2 and 4, use the ratio (2:2:0.5 ratio) according to the difference between the adjacent line segments. Subside 1-2
, 3-4, the line connecting the dividing points a and c is the folding line R1, and the line connecting the dividing points b and d is the folding line R2.
It's fine if you do this.

In addition, in the figure shown in FIG. 3, the number of scale marks on the outer main sides 1-3 is 7.8 (in this case, the number of stitches after the decimal point is, for example, "8") so that the thread does not show through. ), and the number of scale marks on the inner main side 2-4 is 2.5, so
The folding line that becomes shorter by 2 scales is R1 of 6 scales.
There are two: and R2 for 4 scales. Therefore, in order to draw two folding lines, R1 for 6 scales and R2 for 4 scales, between both main sides 1-3 and 2-4, the ratio (1. 8:2:1.5 ratio)
The sub-sides 1-2 and 3-4 may be divided at , and the line connecting dividing points a and c may be set as a folding line R1, and the line connecting dividing points b and d may be set as a folding line R2.

In this way, the folding lines R1, R2...
After calculating, needle drop data (stitch order) is calculated as follows (step S12). In order to facilitate understanding of this calculation method, the figure in FIG. 1 will be explained as an example.

(1) First, find the total number of needle drops on the folding lines R1 to R4 and the inside main side 2-4, excluding the outside main side 1-3 (hereinafter, for convenience, the inside main side 2-4 will be referred to as a symbol). (denoted by "L" and outer major sides 1-3 by symbol "U"). In the figure of FIG. 1, the total number of needle drops on each line segment R1 to R4 and L excluding the outer main side U is six.

(2) Write out symbols for each line segment according to the total number of needle drops. To start writing this symbol, in the figure of Figure 1,
There are six symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, L, and L, and the same number of symbols as the total number of needle drops are written out. In this case, the reason why I wrote two L's that mean the inside main side is because there are two needle drop points T on the inside main side L. Therefore, the needle drop point T is on the inside main side L. If there are three or more T's, write the same number of L's in succession.

(3) Select one arbitrary symbol from among the written symbols and set the first mid-point point Q (or needle point T) on that line segment. In the example of FIG. 1, for example, R
2 has been selected.

(4) Each line segment R1 to R excluding the outer main side U
4. Find the total number of L. In the figure of FIG. 1, this total number is five, R1, R2, R3, R4, and L.

(5) Calculate a value (an integer) by dividing the total number of the above-mentioned line segments R1 to R4 and L by an appropriate value (for example, 2) and rounding the result. This value is 3 in the figure of FIG.

(6) The line segment selected next to R2 selected in the above (3) is the inner main side U, which is the "3rd" line segment counting from this R2 and is the calculated value in the above (5). A needle drop point T is set on this inner main side L. In this case, the counting order is R1 → R2 → R3 → R4 →
It is counted cyclically in the order of L, therefore, L
The next step is R1 → R2, and so on.

(7) In the same manner, the "3" line segment is sequentially selected and the center drop point Q (or needle drop point T) is set on that line segment. In this case, each folding line R1 to R
For each of 4, there is one center drop point Q and two needle drop points T on the inside main side L, so if the selection of line segments exceeds the number of needle drops, the next A line segment with less than the number of needle drops is selected, and a middle drop point Q (or needle drop point T) is set on that line segment. By the way, in the example in Figure 1, the selection of the last line segment overlaps with R2, so select the next inner main side L, which is a line segment that does not have the number of needle drops, and select 2 on this inner main side L. Set the second needle drop point T.

In the example of FIG. 1, the needle drop data (stitch order) created in this way is
Starting point is vertex 1 → R2 → U → L → U → R3
The embroidery is sewn in such a way that the stitches S are alternately folded back in the order of →U→R1 →U→R4 →U→L→vertex number 3. As a result, 10 stitches S cross the folding line R1, which has a length of 10 scales, and 8 stitches S cross the folding line R2, which has a length of 8 scales.
In the folding line R3 having a length of 6 scales, six stitches S cross, and in the folding line R3 having a length of 4 scales,
Four stitches S now cross each other, and each folding line R1 to R4 has a thread density of one stitch S per division, and each folding line R1 to R4
The thread density on the inside and outside is almost the same.

Once one block of needle drop data has been created in the above manner, the counter C is incremented by one (step S13), and the process returns to step S3 (step S14). , and repeats creating needle drop data for the next block. As a result, when needle drop data has been created for all blocks,
In step S13, the counter C becomes N+1 (N is the number of blocks), and in step S14, it is determined that it is correct (YES), the needle drop data calculation routine is ended, and the process returns to the main program.

According to the above embodiment, the main sides 1-3, 2-4
When the difference in length exceeds a predetermined range (for example, two scales), the number of return lines R1,
After creating data for arranging R2... at a predetermined pitch between both main sides 1-3, 2-4, each folding line R1, R2...
Since the center drop point Q is set for each folding line R1, R2... so that the thread density of the inner and outer seams S is almost the same, the lengths of the main sides 1-3, 2-4 The number of folding lines R1, R2, . Therefore, unlike in the past, the positions of the center drop points Q do not stand out as a single line, and the appearance of the embroidery stitches improves.

Moreover, the number of needle drop points T on the shorter main side 2-4 is also the same as the number of folding lines R1, R2, etc. corresponding to the difference in length between the two main sides 1-3, 2-4. Therefore, no matter how large the difference in length between the two main sides 1-3 and 2-4 becomes, the number of needle drop points T on the shorter main side 2-4 will change accordingly. The spacing is an appropriate value to make the thread density uniform, and the thread density of the seams S of the entire block can always be made uniform, and from this point of view as well, the appearance of the embroidery pattern can be improved.

In this embodiment, the order of stitches is determined in step S12 by calculation based on a certain rule, but instead of this, for example, the order of stitches may be determined entirely at random. Alternatively, a number of representative stitch patterns may be stored in the ROM 34 in advance according to the length ratio of the main sides and the number of folded lines, and the order of stitches may be determined according to the stitch patterns. good. Furthermore, when the total number of folded stitches on the fold line reaches a certain value, a method may be adopted in which normal stitches are used next.

[0046] Furthermore, if a plurality of blocks are consecutive, the outer main side (
When the long main side) and the inner main side (short main side) switch in the middle, from the 3rd to the 4th apex of the block (
Alternatively, if one stitch is provided (from No. 4 to No. 3), and the starting point and ending point of the next block are No. 2 and No. 4, respectively, the needle drop data creation method of this embodiment can be applied as is. Of course, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied even if the positions of the starting point and ending point are devised by other methods.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, both main sides 1-3, 2-
Corresponding to the “difference” in length of 4, folding lines R1 and R2
I have decided on the number of..., but the length of both main sides 1-3, 2-4 is ``
Alternatively, the number of folding lines corresponding to the "ratio" may be determined by calculating the "ratio". Furthermore, each folding line R1
, R2 . . . is not limited to two scales.

Further, in this embodiment, in step M1, the outline data of the embroidery pattern stored in the external storage device 39 is read out, but the outline data taken in using an image scanner or digitizer cannot be controlled. device 32
The outline data may be stored in the RAM 35 and read out from the RAM 35.

Although this embodiment has been explained using the rectangular blocks shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as an example, it can be similarly applied to triangular blocks, and even if it is a curved block such as a sector, the principal sides or The present invention can be similarly applied just by making the folding line a curved line.

In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention, such as being applicable to either satin stitch or tatami stitch.

[0051]

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, the present invention creates data in which folding lines of the number corresponding to the length ratio (difference) of the contour lines are arranged at a predetermined pitch between both contour lines. After that, I set the middle drop point for each fold line so that the thread density of the inner and outer seams of each fold line is almost the same, so the thread density is almost the same at the middle drop point position. They are appropriately dispersed, so that the positions of the center drop points do not appear to be continuous in a single line as in the conventional case.

Moreover, the number of needle drop points on the shorter contour line segment also increases or decreases depending on the number of folding lines corresponding to the ratio (difference) of the lengths of the contour line segments, so the length of the contour line segment ratio (difference)
No matter how large the number of needle drop points becomes, the number of needle drop points on the shorter contour line and their spacing will be appropriate values to make the thread density uniform, and the thread density of the stitches of the entire block will always be the same. This makes it possible to make the embroidery pattern uniform, and in conjunction with the above-mentioned circumstances, it is possible to improve the appearance of the embroidery pattern.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

[Fig. 1] A diagram showing the outline and actual seams of a block pattern showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] Diagram explaining how to calculate folding lines for a general rectangular block

[Figure 3] Diagram explaining how to calculate folding lines for other rectangular blocks

[Figure 4] Flowchart showing the main routine for creating needle drop data

[Figure 5] Flowchart showing the needle drop data calculation routine (Part 1)

[Figure 6] Flowchart showing the needle drop data calculation routine (Part 2)

[Figure 7] Perspective view of the entire embroidery sewing machine and its control device

[Figure 8
]Block diagram showing electrical configuration

[Fig. 9] A diagram conceptually showing the memory area of the RAM of the control device.

[Figure 10] Diagram explaining how to sew when there is no middle drop point (folding line)

[Figure 11] Diagram explaining how to number vertices in a triangular pattern

[Figure 12] Diagram showing a state in which a general pattern is divided into blocks

[Figure 13] Diagram showing conventional needle drop points

[Fig. 14] Diagram showing needle drop points according to other conventional methods

[Explanation of symbols]

15 is a sewing needle, 18 is an embroidery frame, 20 is an X-axis feed motor, 2
6 is a Y-axis feed motor, 32 is a control device (calculating means, return line creating means, needle drop data creating means), 39 is an external storage device, P and T are needle drop points, Q is a middle drop point, R1 -
R4 is the folding line, L is the inner main side (contour line segment 2-4),
U indicates the outer main side (contour line segment 1-3).

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Opposing blocks of each block of an embroidery pattern
In creating needle drop data for an embroidery sewing machine that performs embroidery sewing that connects sets of outline segments alternately with seam lines, the length of a set of opposing outline segments of each block of the embroidery pattern is calculated. a calculation means for calculating a ratio or difference, and when the ratio or difference in length calculated by this calculation means exceeds a predetermined range, a number of folding lines corresponding to the ratio or difference in length is set in the one set; A folding line creating means for creating data arranged at a predetermined pitch between the contour lines, and a middle dropping point is set for each folding line so that the thread density of the inner and outer seams of each folding line is approximately the same. , a needle drop data creating device for an embroidery sewing machine, comprising: needle drop data creating means for creating needle drop data such that a stitch is folded back from the middle drop point to the needle drop point on the outline segment.