JPH04314489A - Embroidery data creation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make an embroidering region without overlapping regions and automatically originate desired embroidery data by dividing an embroidering region having overlapping regions into the plural number of times. CONSTITUTION:Embroidering region visible outline data representing the visible outlines of one whole embroidering region to be filled with stitches by an embroidery sewing machine having overlapping regions partially overlapping in at least one place are read from a storage means, and the visible outlines are sorted into outer frame region visible outlines representing outer frame regions, overlapping region visible outlines representing the overlapping regions of embroidering regions and hollow region visible outlines representing hollow regions being no embroidering regions. Then, these regions are divided into partial embroidering regions without overlapping regions (step S204). After that, embroidery data necessary for filling the whole embroidering region with stitches are originated on the basis of data representing the visible outlines of respective partial embroidering regions.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery data creation device for a sewing machine.

0002

[Prior Art] The present applicant has previously developed an embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data necessary to fill the entire embroidery sewing area with sewing machine stitches based on the overall embroidery sewing area outline data of the entire embroidery sewing area. Developed and patent application Hei 1-266
It was described in the specification of No. 546 as an example.

However, in this device, when the entire embroidery area has an overlapping area between a part of it and another part as shown in FIG. 13(A), the shape of the entire embroidery area is There is a problem that proper embroidery data may not be created due to the relationship between This book describes two embodiments of the invention.

[0004] The first embodiment, as shown in (A) of the same figure, finds a plurality of intersections (indicated by black rectangles in the figure) of the entire embroidery area outline itself of the entire embroidery area, and
Select two vertices (hereinafter referred to as neighboring vertices, indicated by black circles in the figure) adjacent to each of these intersection points on the outline of the overall embroidery sewing area, such as vertices 12 and 17, and select one as the division candidate principal point and the other as the division candidate principal point. Candidate subpoint. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the two partial embroidery sewing areas divided by the candidate dividing line connecting them do not have any intersection,
If there is no such candidate dividing line, it is determined that the candidate dividing line is an appropriate dividing line, and the entire embroidery sewing area is divided by that candidate dividing line (() in the same figure).
The partial embroidery sewing area is divided into two partial embroidery sewing areas shown in B), and each partial embroidery sewing area is sewn according to the method described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 1-266546, based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data of each partial embroidery sewing area. Create the embroidery data necessary to fill the sewing area with stitches.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14A, one of a plurality of intersection points is selected and the outline of the entire embroidery sewing area is determined from the selected intersection (indicated by a black rectangle in the figure). Find a selected intersection that, when a line is traced clockwise or counterclockwise, reaches the same selected intersection without passing through any intersections other than the selected intersection, and that exists on such a closed path (segment sequence) and The vertex 21 that is most likely to be farthest from the selected intersection is set as the division candidate principal point, and a line segment connecting the selected intersection and the division candidate principal point 21 is extended in the direction from the selected intersection toward the division principal point 21. Intersection between the extension line and the overall embroidery area outline (indicated by a black triangle in the figure)
of the two vertices 8 and 9 defining both ends of the side to which the intersection belongs, the vertex 8 closest to the intersection is determined as a division candidate subpoint. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the two partial embroidery sewing areas divided by the candidate dividing line connecting the division candidate principal point 21 and the division candidate subpoint 8 do not have an intersection, and if so, the candidate division The line is determined to be an appropriate dividing line, and the entire embroidery sewing area is divided by that candidate dividing line, as shown in (B) in the same figure.
The embroidery area is divided into two partial embroidery areas as shown in FIG.

[0006]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, all of these embodiments are effective when the overall embroidery sewing area has only one overlapping area, but when there are multiple overlapping areas, it is difficult to create appropriate embroidery data. The problem was that I couldn't do it. The existence of this problem will be specifically explained below.

For example, regarding the entire embroidery area as shown in FIG. 15(A), the first embodiment originally
For example, the candidate dividing line connecting vertices 5 and 34 should be determined to be an appropriate dividing line, and in the second embodiment, the candidate dividing line connecting vertices 6 and 33, for example, should be determined to be an appropriate dividing line. It should be determined that it is a dividing line. However, all of these embodiments use the premise that there is only one overlapping area in the entire embroidery area, and two partial embroidery areas ((B) in the same figure) are divided by each candidate dividing line.
) shows two partial embroidery sewing areas generated by division in the first embodiment, and (C) of the same figure shows two partial embroidery sewing areas generated by division in the second embodiment. It is determined that the candidate dividing line is an appropriate dividing line only when all of the partial embroidery sewing areas (shown in FIG. 1) have no overlapping area. In other words, it is essential that the entire embroidery area is divided by a single dividing line (by one-time division) into two partial embroidery areas that have no overlapping areas. Therefore, for the entire embroidery sewing area that has multiple overlapping areas as shown in (A) of the same figure, there is a problem in that it is not possible to find appropriate dividing lines, and as a result, it is not possible to create appropriate embroidery data. There it was.

As a solution to this problem, the present applicant proposed the first embodiment and the second embodiment so that the number of intersections between the two partial embroidery sewing areas divided by the candidate dividing line is We proposed an improvement to the system that determines whether the number of lines has decreased further, and if so, determines that the candidate dividing line is an appropriate dividing line. It is true that if this proposal is adopted, an appropriate dividing line can be found and appropriate embroidery data can be created, but this is not always the case, and there may be cases where it is not possible to obtain an appropriate dividing line or create appropriate embroidery data. There is also.

For example, regarding (A) in FIG. 16, when the first embodiment adopting the above proposal is operated, the vertex 17 is set as the division candidate principal point, and the vertex 25 is set as the division candidate subpoint. The entire embroidery sewing area is shown in (B) of the same figure.
It is divided into two partial embroidery sewing areas, and the number of intersections in these areas is 3, which is less than the number before division, which is 4. Therefore, the candidate dividing line connecting vertices 17 and 25 is an appropriate dividing line. If it is determined that there is a partial embroidery sewing area on the right in FIG. It is divided into two partial embroidery areas shown in (C). None of these partial embroidery areas have an overlapping area, and as a result, the entire embroidery area is divided into three partial embroidery areas. However, since these partial embroidery areas are clearly not properly divided from the entire embroidery area shown in FIG.

Furthermore, when the second embodiment is activated for the entire embroidery sewing area as shown in FIG. Since it is not possible to find an intersection point that, when traced in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, leads to itself without passing through other intersections, it is not possible to even find a candidate dividing line.

In short, it is not always possible to create appropriate embroidery data no matter which embodiment is used, and the inventions of claims 1, 2, and 3 all require the overlapping area of the entire embroidery area to be created. The object of this invention is to provide an embroidery data creation device that can create appropriate embroidery data regardless of whether the number of embroidery data is one or more.

0012

[Means for Solving the Problem] In order to solve this problem, the invention of claim 1 provides a method for providing an entire body which has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part, and which is to be filled with seams of a sewing machine. Based on the overall embroidery area outline data that defines the overall embroidery area outline, which is a closed outline of the embroidery area, the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas each having no overlapping areas; Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the partial embroidery sewing area outline, which is the closed outline of each partial embroidery sewing area, the embroidery data necessary to fill each partial embroidery sewing area with stitches is created. The embroidery data creation device generates a reduced overall embroidery area in which a plurality of lines extending from one point on the overall embroidery area outline line to another point are respectively set at positions inside the overall embroidery area outline line and parallel to it. Outline and 2
The gist is that the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line determined to intersect only at two locations by determining whether or not they intersect at only two locations.

[0013] The invention of claim 2 provides an overall embroidery stitch which has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part and is a closed outline of one overall embroidery stitch area to be filled with stitches of a sewing machine. Based on the overall embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the area outline, dividing the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas each having no overlapping area,
Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the partial embroidery sewing area outline, which is the closed outline of each partial embroidery sewing area, the embroidery data necessary to fill each partial embroidery sewing area with stitches is created. Embroidery data creation device,
At least one line extending from one intersection point of the overall embroidery sewing area outline line and reaching another intersection point is set at a position inside the overall embroidery sewing area outline line and parallel to it, at two points with the reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline line. Determine whether or not they intersect using only
The gist is that the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect at only two locations.

[0014] The invention of claim 3 provides an overall embroidery stitch which has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part and is a closed outline of one overall embroidery stitch area to be filled with stitches of a sewing machine. Based on the overall embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the area outline, dividing the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas each having no overlapping area,
Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the partial embroidery sewing area outline, which is the closed outline of each partial embroidery sewing area, the embroidery data necessary to fill each partial embroidery sewing area with stitches is created. Embroidery data creation device,
The overall embroidery sewing area outline is defined by a plurality of intersections of the overall embroidery sewing area outline itself, and the outer frame area outline is defined by a plurality of closed outline lines having no intersections and defining the outer frame area of the entire embroidery sewing area. The entire embroidery sewing area outline itself is divided into two parts, each consisting of a hollow area outline that defines the hollow area and an overlapping area outline that defines the overlapping area, and where the hollow area outline and the overlapping area outline touch each other. At least one line extending from one intersection point to a point on the overlapping area outline that coincides with another intersection of the overall embroidery sewing area outline is set at a position inside the overall embroidery sewing area outline and parallel to it. The entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect with the reduced overall embroidery area outline at only two places. The main point is that

[0015] In all of these inventions, embroidery data refers not only to the data necessary to form the original seam that can be recognized by the naked eye, but also to the data required to form the original seam. It may also refer to the data necessary to form an underlay seam in order to give an appropriate bulge (three-dimensional effect) to the original seam.

[0016]

[Function] The dividing line suitable for dividing the entire embroidery area into multiple partial embroidery areas that do not have overlapping areas is the direction of the curve when the entire embroidery area is approximated by a single curve. This is at least one line extending in a direction perpendicular to (the direction in which the embroidery area extends) (the width direction of the entire embroidery area). This line extends from one point of the overall embroidery sewing area outline line to another point, and is also a reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline line that is set at a position inside the overall embroidery sewing area outline line and parallel to it. It can be obtained as a line that intersects in only two places.

Therefore, in the embroidery data creation device according to the invention of claim 1, a plurality of lines extending from one point on the overall embroidery sewing area outline and reaching other points are connected to the reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline at two places. It is determined whether the lines intersect at only two locations, and the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect at only two locations.

As a dividing line for dividing the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of appropriate partial embroidery sewing areas, one of the plurality of lines extending in the width direction of the entire embroidery sewing area is a line extending from one intersection point of the overall embroidery sewing area outer line itself. can select at least one line that leads to another intersection point.

Therefore, in the embroidery data creation device according to the second aspect of the invention, at least one line extending from one intersection point of the overall embroidery area outline line to another intersection point is the reduced overall embroidery area outline line. It is determined whether or not the lines intersect at only two locations, and the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect at only two locations.

A dividing line that divides the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of appropriate partial embroidery sewing areas extends in the width direction of the entire embroidery sewing area, and extends from one intersection point of the overall embroidery sewing area outer line itself to another line. Among the multiple lines that reach the intersection, one of the intersection points of the overall embroidery sewing area outline line, the hollowing area outline line that defines the hollowing area of the entire embroidery sewing area, and the overlapping area outline defining the overlapping area are mutually connected. It is also possible to select at least one line in which one intersection point and the other intersection of the contacting overall embroidery sewing area outline line coincide with another intersection point of the entire embroidery sewing area outline itself on the overlapping area outline line. .

Therefore, in the embroidery data creation device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the entire embroidery sewing area outline is formed into a plurality of closed outlines having no intersections, by the plurality of intersections of the entire embroidery sewing area outline itself. The outline of the entire embroidery sewing area is divided into two parts: an outline of the outer frame area defining the outer frame area of the entire embroidery sewing area, an outline of the hollow area, and an outline of the overlapping area. At least one line extending from one intersection point of the contacting overall embroidery sewing area outline and reaching a point on the overlapping area outline that coincides with another intersection of the entire embroidery sewing area outline itself is reduced. It is determined whether or not the lines intersect at only two places, and the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect at only two places.

[0022]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, 2 or 3, the entire embroidery sewing area can be properly adjusted regardless of whether the entire embroidery sewing area has one or more overlapping areas. Since proper embroidery data can be created by dividing the embroidery data into a plurality of partial embroidery areas, it is possible to improve the versatility of the embroidery data creation device.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment common to the inventions of claims 1, 2 and 3 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an automatic sewing machine that performs embroidery based on embroidery data created by the embroidery data creation device of the above embodiment. A sewing machine arm 12 is arranged on a table 10, and a needle bar support case 14 is attached to the front end of the sewing machine arm 12 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The needle bar support case 14 supports five needle bars 16 so as to be movable up and down.
A needle 18 is attached to the lower end of each rod 16. Different types of thread are supplied to each needle 18 from a thread supply source (not shown) via a thread tension regulator 20 and thread take-up 22 on the needle bar support case 14. The needle bar support case 14 is driven and moved by a needle selection motor 24 attached to the sewing machine arm 12, and positions one of the five needle bars 16 and needles 18 at a use position.

The needle bar 16 positioned at the use position is connected to a sewing machine motor 26 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown) and is moved up and down. A sewing machine bed 28 is protruded from the sewing machine table 10 at a position opposite to the needle bar 16 in the use position, and a thread ring catcher is provided on the sewing machine bed 28 to form a stitch on the workpiece cloth W in cooperation with the needle 18. A container (not shown) is provided.

There are two Y on both sides of the sewing machine table 10.
A directional movement frame 30 (only one shown in the figure) is provided so as to be movable in the direction of arrow Y, and can be moved by an arbitrary distance in both forward and reverse directions by a Y-axis drive motor (not shown). A support frame 32 is stretched between both Y-direction moving frames 30, and an X-direction moving frame 34 is supported by the support frame 32 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow X, and is driven by an X-axis drive motor (not shown). It can be moved any distance in both forward and reverse directions. A work cloth holding frame 36 that removably holds the work cloth W is attached to the X direction moving frame 34, and the work cloth holding frame 36 can be moved to any position on the XY plane. . Above, the Y direction moving frame 30, the X axis drive motor, the
The directional movement frame 34, the X-axis drive motor, the work cloth holding frame 36, and the like constitute a work cloth feeding device 38.

The control section 39 of this automatic sewing machine is shown in FIG. This control unit 39 includes a CPU 40, a ROM 42, and a RAM 44.
It is mainly a computer equipped with a CPU.
40 has an input/output port 46 and drive circuits 48, 50, 52.
The needle selection motor 24, the sewing machine motor 26, and the workpiece cloth feeding device 38 are connected through the needle selection motor 24, the sewing machine motor 26, and the workpiece cloth feeding device 38. An external storage device 54 for recording data on a magnetic disk, magnetic tape, etc. is further connected to the CPU 40, and an input device 58 is connected to the CPU 40 via an input control circuit 56.
Display devices 62 are connected to each other via 0. The input device 58 is used by the operator to perform input operations such as creating general embroidery area outline data for the overall embroidery area, instructing the start of embroidery, and selecting an appropriate one from among a plurality of overall embroidery areas. It includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The display device 62 is a means for displaying the overall embroidery area outline data, the created embroidery data, etc. so that the operator can visually see them, and is constructed of a cathode ray tube or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the RAM 44 includes an entire embroidery area outline data area 71 that stores the entire embroidery area outline data, an undivided stack used when dividing the entire embroidery area, and an existing embroidery area. An undivided stack area 72 and a divided stack area 73 that function as divided stacks, an embroidery data area 74 that stores created embroidery data, an outer frame area outline data area 75 that stores outer frame area outline data, and an overlapping area. An overlapping region outline data area 76 for storing outline data, a hollow outline data area 77 for storing hollow region outline data, and the like are provided together with a working area 78. The ROM 42 also contains various programs for controlling the operation of the sewing machine, as well as programs shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8.
An embroidery data creation program represented by a flowchart is stored.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the control section 39 described above includes a total embroidery area outline data storage means 90, an outline dividing means 92, and an embroidery sewing area dividing means 9.
4 and embroidery data creation means 96.

Overall embroidery sewing area outline data storage means 9
0 is for storing the entire embroidery sewing area outline data of the entire embroidery sewing area, and is stored in S of the computer in FIG.
1, a portion constituting the entire embroidery area outline data area 71 of the RAM 44, etc. The outline dividing means 92 divides the entire embroidery sewing area outline into a plurality of closed auxiliary outline lines having no intersections based on the overall embroidery sewing area outline data, and each of these auxiliary outline lines forms the outer frame area outline. 6, S20-24, S25 (=Fig. 7 all steps), RAM
44, an undivided stack area 72, a divided stack area 73, an outer frame area outline data area 75, an overlapping area outline data area 76, a hollowed area outline data area 77, etc. The embroidery sewing area dividing means 94 divides the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas that do not have overlapping areas, and divides the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas having no overlapping area, by dividing the entire embroidery sewing area into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas having an intersection point on any of the outlines of any of the hollow areas and any one of the intersections on any of the outlines of any of the overlapping areas. Among the steps constituting S2 in FIG. 5, S26 in FIG. 6 (=all steps in FIG. 8), S2
It consists of parts that execute 7. The embroidery data creation means 96 is for creating embroidery data necessary for filling each partial embroidery sewing area with sewing machine stitches based on the outline data of each partial embroidery sewing area.
It consists of a part that executes S3 and S4 in FIG. 5, a part that constitutes the embroidery data area 74 of the RAM 44, etc.

Next, the operation of the automatic sewing machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, taking the entire embroidery area shown in FIG. 9 as an example.

In creating the embroidery data, first, in step S1 in FIG. The entire embroidery sewing area outline data of the object is read and stored in the RAM44.
The entire embroidery sewing area outline data area 71 is stored. The overall embroidery area outline data stored in the external storage device 54 is input by the operator from the input device 58. The entire embroidery sewing area outline data is the vertex data of multiple vertices defined by the X, Y coordinates (XY
It is a set of data representing absolute coordinates in the coordinate system, or data representing relative coordinates that are relative positions to the preceding vertices), and is a set of data representing absolute coordinates in the coordinate system, or data representing relative coordinates that are relative positions to the preceding vertex), and is The vertices are stored in the same order (associated with a number representing the order) as the order in which the vertices would be passed if the vertices were followed (even around the vertices). In addition, this time we will use Figure 9.
It is assumed that only the whole embroidery sewing area is selected by the operator, and only the whole embroidery sewing area outline data is stored in the whole embroidery sewing area outline data area 71. This entire embroidery sewing area outline data is the vertex i (i=1~
56) is a set of vertex data.

Next, in S2, the outline dividing means 9
2 and the embroidery sewing area dividing means 94 divides the overall embroidery sewing area outline 501 into a plurality of auxiliary outline lines each having no intersection, and then using these auxiliary outline lines, the entire embroidery sewing area is divided into overlapping areas. The embroidery is divided into multiple partial embroidery sewing areas. This step consists of each step shown in FIG.

First, in S20, all the entire embroidery area outline data stored in the entire embroidery area outline data area 71 is put into an undivided stack. This time, in the end, only the entire embroidery area outline data of the entire embroidery area shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the undivided stack. In S21, it is determined whether or not there is overall embroidery area outline data in the undivided stack. In some cases, in S22, one overall embroidery area outline data (in this case, the entire embroidery area outline data of the entire embroidery area in FIG. 9) is extracted, and based on that, the entire embroidery area outline data is extracted. Whether there are any sides that intersect with each other among the plurality of constituent sides (hereinafter simply referred to as whether or not the outline lines of the entire embroidery sewing area intersect), that is, whether there is an overlapping area in the entire embroidery sewing area. is determined. If the overall embroidery sewing area outlines do not intersect, in S23, the entire embroidery sewing area outline data is put into the divided stack, and the process returns to S21. However, if it is determined in S22 that they intersect, in S24, multiple intersections j
The intersection point data (j=57 to 66) are inserted into the corresponding locations of the entire embroidery area outline data. Each intersection j
However, each intersection point data is added to the overall embroidery area outline data in order to define that it is located between two adjacent intersections or vertices in the overall embroidery area outline 501. Note that hereinafter, when a vertex and an intersection point are not distinguished, they will be referred to as a point k (k=1 to 66).

In S25, based on the overall embroidery sewing area outline data, the overall embroidery sewing area outline 501 overlaps with the outer frame area outline defining the outer frame area and the overlapping area within the entire embroidery sewing area. It is divided into an area outline line and a hollow area outline line that exists inside the outer frame area outline line and defines a hollow area that cannot be filled with seams. This step consists of each step shown in FIG.

First, in S201, the point (vertex 1 in the example of FIG. 9) having the minimum (or maximum) X coordinate (or Y coordinate) is found from a plurality of points k, and is set as the starting point. . In S202, the overall embroidery area outline 501 is traced clockwise (or counterclockwise) from the starting point, and points are sequentially extracted. At this time, it is determined whether the extracted point is a vertex or an intersection, and if it is an intersection, the trace is not followed in the same direction as before, but in the direction that intersects it. Instead of going straight at intersections, you turn right or left. However, it is always traced clockwise, that is, in the direction in which the point number increases. Specifically, they are sequentially extracted from vertex 1, and when they eventually reach point 57, which is an intersection, they turn left and are sequentially extracted from point 22. This extraction is repeated until all points are extracted (however, each vertex is extracted only once, while each intersection point is extracted twice), thereby closing each of the overall embroidery area outlines 501. The outline is divided into multiple auxiliary outline lines. In this embodiment, since the same side is traced only once, the overall embroidery sewing area outline 501 ends up touching other auxiliary outline lines only at intersections, but not at the sides. It will be divided.

As a result, the entire embroidery sewing area outline 501
are the five auxiliary outline lines 502, 503, 5 shown in FIG.
04,505,506. The auxiliary outline line 502 includes vertices 1 to 7, intersection 57, and vertices 22 to 28.
, intersection 58, vertices 10-18, intersection 59, vertices 53-5
6, and the auxiliary outline 503 is defined by the intersection 57,
Vertex 8, 9, Intersection 58, 65, Vertex 49, Intersection 66, 6
2, Vertex 29, 30, Intersection 63, 59, 60, Vertex 45
, 46, the intersection 64, the vertex 38, and the intersection 61, and the auxiliary contour line 504 is defined by the intersections 65, 62, the vertex 37,
The auxiliary outline line 505 is defined by the intersection point 64, the vertices 47 and 48, the auxiliary outline line 505 is defined by the intersection point 66, the vertices 50 to 52, the intersection point 63, and the vertices 31 to 36, and the auxiliary outline line 506 is
Intersection 60, vertices 19-21, intersection 61, vertices 39-44
It is defined by.

In S203, the overall embroidery sewing area outline 501 and the auxiliary outlines 503 to 5 divided by S202 are
06, a reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline 507 (see FIG. 9) and a reduced auxiliary outline 508 are created by moving each of the plurality of sides constituting each outline a certain distance inward in parallel. , 509, 510 and 51
1 is created.

[0039] In S204, each auxiliary outline line 502~
It is determined whether 506 is an outer frame area outline, an overlapping area outline, or a hollow area outline. Specifically, first, the auxiliary outline 5 extracted first in S202
02 is the outer frame area outline line, and the auxiliary outline lines 505, 50
As shown in 6, the auxiliary outline whose reduced auxiliary outlines 510 and 511 are all located outside the reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline 507 is determined to be the hollow area outline, and the other auxiliary outlines It is determined that 503 and 504 are the overlapping area outline lines. After the execution of this step is completed, each auxiliary outline data is stored in the corresponding data areas 75 to 77 in one of S205, S206, and S207 depending on the determination. In S208, it is determined whether or not there is another auxiliary outline, and if there is, the process is performed in S2.
Returning to step 04, the steps following this step are executed for the new auxiliary outline, but if there is no such step, one execution of this routine ends.

After the execution of the routine in FIG. 7 is completed, S2 in FIG.
In step 6, the entire embroidery area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas each having no overlapping area. This step consists of each step shown in FIG.

First, in S301, one hollow area outline, for example, the hollow area outline 506, is extracted from a plurality of hollow area outlines. In S302,
From a plurality of intersections on the hollow area outline 506 (among the plurality of points on the hollow area outline 506, those that coincide with the plurality of intersections of the entire embroidery sewing outline 501 itself), for example, an intersection 61 is extracted and used as the division candidate principal point. In S303, points are extracted from the division candidate principal point 61 by tracing the overlapping region outline 503 to which it belongs counterclockwise, and the intersection 64, which is the first intersection extracted, is determined as the division candidate sub-point.

In S304, the candidate dividing line consisting of at least one side connecting the dividing candidate principal point and the dividing candidate sub-point, that is, the intersection point 61, the vertex 38, and the intersection point 64, is determined in step S304.
It is determined whether the two sides connecting each other (this is one aspect of the "line" in the present invention) are suitable dividing lines for dividing the entire embroidery area into a plurality of partial embroidery areas. Ru. Specifically, it is determined whether there are two intersections between the candidate dividing line and the reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline 507, and if so, it is determined that the intersection is appropriate, and if not, it is determined that it is inappropriate. It will be judged. Since there is only one intersection this time, it is determined that the candidate dividing line this time is not appropriate, and S30
5, points are extracted from the division candidate principal point 61 by tracing the overlapping area outline 503 having the principal point clockwise, contrary to the above case, and the intersection 57, which is the first intersection point to be extracted, becomes a new division candidate subpoint. It is considered as a point. In S306, the same determination as in S304 is made. The current candidate dividing line, that is, the side connecting the intersection point 61 and the intersection point 57 (this is one aspect of the "line" in the present invention), intersects the reduced overall embroidery area outline 507 twice, so the candidate dividing line It is determined that the line is an appropriate dividing line, and in step S309, the entire embroidery area is divided into two partial embroidery areas by the candidate dividing line. The entire embroidery sewing area surrounded by the entire embroidery sewing area outline 501 in FIG. 9 is surrounded by the partial embroidery sewing area surrounded by the partial embroidery sewing area outline 512 and the partial embroidery sewing area outline 513 shown in FIG. 11. It is divided into a partial embroidery area and a partial embroidery area. This completes one execution of this routine.

Note that, unlike the above case, if the current candidate dividing line is determined to be appropriate in S304,
Immediately, in S309, the entire embroidery area is divided into two partial embroidery areas using the candidate dividing line.

If it is determined that the candidate dividing line is not appropriate in both S304 and S306, it is determined in S307 whether or not there are other intersections on the same hollow area outline, and other intersections are determined. If there is an intersection, S30
8, the intersection is set as a new division candidate principal point, and S
Return to 303. However, if it is determined in S307 that there is no other intersection, it is determined in S310 whether there is another outline of the hollow area, and if so, it is determined in S31
1, other hollow area outlines are extracted and S30
Returning to step 2, if there is no overlapping area, it is determined that the current entire embroidery area cannot be divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas that do not have overlapping areas, and one execution of this routine ends.

When the execution of the routine shown in FIG. 8 is completed, the routine shown in FIG.
In S27, the partial embroidery area outline data of the two partial embroidery area outlines 512 and 513 shown in FIG. 11 are put into the undivided stack, and the process returns to S21.

If there is neither the entire embroidery area outline data nor the partial embroidery area outline data in the undivided stack, the determination in S21 becomes YES, and one execution of the routine of FIG. 6 is completed. However, this time, the partial embroidery sewing area outline data of the partial embroidery sewing area outline 512 and the partial embroidery sewing area outline data of the partial embroidery sewing area outline 513 are stored in the undivided stack, so the determination in S21 is made. is NO, and in S22, for example, the partial embroidery sewing area outline data of the partial embroidery sewing area outline 512 is taken out from the undivided stack, and it is determined whether the partial embroidery sewing area outline 512 intersects. As is clear from FIG. 11, since the partial embroidery sewing area outline lines 512 do not intersect, the partial embroidery sewing area outline data is put into the divided stack in S23.

After that, if the process returns to S21, the undivided stack has only the partial embroidery sewing area outline data of the partial embroidery sewing area outline 513, so the determination in this step is NO.
Since the partial embroidery sewing area outline 513 intersects, the determination in S22 is YES, and S24, S25 and S
In step 26, the partial embroidery area outline 513 is divided into partial embroidery area outlines 514 and 515, as shown in FIG. 12, in the same way as in the previous case. Since these partial embroidery sewing area outline lines 514 and 515 no longer have an intersection, the entire embroidery sewing area in FIG.
The area will be divided into two partial embroidery sewing areas.

By the way, on the dividing line that divides the entire embroidery area or the partial embroidery area (hereinafter collectively referred to as the dividing source embroidery area) into two partial embroidery areas,
Extending from one point on the outline line of the source embroidery area that is a closed outline of the source embroidery area and reaching another point, and
When selecting a line that intersects only twice with the reduced dividing source embroidery sewing area outline set inside the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline, or when selecting a line that extends from one intersection point of the dividing source embroidery sewing area itself to another intersection point. , and if you select a line that intersects the reduced division source embroidery area only twice, the dividing source embroidery area will be divided into two partial embroidery areas with abnormal shapes by that line, that is, those partial embroidery areas. It is relatively easy to avoid dividing into partial embroidery sewing areas whose shape does not match the dividing source embroidery sewing area when filled with seams, but the line ensures that the dividing source embroidery sewing area overlaps. It is not always the case that the area is divided into two partial embroidery areas that have no area. Therefore, in both of the above two cases,
With that line as a candidate dividing line, whether or not the number of intersections of each of the two partial embroidery sewing area outlines divided by the candidate dividing line is smaller than the number of intersections of the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline itself. If so, it is necessary to determine that the candidate dividing line is an appropriate dividing line.

However, in this embodiment, the dividing line that divides the dividing source embroidery sewing area into two partial embroidery sewing areas has the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline where the hollow area outline and the overlapping area outline touch each other. Extends from one intersection point of the line itself, reaches a point on the overlapping area outline line that coincides with another intersection of the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline itself, and intersects the reduced dividing source embroidery sewing area outline only twice Since the line is selected, the dividing source embroidery area is reliably divided into two partial embroidery areas without overlapping areas by the line. Therefore, it is no longer essential to provide a step of determining whether or not the line is an appropriate dividing line based on the magnitude relationship of the number of intersections before and after division, and the computer processing time required for division is reduced.

When the execution of the routine shown in FIG. 6 is completed, in S3 shown in FIG. Based on the outline data,
Embroidery data required to fill each partial embroidery sewing area with multiple unit stitches of the sewing machine, and is the direction in which each partial embroidery sewing area is filled with multiple unit stitches (in the direction in which multiple unit stitches are lined up). Thus, embroidery data is created in which the embroidery direction (hereinafter referred to as the embroidery progress direction) is appropriate in relation to the shape of each partial embroidery area. After that, in S4,
The created embroidery data is stored in the external storage device 54.

Although one embodiment of each of claims 1 to 3 has been described above in detail based on the drawings, each invention can be implemented in other embodiments.

For example, according to the invention of claim 1, the dividing line that divides the dividing source embroidery area into two partial embroidery areas extends from one point on the outline of the dividing source embroidery area and reaches another point, The invention of selecting a line that intersects the outline of the embroidery sewing area to be reduced and divided only twice is based on the above-mentioned embroidery data creation device proposed by the present applicant prior to the present invention.
That is, a plurality of pairs of vertices are selected from among a plurality of vertices adjacent to each intersection of the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline and the dividing source embroidery sewing area outline, and the division before and after the candidate dividing line defined by each vertex pair is determined. The present invention can also be applied to determining whether a candidate dividing line is an appropriate dividing line based on the magnitude relationship of the number of intersection points. In this case, for example, from among a plurality of vertex pairs, at least one vertex pair that defines a line that intersects the reduction division source embroidery sewing area outline only twice is selected in cooperation with each other, and It is desirable to design the embroidery data creation device to determine whether the candidate dividing line defined by the pair of vertices is appropriate. In this way, even if the dividing source embroidery stitching area has a plurality of overlapping areas, the dividing source embroidery stitching area is reliably prevented from being divided into the aforementioned plural abnormal partial embroidery stitching areas, Appropriate embroidery data is created.

It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an embroidery data creation device that is an embodiment common to the inventions of claims 1, 2, and 3;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an automatic sewing machine including the embroidery data creation device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic sewing machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the RAM in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing programs that are closely related to the present invention out of the programs stored in the ROM in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of S2 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of S25 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of S26 in FIG. 6;

9 is a diagram showing an example of the entire embroidery sewing area for explaining the program of FIG. 5; FIG.

10 is a diagram for explaining how the programs of FIGS. 6 and 7 are executed for the entire embroidery area of FIG. 9; FIG.

11 is a diagram showing two partial embroidery regions obtained by dividing the entire embroidery region of FIG. 9 by the program of FIG. 5; FIG.

12 is a diagram showing three partial embroidery regions obtained by dividing the entire embroidery region of FIG. 9 by the program of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the entire embroidery sewing area for explaining the operation of an example of an embroidery data creation device (hereinafter simply referred to as the prior device) developed by the applicant prior to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the entire embroidery sewing area for explaining the operation of another example of the preceding device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the entire embroidery area for explaining the problems of these examples.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the entire embroidery area for explaining the problem of the previous example.

[Explanation of symbols]

39 Control unit 40 CPU 42 ROM 44 RAM 90 Overall embroidery sewing area outline data storage means 92
Outline dividing means 94 Embroidery sewing area dividing means 96 Embroidery data creation means 501 Overall embroidery sewing area outline 502, 503, 504, 505, 506 Auxiliary outline line 507 Reduced entire embroidery sewing area outline 508, 50
9,510,511 Reduced auxiliary outline line 512,513
,514,515 Partial embroidery sewing area outline

Claims (3)

[Claims] Claim 1: A whole embroidery sewing area outline that has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part and is a closed outline of a whole embroidery sewing area to be filled with stitches of a sewing machine. Based on the entire embroidery sewing area outline data, the entire embroidery sewing area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas each having no overlapping area, and the partial embroidery sewing area outline is the closed outline of each of these partial embroidery sewing areas. Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the line,
An embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data necessary to fill each partial embroidery sewing area with the stitches, wherein each of a plurality of lines extending from one point on the overall embroidery sewing area outline line to another point, 2. Determine whether or not the reduced overall embroidery area outline line, which is set at an inside position and parallel to the overall embroidery area outline line, intersects with the reduced overall embroidery area outline line at only two places;
An embroidery data creation device characterized in that the entire embroidery area is divided into the plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect only at certain points. Claim 2: A whole embroidery sewing area outline that has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part and is a closed outline of one whole embroidery sewing area to be filled with stitches of the sewing machine. Based on the entire embroidery sewing area outline data, the entire embroidery sewing area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas each having no overlapping area, and the partial embroidery sewing area outline is the closed outline of each of these partial embroidery sewing areas. Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the line,
An embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data necessary for filling each partial embroidery sewing area with the stitches, the embroidery data creation device comprising: at least one line extending from one intersection point of the overall embroidery area outline line to another intersection point; It is determined whether or not the reduced overall embroidery sewing area outline line, which is set at an inside position and parallel to the overall embroidery sewing area outline line, intersects at only two places, and it is determined that it intersects at only two places. An embroidery data creation device characterized in that the entire embroidery area is divided into the plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line. Claim 3: A whole embroidery sewing area outline that has at least one overlapping area between one part of itself and another part and is a closed outline of one whole embroidery sewing area to be filled with stitches of the sewing machine. Based on the entire embroidery sewing area outline data, the entire embroidery sewing area is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery sewing areas each having no overlapping area, and the partial embroidery sewing area outline is the closed outline of each of these partial embroidery sewing areas. Based on the partial embroidery sewing area outline data that defines the line,
An embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data necessary for filling each partial embroidery sewing area with the stitches, wherein the overall embroidery sewing area outline is determined by a plurality of intersections of the overall embroidery sewing area outline itself. a plurality of closed outline lines that define the outer frame area of the overall embroidery sewing area; a hollow area outline line that defines the hollow area; and an overlapping area outline line that defines the overlapping area; The overall embroidery sewing area outline extends from one intersection point of the overall embroidery sewing area outline itself, where the hollow area outline and the overlapping area outline touch each other, and is on the overlapping area outline. At least one line that reaches a point that coincides with another intersection point of itself intersects the reduced overall embroidery area outline line set at a position inside and parallel to the overall embroidery area outline line at only two places. Determine whether or not, 2
An embroidery data creation device characterized in that the entire embroidery area is divided into the plurality of partial embroidery areas by at least one line that is determined to intersect only at certain points.