JPH0576674A - Embroidery data preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To create one stitch data from block data, provide an embroidery data creation device that can embroider a variety of appearances by mixing various stitches in the block. To do. [Structure] The RAM 20 stores block data, a development code, a thread density, a warp pitch, and a warp deviation ratio for each block in the order of embroidery. The expansion code 1 indicates satin sewing, the expansion code 2 indicates tatami sewing, and the expansion code 3 indicates satin / tatami mixed sewing. One stitch is expanded for each block according to the expansion code. In this satin / tatami mixed stitch, the number of stitches is calculated based on the block data and the thread density (S23), and the even stitch is tatami stitch,
The odd-numbered stitch is one which is developed as satin stitch and stored in the RAM (S28, S29).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery data creating apparatus for creating embroidery data in a sewing machine for embroidering a work cloth on a work cloth so as to fill a predetermined figure with a large number of stitches.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an embroidery sewing machine that embroiders a one-point mark or the like, an embroidery operation is performed on a work cloth based on embroidery data that specifies each needle drop point. The embroidery data is automatically created by an embroidery data creating device.

This embroidery data creating device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-1.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 40187, a microcomputer, an image scanner, a keyboard and a mouse,
It is configured to include a floppy disk drive, a CRT display, etc., and automatically calculates each needle drop point by calculation from the pattern data given from the floppy disk or created on the spot.

In this case, the pattern data is data for defining one continuous contour of the embroidery figure. From this contour data, the embroidery figure area is converted into a simplified partial closed area. The block data is created by dividing the partial closed region into a plurality of blocks. On the other hand, there is also provided a device in which block data is created and stored in advance and is read out to create embroidery data (Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-42740).

As an example of creating embroidery data using this block data, as shown in FIG. 7A, some blocks B whose figures are quadrangles (or triangles, etc.)
The four vertices of the quadrangular block B are divided into (shown by broken lines) numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 in the embroidery advancing direction, and their position coordinates are given as block data. Then, for example, when performing embroidery with satin stitches, the line segment 1-3 and the line segment 2-4 are equally divided according to the designated thread densities to obtain the needle drop points a to g.

Thus, the needle drop order is points 1, a, b, ...
The embroidery data such as g, 3 is created, and the embroidery data is used to embed the block B with the stitch S by satin stitching, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7A. .. It should be noted that creating embroidery data relating to the block from the block data in this manner is referred to as one-needle development.

Further, when embroidering with the stitch T of the tatami stitch, as shown in FIG. 7B, points a to g are obtained, and the line segment 1-a, the line segment ab, ... Further, the needle drop points a1, a2, b1, b2, ... Are obtained on the above, and the needle drop order is point 1, a1, a2, a, b1, b.
The embroidery data of 2, b, ... Will be created.

In this case, even if the embroidery has the same figure,
The satin stitch stitch S and the tatami stitch stitch T have different designs in appearance. In the embroidery data creation device described above, when one stitch is expanded from the block data, the operator selects a desired sewing method and creates the embroidery data based on the sewing method.

[0009]

As described above, in the conventional embroidery data creation device, the embroidery data fixed to one of the satin sewing and the tattoo sewing is created. Therefore, there is only a choice between two types of embroidery formed for the block B group within a certain range, that is, all the stitches are satin stitches or tatami stitches, and the embroidery design is relatively large. It was monotonous.

On the other hand, for example, when the embroidery pattern is a part of an animal's fur or a feather of a bird, in order to express them, it is advisable to mix the stitches by satin stitch and the stitches by tatami stitch. For example, if the embroidery is performed by stitches in which various types of sewing methods are mixed, such as a better appearance, it is possible to obtain a variety of different appearances from the above two types.

However, it is impossible for the conventional embroidery data creating apparatus to automatically create embroidery data in which various kinds of sewing methods are mixed, and therefore, in order to perform such embroidery. However, the operator had no choice but to perform an extremely inefficient work such as creating embroidery data while inputting a needle drop point for each stitch.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily create embroidery data capable of performing embroidery with various appearances in which various kinds of stitches are mixed. An embroidery data creation device is provided.

[0013]

The embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention uses a plurality of stitches, which are extracted from a predetermined embroidery pattern and extend between opposing contour line elements, to embed the pattern on a work cloth. This is to create embroidery data that specifies each needle drop point for forming the stitch in the sewing machine to be applied, and prepares a plurality of kinds of stitches for the stitch, and prepares a plurality of kinds of stitches for each stitch. It is characterized in that it is provided with setting means for setting both of them in a mixed manner and one needle data creating means for obtaining each needle drop point based on the setting of this setting means.

[0014]

According to the above-mentioned means, when the embroidery data is created, the setting means sets the stitching method for each stitch among a plurality of types prepared. Then, based on this setting, each needle drop point is obtained by the one-needle data creating means. Therefore, embroidery data in which various types of stitches are mixed are automatically created.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration of the embroidery sewing machine that executes an embroidery operation based on the embroidery data created by the embroidery data creation device according to this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the embroidery sewing machine 1 is constructed by integrally having an arm portion 3 on a sewing machine table 2. A support case 5 having a plurality of needle bars 4, in this case, six needle bars 4, is provided at the tip of the arm 3. The needle bars 4 are laterally aligned and supported in a support case 5 so as to be vertically movable, and sewing needles 4a are attached to lower end portions projecting downward from the support case 5, respectively. An embroidery thread of a different color is supplied to each sewing needle 4a from a thread supply source (not shown) through a thread tensioner 6 and a balance 7 provided on the support case 5.

The support case 5 is attached to the arm 3 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 3, and is moved by the needle bar selection motor 8. A driving mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the sewing machine motor 9 to the needle bar 4 and vertically driving the same is provided in the arm portion 3. This driving force is transmitted only to the needle bar 4 located at a predetermined use position. Therefore, by moving the support case 5 by the needle bar selection motor 8, the six needle bars 4 are moved. One of the needle bars 4 is selectively driven.

On the other hand, the sewing machine table 2 is provided with a bed portion 10 located below the needle bar 4, and although not shown, the bed portion 10 is driven by the sewing machine motor 9 and A thread catcher or the like for forming embroidery stitches on the work cloth W in cooperation with the sewing needle 4a is provided. In this case, the work cloth W is supported by the embroidery frame 11, and the sewing table 2 has the embroidery frame 1
A horizontal movement mechanism 12 is provided for moving 1 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

The horizontal moving mechanism 12 moves the Y-axis direction moving frame 13 in the Y-axis direction on the sewing machine table 2 by the Y-axis feed motor 14 (see FIG. 4), and also has the X-axis having the embroidery frame 11. The direction moving frame 15 is moved along the Y-axis direction moving frame 13 by the X-axis feed motor 16 (see FIG. 4).
It is configured to move in the axial direction.

The embroidery sewing machine 1 as described above is controlled by a control device such as a microcomputer, and the work cloth W is
In this embodiment, the embroidery data creating device that creates the embroidery data also has a function as a control device of the embroidery sewing machine 1. The embroidery data creation device according to this embodiment will be described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the embroidery data creation device main body 17 that also functions as a control device of the embroidery sewing machine 1 is connected to the embroidery sewing machine 1. .. As shown in FIG. 4, the embroidery data creation device main body 17 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including a CPU 18, a ROM 19, a RAM 20, and a bus 21 for connecting them to each other.
An input interface 22 and an output interface 23 are connected to the.

The output interface 23 is connected to motor drive circuits 24, 25, 26 and 27 for driving the sewing machine motor 9, the X-axis feed motor 16, the Y-axis feed motor 14 and the needle bar selection motor 8, respectively. ing. Thus, the main body 17 of the embroidery data creation device, based on the embroidery data stored in the RAM 20, the control program stored in the ROM 19, etc., the sewing machine motor 9, the X-axis feed motor 16, the Y-axis feed motor 14 and the needle bar. The selection motor 8 is controlled to automatically execute the embroidery sewing operation on the work cloth W.

In this case, the embroidery data consists of a set of data (single stitch data) indicating, for example, a needle drop point (feed amount of the work cloth W in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) for each stitch. A predetermined embroidery is applied to the work cloth W by sequentially reading one stitch data and driving the needle bar 4 and the like while moving the work cloth W by the horizontal movement mechanism 12. Further, by including data for instructing thread color switching in the embroidery data, it is possible to automatically move the support case 5 to switch the color of the embroidery thread. This embroidery data is created as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output interface 23 is connected to a display drive circuit 29 for driving a display device 28 composed of a CRT display. The display device 28 is configured to display an embroidery pattern or the like for which the embroidery data is to be created when creating the embroidery data described later.

On the other hand, the input interface 22 has
An input device such as a keyboard 30 provided with various keys and a mouse 31 is connected. The input interface 22 further includes a floppy disk drive 32 for reading pattern data (block data) and embroidery data stored on a floppy disk, and an image scanner 33 for inputting contour information of a newly created figure.
Are connected.

In the embroidery data creation apparatus configured as described above, the data creation apparatus main body 17 has a software configuration that enables the data creation apparatus main body 17 to extract one from pattern data (block data) given from a floppy disk or created on the spot. Needle expansion is performed to create embroidery data. Therefore, the embroidery data creation device body 17 functions as the one-needle data creation means according to the present invention. This function will be clarified in the description of the flowchart described later.

At this time, in the RAM 20,
As shown in FIG. 5, areas such as a counter 20a, a block data memory 20b, a stitch data memory 20c, a needle drop point data memory 20d, and a yarn density data memory 20e are provided together with the working area 20f.

Here, the pattern data (block data) will be briefly described. First, in the case where the embroidery figure has one simple shape, although not shown,
The pattern data is supposed to include the coordinates of three points on the circumference when the figure is circular and the data indicating that it is a circle, and the coordinates of the three points on the outer circumference when the figure is circular. And the coordinates of one point on the inner circumference and data indicating that it is a ring, and in the case of other curved shapes, it includes points and information that define the outer circumference and the inner circumference. Has been done. In the case of a quadrangle or a triangle, the start point and end point (vertex) coordinates of a plurality of contour line elements that define the contour and data indicating that the contour line elements are straight lines and the embroidery advancing direction are set. It is assumed to include data to instruct.

When the figure has a plurality of isolated areas or has a relatively complicated shape, the figure is divided into several areas automatically or by an operator's instruction. Further, each area is divided into blocks B such as a quadrangle or a triangle. And
The block data defining each block B is obtained for each area, and is stored in advance on, for example, a floppy disk. When one area has a relatively simple shape, one block B may form one area, and one area may be a plurality of blocks B.
It is also possible that there exists.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the block B is a quadrangle, the coordinates of the four vertices are 1,
The numbers 2, 3 and 4 are added and stored. This number is
The line segment 1-3 and the line segment 2-4 become a part of the opposing contour line elements extracted from the figure, and are attached so that the embroidery proceeds from the 1-2 side to the 3-4 side. Of. Further, the embroidery is performed such that the block B is filled with a large number of stitches extending between the line segment 1-3 and the line segment 2-4.

The pattern data (block data) described above is stored in a floppy disk. In this embodiment, the data is stored in the format shown in FIG. It has become. That is, each area is numbered, for example, in the order of embroidery execution, such as the first area, the second area, and the like.
It is stored together with the expansion code, the tatami pitch, and the deviation ratio of the tatami.

Here, the expansion code indicates the kind of stitching method for expanding one stitch of the block. In this embodiment, three kinds of expansion codes 1, 2, 3 are prepared. Has been done. As will be described later in detail, the expansion code 1 uses the stitch sewing method as satin stitch, the expansion code 2 uses the stitch sewing method as tatami stitch, and the expansion code 3 uses the stitch sewing method. In this case, satin sewing and tatami sewing are mixed for each stitch in this case.

The expansion code is set by, for example, an operator operating the keyboard 30 or the mouse 31 to select the block data when creating the block data. Therefore, the keyboard 30 and the mouse 31 function as the setting means referred to in the present invention. In the present embodiment, the expansion code or the like is added to each area, but the expansion code may be added to each block, for example, which allows the stitch sewing method to be changed more finely.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The procedure by which the embroidery data creation device creates embroidery data and causes the sewing machine to execute the embroidery operation is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, the pattern data for which embroidery data is to be created is read out to the RAM 20 by the floppy disk drive 32 based on the operation of the keyboard 30 by the operator. Subsequently, in step S2, the total number of regions relating to the figure is counted and substituted into the variable N, and in step S3, the counter C for indicating the region number is set to 1.

Then, in step S4, the C area (1
It is determined whether the expansion code of (first area when passing through this step S4 the next time) is 1, 2, or 3. In the next steps S5, S6 and S7, one-needle expansion is performed for each block in the area by a routine corresponding to the specified expansion code to create embroidery data. The created embroidery data is stored in the RAM 20. Each routine for this one-needle deployment will be described later.

When the processing for creating the embroidery data of the C area is completed, the counter C is incremented in step S8, and if the value of the counter C is less than or equal to the variable N (No in step S9), the process from step S4 is started. The process is repeated. After the creation of the embroidery data for all areas is completed (Yes in step S9), the sewing operation is executed based on the created embroidery data (step S10).

Details of steps S5 to S7 described above will now be described. First, when the development code is satin stitch with "1", embroidery data is created in step S5 as shown in FIG. 7A. That is, as described in the section of the conventional example, the line segment 1-3 and the line segment 2-4 of the block B (shown by the broken line) are equally divided according to the designated yarn density, and the needle drop points a to g is obtained, and embroidery data is created so that the needle drop order is points 1, a, b, ... G, 3. According to the embroidery data, as shown by the solid line in the figure, embroidery is performed such that the block B is filled with the stitch S by satin stitching.

Next, if the expansion code is "2", it is a tattoo stitch, and in step S6, embroidery data is created as shown in FIG. 7 (b). Also, as described in the section of the conventional example, the points a to g are obtained, and further, on the line segment 1-a, the line segment ab, ..., Based on the specified tatami pitch and the deviation amount. Needle drop points a1, a2, b
1, b2, ... are required. In the example of FIG. 7B, the tatami pitch is constant and the deviation amount is zero. With this, the needle drop order is point 1, a1, a2, a, b1, b2, b, ...
Then, the embroidery data is created. According to the embroidery data, as shown by the solid line in the figure, the embroidery is performed such that the block B is filled with the stitch T by the sewn pattern.

When the expansion codes are mixed with "3", the embroidery data is created in step S7 by a new one-needle expansion routine which has not existed in the prior art, as shown in FIG. It is a thing. Details of step S7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

That is, first, in step S21, the total number of blocks in the C area is substituted into the variable M, and in step S22, 1 is substituted into the counter D for indicating the block number. In the next step S23, the stitch number is calculated from the thread density for the D-th block. In the example of FIG. 8A, the number of stitches is eight. In step S24,
This stitch number is substituted into the variable S, and in step S25, 1 is substituted into the counter P for indicating the stitch number.

In the next step S26, the needle drop point of the No. P stitch is obtained. In this case, the needle drop point is
As in the above-described two examples, the points a to g are obtained on the line segment 1-3 and the line segment 2-4. Then, step S27
Then, it is determined whether the value of the counter P is odd or even. This determination can be made based on whether the remainder of dividing the value of P by 2 is 1.

In this embodiment, the satin stitch and the tatami stitch are alternately made to appear for each stitch.
Here, if the value of P is an odd number (Yes in step S27)
s), in step S28, the P-th stitch is sequentially stored in the RAM 20 as satin stitches. If the value of P is an even number (No), in step S29, the needle entry point of the tatami stitch is obtained by calculation and sequentially stored in the RAM 20. Remember.

If the needle drop point for the stitch is obtained, the value of the counter P is incremented in step S30, and if the value of P is S (8 in this case) or less (No in step S31), step S26. The process from is repeated.

As a result, as shown in FIG.
No. 1 stitch extending from the point a to the point a is satin stitch, and number 2 stitch extending from the next point a to the point b is
One stitch is developed such that satin stitch and tatami stitch alternate, as in the case of tatami stitching in which two more needle drop points b1 and b2 exist between the line segments a and b. The embroidery will be performed with the stitches shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 (a). Note that FIG. 8A shows a case where the tatami pitch is constant and the deviation amount is 0. For example, when the tatami pitch is set to change within one stitch, as shown in FIG. 8B. The stitches are formed.

When the one-needle development for the Dth block is completed, the counter D is incremented in step S32, and if the counter D is less than or equal to M (No in step S33), the processing from step S23 is executed. Is repeated. When the development of one stitch is completed for all blocks (Yes in step S33), the process of creating the embroidery data for the area C is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when one stitch of the pattern data is developed, one of the three development codes is set, so that the stitch is sewn by satin stitch or tatami stitch. In addition to the above, it is also possible to create embroidery data in which those two kinds of sewing methods are mixed, and thus it is possible to perform embroidery with a variety of appearances. In this case, the two kinds of sewing methods are mixed. In that case, satin stitches and tatami stitches appear alternately for each stitch. Therefore, if the embroidery pattern is, for example, the fur of an animal or the feather of a bird, then that portion can be expressed well by the stitch. As a result, the appearance can be improved as compared with the case where one type of stitch is used.

Therefore, unlike the conventional method of creating embroidery data which is fixed to either one of satin stitch and tatami stitch, it is further different from one of those two types. It is possible to automatically create the embroidery data in which the two different sewing methods are mixed, without the troublesome work of the operator inputting the needle entry point for each stitch, which in turn results in the embroidery design. It becomes extremely diversified, and it becomes possible to perform embroidery that can sufficiently meet the taste of the user.

In the above-described embodiment, as the one-needle development routine corresponding to the development code 3, the stitch sewing method is such that satin stitch and tatami stitch are mixed for each stitch. As shown in a), satin sewing and tatami sewing are mixed at a ratio of 2 to 1 (the deviation ratio of tatami is 50% in the figure), and as shown in FIG. 9 (b), satin sewing and tatami sewing are performed. It is also possible to further add a one-needle development routine in which and are randomly mixed, and it is possible to create a wider variety of selections and create a wide variety of embroidery data.

The stitching method is not limited to two types, that is, satin stitching and tatami stitching. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the needle drop point is returned twice in the middle of the stitch. Various modified examples are also conceivable as the stitch sewing method, such as a sewing method in which the stitches are doubled.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the embroidery data creating device having the function of the control device of the embroidery sewing machine has been described, but it may be configured as a device for creating only the embroidery data separately from the embroidery sewing machine. The invention can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of stitch sewing methods are prepared and a plurality of stitch sewing methods are mixed for each stitch. Since the setting means for setting and the one-needle data creating means for obtaining each needle drop point based on the setting of this setting means are provided, embroidery with a variety of appearances in which various stitch types are mixed is applied. This has an excellent effect that it is possible to easily create embroidery data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for creating embroidery data.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure for developing one stitch when sewing methods are mixed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of RAM.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a storage format of pattern data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a one-needle deployment routine.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a one-needle deployment routine in the case of mixing.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining another one-needle expansion routine in the case of mixture.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another type of sewing method.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is an embroidery sewing machine, 17 is an embroidery data creation device body (single stitch data creation means), 18 is a CPU, and 19 is an RO.
M, 20 are RAM, 28 is a display device, 30 is a keyboard, 31 is a mouse, 32 is a floppy disk drive, B is a block, W is a work cloth, and S and T are stitches.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A needle for forming a stitch in a sewing machine for embroidering a work cloth with a plurality of stitches extending between opposing contour line elements extracted from a predetermined embroidery figure so as to fill the figure. A setting means for creating embroidery data for designating a drop point, a plurality of kinds of stitching methods are prepared, and a setting means for setting a plurality of kinds of stitching methods for each stitch in a mixed manner. An embroidery data creation device comprising: one stitch data creation means for finding each needle drop point based on the setting of the means.