JPH02160969A - Method for editing embroidery pattern data in automatic embroidery machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently and successively carry out embroidery of plural sheets by reselecting an embroidery pattern in a changing part, etc., in changing only part of plural embroidery pattern blocks and successively carrying out embroidery. CONSTITUTION:An automatic embroidery machine for selecting a desired pattern from many embroidery patterns to memorize seam data of the patterns, succeesively reading out the memorized data and embroidering a sheet is used to successively carry out embroidering of the partially changed patterns. In the process, the patterns are divided into plural blocks (BLK1) to (BLK4) and the common blocks (BLK1) and (BLK2) are always memorized by selection at a time. Seam data of the blocks (BLK3) and (BLK4) changing for each embroidery sheet are memorized for each embroidery and both are combined to successively carry out embroidering.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

(Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a method for editing embroidery pattern data in an automatic embroidery machine. (Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention) No. 1 O
This will be explained using an example of an embroidery pattern of training wear shown in FIGS. Dame name on embroidery pattern

[Bears], district name

[Hachioji], personal number

[18], personal name

There are [Hanyu], and among them, the number and name differ depending on each individual. However, the relative positional relationship of blocks BLKI to BLK4 of each embroidery pattern on each individual's training wear remains the same, and the name and district name are the same, and only the individual number and name are changed and embroidered to create uniforms for all members. When embroidering, edit the common team name and district name to the arrangement, arrangement, and size shown in the illustration, save it as one embroidery pattern (so-called one-point pattern), and select this one-point pattern when embroidering. , read the data and embroider. Next, select the embroidery pattern for your personal number, select the arrangement, size,
Set the pitch and embroidery position, and embroider at the position shown. In the same way, reset the embroidery conditions and embroider the individual's name (
The reference position PI-P4 of each block) and the arrangement, size, and pitch of the embroidery pattern of each block are specified and stored as pattern block information. Team name of pattern block BLKI

[Bears] and BLK
District name of 2

For pattern blocks of embroidered parts that do not change with each embroidery, such as [Hachioji], each individual number is unique.

[18] and personal name

[Hanyu] is different for each embroidery, and the number of digits and characters is not set to one type, so personal numbers are 1-digit, 2-digit, etc., and personal names are 1-digit, 2-digit, 3-digit, etc.
Prepare multiple pattern blocks that you plan to use, such as for letters, in advance, and when forming the first embroidery pattern, select each pattern block, select an embroidery pattern for each selected pattern block, and then The data is recorded on a floppy disk and embroidery is executed. Next time when forming an embroidery pattern, these data are read from the floppy disk, and for blocks that are not common among the embroidery pattern blocks, only a different embroidery pattern is selected, or a different embroidery pattern is selected. Simply change to pattern blocks and select embroidery patterns for them. Do this for all team members' training wear. As can be seen from the following explanation, forming the embroidery pattern shown in Figure 11 requires embroidery work in multiple stages, which poses a problem in that the operation is extremely troublesome. (Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention) The present invention provides a method for editing embroidery pattern data for an automatic embroidery machine. When the block is different for each embroidery,
After the first embroidery job, you can select only the embroidery pattern for a different pattern block, or change to another embroidery pattern block and select the embroidery pattern, and the embroidery pattern will be automatically placed in the desired position and size. This design allows for efficient sequential embroidery of patterns formed by combining a plurality of embroidery pattern blocks with simple operations. That is, to explain using the example of FIG. 11, in the same figure, the embroidery pattern is divided into a plurality of pattern blocks BLKI to BLK4,
Since the mutual position of these pattern blocks allows the embroidery pattern to be automatically specified to the desired position and size, an embroidery pattern consisting of a combination of multiple pattern blocks can be efficiently embroidered one by one with simple operations. . (Example) The present invention will be described below with reference to Examples. First, the general structure of the control section of the automatic embroidery machine will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. In the figure, the central processing unit CPU includes a memory and an I10
It is connected to a path line BL that transfers commands and various data through bidirectional communication with devices. The control memory ROM stores a control program for the automatic embroidery machine. The working memory RAMI consists of a stack area and a flag storage area necessary for the operation of the central processing unit CPU. The data memory RAM 2 includes an area for storing compressed data of embroidery data and expanded data expanded into needle drop data, and a registration buffer area for pattern blocks to be described later. 110 interface (Ilo-1-1106) is
It exchanges data and instructions between peripheral devices and the central processing unit. The compressed data changes the shape and shape of the embroidery pattern when creating the data.
As shown in Table 1, "sewing function" is data consisting of commands and coordinate data of main points as parameters, which does not represent the shape of each block and sewing function, as shown in Table 1. This data is developed into needle drop point coordinates based on compressed data and pattern block data to be described later. The floppy disk drive FDD shown in Table 1 is driven and controlled by the floppy disk controller FDC, and reads embroidery data recorded on the data disk FDI. The read embroidery data is stored in the data memory [C] via the pass line BL. Conversely, information stored in the memory is written to the floppy disk FD2 via the floppy disk drive FDD, and information from the floppy disk FD2 is read. The sensor 5ENSOR is a sensor for obtaining various signals for controlling the automatic embroidery machine, and includes, for example, a needle position detection sensor, thread breakage sensor, embroidery frame position detection sensor, etc. The sewing machine motor ZM drives a needle that moves up and down and a needle thread catching means that cooperates with the needle, and the pulse motors XMYM drive and control the embroidery frame in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. The actuators ACT are for executing other embroidery stitches, and are connected to the I10 interface l10-, respectively.
It is connected to the central processing unit CPU via 4 to 110-6 and the pass line BL. Some of the operation keys (KEY) include the start key 5TART to start embroidery, the stop key 5TOP to temporarily stop embroidery stitching, and the numbers used when specifying numerical information to pattern blocks and when selecting patterns. Key NUMERI C, position key PO8I TI ON for instructing the pattern block to input position information, array key LA for instructing the pattern block to input array information
YOUT, size key SI for instructing the input of size information for pattern blocks; ZE1 pattern number key NUMBER for instructing input of the number of patterns in each pattern block; Change key C that instructs to change the combination of each pattern block
It includes HANGE, a pattern entry key-PATTERN for instructing input of the pattern number of the pattern to be embroidered, and various keys necessary for other operations. The liquid crystal display device L CD displays the pattern or numbers when inputting information into the pattern block using the numeric keypad, or when inputting the pattern number, and also when inputting the necessary information from the embroidery machine. Used to display information. - A series of processes of the automatic embroidery machine A series of processes of the automatic embroidery machine for editing embroidery pattern data and executing embroidery will be explained below with reference to FIG. In the figure, process a is a process for selecting whether to newly create information on the position, arrangement, size, pitch, and number of patterns for forming pattern blocks, or to read out already created pattern blocks from the floppy disk. . The processing step is a step of inputting information necessary to form a pattern block, and creates a plurality of pattern blocks. For example, in the case of the uniform mark in Figure 11, the team name

[Bears] and district name

[Hachioji] is fixed, but
Personal numbers and personal names are different for each embroidery, and there is no fixed number of digits or characters, so personal numbers are 1-digit, 2-digit, etc., and personal names are 1-digit, 2-digit, 3-digit, etc. It is necessary to prepare pattern blocks for characters etc. in advance. Then, a process is also performed in which the combination of pattern blocks to be actually embroidered is stored in the pattern block registration buffer in the order in which they will be embroidered. Details of this processing will be described later. Process C is a process of recording each information of the plurality of pattern blocks already created on the floppy disk FD2, thereby making it possible to reuse the pattern blocks. Process d is a process of reading the pattern block information recorded on the floppy disk into the working memory of the embroidery machine when performing an embroidery operation again using a previously created pattern block. Process e makes a decision to branch the flow of the program to process f when it is desired to change the combination of a plurality of prepared pattern blocks. Details of the following process f- will also be described later, so the outline of these processes will be explained here. Process f is a program that changes the combination of pattern blocks. For example, in the uniform embroidery example shown in Fig. 11, the personal name

[Hanyu] place

When you want to embroider the three-letter name [Takenoya], instead of the information data of pattern block BLK4, the personal name imitation process j uses the position, arrangement, size, etc. stored in the data memory [C] in the process 1, Using the Pisochi information and the compressed stitch data memory, the compressed stitch data is converted into relative coordinate data for forming stitches according to those information and stored as stitch data in the data memory [E] Store in. The process involves executing embroidery, and according to the stitch data in the data memory [E], the pulse motor XM and pulse motor YM are driven to move the embroidery frame, and the sewing machine motor ZM is rotated to form the stitches. Process I is a step to determine whether or not to embroidery using the same pattern pro-tsuk again.When sewing is to be performed using the same pattern pro-tsuk or by changing a part of the block, the process branches to process e and is re-embroidered. Execute. When embroidering with a new program, branch to process a and execute. - Pattern block creation process Next, refer to Figure 2 for details of the pattern block creation process in Figure 1. In the same figure, in process bl, the pattern block number is initially set to 11''.The pattern block BLK5, which is for 3 characters in the pattern block, is
This is possible by using the information data of In other words, change pattern block BLK4 to BLK5, and change pattern block BLKI
, BLK2. Personal name 3 by BLK3 and BLK5
Uniform marks can be embroidered on training wear. In process g, the size of the entire embroidery pattern consisting of a plurality of pattern blocks is determined, and based on the result, the type of frame necessary for executing the embroidery is displayed on the liquid crystal display device. Processing is a step of selecting and registering a pattern to be actually embroidered for each pattern block that has already been created. Refer to the information on the number of patterns recorded in the pattern block and input the pattern codes of the embroidery patterns corresponding to the number of patterns. Process i reads the contents of each pattern block, such as position, arrangement, size, and pitch information, and the embroidery data of the pattern selected in the above processing from the data disk FDI in the order of the pattern blocks recorded in the pattern block registration buffer, It is stored in the data memory [C] in the form of compressed pattern data. In process b2, the position of the pattern block is specified with respect to the center position (PI, P2.P3.P4) as the reference position of each block, using the PO point at the lower left of Figure 1I as the origin.
Press the PO8ITION key, which is one of the operation keys, and then input the X and Y coordinate values using the NUMERrc key. In process b3, LAYOUT is used to instruct how to arrange the pattern.
Press the key to input the pattern block arrangement method as shown in FIG. 12 using the type number. In process b4, press the NUMBER key to specify the number of patterns to be embroidered in the pattern block.
Enter with the C key. In process b5, press the S I ZE key to specify the size of the pattern to be embroidered within the pattern block, and press the NUMERIG
Enter the size using the key. In process b6, the user presses the PITCH key to specify the stitch spacing and inputs the length using the NUMERIG key. Processing b7. In order to prepare various pattern blocks that are considered necessary for the embroidery work in b8, update the block number and execute processes b2 to b6 again, and when all are completed, the 13th
The pattern block information table shown in the figure is created on the working memory for each pattern block. In step 9, a pattern block to be used in the next embroidery operation is selected from among the plurality of pattern blocks, and the numbers of the pattern blocks are registered in the pattern block registration buffer in the order of embroidery as shown in FIG. - Processing method for changing the combination of pattern blocks The process for changing the combination of pattern blocks in process f in FIG. 1 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. From the above-mentioned process f, when changing the combination of pattern blocks, the combination can be changed by pressing the CHANGE key and specifying the old block number and new block number. In FIG. 3, in process fl, the number of the pattern block to be changed is input using the NUMERIC key, and in process f2, the new block number is calculated by using the NUMERIC key to obtain a small value and is registered in variables xl and yl. After that, the first registered variable xi
, yl, if a smaller value appears, the values of variables X1 and yl are rewritten with that value. In processing g4, X2. Find the value farthest from the origin of Y2, that is, the maximum value, and set the variable x2. Register on y2. Thereafter, if a larger value appears for each value of the first registered variables X2, )12, that value is used for the variable x2. y2
Rewrite the value of . In process g5, it is determined whether the processing of all the pattern blocks recorded in the pattern block registration buffer has been completed, and if it has not been completed, the pointer PN is updated in process g6, and then in process g2
Repeat from g4. Once completed, the minimum coordinate values of the entire embroidery pattern at this time are stored in the variables xi and yl as the variable X2. y2
Since the maximum coordinate value is registered in , process g7 based on this.
The type of frame required is determined and displayed on the liquid crystal display. -Embroidery pattern selection and registration processing Next, the pattern selection processing shown in FIG. 1 will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to FIG. input. If there is a further change as determined in process f3, the process first branches and processes fl and f2 are executed again. - External size calculation and frame type display processing method The external size calculation and frame type display processing of process g in FIG. 1 will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to FIG. This process determines the size required for embroidering an embroidery pattern made up of a plurality of pattern blocks, and displays the type of embroidery frame. In FIG. 4, in process gl, the pointer PN is initialized to Ill so as to point to the beginning of the pattern block registration buffer in which the pattern block number is stored. In process g2, the size of the pattern row is calculated based on the information of the PNth registered pattern block, such as the position, arrangement, size, pitch, and number of patterns, and the pattern block is expressed as a rectangle. Then, the lower left coordinates (XI, Yl) and the upper right coordinates (X2.Y2) are determined as coordinate values from the origin PO. In process g3, the values of XI and Yl close to the origin, that is, in FIG. 5, are specified, and in process h1 it is specified for which pattern block the embroidery pattern is to be selected and registered. Processing h2. At h3, according to the number of patterns information stored in the pattern block, the required number of patterns are inputted using the NUMERIC key in the form of a pattern code. In process h4, it is determined whether all embroidery patterns have been registered in the pattern blocks to be registered, and if further registration is required, processes hl to h
Repeat step 3. In the process h5, it is instructed whether or not to record the embroidery pattern registered in the pattern block on the floppy disk FD2, and the process h5
In step 6, the pattern number selected in process h2 is also stored on the floppy disk F along with each information of the pattern block registered in process C.
Record again on D2. The process of recording on the floppy disk FD2 is to record the team name on the uniform mark in Figure 11.

[Bears], district name

Although the target is a pattern such as [Hachioji] that does not change for each embroidery, the recording process is performed for all of the above information. A pattern that changes each time it is embroidered is changed by processing r when it is reused. - Process of reading pattern data from a data disk Next, the process of reading pattern data from a data disk in process 1 in FIG. 1 will be explained in detail, mainly with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, in step 11, the pointer PN is initialized to Ill so as to point to the beginning of the pattern program registration buffer in which the block number is stored. In process 12, the information of the PNth registered pattern program, such as position, arrangement, size, and pitch, is moved to the data memory [CI]. Also, in process i3, the embroidery data corresponding to the pattern number of the embroidery pattern stored in the pattern block registration buffer is read from the data disk FDI,
The embroidery data is stored in the data memory [CI] following the pattern program information such as position, arrangement, size, and pitch. Processing 44. i5 registers the pattern block (for all the pattern blocks recorded on the sofa) and performs process 1.
2. Process i3 is executed to prepare embroidery data and various information necessary for embroidery in the data memory [CI].・Until the conversion of the embroidery data that allows stitch data to be calculated by calculation is completed, the process jl to j
Repeat step 3. Also, based on the judgment in process j5, the above-mentioned process is performed on all embroidery patterns of all pattern blocks registered in the pattern block registration buffer.・Embroidery Execution Process Next, mainly referring to FIG. 8, we will explain in detail the process of executing the embroidery operation according to the stitch data for each stitch stored in the data memory [E] in the process of FIG. 1. do. In FIG. 8, the process waits for an instruction to start embroidery in step 1, and waits until the 5TART key is pressed. 5 TAR
If the T key is pressed, the following processing is executed. In process 2, among the stitch data stored in the data memory [E], including the stitch data to be sewn next, search for the stitch data with the largest relative distance among the stitch data ahead of 5 stitches, and The rotational speed of the sewing machine motor ZM, which is driven to move the needle up and down, is determined from the stitch data. And rlol-
A drive signal is applied to the sewing machine motor ZM via 6. Next, mainly referring to FIG. 7, the data memory of process j in FIG. 1 [converts the compressed embroidery data stored in CI to relative coordinate data for forming stitches,
The process of registering in the data memory [E] will be explained. In FIG. 7, 1 of the embroidery data compressed in process jl
Read set from data memory [CI. Compressed embroidery data consists of a command and several parameters, and there are types as shown in Table 1. Processing is performed by interpreting the command part of the read embroidery data.
Execute any one of steps a to jl-f. In processes j2-a to j2-f, information on the position, arrangement, size, and pitch of the pattern blocks stored in the working memory and the values of the parameters in the data memory [CI] are used to create relative information for forming stitches. The coordinates are calculated and pattern data for each stitch is created and stored in the data memory [E] for the embroidery data developed in process j3. 3 processes in one block based on the judgment of process j4
The needle pierces the fabric to form a stitch, rises above the fabric, and then waits until the signal from the needle position detection sensor indicates that it is the frame movement phase. When the frame movement phase is reached, the next j stitch data is read out from the data memory [E] in step 4, and a drive signal is output to the pulse motors XM and YM via l10-4 to move the frame to the next stitch position. move. The processes from 2 to 4 are repeated, and the embroidery is executed until the embroidery data on the data memory becomes the last stitch data, and the embroidery is completed according to the judgment in process 5. Through the above processing, a new embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of pattern blocks can be formed. (Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, when some of the pattern blocks of an embroidery pattern consisting of a combination of a plurality of embroidery pattern blocks are different for each embroidery, the difference after the first embroidery operation is Select only the embroidery pattern for the pattern block, or change to another embroidery pattern pattern and select the embroidery pattern (press J to automatically specify the embroidery pattern to the desired position and size, A very remarkable effect is obtained in that a pattern formed by combining a plurality of embroidery pattern blocks can be efficiently and successively embroidered with a simple operation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings relate to embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS. 1 to 8 are flowcharts corresponding to a processing procedure program executed by a CPU for implementing the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows a series of processing of an automatic embroidery machine. The main program shown in Fig. 2 is the subroutine program showing the pattern block creation process, and Fig. 3 is the subroutine program showing the pattern block creation process.
The figure shows a subroutine program that shows the process of changing the combination of pattern blocks, Figure 4 shows the subroutine program that calculates the outer size and displays the frame type, and Figure 5 shows the subroutine program that shows the embroidery pattern selection and registration process. program,
FIG. 6 shows a subroutine program that shows the process of reading pattern data from a data disk, and FIG. 7 shows a subroutine program that shows the process of calculating stitch data.
FIG. 8 corresponds to subroutine programs showing embroidery execution processing. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control section of the automatic embroidery machine, Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an embroidery pattern applied to a uniform, and Figure 11 is the positional relationship of each pattern block of the embroidery pattern in Figure 10. 12 is a diagram showing the types of pattern arrangement, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of the pattern block information table, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the pattern block information registered in the pattern block registration buffer. It is a figure showing an example of a pattern block. b is a pattern block creation means, f is a pattern block combination change means, g is a frame type display means, h is a pattern selection registration means,
i is a means for reading embroidery data, j is an embroidery data processing means, BLKn (n=1.2.3-) is a pattern block, P
n (n=1, 2.3...) is a reference point. Patent applicant: Janome Sewing Machine Industry Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] I. Selecting a desired pattern from among a large number of embroidery patterns, storing stitch data of the selected pattern, and converting the stored stitch data to predetermined stitch data by operating a start key. The embroidery frame is read in sequence according to the stitch data position, the embroidery frame is driven to the stitch data position, and the embroidery stitches are formed in cooperation with a sewing device consisting of a needle that moves up and down and a needle thread catching device that cooperates with the needle. In an automatic embroidery machine that embroiders pattern blocks such as rows or one-point patterns, when repeatedly forming an embroidery pattern that is a combination of multiple pattern blocks, the position is specified using each reference point of the multiple pattern blocks. However, for each pattern block common to each embroidery pattern, one pattern block is used, and for each individual pattern block, one or more patterns are used as pattern block data by pattern block number.
A pattern block creation means that specifies the number, size, arrangement, and sewing pitch of embroidery patterns in a pattern block, and a method for specifying a desired pattern block when registering embroidery pattern selection, and creating an embroidery pattern for each specified pattern block. An embroidery pattern for an automatic embroidery machine comprising a selection and registration means for selecting and registering patterns, a means for reading out embroidery data in the registered order, and an embroidery data processing means for processing the embroidery data in a pattern block using the pattern block data. How to edit data. II. Editing the embroidery pattern data of the automatic embroidery machine according to claim I, further comprising pattern block combination changing means for changing a combination of desired pattern blocks among the plurality of pattern blocks specified by the pattern selection registration means. Method. III. Frame type display means for calculating the external size of the entire embroidery pattern consisting of a combination of a plurality of pattern blocks and displaying the frame type of the usable embroidery frame based on the calculated external size. How to edit embroidery pattern data for an automatic embroidery machine described in II.