JP2005230256A - Device, program and method of preparing printing embroidery data, and structure of printing embroidery data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prepare printing data and embroidery data with consistency in the output size and output position, convertible so that the region suitable for the embroidery based on image data is embroidered and the other regions are printed. <P>SOLUTION: When a special color of an embroidery thread is specified (S11) and the output size and output position of image data are specified (S12), a pixel region constituting the image data is set as a special color region to be embroidered by an embroidery sewing machine or as a printed region to be printed by an ink-jet printer (S13). Embroidery data are prepared by special color based on the pixel region set as the special color region (S14). The embroidery data by each special color are synthesized as one embroidery data (S15). Printing data are prepared based on the pixel region set as the printed region (S16). The embroidery data and the printing data are edited as printing embroidery data (S17). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data used in an embroidery device and print data used in a printing device, and more specifically, print data and embroidery data that are consistent in output size and output position. The present invention relates to a print embroidery data creation apparatus to be created.

  Traditionally, based on image data that is a collection of pixels, various designs such as people, animals, and landscapes represented in this image data are printed on a fabric such as a T-shirt in a printing device such as an ink jet printer. Has been done. Further, based on the image data, various designs represented in the image data are embroidered on a cloth such as a T-shirt by an embroidery apparatus such as an embroidery sewing machine.

  Thus, conventionally, printing on such a T-shirt or the like and embroidery are combined and output. For example, arbitrary embroidery data is embroidered on a T-shirt or the like, and arbitrary print data is printed thereon.

  However, in the conventional methods, there is little relationship between embroidery data and print data that are combined into one output, and for example, embroidery data and print data are created from one image data. Even in such a case, it is necessary to match the positions and sizes of the embroidery and printing according to the skill of the operator.

  Therefore, conventionally, when printing and embroidery are performed on the same image data, the print data used in the ink jet printer and the embroidery data used in the embroidery sewing machine are separately created. When the operator executes printing using the print data, the operator performs printing while performing alignment and size adjustment with the already embroidered portion. Alternatively, when the operator executes embroidery using the embroidery data, the embroidery is executed while performing alignment and size adjustment with the already printed portion.

In addition, as related to printing and embroidery of conventional image data, an embroidery function for a fabric and a print function can be provided in one apparatus, and each function can be selectively used according to the user's preference. An embroidery machine provided with a printing apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This makes it possible to perform embroidery work and print work with simple operations without re-upholstering the fabric. In addition, the combination pattern consisting of print and embroidery can be used according to the pattern data without distorting the mutual pattern position. To create exactly. Further, after embroidering with a single color thread such as white, a desired color is applied to the already embroidered thread by the printing apparatus.
JP-A-5-272046

  However, in the conventional methods for printing and embroidery of image data, even when printing and embroidery are executed on the same image data, the print data used in the ink jet printer and the embroidery data used in the embroidery sewing machine Since the print data and the embroidery data are created separately, the output position and the output size when printing and embroidery are actually executed are not consistent. For this reason, the printing position and the printing size do not match the embroidery position and the embroidery size, which causes a shift in output results and a deviation. Therefore, when performing printing and embroidery, the operator performs alignment and size adjustment. However, in order to perform such work accurately, the skill of the operator is required. In addition, since these operations are manual operations only, a heavy burden and time are given to the workers.

  Further, the invention described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is a problem of alignment and size adjustment by executing embroidery and printing on a cloth with a single apparatus using an apparatus having an embroidery function and a printing function on the cloth. However, the point that the embroidery data used for embroidery on the fabric and the print data used for printing exist independently is the same as the conventional method for printing image data and embroidery. there were. By executing embroidery and printing on the fabric with a single device, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of position and size shifts and deviations due to fabric re-covering, but the print data and embroidery data exist separately. Thus, it has not been possible to prevent the output position and output size from being shifted or out of order due to the inconsistency in the output position and output size between the print data and the embroidery data. For this reason, the apparatus according to the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that alignment and size adjustment by an operator are necessary even when printing and embroidery on a fabric are actually executed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. When embroidering and printing a design represented by image data on a fabric such as a T-shirt, both the features of embroidery and printing can be utilized. The image data can be converted so that the part suitable for embroidery can be expressed by embroidery, and other parts can be expressed by printing, and the print data and embroidery data can be created with consistency in output size and output position. An object is to provide a printing embroidery data creation device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a print embroidery data creation apparatus that can store print data and embroidery data in association with each other as one piece of print embroidery data.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing embroidery data creation device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data consisting of a collection of pixels. A print embroidery data creation device to be created, comprising: special color designating means for designating a spot color that is any one or more colors; embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device; and printing of the print data by the printing device Output information setting means for setting the output size and output position, pixel determination means for determining whether or not the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color, and the pixel determination means that the spot color corresponds to the spot color A pixel area that is a set of determined pixels is set as a spot color area, and a set of pixels that are determined not to correspond to the spot color An area setting means for setting a prime area as a print area, and a pixel area set as the spot color area by the area setting means is set by the output information setting means by an embroidery thread of a color corresponding to the corresponding spot color. The embroidery data creating means for creating embroidery data output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position, and the pixel area set as the print area by the area setting means respectively correspond to the image data. Print data creation means for creating print data output by the printing apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting means according to the color of the pixel.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation device, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to the first aspect, print embroidery data creation means for creating print embroidery data including the embroidery data and the print data. I have.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creating apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the embroidery apparatus corresponds to a size of the embroidery data in pixel units in the image data. The ratio of the size that is actually embroidered is the same as the ratio of the size that is actually printed in the printing apparatus to the size in pixels of the image data in the print data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation apparatus, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the embroidery data includes information indicating a color code, an embroidery position, and an embroidery size. , And the stitch color data indicating stitches for expressing the special color area by embroidery.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation device, wherein the print data is set as the print region in the image data. It is characterized by comprising information indicating the pixel area and information indicating the print position and print size.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print embroidery data creation device, wherein the embroidery data creation means is set as the print area by the area setting means. Creating second embroidery data from the pixel area

  In addition to the configuration of the invention described in claim 6, the second embroidery data includes information indicating a white color code, an embroidery position, and an embroidery size. And stitch data indicating a needle drop position in the embroidery device for expressing the print area by embroidery.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation device in which a plurality of embroidery threads and color codes of the plurality of embroidery threads are associated with each other in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. The spot color designating unit designates a spot color that is one or more embroidery thread colors from among a plurality of embroidery thread colors stored in the embroidery thread correspondence table. It is for the purpose.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the pixel determination means includes the color of the pixel in an arbitrary color space. If the distance from the color code of the spot color is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the spot color area is set.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation program for causing a computer to create embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data consisting of a collection of pixels. A print embroidery data creation program for a spot color designating process for designating a spot color that is one or more arbitrary colors, an embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device, and an output size in printing the print data by the printing device And an output information setting step for setting an output position, a pixel determination step for determining whether or not the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color, and a pixel determined to correspond to the spot color by the pixel determination step A pixel area that is a set of pixels is set as a spot color area, while pixels that are determined not to fall under the spot color An area setting step for setting a pixel area that is a set as a print area, and the output information setting step in which the pixel areas set as the spot color areas by the area setting step are respectively embroidery threads of the colors corresponding to the corresponding spot colors An embroidery data creation step for creating embroidery data output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position set by the step, and a pixel region set as the print region by the region setting step respectively corresponds to the image data. According to the color of the pixel to be printed, a print data creation step for creating print data output by the printing apparatus is executed at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation method for creating embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data composed of a collection of pixels. A spot color designation step for designating a spot color that is one or more arbitrary colors, and an output size and an output position in embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device and printing of the print data by the printing device. An output information setting step for setting, a pixel determination step for determining whether or not the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color, and a set of pixels determined to correspond to the spot color by the pixel determination step Is set as a spot color area, while an image that is a set of pixels determined not to fall under the spot color. An area setting step for setting an area as a print area, and a pixel area set as the spot color area by the area setting step are set by the output information setting step by embroidery threads of a color corresponding to the corresponding spot color. The pixel region set as the print region by the embroidery data generation step for generating embroidery data output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position, and the pixel region set as the print region by the region setting step respectively corresponds to the pixel in the image data A print data creation step for creating print data output by the printing apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step.

  The data structure of the print embroidery data of the invention according to claim 12 is read by an embroidery device that executes embroidery on the output medium, and the embroidery data corresponding to the output size in the embroidery device and the output medium And print data corresponding to an output size in the printing apparatus.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data structure of the print embroidery data in the embroidery apparatus for the size of the embroidery data in units of pixels in the image data in addition to the configuration of the invention of the twelfth aspect. The ratio of the size that is actually embroidered is equal to the ratio of the size that is actually printed in the printing apparatus to the size in units of pixels in the image data in the print data.

  Further, the data structure of the print embroidery data of the invention according to claim 14 is the configuration of the invention of claim 12 or 13, wherein the embroidery data includes information indicating a color code, an embroidery position and an embroidery size, It is characterized by comprising stitch data indicating stitches for expressing the special color area by embroidery.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, the print data is set as the print area in the image data. It is characterized by comprising information indicating the designated pixel area and information indicating the print position and print size.

  In the print embroidery data creation device according to the first aspect of the invention, the pixels constituting the image data are analyzed to set the spot color area and the print area, and the embroidery data corresponding to the spot color area and the print data corresponding to the print area are set. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an output result in which the characteristics of embroidery and printing are utilized based on image data, and the print data and the output position and output size of embroidery and printing are consistent. Embroidery data can be created.

  In addition, in the print embroidery data creation device of the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, in order to create print embroidery data including embroidery data and print data, It can be stored in association.

  Further, in the printed embroidery data creation device according to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the first or second aspect, the size actually output by the embroidery device with respect to the size of the image data in units of pixels Is equal to the actual output size of the printing apparatus with respect to the size of the image data in units of pixels. Therefore, based on the image data, the output results utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing are used. In addition, the output position and output size of embroidery and printing can be made consistent.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first to third aspects, the embroidery data includes information indicating a color code, an embroidery position, an embroidery size, and an embroidery data. The embroidery device can accurately output the pattern represented in the image data, and obtain an output result utilizing the characteristics of the embroidery. be able to.

  In addition, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the print data includes information indicating a pixel area set as a printing area, printing Since the printing apparatus includes the information indicating the position and the print size, the printing apparatus can accurately output the symbol represented in the image data and can obtain an output result utilizing the printing characteristics.

  In addition, in the print embroidery data creation device according to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the area set as the area (print area) other than the spot color area is the second area. Since the predetermined special embroidery is also applied to the second special color area as the special color area, it is possible to obtain an output result utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing based on the image data. An output result obtained by printing on the embroidery can be obtained.

  In addition, in the printing embroidery data creation device of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 6, since the second special color area is embroidered with white thread, In this case, the output result obtained by printing on the embroidery can be further improved by taking advantage of the feature that a clear print result can be obtained even if printing is performed thereon.

  Further, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the operator can designate any special color from the embroidery thread correspondence table. According to conditions such as the needs of the operator and the performance of the embroidery device, it is possible to create printed embroidery data with a higher degree of freedom and flexibility.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the special color area and the print area are determined based on the color difference between the absolute values of an arbitrary color space. Is set, print embroidery data can be created based on image data expressed in an arbitrary color space.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creation program that causes a computer to analyze pixels constituting image data and set a spot color area and a print area, and to embroidery data and a print area corresponding to the spot color area. Therefore, it is possible to obtain output results that make use of the characteristics of embroidery and printing based on image data, and the output position and output size of embroidery and printing are consistent. The acquired print data and embroidery data can be created.

  In the print embroidery data creation method according to the invention of claim 11, the pixels constituting the image data are analyzed to set the spot color area and the print area, and the embroidery data and the print area corresponding to the spot color area are handled. Since print data is created, it is possible to obtain output results that make use of the characteristics of embroidery and printing on the basis of image data, and printing that is consistent with the output position and output size of embroidery and printing. Data and embroidery data can be created.

  In the data structure of the print embroidery data according to the twelfth aspect, the embroidery data used in the embroidery device and the print data used in the printing device are combined into one print embroidery data. The embroidery data can be stored in association with each other.

  In the data structure of the print embroidery data according to the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the twelfth aspect, the actual output size of the embroidery apparatus with respect to the size of the image data in units of pixels. Since the ratio of the ratio of the size of the image data in units of pixels to the size actually output by the printing apparatus is equal, an output result in which the characteristics of embroidery and printing are utilized based on the image data is obtained. In addition, the output position and output size of embroidery and printing can be made consistent.

  In the data structure of the print embroidery data according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the invention according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the embroidery data is expressed by embroidery, information indicating the color code, the embroidery position, and the embroidery size. The embroidery device can output the pattern represented in the image data accurately and obtain an output result utilizing the characteristics of the embroidery. it can.

  In the data structure of the print embroidery data of the invention according to claim 15, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any of claims 12 to 14, the print data includes information indicating a pixel area set as a print area, Since it is composed of information indicating the print position and print size, the printing apparatus can accurately output the symbol represented in the image data and obtain an output result utilizing the printing characteristics. .

  Hereinafter, a printing embroidery data creation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The print embroidery data creation apparatus according to the present invention outputs print embroidery data in which print data and embroidery data are associated with each other in order to output the pattern represented in the image data by printing with an inkjet printer and embroidery with an embroidery sewing machine. It is created based on the image data.

  Here, the ink jet printer ejects ink onto a recording medium and prints images, characters, and the like. An ink jet printer guides ink from an ink supply source to a plurality of ejection channels of an ink jet head, selectively drives an actuator such as a heating element and a piezoelectric element, and ejects ink from an ejection nozzle provided at the tip of the ejection channel. It is carried out. When forming a color image, each pixel constituting the image is divided into, for example, three primary colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), and the density is adjusted for each color. Color pixels are formed by mixing the ejected ink. The black pixel is formed as a mixed color by mixing inks ejected with the density of the three colors maximized. However, the black color reproduced as a mixed color is a black color having a low contrast as black and so-called black with no tightening. Therefore, black (K) is used for black pixels and pixels including black as a color component. It is common to reproduce by ejecting the ink.

  A personal computer for controlling the operation of the ink-jet printer is connected to the ink-jet printer. Various applications that are programs for controlling the operation of the ink-jet printer and print data are also transferred to the personal computer. A printer driver for conversion into a data format unique to the jet printer is stored. Also, a memory card device is mounted, and the print data is supplied from the outside by mounting the memory card storing the print data in the memory card device. The print data includes information indicating the pixel area set as the print area, and information indicating the print position and print size. Based on this print data, the control mechanism of the ink jet printer automatically performs a print operation. Execute.

  On the other hand, an embroidery sewing machine moves an embroidery frame arranged on a sewing machine bed, which holds a work cloth to be embroidered, to a predetermined position indicated by an apparatus-specific XY coordinate system by a horizontal movement mechanism. By performing a sewing operation with a sewing needle and a shuttle mechanism, the work cloth is embroidered with a predetermined pattern. The horizontal movement mechanism, the needle bar, etc. are a microcomputer built in the embroidery sewing machine, etc. It is controlled by a control device composed of

  The embroidery sewing machine is equipped with a memory card device, and embroidery data is supplied from the outside by mounting a memory card storing embroidery data on the memory card device. The embroidery data includes information indicating the color code, the embroidery position and the embroidery size, and stitch data indicating the stitches to be expressed by the embroidery. Based on this embroidery data, the embroidery sewing machine controller automatically The embroidery operation is executed.

  First, the configuration of the print embroidery data creation device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a physical configuration of the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this print embroidery data creation device 1 is for creating and editing embroidery data supplied to an embroidery sewing machine and print data supplied to an inkjet printer, as described above. . Basically, the apparatus main body 10 includes a mouse 21, a keyboard 22, a memory card connector 23, a display device 24, and an image scanner device 25 connected to the device main body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the I / O interface 14 are provided, and the mouse 21, the keyboard 22, the memory card connector 23, the display device 24, and the image scanner device 25 are included in the I / O interface 14. It is connected to the. The MC is a memory card that can be connected to the memory card connector 23.

  The CPU 11 executes various operations and processes in accordance with a print embroidery data creation program according to the present invention stored in a ROM 12 which is a read-only storage element. In the case of a dedicated machine, the program is stored in the ROM, but in the case of a general-purpose machine (such as a personal computer), the program stored in the hard disk or the like is read into the RAM and executed.

  The RAM 13 is a storage element that can be arbitrarily read and written, and stores image data read from the image scanner device 25 and image data read from an external storage device such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, or CD-R (not shown). It can be memorized.

  Next, the overall flow from the input of image data to be output to the completion of a T-shirt on which a design has been printed and embroidered will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall flow in the “first embodiment”. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing image data of a photographic image showing a person's face.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, image data is input to the apparatus main body 10 by an operator (S1). The image data may be input by inputting image data read from the image scanner device 25, or image data read from an external storage device such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, etc. It is also possible to input directly. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that image data of a photographic image showing a person's face as shown in FIG. 4 is read by the image scanner device 25.

  Next, a print embroidery data creation process (S2) is executed in the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 according to an instruction from the operator. By this print embroidery data creation process, print embroidery data is created based on the input image data.

  Details of the print embroidery data creation process (S2) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main flowchart of the print embroidery data creation process (S2). FIG. 6 shows a spot color input screen. FIG. 7 shows a spot color correspondence table. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the spot color area separation process (S13). FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a spot color area set by the spot color area separation process (S13), and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a print area set by the spot color area separation process (S13). 10A is a diagram showing embroidery data corresponding to the spot color area created by the embroidery data creation process (S14), and FIG. 10B is a view other than the spot color area created by the embroidery data creation process (S13). It is a figure which shows the embroidery data corresponding to the area | region (printing area | region). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the embroidery data synthesized by the embroidery data synthesis process (S15). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a concept of stitch data included in embroidery data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the embroidery data synthesized by the embroidery data synthesis process (S15). FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data generated by the print data generation process (S16). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing print data generated by the print data generation process (S16). FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the symbols output by the print embroidery data editing process (S17).

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, a spot color is designated by the operator (S11). The special color is a color arbitrarily designated by the operator as the thread color of the embroidery thread used in the embroidery sewing machine. In this case, an input screen of a special color as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the operator can select any one or more from the input screen using the mouse 21 and the keyboard 22. The input color is specified as a special color. Specifically, first, the operator inputs the number of thread colors of the embroidery thread to be used, but it does not matter whether the number of thread colors to be input is singular or plural. Then, the operator inputs the thread color information and the color code of the embroidery thread to be used from the input screen of FIG. 6 by the number of the input thread colors. As a result, a spot color correspondence table as shown in FIG. 7 is created. In the spot color correspondence table shown in FIG. 7, the color code of the spot color specified by the operator and the RGB value of the color code are stored in association with each other. The spot color correspondence table is created and stored in the RAM 13 of the apparatus main body 10. At this time, the operator may simultaneously set the thread color sewing order in the embroidery sewing machine. The thread color sewing order may be set in advance, or may be input by the operator according to the input screen. The arbitrary color designated as the special color is not limited to the color of the embroidery thread used in the embroidery sewing machine, but the embroidery that is close to the special color designated by the operator on the embroidery sewing machine or the apparatus main body 10 is used. The color of the thread may be selected.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the operator has designated “black” as the spot color, and the thread color information and color code of the black embroidery thread are input from the input screen of FIG. Assume that a black color code and its RGB value are stored in.

  Next, the operator specifies the output size and output position of the image data input in S1 (S12). The output size is the size when the image data to be output is actually printed or embroidered on a T-shirt or the like. The output position is a position on a T-shirt or the like where image data to be output is actually output. The output size and the output position are specified in units of the actual size such as inches or cm by the operator using the mouse 21 or the keyboard 22 from the display screen displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1). Specify. That is, the size and position of image data to be output to a fabric such as a T-shirt is output by printing with an inkjet printer and embroidery with an embroidery sewing machine. A pixel unit for indicating image data is an index in a computer and does not indicate an actual size or the like. Therefore, in this step, the operator designates an arbitrary size and position at which image data is output to a T-shirt or the like, for example, in actual units such as cm and inches. In the present embodiment, the description will be continued on the assumption that the operator has designated that the image data shown in FIG. 4 be output at a predetermined position on the T-shirt in a size of 120 mm long × 90 mm wide.

  Here, all the pixels constituting the image data as shown in FIG. 4 may be output targets, or a part of the image data may be specified and the specified portion may be the output target. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, in the image data shown in FIG. 4, the background portion other than the person is excluded from the output target, and only the face pattern of the person is output by printing or embroidery. For the designation of the output portion, image data as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the operator can arbitrarily output from the display screen using the mouse 21 or the keyboard 22. A part can be specified.

  When a spot color is designated in S11 and an output size and output position are designated in S12, spot color area separation processing (S13) is executed in the apparatus main body 10. In the spot color region separation process, it is determined whether or not a plurality of pixels constituting the image data input in S1 correspond to the spot color specified in S11. The special color area to be embroidered is used, while the other area is a print area printed by the ink jet printer. In the present embodiment, the description will be continued below assuming that a white embroidery thread is further embroidered in an embroidery sewing machine in a region (printing region) other than the region corresponding to the spot color.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the spot color region separation process (S13), first, a threshold value T is set (S31). The threshold value T is a reference value serving as a reference when determining whether or not each pixel constituting the image data is a value to be set as a spot color area. The threshold T may be set for each spot color by the operator, or one threshold T common to all spot colors may be set. Further, the threshold value T stored in advance in the apparatus main body 10 may be automatically set.

  Next, the determination of each pixel is performed by scanning the individual pixels constituting the image data input in S1. Therefore, first, the first value of the X coordinate (X = 0) and the first value of the Y coordinate (Y = 0) in the XY coordinate system of the image data are set (S32). Then, the RGB value of the pixel (X, Y) is acquired (S33). Initially, the RGB value of the pixel (0, 0) set in S32 is acquired.

When the RGB value of the pixel (X, Y) is acquired in S33, the color difference distance D is calculated based on the RGB value (S34). The color difference distance D indicates the color difference, which is the color difference between the RGB value of the spot color and the RGB value of the pixel, as an absolute value distance. The larger the value, the greater the color difference between the spot color and the pixel. Conversely, the smaller this value, the smaller the color difference between the spot color and the pixel. This color difference distance D is calculated using the following mathematical formula 1. In Equation 1, the RGB values (r1, g1, b1) of the special color and the RGB values (r2, g2, b2) of the pixel (X, Y) are shown.

  Next, the color difference distance D calculated in S34 is compared with the threshold T set in S31 (S35). As a result, when it is determined that the color difference distance D is smaller than the threshold value T (S35: YES), the pixel is set as a spot color area (S36). On the other hand, when it is not determined that the color difference distance D is smaller than the threshold value T (S35: NO), the pixel is set as a print area (S37). That is, in S35, when the color difference distance D between the determination target pixel and the special color is smaller than the threshold T, the pixel is regarded as a color within a range that can be expressed by the special color, and the pixel is an area to be output by embroidery. A spot color area is set as there is. On the other hand, when the color difference distance D between the determination target pixel and the spot color is larger than the threshold T, the pixel is greatly different from the spot color and the pixel cannot be expressed by the spot color. A print area is set as an area to be output by printing.

  If processing has not been performed for all the pixels constituting the image data (S38: NO), that is, if unprocessed pixels remain, the X and Y values of the next pixel are set (S39). ), Return to S33. As described above, the processing of S33 to S38 is repeated until the processing is executed for all the pixels constituting the image data. As a result, for example, when the spot color is “black”, a pixel area that is a set of pixels corresponding to the spot color “black” is set as the spot color area. A pixel area that is a set of other pixels is set as a print area.

  After processing has been executed for all the pixels constituting the image data (S38: YES), if processing has not been executed for all the spot colors (S40: NO), that is, a plurality of spot colors have been designated in S11, If there is a processing spot color, the next spot color is selected (S41), and the process returns to S31. On the other hand, if the process has been executed for all the spot colors (S40: YES), this process ends. As described above, the processing of S31 to S40 is repeated until the processing is executed for all the spot colors specified in S11. As a result, for example, when “black” and “red” are set as the spot colors in S11, in addition to the spot color area and the print area when the spot color is “black”, the spot color area when the spot color is “red” and A print area is set. If multiple spot colors are set in this way, the pixel area that does not correspond to any spot color is finally set as a print area, and the other pixel areas correspond to any spot color. The special color area is set.

  As described above, the pixels constituting the image data input in S1 by the spot color area separation process (S13) shown in FIG. 8 are divided into the spot color area to be embroidered by the embroidery sewing machine and the print area to be printed by the inkjet printer. Disassemble and set. In the present embodiment, the image data input in S1 represents the figure of the person's face as shown in FIG. 4, and the spot color designated by the operator in S11 is “black”. By the above processing, the image data shown in FIG. 4 is decomposed and set as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the pixel area set as the spot color area in the image data corresponds to the hair portion of the human face pattern whose color difference is close to the spot color “black”. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the pixel area set as the print area in the image data corresponds to a part other than the hair portion set as the spot color area in the human face pattern.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the apparatus main body 10, the embroidery data creation process for creating embroidery data based on the spot color area is executed after the spot color area separation process (S13) (S14). The embroidery data is composed of information indicating a color code, an embroidery position, and an embroidery size, and stitch data indicating a stitch to be expressed by embroidery. In the stitch data, for example, the needle drop position of each stitch is indicated by the amount of movement in the X / Y direction of the work cloth for each stitch in the X / Y coordinate system unique to the embroidery sewing machine.

  In this embroidery data creation process (S14), the pixel unit image data is converted to an actual output size to be embroidered on the embroidery sewing machine, and the position where the image data is embroidered is also converted to a position on an actual T-shirt or the like. The Also, stitch data indicating the embroidery position in a T-shirt or the like is created. As described above, in S12, it is instructed to output the image data to a predetermined position with a length of 12 cm and a width of 9 cm.

  Here, in the embroidery data creation process (S14), the ratio of the actual output size of the embroidery sewing machine to the size of the image data in pixel units is the image data in the print data generation process (S16) described later. The output size is converted by a value equal to the ratio of the actual size output by the inkjet printer to the size in units of pixels. Thus, since the embroidery data created by the embroidery data generation process (S14) and the print data created by the print data generation process (S16) are converted at the same ratio, the embroidery and print output sizes and Consistency can be achieved at the output position.

  Various known techniques are known as methods for creating embroidery data from image data, and any technique can be applied. In this embodiment, as an example, a method of creating embroidery data suitable for an embroidery sewing machine that can faithfully reproduce a photographic image or the like whose density, color, etc. changes continuously two-dimensionally by embroidery. It is assumed that embroidery data is created by an embroidery data creation technique described in JP-A-2001-259268.

  In the present embodiment, embroidery data for the spot color “black” is created by the embroidery data creation process (S14). Further, in the present embodiment, the pixel area set as an area (printing area) other than the spot color area is embroidered with a white embroidery thread. Therefore, the embroidery data creation process (S14) is executed for the pixel area set as the print area, and the embroidery data (second embroidery data) for the special color “white” is created.

  FIG. 10A illustrates embroidery data for the special color “black”. For a human hair portion which is a pixel area set as a special color area by the special color area decomposition process (S13) of FIG. This indicates that embroidery data with the embroidery thread is created. FIG. 10B illustrates the embroidery data for the spot color “white”, which is a pixel area set as a print area by the spot color area decomposition process (S13) of FIG. This indicates that the embroidery data with the white embroidery thread has been created for the portion. 10A and 10B, the output size of the T-shirt which is the output medium is 12 cm long × 9 cm wide, and this output size is designated by the operator in S12. It is.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the embroidery data for each spot color is created by the embroidery data creation process (S14) in the apparatus body 10, an embroidery data synthesis process is performed to combine these into one embroidery data (S15). . That is, the embroidery data for each spot color is combined into one so that it can be executed collectively on the embroidery sewing machine.
[White color code] + [Print area stitch data] + [Special color 1 color code] + [Special color 1 stitch data] + [Special color 2 color code] + [Special color 2 stitch data] ... + [Special color X color code] + [Stitch data of spot color X]
The embroidery data in which the embroidery data for each spot color is combined into one is synthesized. That is, the synthesized embroidery data is a single piece of embroidery data for each spot color, and includes stitch data indicating the embroidery position in a T-shirt and the like, and related information such as a color code of the spot color. Thus, the actual output size and output position of the embroidery sewing machine are shown.

  The embroidery data will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the synthesized embroidery data includes a color change code 41, a stitch code 42, a feed code 43, and an end code 44. The color change code 41 indicates a color code of a special color. The stitch code 42 is coordinate information indicating a position where the embroidery is performed by the special color embroidery thread indicated by the color change code 41. The feed code 43 is placed between the discontinuous stitches to indicate a continuous break between stitches. The end code 44 is an identification code that is provided at the end of the embroidery data and is used by the embroidery machine to recognize the end of the embroidery data. The embroidery data for each spot color is formed by repeating a stitch code 42 and a feed code 43 with the color change code 41 at the head. The embroidery data composed in one embroidery data for each spot color and provided with an end code 44 at the end is the embroidery data synthesized in S14. Note that the color change code 41 in FIG. 11 corresponds to [color code of spot color X], and the stitch code 42 and the feed code 43 correspond to [stitch data of spot color X].

  In the embroidery sewing machine, the synthesized embroidery data is read sequentially from the beginning, and when the color change code 41 is read, the embroidery thread of the special color indicated by the color change code 41 is automatically set at a predetermined position. Alternatively, processing such as displaying to the operator that the special color embroidery thread should be set at a predetermined position is executed. Thereafter, embroidery with the embroidery thread of the particular color is executed based on the coordinate position (needle drop position) indicated by the subsequent stitch code 42. In FIG. 11, the stitch code indicates the movement amount of the work cloth for each stitch in the X and Y directions by numerical values in which the X coordinate and the Y coordinate are continuous.

  When the subsequent feed code 43 is further read, the embroidery sewing machine determines that the end of continuous stitches has been reached, and performs the stitching. Then, when the next stitch code 42 is read, the movement is performed in a state where the embroidery is interrupted to the first needle drop position in the stitch code 42, and the end stitch is executed again at the first needle drop position. . The reason for performing the stitching before and after the feed code 43 in this way is as follows. In the case of sewing with embroidery, usually 1 stitch is 1 to 3 mm. However, if the stitches embroidered by the same spot color are discontinuous and the stitches are continued without being separated, the embroidery is unraveled. There is a problem that it ends up. Therefore, a feed code 43 is provided between the discontinuous stitches, and only a continuous stitch is stored as one unit in the stitch code 42, and the first needle drop position and the last needle drop position of each stitch code 42 are stored. In order to prevent loosening of the sewing, a seam stitch is executed.

  For all the color change codes 41, embroidery is executed by repeating the stitch code 42 and the feed code 43, and when the end code 44 is finally read, the embroidery machine recognizes the end of the embroidery data and performs the embroidery work. Is terminated.

  As shown in FIG. 12, each stitch code 42 indicated by a solid line is a sequence of a plurality of stitches, and (Xa, Ya), (Xm1, Ym1), (Xm2, Ym2)... (Xb, Yb) As shown, the coordinates indicate the needle drop position. At the start coordinate and the end coordinate of each stitch code 42, a stitch 44 is applied. When the feed coat 43 is read, as indicated by a dotted line, the stitch code 42 moves from the end coordinates (Xb, Yb) to the start coordinates (Xc, Yc) of the next stitch code 42 without being embroidered. Then, embroidery is executed in the order of the needle entry positions of (Xc, Yc), (Xn1, Yn1), (Xn2, Yn2)... (Xd, Yd) from the head coordinates.

In the present embodiment, second embroidery data with white as a special color is also created for pixel areas other than the spot color area (pixel areas set as print areas), and white color is generated based on the second embroidery data. Since embroidery is performed with the embroidery thread, [white color code] and [stitch data of the print area] are provided at the head position in the embroidery data. However, when not embroidering the pixel area (pixel area set as the print area) other than the spot color area,
[Special Color 1 Color Code] + [Special Color 1 Stitch Data] + [Special Color 2 Color Code] + [Special Color 2 Stitch Data] ... + [Special Color X Color Code] + [Special Color X Stitch Data]
The embroidery data in which the embroidery data for each spot color is combined into one is synthesized.

  In the embroidery data of the present invention, “color code indicating color code” (color code of special color X) (color change code 41) corresponds to “information indicating embroidery position and embroidery size” and “spot color”. "Stitch data indicating stitches for expressing an area by embroidery" corresponds to [spot data of spot color X] (stitch code 42 and feed code 43).

  FIG. 13 shows embroidery data in which the embroidery data for each spot color is combined into one by the above-described embroidery data combining process (S15). As a result of combining the embroidery data for each spot color shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B into one, embroidery with a black embroidery thread is performed on the human hair portion which is the pixel area set as the spot color area. On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows that embroidery data indicating that embroidery with a white embroidery thread is executed is synthesized with respect to a portion other than the human hair that is the pixel region set as the print region. Yes. Note that this synthesized embroidery data also has an output size of 12 cm long × 9 cm wide in a T-shirt, and embroidery is applied at a designated output position.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the apparatus main body 10, next, a print data generation process for generating print data based on the print area is executed (S16).

  Here, in the print data generation process (S16), the ratio of the actual size output by the inkjet printer to the size of the image data in pixel units is the image data in the embroidery data creation process (S14). The output size is converted by a value equal to the ratio of the actual output size of the embroidery sewing machine to the size of each pixel unit. As a result, the print data created by the print data generation process (S16) and the embroidery data created by the embroidery data creation process (S14) are converted at the same ratio. Consistency can be taken.

  In the print data generation process (S16), print data is generated based on the print area (area other than the spot color area) set in the spot color area separation process of S13. In the present embodiment, in FIG. Image data as shown in (b) is set as a print area. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, a portion other than the hair portion of the human face design is set as a region to be printed by the ink jet printer.

  Various methods and known techniques are conventionally known as methods for generating print data from such image data, and the methods and techniques used differ depending on the application and data format used. Even methods and techniques can be applied. An example will be described below.

  In the print data generation process (S16), first, data items necessary for generating print data from image data are set. The data items necessary for the print data include at least “print range”, “print resolution”, and “print target image”. The “printing range” indicates the output size and output position on the output medium when the image data is printed by the ink jet printer. “Print resolution” is a numerical value for designating the print quality of image data by the ink jet printer. The “print target image” is information on a pixel area constituting image data.

  Here, in the “print range” of the print data, the output size is determined by the horizontal width and height, and the output position is determined by the horizontal start position and the vertical start position. In S12, 12 cm long × 9 cm wide, which is the output size designated by the operator, is acquired. When this is converted into inches, the length is 4.72 inches (≈12 cm) × 3.54 inches (≈9 cm). Further, as the “print target image”, the image data of FIG. 9B set as the print area in the special color area separation process of S13 is set. The “printing resolution” may be arbitrarily set by the operator, or a default value provided in advance may be used. Here, the “printing resolution” is set to 600 dpi vertical × 600 dpi horizontal. Shall.

  As described above, as a result of setting various data items, print data having data items as shown in FIG. 14 is generated. As shown in FIG. 14, the print data includes a print range instruction code 51 that is an identifier indicating the print range, and a data body of the print range instruction code 51 and the image data on the output medium. A print range 52 indicating an output size and an output position (horizontal start position, vertical start position, horizontal width, height), a resolution instruction code 53 which is an identifier indicating data indicating print resolution, and a resolution instruction code 53 And a unit DPI 54 that indicates the print quality of the image data on the output medium in dot units.

  Further, an image data instruction code 55 that is an identifier indicating that the data is information indicating image data information is provided. The image data information includes an image size instruction code 56 that is an identifier indicating the size of the image data, and a data body of the image size instruction code 56 and the size (width, height) of the image data. ) In pixel units, a pixel designation code 58 that is an identifier that designates the data that constitutes the image data, and a pixel value 59 that represents the RGB value of each pixel. . The pixel value 59 is displayed repeatedly for all of the pixels constituting the width × height size of the image size 57. An end code 60 that is an identifier for instructing the end of the data is provided at the end of the print data.

  Of the data items necessary for the print data, “print range” corresponds to the print range 52, “print resolution” corresponds to the unit DPI 54, and “print target image” corresponds to the pixel value 59. In the print data of the present invention, the pixel value 59 corresponds to “information indicating the pixel area set as the print area”, and the information corresponding to “information indicating the print position and print size” This is the print range 52.

  As shown in FIG. 15, this print data is printed by an ink jet printer on a portion other than the human hair, which is a pixel region set as a print region. The output size of the image data is 4.72 inches (≈12 cm) in length and 3.54 inches (≈9 cm) in width, and the printing resolution is set to 600 dpi × 600 dpi in width. The number of dots in the image data output range is 2833 dots (600 dpi × 4.72 inches) × 2126 dots (600 dpi × 3.54 inches). The image data is enlarged / reduced so as to be expressed by the number of dots. Then, in the ink jet printer, printing is executed in dot units that are printing execution units. As for the print data, the output size and output position of the T-shirt as the output medium correspond to the output size and output position specified by the operator in S12 as described above.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the apparatus main body 10, next, a print embroidery data editing process is executed by editing the embroidery data in S15 and the print data in S16 to obtain one print embroidery data (S17). This is a process for editing the embroidery data and the print data into one print embroidery data and storing them in association with each other.

In this print embroidery data editing process (S17),
[Embroidery data start code] + [Embroidery data] + [Print data start code] + [Print data] + [Print embroidery data end code]
Data editing is executed so that the data structure is as follows.

  Note that [print embroidery data start code] that is an identifier for instructing the start of the print embroidery data may be provided at the head of the print embroidery data. [Embroidery data] and [Print data] may be provided with [Start code] and [End code]. In this case, [Print embroidery data end code] is unnecessary.

  As described above, the print embroidery data creation process (S2) of FIG. 5 is executed to create print embroidery data in which embroidery data used by the embroidery sewing machine and print data used by the inkjet printer are associated with each other. Is done.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the print embroidery data is created in S2, the print data and the embroidery data included in the print embroidery data are output to a memory card connected to the memory card connector 23 (S3). When data is transferred to the memory card, the embroidery data transfer application of the print embroidery data creation device 1 converts the data into a format that can be directly interpreted by the embroidery sewing machine. [Embroidery data start code] is an identifier instructing the start of embroidery data in the print embroidery data. When the embroidery data transfer application reads this identifier, it transfers the subsequent [embroidery data] to the memory card, When the [print data start code] is read, the data transfer is terminated. Also, the print data transfer application of the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 converts the data into a format that can be directly interpreted by the ink jet printer through a printer driver or the like. [Print data start code] is an identifier for instructing the start of print data in the print embroidery data. When the print data transfer application reads this identifier, it transfers the subsequent [print data] to the memory card, When [print embroidery data end code] is read, the data transfer ends. As described above, the print data and the embroidery data are converted and output to the memory card.

  The print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 and the ink jet printer may be connected to directly transfer data. Further, the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 and the embroidery sewing machine may be connected to directly transfer data.

  The operator attaches the memory card on which the embroidery data is output in S3 to the memory card device mounted on the embroidery sewing machine, and sets a T-shirt, which is a fabric as an output medium, at a predetermined position of the embroidery sewing machine. Then, the embroidery work is started. In the embroidery sewing machine, the embroidery data obtained by data conversion is read from the memory card mounted on the memory card device, and the design embroidery operation on the T-shirt is automatically executed based on the embroidery data (S4). ).

  As a result of the embroidery operation by the embroidery sewing machine, the contents of the embroidery data shown in FIG. 13 are embroidered on the T-shirt. That is, in the special color area decomposition process of S13, the hair portion of the human face pattern set as the special color area is embroidered with the special color “black” embroidery thread. In addition, an area set as a pixel area (print area) other than the spot color area is embroidered with an embroidery thread of the spot color “white”. These output sizes and output positions are embroidered at specified positions on the T-shirt with a size of 12 cm (length) × 9 cm (width) specified by the operator in S12.

  When the embroidery work on the embroidery sewing machine is completed, the memory card on which the print data is output in S3 is mounted on the memory card device mounted on the personal computer that controls the operation of the ink jet printer, and the converted print data is stored. Transfer to inkjet printer. In addition, the T-shirt with the pattern embroidered on the embroidery sewing machine is set at a predetermined location of the ink jet printer, and the printing operation is started. In the ink jet printer, print data converted from data is transferred from a memory card attached to the memory card device, and a printing operation is executed based on the print data (S5).

  Here, the print data created in S2 reflects the output size in the inkjet printer and the output position relative to the print range of the inkjet printer. Then, as shown in S3, this print data is converted into a format that can be interpreted by an ink jet printer through a printer driver or the like and output. Therefore, the print data can be used in any printer as long as the print data included in the print embroidery data can be converted into a format that can be interpreted by the printer.

  As described above, in the ink jet printer, the design printing operation on the T-shirt is automatically executed based on the print data included in the print embroidery data. As a result, the contents of the print data shown in FIG. 15 are printed on the T-shirt. That is, in the special color area separation process of S13, printing is performed on the pixel area (part other than the human hair) set as the print area. In the case of FIG. 15, an output size of 4.72 inches (≈12 cm) × 3.54 inches (≈9 cm) in width is printed at a specified output position on a T-shirt by the number of dots of 2833 dots × 2126 dots horizontally. Executed.

  Note that the printing shown in FIG. 15 is performed on the T-shirt with the embroidery shown in FIG. 13, and the area of the T-shirt embroidered with white thread is included in the figure of the person represented in the image data. The part other than the hair is printed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the design of the face of the person represented in the image data is output on the T-shirt in a form in which the embroidered area and the printed area are combined. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the embroidery data shown in FIG. 16 (a) is the portion other than the hair portion of the pattern representing the person's face while the hair portion is embroidered with the embroidery thread having the characteristic “black”. Indicates that the embroidery is applied with the embroidery thread of the special color “white”. Also, the print data shown in (b) indicates that printing is performed on a portion other than the hair portion of the pattern representing the face of the person. Then, as a result of executing the embroidery as shown in (a) and the printing as shown in (b), a pattern indicating a person's face is output to the T-shirt as shown in (c).

  As described above, in the print embroidery data creation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the pixels constituting the image data are analyzed, the spot color area and the print area are set, and the embroidery data and the print corresponding to the spot color area are set. Print embroidery data associated with print data corresponding to the area is created. Also, print data and embroidery data can be created based on the image data, which can obtain output results that make use of the characteristics of embroidery and printing, and that is consistent with the output position and output size of embroidery and printing. can do.

  Also, because the spot color area and the print area are set by analyzing the pixels that make up the image data based on the spot color specified by the operator, printing that meets conditions such as the operator's needs and the performance of the embroidery machine Data and embroidery data can be created freely and arbitrarily. Further, print data and embroidery data corresponding to the output size and output position designated by the operator can be created, and print embroidery data in which these print data and embroidery data are associated can be created.

  Also, based on the print data and embroidery data, as a result of printing by an ink-jet printer and embroidery by an embroidery sewing machine, the pattern represented in the image data is output in a combined form of printing and embroidery on a T-shirt. Is done. In addition, the printed area and the embroidered area of the image data design are output in a form in which the output size and the output position are consistent. Therefore, by utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing, it is possible to output a design that can give an impression different from the output of only embroidery or the output of printing to a fabric such as a T-shirt.

  Further, since the embroidery data and the print data are edited into one print embroidery data, it is more convenient than the case where the embroidery data and the print data exist independently, and the consistency between the embroidery data and the print data. Can be increased.

  Of the pixels constituting the image data, the area set as the print area is embroidered with white embroidery thread by the embroidery sewing machine and printed by the ink jet printer on top of it. It is possible to obtain an output result obtained by performing printing on the top, and to output a design that can provide an unprecedented interest on the T-shirt.

  Next, the “second embodiment” will be described. In the “second embodiment”, the ink jet printer and the embroidery sewing machine do not exist independently, but the printing according to the present invention is implemented when the ink jet printer and the embroidery sewing machine are realized as one apparatus having a printing function and an embroidery function. This is an example when the embroidery data creation apparatus 1 is applied.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an overall flow in the “second embodiment”. The difference from the flowchart (FIG. 3) showing the overall flow in the “first embodiment” is that embroidery with an embroidery sewing machine and printing with an inkjet printer are executed in the same apparatus. That is, in S6, embroidery by the embroidery function and printing by the print function are executed based on the print data and the embroidery data. It should be noted that whether the embroidery by the embroidery function or the printing by the printing function is executed first may be set in advance, or may be selected by the operator when performing the operation of S6. . The other points are the same as those in the “first embodiment”.

  According to the present embodiment, it is troublesome to change the fabric of an output medium, such as a T-shirt, and to attach the memory card storing the print data and the embroidery data to the memory card devices of the embroidery sewing machine and the inkjet printer. Can be omitted. In addition, it is possible to prevent the output position and output size from being shifted or out of order due to the re-covering of the T-shirt or the like, and more accurately match the printing and embroidery.

  Next, the “third embodiment” will be described. The “third embodiment” is an example in which only an area set as a spot color area is embroidered in the embroidery sewing machine. That is, in the “first embodiment”, the second embroidery data is also created for an area (printing area) other than the spot color area, and embroidery with white embroidery thread is performed based on the second embroidery data. In the case of the “third embodiment”, only the printing by the ink jet printer is performed in the printing area.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the symbols output by the print embroidery data editing process (S17) in the “third embodiment”. That is, after the embroidery in the special color area and the printing in the print area are executed, the pattern output to the T-shirt is shown. As shown in FIG. 18, the embroidery data shown in FIG. 18A indicates that only the hair portion of the pattern representing the person's face is embroidered with the embroidery thread of the special color “black”. The print data shown in (b) is the same as that shown in the “first embodiment”. Then, as a result of executing the embroidery as shown in (a) and the printing as shown in (b), a pattern indicating a person's face is output to the T-shirt as shown in (c). The other points are the same as those in the “first embodiment”.

  According to the present embodiment, when it is not necessary to embroider the white thread on the print area, only printing by the ink jet printer is executed on the print area, so that a series of operations can be speeded up. In addition, when embroidering white thread on the print area, the embroidery machine was previously used to perform printing on the white thread embroidery. When not applied, there is no overlap between the printed area and the embroidered area. Therefore, in this case, the order in which printing by the ink jet printer and embroidery by the embroidery sewing machine are executed is not limited.

  In the above “first embodiment” to “third embodiment”, the mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 for specifying the feature color (S11) of the main flowchart shown in FIG. The mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 for specifying the output size and output position (S12) in the main flowchart shown in FIG. 5 correspond to “spot color specifying means” and correspond to “output information specifying means” of the present invention. Further, the CPU 11 that performs the spot color area separation process (S13) of the main flowchart shown in FIG. 5 functions as the “pixel determination unit” of the present invention, and each area setting (S36) in the spot color area separation process (S13) shown in FIG. , S37) functions as the “region setting means” of the present invention, and the CPU 11 that executes the embroidery data creation processing (S14) and embroidery data composition processing (S15) of the main flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 11 that functions as the “embroidery data creation means” of the invention and executes the print data generation process (S16) of the main flowchart shown in FIG. 5 functions as the “print data creation means” of the invention, and the main data shown in FIG. The CPU 11 that executes the print embroidery data editing process (S17) of the flowchart is the “print embroidery data creation means” of the present invention. Functions in.

  The present invention is not limited to the “first embodiment” to “third embodiment” described in detail above, and various modifications can be made.

  In the above embodiment, the stitch data in the embroidery data is exemplified as indicating the needle drop position in the X / Y coordinate system unique to the embroidery sewing machine by the movement amount in the X / Y directions. Can be configured so as to indicate the seam by the absolute position of the internal coordinate system in the embroidery sewing machine, for example, as long as it indicates the seam for expressing the output object by embroidery. . In addition, embroidery methods other than embroidery by stitch units are also applicable. Therefore, the print embroidery data creation device of the present invention can handle embroidery data having various data configurations according to the implementation in the embroidery device.

  Further, although dot printing by an ink jet printer has been described as an example, the printing apparatus is not limited to the ink jet printer, and the printing unit is not limited to the dot unit. For example, printing may be executed by other printing units such as points (pt) and picas (pc). Also, various formats such as bit units and line units can be used for the printing method. Therefore, the print embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention can handle print data having various data configurations according to the mounting in the printing apparatus.

  In S11, the worker designates the spot color “black”, but the spot color may be any number, and a plurality of spot colors can be designated as described above. The color that can be designated as the special color is not limited to the color of the embroidery thread that can be used in the embroidery sewing machine. For colors that do not exist in the embroidery sewing machine, a color closest to the designated spot color may be assigned, or an operator may assign any different color.

  In addition, regarding the embroidery (S4) by the embroidery sewing machine and the printing (S5) by the ink jet printer, the operator can arbitrarily select the execution order. Specifically, if the worker wants to execute printing first, it is sufficient to perform the printing work in the ink jet printer first.

  Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of embroidery data and a plurality of print data are collected into one print embroidery data.

  Also, for the area set as the print area in the special color area separation process (S13), when embroidery is executed by the embroidery sewing machine, the special color is not limited to “white”, and other special colors such as gray and transparent colors are used. Embroidery may be applied with embroidery threads. The “second embroidery data” of the present invention refers to the embroidery data created based on the print area in the embroidery data creation process (S14) and the embroidery data based on the print area in the embroidery data composition process (S15). It corresponds to the embroidery data synthesized including them.

  Also, the designation of the spot color by the worker in S11 can be performed as follows. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an input screen for another spot color. FIG. 20 shows an embroidery thread correspondence table. As shown in FIG. 20, an embroidery thread correspondence table in which a plurality of embroidery threads and color codes of the plurality of embroidery threads are associated and registered is provided in advance, and the input screen shown in FIG. The embroidery thread registered in the table may be displayed, and the operator may designate the spot color by checking any one or more of these embroidery threads. Then, for the embroidery thread designated from the input screen shown in FIG. 19, the thread color information and the color code are acquired from the embroidery thread correspondence table of FIG. 20, and a spot color correspondence table as shown in FIG. 7 is created. Thereby, the operator does not need to input the thread color information and the color code of the special color, and can easily specify the special color.

  The print embroidery data includes both print data and embroidery data. The embroidery data and the print data are created based on the same image data without performing the print embroidery data editing process in S17. The printing embroidery data creation device may be used.

  In addition, since the print embroidery data has a special data structure in which both the print data and the embroidery data are included in one data, an application for controlling the embroidery operation in the embroidery sewing machine can perform embroidery based on the characteristics of the data structure. Embroidery data necessary for the operation may be read. Further, an application that controls the printing operation in the ink jet printer may read necessary print data based on the characteristics of the data structure. The read print data and embroidery data may be converted by each driver software and the print operation and the embroidery operation may be executed based on the converted print data and embroidery data.

  The image data uses a color space in the RGB format. In the special color designation in S11, the special color is specified by the RGB format, and the color difference distance D is calculated by the RGB format in the special color region decomposition process (S13). Color codes are also specified in RGB format for embroidery data and print data (S14-17). However, the color space used in the print embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention may be any other color space. For example, the present invention may be realized using a color space of the CMYK system. Further, an L * a * b * space, an L * u * v * space, a YIQ space, an HSI space, or the like may be used.

  On the other hand, the print data converted by each printer driver has a color code specified by, for example, a color space based on the CMYK method. This is because the ink-jet printer executes printing using ink of the CMYK method. In the case of an ink jet printer that performs printing by another method, print data in a color space that matches the format may be used. Further, although the RGB space is used as a method for designating the spot color, any color space may be used.

  Further, instead of the print data included in the print embroidery data, data converted into a format that can be interpreted by the ink jet printer through a printer driver or the like may be provided. Further, instead of the embroidery data included in the print embroidery data, data converted into a format that can be directly interpreted by the embroidery sewing machine may be provided. In addition, embroidery data may be provided so that image data is converted into embroidery data each time data is transferred by the embroidery sewing machine without including print embroidery data.

  In addition, although the inkjet printer was illustrated as a printing apparatus, other printing apparatuses, such as a laser printer and a thermal printer, may be used. Moreover, although the home embroidery sewing machine has been exemplified as the embroidery device, any embroidery device having an embroidery function may be used regardless of a specific embroidery method, home use, or industrial use. In other words, the printing apparatus or the embroidery apparatus only needs to be able to use the printing data or embroidery data created by the printing embroidery data creation apparatus 1 of the present invention. Needless to say, the fabric of the non-output medium is not limited to a T-shirt, and the image data to be output is not limited to a photographic image, and various image data can be used. .

  The print embroidery data creation device of the present invention can be applied to a computer for creating print data and embroidery data that can be used for printing by a printing device such as an inkjet printer and printing by an embroidery device such as an embroidery sewing machine.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a physical configuration of a printing embroidery data creation device 1; 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing embroidery data creation apparatus 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow in "1st Embodiment." It is a figure which shows the image data of the photographic image which shows a person's face. It is a figure which shows the main flowchart of a printing embroidery data creation process (S2). It is a figure which shows the input screen of a spot color. It is a figure which shows a spot color corresponding | compatible table. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a spot color area separation process (S13). (A) is a figure which shows the special color area set by the special color area separation process (S13), (b) is a figure which shows the printing area set by the special color area separation process (S13). (A) is a diagram showing embroidery data corresponding to the spot color area created by the embroidery data creation process (S14), and (b) is an area other than the spot color area (printing) created by the embroidery data creation process (S13). It is a figure which shows the embroidery data corresponding to (area | region). It is a figure which shows an example of the embroidery data synthesize | combined by the embroidery data synthetic | combination process (S15). It is a figure which shows the concept of the stitch data contained in embroidery data. It is a figure which shows the embroidery data synthesize | combined by the embroidery data synthetic | combination process (S15). It is a figure which shows an example of the print data produced | generated by the print data production | generation process (S16). It is a figure which shows the print data produced | generated by the print data production | generation process (S16). It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol output by printing embroidery data edit processing (S17). It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow in "2nd Embodiment." It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol output by the printing embroidery data edit process (S17) in "3rd Embodiment." It is a figure which shows the input screen of another spot color. It is a figure which shows the embroidery thread corresponding | compatible table.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing Embroidery Data Creation Device 10 Device Body 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 I / O interface 21 Mouse 22 Keyboard 23 Memory card connector 24 Display device 25 Image scanner device

Claims (15)

A print embroidery data creation device that creates embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data consisting of a collection of pixels,
Spot color designating means for designating a spot color that is any one or more colors;
Output information setting means for setting an output size and an output position in embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device and printing of the print data by the printing device;
Pixel determination means for determining whether the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color;
A pixel area that is a set of pixels determined to correspond to the spot color by the pixel determination unit is set as a spot color area, while a pixel area that is a set of pixels determined not to match the spot color is set as a print area. Area setting means to perform,
The pixel area set as the spot color area by the area setting means is output by the embroidery apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting means by the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding spot color. Embroidery data creation means for creating output embroidery data;
The pixel area set as the print area by the area setting means is output by the printing device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting means according to the color of each corresponding pixel in the image data. A print embroidery data creation device comprising: print data creation means for creating print data.   The print embroidery data creation device according to claim 1, further comprising print embroidery data creation means for creating print embroidery data including the embroidery data and the print data.   In the embroidery data, the ratio of the size that is actually embroidered in the embroidery device to the size in pixel units in the image data is the ratio of the size in pixel units in the image data in the print data. 3. The print embroidery data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the print embroidery data creation device is equal to a ratio of a size actually printed by the printing device.   4. The embroidery data includes information indicating a color code, an embroidery position and an embroidery size, and stitch data indicating a stitch for expressing the special color area by embroidery. The printing embroidery data creation device according to any one of the above.   The print data includes information indicating a pixel area set as the print area in the image data, and information indicating a print position and a print size. The printing embroidery data creation device described in the above.   6. The print embroidery data according to claim 1, wherein the embroidery data creation means creates second embroidery data from the pixel area set as the print area by the area setting means. Creation device.   The second embroidery data is composed of information indicating a white color code, an embroidery position and an embroidery size, and stitch data indicating a needle drop position in the embroidery apparatus for expressing the print area by embroidery. The printing embroidery data creating apparatus according to claim 6. An embroidery thread correspondence table in which a plurality of embroidery threads and color codes of the plurality of embroidery threads are associated and stored;
The spot color designating unit is for designating a spot color that is one or more embroidery thread colors among a plurality of embroidery thread colors stored in the embroidery thread correspondence table. Item 8. The print embroidery data creation device according to any one of Items 1 to 7.   The pixel determining unit determines that the pixel corresponds to the spot color when a distance between the color of the pixel and the color of the spot color code in an arbitrary color space is smaller than a predetermined threshold. A printing embroidery data creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A print embroidery data creation program for causing a computer to create embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data consisting of a collection of pixels,
A spot color designating process for designating a spot color which is any one or more colors;
An output information setting step for setting an output size and an output position in embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device and printing of the print data by the printing device;
A pixel determination step for determining whether or not the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color;
A pixel area that is a set of pixels determined to correspond to the spot color in the pixel determination step is set as a spot color area, while a pixel area that is a set of pixels determined not to match the spot color is set as a print area. Area setting process,
The pixel area set as the spot color area by the area setting step is output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step by the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding spot color. Embroidery data creation process for creating output embroidery data,
The pixel region set as the print region by the region setting step is output by the printing device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step according to the color of each corresponding pixel in the image data. A print embroidery data creation program for executing a print data creation process for creating print data. A print embroidery data creation method for creating embroidery data that can be embroidered by an embroidery device and print data that can be printed by a printing device from image data consisting of a collection of pixels,
A spot color specifying step for specifying a spot color that is one or more arbitrary colors;
An output information setting step for setting an output size and an output position in embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device and printing of the print data by the printing device;
A pixel determination step for determining whether or not the pixel of the image data corresponds to the spot color;
A pixel area that is a set of pixels determined to correspond to the spot color in the pixel determination step is set as a spot color area, while a pixel area that is a set of pixels determined not to match the spot color is set as a print area. An area setting step to be performed;
The pixel area set as the spot color area by the area setting step is output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step by the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding spot color. Embroidery data creation step for creating output embroidery data;
The pixel area set as the print area by the area setting step is output by the printing apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step according to the color of each corresponding pixel in the image data. A print embroidery data creation method comprising: a print data creation step for creating print data.   Read by the embroidery device that performs embroidery on the output medium, read by the printing device that executes printing on the output medium, and embroidery data corresponding to the output size and output position in the embroidery device. A data structure of print embroidery data including print data corresponding to an output size and an output position.   In the embroidery data, the ratio of the size that is actually embroidered in the embroidery device to the size in pixel units in the image data is the ratio of the size in pixel units in the image data in the print data. 13. The data structure of print embroidery data according to claim 12, wherein the data structure is equal to a ratio of the size actually printed by the printing apparatus.   14. The embroidery data is composed of information indicating a color code, an embroidery position and an embroidery size, and stitch data indicating a stitch for expressing the spot color area by embroidery. Data structure of the print embroidery data described. 15. The print data according to claim 12, wherein the print data includes information indicating a pixel area set as the print area in the image data, and information indicating a print position and a print size. A data structure of the print embroidery data described in the above.

Images