JP3755537B2 - Embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery sewing data from image data - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an embroidery pattern input device for creating embroidery sewing data for causing an embroidery sewing machine to perform embroidery stitching, and more particularly to an embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery pattern data using original images having images of different densities such as photographs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An embroidery pattern input device is known that, when creating embroidery pattern data for an embroidery sewing machine, takes an original image by image input means such as an image scanner and converts it into embroidery sewing data.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional input device normally scans an original black and white image, and binaryly discriminates the black and white of each dot. Corresponding to this, embroidery sewing is performed using one as a background and the other as a seam. Since data is created, it is impossible to read embroidery data that can be reproduced by reproducing an image whose density changes continuously such as a photograph.
The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention of claim 1 is an embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery sewing data from image data, wherein a unit for setting a predetermined division number of density and a number of divisions of the density are set. means for setting a stitch density Te, based on the image of the original having a different image density, and means for providing the image data for each of the divided density corresponding to the division number the set, the image data the Means for storing in relation to the density; means for converting the image data into stitch data based on the set stitch density; and means for storing the converted stitch data. .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for dividing the image data for each density, and the means for giving the image data is not given image data for each density as in the first aspect of the invention, but all of them are collectively. The image data in which all the densities are mixed is divided for each density by means for dividing the image data.
[0005]
[Action]
In the first aspect of the present invention, the density is divided into a predetermined number by means for setting the predetermined number of divisions of density, and the stitch density is set according to the number of divisions of the density. Then , based on the original image having images with different densities, image data is given for each density according to the set number of divisions . The image data is stored in a means for storing in association with the density. The means for converting into stitch data converts the image data into stitch data based on the set stitch density. The converted stitch data is stored in a storing means.
In the invention of claim 2, image data in which different densities are mixed is divided for each density by means for dividing, and based on this, stitch data corresponding to the density is generated.
[0006]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, the embroidery pattern multi-stage input device X includes an image scanner 2 as means for providing image data . The image scanner 2 is connected to the input device main body A, and image data read by the image scanner 2 is input to the central processing unit 1 shown in FIG.
[0007]
Image scanner 2 is now possible to determine the density of an image, and is configured to Ru can output image data signal corresponding to the concentration.
[0008]
The input device main body A is provided with a guide 24. An original image having a pattern is placed on the original image placing portion 25 set on the guide 24, and the image scanner 2 is caused to travel on the original image. As a result, the original image is read. It is also possible to read the image by running on the original image freely without using such a guide 24.
In addition, 20 is a scanner button for reading an image, 21 is a scanner dial for adjusting the density of reading, 31 is a liquid crystal display for performing various displays described later, 32 is a RAM card eject button of the stitch data storage means 6, Reference numeral 33 denotes a power switch.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 3, the input device main body A has a plurality of function keys such as an input mode selection key 49, a reading key 50, a storage key 51, a density division number input key 52, a stitch number setting key 53, and a reading density setting key 54. An operation command unit 5 is provided, and an operator operates these keys to cause the image scanner 2 to run on the original image so as to read an image.
That is, when the operator operates the input mode selection key 49, the density discrimination mode is set, and original images with different densities can be read. When the reading key 50 is operated, the image scanner 2 enters the reading mode, and the image of the original image is moved by moving the image scanner 2 on the original image on the original image mounting unit 25 while pressing the scanner button 20 of the image scanner 2. It can be read by the image scanner 2.
[0010]
The read image data is sequentially sent to the central processing unit 1, and the central processing unit 1 is configured to store the image data in the image data storage unit 11.
[0011]
The central processing unit 1 is connected with a concentration division number input means 3, by manipulating the concentration division number input key 52, being adapted to be set either to divide the concentration of the original in several stages, the concentration The function of means for setting the predetermined number of divisions is achieved. When the set value of the division number is input, the central processing unit 1 sets the density range of each stage corresponding to the division number.
Note that the number of density divisions may be at most equal to the number of stitches. In this case, the seam density level is substantially infinite. Various density division methods are possible, such as finely dividing only the vicinity of the density division boundary, or making the density boundary inconspicuous in such a stepless manner.
Further, the density code giving means 9 is configured to give a density code to each of the density ranges divided here.
[0012]
The central processing unit 1 is further connected with an embroidery stitch number setting means 7 which is a means for setting the stitch density, and the density (pitch) of the stitches of the embroidery stitch can be set by operating the stitch number setting key 53. Yes. The setting of the stitch pitch can be set for each density range in accordance with the number of divisions described above, whereby the stitch density (pitch) corresponding to the density of the original image is determined.
The stitch density is usually adjusted by adjusting the pitch between rows of stitches. However, the stitch density is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to combine over stitching or to combine pitch adjustment and over stitching. Any adjustment can be used as long as it can express the stitch density corresponding to.
[0013]
The reading density setting means 4 is for setting the density to be read by the image scanner 2, and the density sensitivity of the image scanner 2 is set to a predetermined value by operating the reading density setting key 54. The reading density setting means 4 is configured to set the sensitivity of the image scanner 2 corresponding to the divided density and sequentially read the density in the entire range.
The image scanner 2 reads all images having a density higher or lower than the density set by the reading density setting means 4.
[0014]
An image display means 8 is connected to the central processing unit 1 so that various images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 31.
For example, the density range set based on the setting of the number of divisions by the density division number input means 3 is displayed as an image, and the operator sets the number of division settings by the density division number input means 3 while looking at the specific density range. Adjustments can be made.
Further, the stitch density based on the number of stitches set by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7 is also displayed so that the adjustment can be made visually.
Further, the reading density by the reading density setting means 4 is also specifically displayed, so that the operator can easily set and adjust the density.
[0015]
When an image in the first density range is first read by the image scanner 2 by the above setting, the central processing unit 1 assigns the code set by the density code assigning means 9 to the image data and stores the image data. Means 11 ( means for storing image data in relation to the density) is stored.
Then, an image in each density range divided in order is read, and a density code is given to the read image, which is sequentially stored in the image data storage means 11 to obtain all image data.
[0016]
Since the image scanner 2 reads all the images that are equal to or higher than the density sensitivity set by the read density setting unit 4 as described above, when the images are read with the density sensitivity changed in order, the subsequent image is the previous image. The image includes all the images. Therefore, the central processing unit 1 subtracts the previous image data already stored in the image data storage means 11 from the image data input from the image scanner 2 so as to obtain image data of only the density range. It has become.
[0017]
When the image reading is completed and the storage key 51 is operated, the central processing unit 1 follows the program command from the stitch data conversion program storage means 10 and stores the image for each density code stored in the image data storage means 11. The data is converted into the stitch data of the embroidery pattern of the sewing machine and then input to the stitch data storage means 6. The stitch data is formed according to the stitch pitch set by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7 corresponding to each density. By the above operation, the function of means for converting the image data into the stitch data based on the set stitch density is fulfilled. At this time, display data to be displayed on the display unit of the sewing machine body is also generated together with the stitch data, and is similarly stored in the stitch data storage means 6 ( means for storing the converted stitch data) .
The seam data stored in the seam data storage means 6 is also displayed on the image display means 8 by a predetermined operation so that the operator can confirm a specific seam image.
[0018]
The seam data storage means 6 is a RAM card in this embodiment, and can be attached to and detached from the RAM card slot 30 of the input device main body A as shown in FIG. If the stitch data storage means 6 storing the stitch data and the display data is removed from the input device main body A and is mounted on the RAM card reading unit 35 of the embroidery sewing machine main body Y shown in FIG. A sewing image is displayed on the display unit so that the operator can select a desired pattern. When a predetermined operation of the sewing machine is performed, the embroidery pattern stored in the selected stitch data storage means 6 is called, and the embroidery sewing machine main body Y operates according to the stitch data, and is proportional to the density of the original image. A shading pattern can be realized as an embroidery stitch.
[0019]
The operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When the operator presses the input mode selection key 49 of the input device main body A and presses the reading key 50, the density determination mode is entered, and original images of images having different densities can be read (steps 60 and 61).
Next, when the density division number input key 52 is pressed to set the density division number N (step 62), the central processing unit 1 divides the density range by this division number N. At this time, a density code is set for each of the divided density ranges by the density code applying means 9.
The density range is displayed as an image by the image display means 8.
[0020]
Next, when the operator sets the stitch pitch corresponding to the divided density range by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7, the set value is stored in the central processing unit 1 (step 64). At the time of this setting, the stitch pitch is displayed on the image display means 8, and the operator can set the stitch pitch while viewing with the eyes.
Next, the central processing unit 1 sets the density division number counter Ni = 1 (step 65), and when the operator sets the sensitivity of the image scanner 2 to the maximum density range by the reading density setting means 4 (step 66), image input is performed. It will be in a standby state. When the reading density is set by the reading density setting means 4, the density is displayed by the image display means 8, and the operation can be performed with the eyes similarly.
[0021]
When the image scanner 2 is run on the original image while pressing the scanner button 20 of the image scanner 2, the image scanner 2 reads an image in the darkest range of the original image and sends the image data to the central processing unit 1. (Step 67). This image data is stored in the image data storage means 11 with a density code (step 68).
The central processing unit 1 increments the density division number counter by 1 (step 69), determines whether or not the counter Ni has reached the set value N (step 70), and sets the image scanner 2 in the next density range. (Step 71) Similarly, image input is executed (Step 72).
[0022]
Since the image input here includes the image of the highest density range that was input first, the image data of the sensitivity at the previous stage is deleted from here to create image data of only the density range, and this is the image The data is stored in the data storage means 11 (step 73). The operations from step 69 to step 73 are executed until the set density division number is completed.
[0023]
When all the patterns have been read and the operator operates the storage key 51, the central processing unit 1 stores the data stored in the image data storage unit 11 for each density code in accordance with the program of the stitch data conversion program storage unit 10. Based on the stitch pitch set by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7, the data is converted into stitch data (step 74).
The stitch data is stored in the stitch data storage means 6 (step 75). This stitch data is also displayed as an image by the image display means 8, and an image with shades of concrete stitches can be confirmed.
Then, after confirming the end (step 76), the operation ends.
If the density determination mode is not set in step 61, reading at a single density is performed (steps 77 and 78), and stitch data conversion is performed at a predetermined pitch (step 79).
[0024]
In the above embodiment, the density division number input means 3, the read density setting means 4, the embroidery stitch number setting means 7, the image display means 8, the density code giving means 9 and the like are configured independently of the central processing unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be configured integrally with the central processing unit 1.
[0025]
In the above embodiment, the embroidery pattern multi-stage input device X is described as being configured separately from the embroidery sewing machine body Y. The image scanner 2 may be connected to the embroidery sewing machine body Y by being incorporated in Y. In this case, the stitch data storage means 6 can be configured as a card type that can be inserted and removed as in the above-described embodiment, or can be configured as a memory built in the embroidery sewing machine body Y.
[0026]
Next, a method of using the apparatus of the above embodiment will be described.
After the power switch 33 is first turned on, the seam data storage means 6 is inserted into the RAM card slot 30. Then, the input mode selection key 49 is pressed to select the density determination mode, and the density division number input key 52 is pressed to set the density division number. By setting the number of density divisions, a density range corresponding to this is set, and at the same time a density code is set. Next, the stitch pitch corresponding to each density range is set, and the sensitivity of the image scanner 2 is set to the maximum density range. The density division number, stitch pitch setting, and sensitivity setting can be specifically performed while viewing the image on the liquid crystal display 31.
[0027]
Then, an original image having images with different densities is prepared, the original image is placed on the original image placement unit 25 (or other appropriate place) of the guide 24, and the image scanner 2 is placed on the upper end of the guide 24 as shown in FIG. Then, the image scanner 2 is moved to the lower end while pressing the scanner button 20. As a result, the image reading unit 22 scans the top of the original image placing unit 25 from the upper end to the lower end, and reads an image in the density range set at the beginning of the original image on the original image placing unit 25.
[0028]
Then, the sensitivity of the image scanner 2 is sequentially changed, the original image is scanned each time, and the image of the entire density range is input.
Next, when the storage key 51 is pressed, the image data is converted into stitch data and display data for each density range according to the set stitch pitch, and stored in the stitch data storage means 6.
When all steps are completed, the operator presses the RAM card eject button 32 to take out the stitch data storage means 6 from the input device main body A, and attach the stitch data storage means 6 to the RAM card reading unit 35 of the embroidery sewing machine main body Y. By operating the embroidery sewing machine main body Y, an image corresponding to the original image can be sewn. At this time, an image display based on the display data is performed on the display unit of the sewing machine body Y by a predetermined operation, and a pattern can be selected while viewing a specific image.
[0029]
According to the embodiment described above, an original image having images with different densities can be read at a predetermined number of density levels, and embroidery stitch data representing the density as a density of stitches can be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to use embroidery sewing data for images such as photographs whose density changes continuously.
[0030]
Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary to read the original image for each density range. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, all the images are read by one reading operation, and the image data dividing means 12 (divides the image data). The image is divided for each density range.
[0031]
That is, in this embodiment, the reading density setting means 4 is not provided, but the image data dividing means 12 is provided. When the reading is completed, the image data dividing unit 12 reads the image data including the density information stored in the image data storage unit 11, divides the image data for each set density range, and attaches the density code to the image data. It is stored in the storage means 11.
[0032]
That is, when image data including density data is obtained by a single scan of the image scanner 2 (means for providing image data having images with different densities) , the image data dividing means 12 reads the image data, and The image data is divided based on the density range.
Based on the density discrimination data, image data having density data belonging to this density range is searched and the image data is stored in the density range block in the image data storage means 11.
Then, the same operation is sequentially performed for each density range, and the image data of all density ranges is divided and stored in the image data storage means 11.
It should be noted that the image data can be divided by various methods, for example, every predetermined bit block unit.
Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0033]
This operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When the operator presses the input mode selection key 49 of the input device main body A, the density determination mode is set, and original images of images having different densities can be read (steps 80 and 81).
Next, when the density division number input key 52 is pressed to set the density division number N (step 82), the central processing unit 1 divides the density range by this division number N. At this time, a density code is set for each of the divided density ranges by the density code applying means 9.
The density range is displayed as an image by the image display means 8.
[0034]
Next, when the operator sets the stitch pitch corresponding to the divided density range by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7, the set value is stored in the central processing unit 1 (step 84). At the time of this setting, the stitch pitch is displayed on the image display means 8, and the operator can set the stitch pitch while viewing with the eyes.
[0035]
Next, when the operator presses the reading key 50 of the input device main body A and moves the image scanner 2 on the original image while pressing the scanner button 20 of the image scanner 2, the image scanner 2 sequentially reads the original image. Image data including density data is sent to the central processing unit 1 (step 85). This image data is stored in the image data storage means 11 (step 86).
[0036]
When the reading is completed, the image data dividing unit 12 sets the density division range Ni = 1 (step 87), reads the image data including the density data from the image data storage unit 11, and for each predetermined bit block of the data. The data belonging to the maximum density range of N1 is extracted by applying the discrimination data of N1 (step 88). This data is stored in the image data storage means 11 together with the density data (step 89). Then, Ni is incremented (step 90), it is confirmed whether or not Ni matches N (step 91), and data of the next density range is extracted and stored (step 92). This operation is executed for the entire density range.
Thus, image data is stored in the image data storage means 11 for each density range block.
[0037]
When the reading is completed for the entire density range and the operator operates the storage key 51, the central processing unit 1 converts the data stored in the image data storage means 11 into density codes for each density code according to the program of the stitch data conversion program storage means 10. The stitch data is converted into stitch data based on the stitch pitch set by the embroidery stitch number setting means 7 (step 93).
The stitch data is stored in the stitch data storage means 6 (step 94). This stitch data is also displayed as an image by the image display means 8, and an image with shades of concrete stitches can be confirmed. Then, after confirming the end (step 76), the operation ends.
If the density division mode is not set in step 81, normal reading is performed (steps 96, 97, 98).
[0038]
According to the embodiment described above, an original image having images with different densities can be read by one reading operation, and this can be divided by the image data dividing means 12 at a predetermined number of densities, and this density can be determined by the density of the stitches. Representing embroidery sewing data can be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to use embroidery sewing data for images such as photographs whose density changes continuously.
In addition, since the reading operation may be performed once, there is an effect that the operation is simple.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery stitching data from the image data of the present invention includes means for setting a predetermined number of density divisions, and means for setting a stitch density according to the number of density divisions. , based on the image of the original having a different image density, and means for providing the image data for each of the divided density corresponding to the division number the set, means for storing in association with the image data on the concentration And means for converting the image data into stitch data based on the set stitch density, and means for storing the converted stitch data. Embroidery sewing data expressed in density can be obtained. Therefore, there is an effect that an image or the like whose density continuously changes such as a photograph can be used as the embroidery sewing data.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing an original image placement unit 25 in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an external view of a sewing machine to which a stitch data storage unit 6 is attached according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: central processing unit, 2: image scanner, 3: density division number input means, 4: reading density setting means, 5: operation command section, 6: stitch data storage means, 7: embroidery stitch number setting means 7, 8 : Image display means, 9: Density code giving means, 10: Stitch data conversion program storage means, 11: Image data storage means, 12: Image data dividing means, 20: Scanner button, 21: Scanner dial, 24: Guide, 25 : Original image placement unit, 30: RAM card slot, 31: Liquid crystal display, 32: RAM card eject button, 33: Power switch, 35: RAM card reading unit, 49: Input mode selection key, 50: Reading key, 51 : Memory key, 52: Density division number input key, 53: Number of stitches setting key, 54: Reading density setting key.

Claims (3)

An embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery sewing data from image data,
Means for setting a predetermined number of divisions of density;
Means for setting a stitch density according to the number of divisions of the density;
Means for providing the image data for each divided density according to the set number of divisions based on an original image having images of different densities;
Means for storing in association with said image data to said concentration,
Means for converting the image data into stitch data based on the set stitch density;
Means for storing the converted stitch data;
An embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery stitching data from image data . An embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery sewing data from image data,
Based on the image of the original having a different image density, and means for providing the image data having different image of the density,
Means for setting a predetermined number of divisions of density;
Means for setting a stitch density according to the number of divisions of the density;
Means for dividing the image data for each of the divided densities;
Means for converting the image data divided for each density into stitch data based on the set stitch density corresponding to the density;
Means for storing the converted stitch data;
An embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery stitching data from image data . Means for displaying a sewing image based on the image data and the set stitch density;
An embroidery pattern input device for obtaining embroidery sewing data from the image data according to claim 1 or 2.

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