JP4274021B2 - Print embroidery data creation apparatus, print embroidery data creation program, and print embroidery data creation method - Google Patents

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 image 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.

  Also, which area of the design represented by the image data is output as print and which area is output as embroidery has been determined by the operator's arbitrary judgment. Based on the judgment of the operator, print data relating to the area to be printed is created, and embroidery data relating to the area to be embroidered is created.

  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 such a conventional technique relating to printing and embroidery of image data, an area to be printed and an area to be embroidered are determined in one image data by an operator's arbitrary judgment. The image data includes a region suitable for embroidery and a region not suitable for embroidery.

  For example, when one stitch in an embroidery sewing machine (one stitch for expressing by embroidery) corresponds to a plurality of pixels in the image data, the plurality of pixels corresponding to the one stitch correspond to the same embroidery thread color. If this is the case, there is no problem, but it is a problem if these multiple pixels show different colors. That is, one stitch is one embroidery operation using one embroidery thread, and the color of the embroidery thread cannot be changed in the middle of one stitch. Therefore, when a plurality of pixels each having a significantly different color corresponds to one stitch, the color change of these pixels cannot be expressed. Therefore, when such a region is represented by embroidery, a pattern output to a T-shirt or the like is an image. There was a problem that a shift or distortion occurred compared to the pattern in the data.

  Therefore, when the operator sets the area to be printed and the area to be embroidered in the image data, it is necessary to determine an area suitable for embroidery and an area unsuitable for embroidery. In order to do so, the skill of the operator was required. In addition, the area to be printed and the area to be embroidered by the worker must be set each time, and these are manual tasks, which places a heavy burden and effort on the worker.

  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 operator arbitrarily sets the area to be printed and the area to be embroidered in the image data is the same as the conventional technique for printing and embroidering image data. Therefore, when setting it arbitrarily by the worker, the worker must determine the region suitable for embroidery and the region not suitable for embroidery, and the operator sets the region to be printed and the region to be embroidered each time. It does not solve the problem of having to.

  In addition, the embroidery data used for embroidery on the fabric and the print data used for printing exist independently, which is the same as the conventional method for printing and embroidery of image data. By executing embroidery and printing on the fabric, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of position and size shifts and deviations due to fabric re-covering, but the position and size of the print data and embroidery data that exist separately exist. The occurrence of misalignment and madness could not be prevented. 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, usable color setting means for setting the color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device, embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device, and the Output information setting means for setting an output size and an output position in printing of the print data by the printing apparatus, stitch data setting means for setting stitch data constituting an embroidery pattern, and a stitch expression portion in the stitch data A minute area setting means for setting each line segment constituting the image data as a minute area in the image data, and the minute area Pixel determining means for determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the minute area set by the determining means correspond to the usable color; and one or more pixels included in the minute area by the pixel determining means When it is determined that a pixel corresponds to the usable color, the minute area is set as an embroidery area, and when it is determined that the pixel does not correspond to the usable color, an area setting unit that sets the minute area as a print area And the minute area set as the embroidery area by the area setting means is the output size and output position set by the output information setting means by the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding usable color, Embroidery data creating means for creating embroidery data output by the embroidery device, and a micro area set as the print area by the area setting means Each the color of the corresponding pixel in the set output size and output position by said output information setting unit, and a print data creating means for creating print data to be output by the printing apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the region setting unit includes the pixel setting unit that includes one or more pixels included in the minute region. Among these, if it is determined that pixels of a predetermined ratio or more correspond to the usable color, the minute area is set as an embroidery area.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect, the pixel determining means includes the stitch deciding means of the stitch among one or more pixels included in the minute region. In a case where a pixel corresponding to a start point corresponds to one of the usable colors, out of one or more pixels included in the minute area, pixels of a predetermined ratio or more correspond to one of the usable colors. If it is to be determined, it is determined that it corresponds to the usable color.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing embroidery data creation device, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the stitch data setting means reads stitch data for reading stitch data created in advance. Reading means are provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print embroidery data creation device, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the area setting means includes all the minute areas in the image data. An area not included in the print area is set as the print area.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the print embroidery data creation device according to the invention according to claim 6 includes the minute area set as the print area by the area setting unit, Second embroidery data is created.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print embroidery data creation device, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the pixel determining means When the distance between the position and the color position of the usable color is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the pixel corresponds to the usable color.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print embroidery data creating apparatus that creates print embroidery data including the embroidery data and the print data in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. Embroidery data creation means is provided.

  The print embroidery data creation program of the invention according to claim 9 is a print embroidery data creation program for causing a computer to create embroidery data that can be embroidered by the embroidery device and print data that can be printed by the printing device, Usable color setting step for setting the color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device, embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device, and output size in printing of the print data by the printing device; An output information setting step for setting an output position, a stitch data setting step for setting stitch data constituting an embroidery pattern, and each line segment constituting an exposed portion of the stitch in the stitch data as a minute region in the image data The micro region setting step to be set, and the micro region setting step set by the micro region setting step A pixel determination step for determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the small area correspond to the usable color, and at least one pixel included in the minute area corresponds to the usable color by the pixel determination step. If it is determined, the minute area is set as an embroidery area, while if it is determined that the minute area does not correspond to the usable color, the embroidery is performed by the area setting process for setting the minute area as a print area, and the area setting process. Embroidery data output by the embroidery device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step by using the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding usable color for each minute area set as the area The embroidery data creation process for creating the print area, and the micro area set as the print area by the area setting process is changed according to the color of the corresponding pixel. In set output size and output position by the output information setting step, characterized in that to execute the print data creation process, creating print data to be output by the printing apparatus.

  According to a tenth 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 comprising a collection of pixels A method comprising: a usable color setting step for setting a color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device; embroidery of the embroidery data by the embroidery device; and the print data by the printing device. An output information setting step for setting an output size and an output position in printing, a stitch data setting step for setting stitch data constituting the embroidery pattern, and each line segment constituting the exposed portion of the stitch in the stitch data. A micro area setting step for setting the micro area in the image data; and the micro area setting A pixel determining step for determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the minute region set in step correspond to the usable color; and one or more pixels included in the minute region by the pixel determining step An area setting step of setting the minute area as an embroidery area when determined to correspond to the usable color, and setting the minute area as a print area when determined not to correspond to the usable color; The micro area set as the embroidery area by the area setting step is the output size and the output position set by the output information setting step by the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding usable color. Embroidery data creation step for creating embroidery data output by the embroidery device, and the printing by the region setting step A print data creation step for creating print data to be 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, It has.

  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 embroidery area and the print area, the embroidery data based on the embroidery area and the print data based on the print area Was created. Therefore, embroidery data and print data can be obtained based on the same image data, and output results utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing can be obtained, and the output position and output size of embroidery and printing can be consistent. Can be created.

  In addition, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the first aspect, when a certain percentage or more of the pixels in the minute area correspond to usable colors, the minute area is converted into the embroidery area. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately specify an area suitable for embroidery among the pixels constituting the image data.

  In addition, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 2, when the pixel corresponding to the start point of the stitch corresponds to one of the usable colors, Since an embroidery area is set when a predetermined percentage or more of the included pixels correspond to one of the usable colors, an area suitable for embroidery is appropriately selected among the pixels constituting the image data. Can be identified.

  Further, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, since the stitch data created in advance is read, step data can be easily obtained. Can be set to

  In addition, in the printing embroidery data creation device according to the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an area not included in all the minute areas in the image data is set as a printing area. Thus, the portion of the image data that does not correspond to the embroidery data can be expressed by printing.

  Further, in the print embroidery data creation device of the invention according to claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the second embroidery data corresponding to the print area is created. The embroidery can be applied to the area where printing by the ink jet printer is executed.

  In addition, in the printed embroidery data creation device according to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the embroidery region is set based on the color difference of the absolute value of an arbitrary color space. Since it did in this way, among the pixels which comprise image data, the color which can be used and an approximate color can be specified as an area | region suitable for embroidery.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing embroidery data creating apparatus for creating printing embroidery data including embroidery data and printing data in addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. And print data can be stored in association with each other.

  In the print embroidery data creation program according to the ninth aspect, the pixels constituting the image data are analyzed to set the embroidery area and the print area, and the embroidery data based on the embroidery area and the print area are used. Print data was created. Therefore, embroidery data and print data can be obtained based on the same image data, and output results utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing can be obtained, and the output position and output size of embroidery and printing can be consistent. Can be created.

  In the print embroidery data creation method according to the tenth aspect, the pixels constituting the image data are analyzed to set the embroidery area and the print area, and the embroidery data based on the embroidery area and the print area are used. Print data was created. Therefore, embroidery data and print data can be obtained based on the same image data, and output results utilizing the characteristics of embroidery and printing can be obtained, and the output position and output size of embroidery and printing can be consistent. Can be created.

  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 embroidery data is supplied from the outside by mounting the memory card storing the print embroidery data on the memory card device. The print embroidery data includes print data having information indicating a pixel area set as a print area and information indicating a print position and a print size. Based on this print data, the control mechanism of the inkjet printer The embroidery operation is automatically executed.

  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

  Further, the embroidery machine is equipped with a memory card device, and the print embroidery data is supplied from the outside by mounting the memory card storing the print embroidery data on the memory card device. The printed embroidery data includes embroidery data having information indicating a color code, an embroidery position and an embroidery size, and stitch data indicating stitches to be expressed by embroidery. Based on the embroidery data, The control device automatically executes the embroidery operation.

  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, the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 supplies print embroidery data supplied to an embroidery sewing machine while being recorded on a non-volatile memory card, as well as to an inkjet printer. It is for creating and editing. 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 calculations and processes in accordance with the print embroidery data creation program according to the present invention stored in the 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 an arbitrarily readable / writable storage element that 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). To do.

  Next, the entire flow from the input of image data to be output to the completion of the T-shirt on which the design is printed and embroidered is based on the flowchart showing the overall flow in the “first embodiment” of FIG. I will explain.

  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 4 as shown in FIG. 4 is read by the image scanner device 25. In the pattern shown in FIG. 4, there is a pixel area 4a whose left half is represented by black, while there is a pixel area 4b whose right half is represented by white. In the central portion corresponding to the boundary between both colors, It can be seen that there is a pixel region 4c whose hue gradually changes in the left-right direction.

  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. Through this print embroidery data creation process, print embroidery data is created based on the input image data 4.

  Details of the print embroidery data creation processing (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 is a diagram showing a usable color input screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usable color correspondence table. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an input screen for stitches and output sizes. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the assumed stitches. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a part of the assumed stitch shown in FIG. 11 to 15 are diagrams relating to the color continuity inspection process (S13). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an output symbol 4 ′ based on the embroidery data synthesized by the embroidery data synthesis process (S15). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an output pattern 4 ′ based on the print data generated by the print data generation process (S16). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an output pattern 4 ′ output by combining embroidery and printing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, an available color is designated by the operator (S10). The usable color is a color arbitrarily designated by the operator as the thread color of the embroidery thread that can be used in the embroidery sewing machine. In this case, an input screen of usable colors as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the operator can use the input screen using the mouse 21 and the keyboard 22. Specify the color. Specifically, first, the operator inputs the total number of thread colors of the embroidery thread that can 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 usable color correspondence table as shown in FIG. 7 is created. In the usable color correspondence table shown in FIG. 7, the color code of the usable color input and designated by the operator and the RGB value of the color code are stored in association with each other. The usable 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.

  Next, the operator makes an assumption of stitches to be performed by the embroidery operation in the embroidery sewing machine (S11). The assumption of stitches is to set in advance how to sew stitches that are applied in an embroidery operation in an embroidery sewing machine. In other words, when embroidering a pattern, there are a plurality of sewing methods such as tatami stitching and satin stitching. Therefore, it is assumed which embroidery is used, and the stitch direction, pitch, density Etc. are also assumed.

  Specifically, a screen for assuming stitches as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the operator uses the mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 to perform stitches from this screen. Assume. Here, in order to assume a stitch, the type, direction, density, and pitch of the stitch can be input by selecting from a pull-down menu or by inputting a numerical value. Here, in order to output the image data 4 of FIG. 4 to a T-shirt or the like, a horizontal tatami stitch is selected as an assumed stitch, and a pitch of 3 mm and a density of 3 lines / mm are input. .

  Next, the operator designates the output size and output position of the image data 4 input in S1 (S12). The output size is the size when the image data 4 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 the image data 4 to be output is actually output. The output size and the output position are specified in units of an actual size such as inches or mm 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. In the present embodiment, the description will be continued on the assumption that the operator has specified that the image data 4 shown in FIG. 4 is output at a predetermined position on the T-shirt in a size of 120 mm long × 90 mm wide.

  Here, the stitch assumed in S11 and the output size and output position specified in S12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The image data 4 to be output is output to a fabric such as a T-shirt with an output size of 120 mm long by 90 mm wide by embroidery by an embroidery sewing machine or printing by an inkjet printer. In particular, in the case of embroidery by an embroidery sewing machine, since the stitch is assumed to be “horizontal tatami stitching”, the image data 4 is based on the assumed stitch as shown in FIG. Output by tatami-shaped embroidery. Further, since stitches are applied at a pitch of 3 mm and a density of 3 pieces / mm, as shown in FIG. 10 in which a part of FIG. 9 is enlarged, one stitch is applied with a width of 3 mm in the vertical direction. 30 stitches are applied to 90 mm in width. On the other hand, since three stitches are applied to a width of 1 mm in the vertical direction, 360 stitches are applied to a length of 120 mm.

  Here, all the pixels constituting the image data 4 may be output targets, or a part of the image data 4 may be specified and the specified portion may be the output target. This output portion is designated by displaying the image data 4 as shown in FIG. 4 on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the operator can arbitrarily select the output portion using the mouse 21 or the keyboard 22 from this display screen. Specify the output part.

  Next, a color continuity inspection process (S13) is executed in the apparatus body 10. In the color continuity inspection process, when a plurality of pixels included in the minute region corresponding to each stitch correspond to the same usable color in the image data 4 input in S1, the pixel corresponding to the stitch is selected. Set as embroidery area. On the other hand, the other areas are set as print areas. In the present embodiment, the description will be continued below assuming that a white embroidery thread is further embroidered in the embroidery sewing machine in a region (printing region) other than the region corresponding to the usable color. A technique for creating embroidery data by setting a minute region corresponding to each stitch is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2001-259268 and 2000-288275.

  Details of the color continuity inspection process (S13) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating details of the color continuity inspection process (S13). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between pixels constituting the image data 4 and assumed stitches. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an output pattern 4 ′ output by an embroidery sewing machine or an ink jet printer. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a pixel area set as an embroidery area in the image data 4. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a pixel area set as a print area in the image data 4.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the color continuity inspection process (S13), first, a threshold value T is set (S31). The threshold T is a reference value that serves as a reference when determining whether or not each pixel constituting the image data 4 should be set as an embroidery area. The threshold T may be set for each usable color by the operator, or one threshold T common to all usable colors may be set. Further, the threshold value T stored in advance in the apparatus main body 10 may be automatically set.

  Next, a stitch to be inspected is specified (S32). That is, one stitch among the stitches necessary for outputting the image data 4 is specified as an inspection target.

  Here, the relationship between the pixels constituting the image data 4 input in S1, the stitch assumed in S11, and the output size and output position specified in S12 will be described. As described above, the pattern shown in the image data 4 is an output size of 120 mm in length × 90 mm in width, and is embroidered by the embroidery sewing machine in accordance with the assumed 360 stitches at the specified position on the T-shirt. It is assumed that As shown in FIG. 12, the assumed stitch has a needle drop position on the embroidery machine at the start and end points. Each stitch corresponds to a plurality of pixels of the image data 4. For example, the stitch start point corresponds to the pixel 401, and the stitch end point corresponds to the pixel 403.

  In S32, one of the assumed 360 stitches is specified. Here, it is assumed that the stitches are selected in order from the stitch closest to the start position of the coordinate system in the embroidery sewing machine. Then, a minute area corresponding to the specified stitch is set, and a pixel (X0, Y0) 401 corresponding to the start point of the stitch is obtained in this minute area (S33), and further, the pixel (X0, Y0) obtained in S33 is acquired. Y0) The RGB value of 401 is acquired (S34).

Next, usable colors used for inspection are specified (S35). The usable colors are identified with reference to the usable color correspondence table (FIG. 7) stored in the RAM 13 and the stored usable colors are identified in order from the first entry. Then, the color difference distance D is calculated based on the RGB value of the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 acquired in S34 and the RGB value of the usable color specified in S35 (S36). The color difference distance D indicates the color difference, which is the color difference between the RGB value of the usable color and the RGB value of the pixel, as an absolute value distance. The larger the value, the color difference between the usable color and the pixel. Indicates that the smaller the value, the smaller the color difference between the usable 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 usable colors and the RGB values (r2, g2, b2) of the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 are shown.

  Next, the color difference distance D calculated in S36 is compared with the threshold T set in S31 (S37). As a result, when it is determined that the color difference distance D is greater than the threshold T (S37: YES), the color of the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 is significantly different from the usable color, and the use It is a color that cannot be expressed with possible colors. Therefore, since it is inappropriate to embroidery the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 with the embroidery thread of the usable color, if all the usable colors have not been processed (S38: NO), the process returns to S35 and used. The next usable color is specified from the possible color correspondence table. As described above, S35 to S38 are repeatedly executed, and the color difference from the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 is determined for all the usable colors stored in the usable color correspondence table, and the pixel (X0, Y0) A usable color that can express 401 is searched.

  If all the usable colors stored in the usable color correspondence table have been processed (S38: YES), in this case, usable colors that can represent the pixel (X0, Y0) 401 in the usable color correspondence table. Therefore, it is inappropriate to express the stitch by embroidery. Therefore, all the pixels included in the minute area corresponding to the stitch are set as a print area expressed by printing by the ink jet printer (S39). Thus, in the case of FIG. 12, the stitches of the pixel (X0, Y0) 401, the pixel (X1, Y1) 402,..., The pixel (X1, Y1) 403 as the pixels in the minute region corresponding to the stitch. All the corresponding pixels from the start point to the end point are set as the print area.

  On the other hand, in S37, when there is a usable color whose color difference distance D is not greater than the threshold T (S37: NO), the usable color is set as a determination target color (S40). The determination target color is used to determine whether or not the pixels in the minute area corresponding to the stitch specified in S32 can be expressed by one usable color.

  Thereafter, X and Y are increased or decreased along the stitch direction specified in S32, and the next pixel corresponding to the stitch is acquired (S41). Here, since the stitch direction is set to “horizontal direction” in the assumption of the stitch in S12, the X and Y coordinates of the pixel in the minute area are increased or decreased in the horizontal direction to specify the next pixel. . In FIG. 12, a pixel (X1, Y1) 402 is acquired as the pixel next to the stitch start point 401.

  Then, the RGB value of the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 is acquired (S42), and based on the RGB value of the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 and the RGB value of the determination target color set in S40, the color difference distance D is calculated (S43). This color difference distance D is also calculated using the mathematical formula shown in Equation 1. In Equation 1, the RGB values (r1, g1, b1) of the determination target color and the RGB values (r2, g2, b2) of the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 are shown.

  Next, the color difference distance D calculated in S43 is compared with the threshold value T set in S31 (S44). As a result, when it is determined that the color difference distance D is greater than the threshold T (S44: YES), the color of the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 is significantly different from the determination target color, and the determination is made. It is a color that cannot be expressed with the target color. Therefore, since it is inappropriate to embroidery the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 with the embroidery thread of the determination target color, the pixel included in the minute area corresponding to the stitch is set as the print area (S45). . That is, when it is determined in S44 that the color difference distance D is greater than the threshold value T, there is a usable color (determination target color) that can represent the pixel corresponding to the start point of the stitch, but the usable color This means that a pixel that cannot be expressed by (determination target color) exists in a minute region. In other words, since a pixel having greatly different colors is included in one stitch, the stitch cannot be expressed by one color. Since one stitch is applied by one needle drop operation with one embroidery thread, the color cannot be changed in the middle. In such a case, the pixel corresponding to the stitch is output by printing. ing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the color difference distance D is not greater than the threshold value T (S44: NO), the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 can be expressed in the determination target color. In this case, it is determined whether or not the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 corresponds to the end point of the stitch (S46). If the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 does not correspond to the end point of the stitch (S46: NO), the process returns to S41. The above processing (S41 to S46) is repeated in the same manner after obtaining the pixels. As a result, when the pixel (Xn, Yn) acquired in S41 corresponds to the end point of the stitch (S46: YES), all the pixels included in the minute area corresponding to the stitch can be expressed in the determination target color. Therefore, that is, since it can be expressed by one embroidery thread, all the pixels included in the minute area corresponding to the stitch are set as the embroidery area (S47). In the case of FIG. 12, the above processing (S41 to S46) is repeated for the pixels (Xn, Yn) from the pixel (X1, Y1) 402 to the pixel (Xm, Ym) 403 corresponding to the stitch end point. When the pixel can be expressed by the determination target color (color difference distance D <threshold T), the corresponding pixel from the start point to the end point of the stitch of the pixel (X0, Y0) 401,..., Pixel (Xm, Ym) 403 Are all set as embroidery areas.

  As described above, the pixel corresponding to the stitch specified in S32 can be set to either the embroidery area or the print area depending on whether or not the area is suitable for embroidery expression. After any of the processes of S39, S45, and S47, unless all the stitches necessary for outputting the image data 4 have been processed (S48: NO), the process returns to S32 and becomes the next inspection target. A stitch is identified. If the process has been executed for all the stitches (S48: YES), the process returns to FIG. As described above, S32 to S48 are repeatedly executed to determine the print area or the embroidery area for all the stitches assumed for the image data 4. In the image data 4 shown in FIG. 4, there are 360 stitches assumed in S12, and the processing is executed for all these stitches.

  The point that the pixel of the image data 4 shown in FIG. 4 is set in either the print area or the embroidery area and output by this color continuity inspection process (S13) will be specifically described. In the image data 4 shown in FIG. 4, the pixel area 4a expressed in black and the pixel area 4b expressed in white can be expressed by embroidery. Therefore, in S47 of the color continuity inspection process (S13) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the pixel area 4a and the pixel area 4b are set as embroidery areas. On the other hand, the pixel area 4c cannot be expressed by embroidery because the color has changed greatly. Therefore, in S45 of the color continuity inspection process (S13), it is set as a print area as shown in FIG.

  Then, based on the pixel areas 4a and 4b set as the embroidery area as shown in FIG. 14 and the pixel area 4c set as the print area as shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 4 'is actually output on the T-shirt. In the image data 4, a pixel area 4a (see FIG. 14) expressed in black corresponds to the output area 4a ′ (see FIG. 13) in the output pattern 4 ′, and similarly, a pixel area 4b (shown in white) 14) corresponds to the output area 4b '(see FIG. 13). On the other hand, the pixel area 4c (see FIG. 15) where the color is changed corresponds to the output area 4c ′ (see FIG. 13). Further, the embroidery part A in FIG. 9 corresponds to the output part A ′ in FIG. 13, similarly, the embroidery part B corresponds to the output part B ′, and the embroidery part C corresponds to the output part C ′. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the output part A ′ is included in the output area 4a ′, similarly, the output part B ′ is included in the output area 4b ′, and the output part C ′ is included in the output area 4c ′. .

  That is, based on the pixel area 4a set in the embroidery area with the usable color “black”, the embroidery sewing machine performs embroidery with black thread on the output area 4a ′. Specifically, the output part A ′, which is an area that can be expressed by black thread, is embroidered with stitches as shown in the embroidery part A. Similarly, embroidery with white thread is performed on the output area 4b ′ in the embroidery sewing machine based on the pixel area 4b set in the embroidery area with the usable color “white”. Specifically, the output part B ′, which is an area that can be expressed by white thread, is embroidered with stitches as shown in the embroidery part B. On the other hand, based on the pixel area 4c set as the print area, printing by an ink jet printer is performed on the output area 4c ′, and as shown in FIG. 13, the output pattern 4 ′ is combined with printing or embroidery on the T-shirt. Is output. In the present embodiment, the output area 4c ′ is also embroidered with white thread by the embroidery sewing machine based on the pixel area 4c set as the print area. Details will be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 10 executes an embroidery data creation process for creating embroidery data based on the stitch data assumed in S11 and the embroidery area set in 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 instructed by the amount of movement of the work cloth for each stitch in the X and Y directions.

  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 pixel unit of 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 size actually output by the ink jet printer to the size of the above. Thus, since the embroidery data created by the embroidery data creation 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.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, based on the image data 4 in which the pixel areas 4a and 4b are set as the embroidery areas, the usable color “ Embroidery data for black is created, and embroidery data for the usable color “white” is created for the pixel area 4b. Further, the pixel area 4c set as an area (printing area) other than the embroidery area is embroidered with a white embroidery thread. Therefore, the embroidery data creation process (S14) is also executed for the pixel area 4c set as the print area, and embroidery data for the usable color “white” is created. Since the pixel area 4b and the pixel area 4c are common in that the usable color is “white”, both may be handled as one area in the data or may be handled as separate independent areas. Here, embroidery data is created for each usable color, and the pixel area 4b and the pixel area 4c of the usable color “white” are handled as one embroidery data.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the embroidery data for each usable color is created in the apparatus body 10 by the embroidery data creation process (S14), an embroidery data synthesis process for combining these into one embroidery data is executed ( S15). In other words, embroidery data for each available color is combined into one so that it can be executed collectively on the embroidery sewing machine,
[White color code] + [White stitch data] + [Usable color 1 color code] + [Usable color 1 stitch data] + [Usable color 2 color code] + [Usable color 2 Stitch data] ... + [Color code of usable color X] + [Stitch data of usable color X]
The embroidery data in which the embroidery data for each usable color is combined into one is synthesized.

In the present embodiment, the embroidery data of the usable color “white” is also created for the pixel area other than the embroidery area (the pixel area set as the print area), and the print area is also based on the embroidery data. Since embroidery is performed with white embroidery thread, [white color code] and [white stitch data] are provided at the head position in the embroidery data to distinguish them from other usable colors. Yes. However, if the pixel area other than the embroidery area (pixel area set as the print area) is not embroidered, the usable color “white” is handled in the same manner without being distinguished from the normal usable color,
[Color code of usable color 1] + [Stitch data of usable color 1] + [Color code of usable color 2] + [Stitch data of usable color 2] ... + [Color code of usable color X] + [Stitch data of usable color X]
The embroidery data in which the embroidery data for each usable color is combined into one may be synthesized.

  FIG. 16 shows an output pattern 4 ′ based on the embroidery data obtained by combining the embroidery data for each usable color into one by the above-described embroidery data synthesis process (S 15). As a result of combining the embroidery data for each usable color into one, the output area 4a ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4a set as the embroidery area of the usable color “black” is embroidered with the black embroidery thread. The The output area 4b ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4b set as the usable color “white” embroidery area is subjected to embroidery with a white embroidery thread. In addition, FIG. 16 shows that embroidery with a white embroidery thread is executed for the output area 4c ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4c set as the print area. The synthesized embroidery data also has an output size to the T-shirt of 120 mm long × 90 mm wide, and is embroidered at the designated output position based on the stitch pattern shown in FIG.

  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).

  In this print data generation process (S16), print data is generated based on the pixel area 4c set as a print area as shown in FIG. Various methods and known techniques have been conventionally known as methods for generating print data from the image data 4, and the methods and techniques used differ depending on the application and data format used. It is also possible to apply it.

  First, data items necessary for generating print data from the image data 4 are set. The data items necessary for the print data include at least “print range”, “print resolution”, and “print target image”. The “print range” indicates the output size and output position on the output medium when the image data 4 is printed by the ink jet printer. “Print resolution” is a numerical value that specifies the print quality of the image data 4 by the ink jet printer. The “print target image” is information on pixels constituting the image data 4.

  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, the output size designated by the operator, that is 120 mm in length × 90 mm in width, 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”, a pixel area 4c set as a print area as shown in FIG. 15 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.

  Based on the information such as “print range”, “print resolution”, “print target image”, and the like, print data for executing printing by the ink jet printer is generated from the image data 4. FIG. 17 shows an output pattern 4 ′ based on the print data generated by the print data generation process (S16). FIG. 17 shows that printing by the ink jet printer is executed in the output area 4c ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4c. The output size of the print data is 4.72 inches (≈12 cm) in length and 3.54 inches (≈9 cm) in width, and the print resolution is set to 600 dpi × 600 dpi in width. The number of dots in the data output range is 2835 dots (600 dpi × 4.72 inches) × 2126 dots (600 dpi × 3.54 inches). 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. In addition, since printing is not performed in the output areas 4a ′ and 4b ′, the output areas 4a ′ and 4b ′ are represented by blanks in FIG.

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 embroidery data and print data which exist independently 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], respectively, and 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 embroidery data is 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 inkjet 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 inserts the memory card into a 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 and starts embroidery work. To do. In the embroidery sewing machine, embroidery data is read from a memory card attached to the memory card device, and based on this embroidery data, a design embroidery operation on the T-shirt is automatically executed (S4).

  In the embroidery by this embroidery sewing machine, a size of 10 mm in length × 90 mm in width is output to a predetermined position on the T-shirt based on an assumed stitch as shown in FIG. As a result, the output pattern 4 ′ based on the embroidery data shown in FIG. 16 is embroidered on the T-shirt. That is, in the color continuity inspection process (S13), embroidery is performed on the output area 4a ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4a set as the embroidery area with the embroidery thread of the usable color “black”. Then, the output area 4b ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4b is embroidered with the embroidery thread of the usable color “white”. The output area 4c ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4c set as the print area is embroidered with an embroidery thread of usable color “white”.

  When the embroidery work on the embroidery sewing machine is completed, the operator uses the memory card mounted on the memory card device mounted on the embroidery sewing machine as the memory card device mounted on the personal computer that controls the operation of the inkjet printer. Attach to. Further, the T-shirt with the pattern embroidered on the embroidery sewing machine is set at a predetermined position of the ink jet printer, and the printing operation is started (S5). In an ink jet printer, print data is read from a memory card attached to a memory card device, and the print data is acquired.

  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. In step S3, the 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 (S5). As a result, the output design 4 ′ based on the print data shown in FIG. 17 is printed on the T-shirt. That is, in the color continuity inspection process in S13 (see FIG. 11), printing is performed on the output area 4c ′ corresponding to the pixel area 4c (see FIG. 15) set as the print area.

  Note that the printing shown in FIG. 17 is performed on the T-shirt with the embroidery shown in FIG. 16, and is printed on the output area 4c ′ (see FIG. 13) on which the embroidery with white threads is applied. The As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the design represented in the image data 4 is output on the T-shirt of the non-output medium in a form in which the embroidered area and the printed area are combined. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, in the embroidery data shown in (a), the pixel area 4a is embroidered with an embroidery thread of the usable color “black”, and the other pixel areas 4b and 4c It shows that the embroidery is performed with the embroidery thread of the usable color “white” (see FIG. 14). The print data shown in (b) indicates that printing is performed on the pixel region 4c (see FIG. 15). The output design 4 'shown in (c) is obtained by executing the embroidery based on the embroidery data (a) and the printing based on the print data (b). As a result, the design shown in the image data 4 is printed with the embroidery. Is output to the T-shirt in a combined form (see FIG. 13).

  As described above, the print embroidery data creation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment analyzes pixels included in a minute area corresponding to a stitch in the image data 4 and determines an embroidery area when corresponding to a usable color. On the other hand, if it does not correspond to a usable color, it is set as a print area. Then, embroidery data is created for the pixel areas 4a and 4b suitable for embroidery, and print data is created for the pixel area 4c suitable for printing. Therefore, the part suitable for embroidery from the image data can be expressed by embroidery, and the other part can be expressed by printing.

  In addition, since the operator can specify any usable color and can also arbitrarily specify the actual output size and output position of the image data 4, a pixel area suitable for embroidery among the pixels constituting the image data 4. 4a and 4b can be specified appropriately. Then, embroidery data with a higher degree of freedom and flexibility can be created based on an arbitrary output size and output position according to conditions such as the needs of the operator and the implementation of the embroidery sewing machine. Further, since any stitch used when executing the embroidery of the image data 4 can be assumed, the pixel areas 4a and 4b suitable for embroidery are included in the image data 4 based on the embroidery mode of the embroidery sewing machine. Therefore, the embroidery data capable of accurately embroidering the image data 4 can be created based on an arbitrary stitch.

  Further, in the pattern represented by the image data 4, the pixel areas 4a and 4b that can be expressed by embroidery are embroidered by the embroidery sewing machine, while the pixel area 4c that cannot be expressed by embroidery is printed by the ink jet printer. The embroidery and printing are output on the T-shirt in a combined form. In addition, the output size and output position of embroidery and printing are output in a consistent manner. Therefore, the output design 4 ′ in a form in which embroidery and printing are combined can be accurately applied on the T-shirt without giving a burden such as alignment by an operator.

  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.

  In addition, embroidery data (second embroidery data) using white thread is also created for the pixel region 4c that is not suitable for embroidery in the image data 4. The output area 4c ′ set as the print area in the image data 4 is embroidered with white embroidery thread by the embroidery sewing machine and printed by the ink jet printer on the embroidery machine. It is possible to obtain an output result obtained by performing printing on the top, and to output an output pattern 4 ′ 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. 19 is a flowchart showing the 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 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 possible to save the trouble of changing the fabric of an output medium such as a T-shirt or the like, and mounting the memory card storing the print embroidery data on the memory card devices of the embroidery sewing machine and the inkjet printer. be able to. 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 the area set as the embroidery 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 embroidery 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. 20 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 embroidery area and the printing in the print area are executed, the symbols output to the T-shirt are shown. As shown in FIG. 20, the embroidery data shown in FIG. 20 (a) is different from the “first embodiment” in that embroidery is not applied to the pixel area 4c. The print data shown in (b) is the same as that shown in the “first embodiment”. As a result of executing the embroidery based on the embroidery data of (a) and the printing based on the print data of (b), the output pattern 4 '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.

  Note that in the above “first embodiment” to “third embodiment”, the mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 for specifying the usable colors (S10) in the main flowchart shown in FIG. The mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 for performing the stitch assumption (S11) correspond to the “stitch data setting means” of the present invention, and specify the output size and output position ( The mouse 21 and the keyboard 22 for performing S12) correspond to the “output information setting means” of the present invention.

  Further, the CPU 11 that performs the color continuity inspection process (S13) of the main flowchart shown in FIG. 5 functions as a “micro area setting unit”, “pixel determination unit”, and “area setting unit”. Specifically, in the color continuity inspection process (S13) of FIG. 11, the CPU 11 that executes the assumption of the minute area and the specification of the pixels (S32 to S34, S38, S41, S46, S48) It functions as “setting means”. In addition, the CPU 11 that executes pixel determination (S31, S35 to S37, S40, S42 to S44) functions as the “pixel determination unit” of the present invention. Further, the CPU 11 that executes the region setting (S39, S45, S47) functions as the “region setting means” of the present invention.

  The CPU 11 that executes the embroidery data creation process (S14) and the embroidery data composition process (S15) in the main flowchart shown in FIG. 5 functions as the “embroidery data creation means” of the present invention, and print data generation process (S16). The CPU 11 that executes the above functions as the “print data creating means” of the present invention.

  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 indicates the needle drop position in the X / Y coordinate system unique to the embroidery sewing machine by the amount of movement in the X / Y direction. Any data content can be used as long as it indicates a stitch for expressing the embroidery by embroidery. For example, the stitch may be indicated by the absolute position of the internal coordinate system in the embroidery sewing machine. In addition, embroidery methods other than embroidery by stitch units are also applicable. Therefore, the print embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention can handle embroidery data having various data configurations according to the implementation in the embroidery sewing machine.

  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 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. In addition, when an embroidery is executed in the embroidery sewing machine for the area set as the print area in the color continuity inspection process (S13), the usable color is not limited to “white”, and other colors such as gray and transparent colors can be used. The embroidery may be applied with the embroidery thread of the usable colors.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, an operator can specify usable colors in S10 by providing an embroidery thread correspondence table in which a plurality of embroidery threads and color codes of the plurality of embroidery threads are registered in advance. In addition, the embroidery thread registered in the embroidery thread correspondence table is displayed on the input screen shown in FIG. 21, and the operator can use it by checking any one or more embroidery threads among these embroidery threads. A color may be specified. Then, for the embroidery thread designated from the input screen shown in FIG. 22, the thread color information and the color code are acquired from the embroidery thread correspondence table in FIG. 22, and the usable color correspondence table as shown in FIG. 7 is created. Thus, the operator does not need to input the thread color information and color code of the usable color, and the usable color can be specified more easily.

  Further, the stitch assumption by the operator in S11 is not limited to the method of inputting a numerical value or the like from the input screen as shown in FIG. For example, stitch patterns storage means for storing a plurality of stitch patterns, which are templates with preset stitch type, direction, pitch, density, etc. and a plurality of stitch arrangements, is provided in the RAM 13. Then, the stitch pattern stored in the stitch pattern storage means is specifically displayed on the display device 24 (see FIG. 1) as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. An arbitrary stitch pattern may be selected using the keyboard 22. Thus, the operator does not need to input the stitch type, direction, pitch, density, etc., and can more easily assume the stitch.

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 9, for the sake of simplicity, an example of embroidery stitches in a certain direction is shown. However, naturally, the present invention is not limited to this, and the assumption of stitches is a set of line segments composed of a start point and an end point. Can be easily converted into a set of line segments each consisting of a start point and an end point, and this can be used as a stitch assumption. This means that arbitrary embroidery data independent of the input image can be used. For example, image data different from the image data shown in FIG. 4 is prepared, and embroidery data is automatically created from the image data by a method as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-259268. It can also be used.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 9, an example in which the embroidery data exists for the entire image data is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Although not specifically shown, if the embroidery data exists corresponding to only a part of the image data, print data is created for all portions of the image data that do not correspond to the embroidery data. It can also be easily realized.

  The print embroidery data includes both the print data and the embroidery data. However, the same image is displayed without combining the print embroidery data, that is, without performing the print embroidery data editing process of S17. You may comprise as a printing embroidery data creation apparatus which produces embroidery data and printing data based on the data 4. FIG. Further, it may be configured as a print embroidery data creation device that creates either embroidery data or print data based on the image data 4.

  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. Further, although the RGB space is used as a method for designating the spot color, any color space may be used.

  Further, in the color continuity inspection process (S13) in FIG. 11, even if all the pixels in the minute area corresponding to the stitch do not correspond to the usable color (determination target color), pixels of a predetermined ratio or more are included. If it corresponds, you may determine with the said stitch corresponding to the usable color (determination target color). For example, if 80% or more of all the pixels in the minute area correspond to usable colors (determination target colors), the pixels in the minute area corresponding to the stitch may be set as the embroidery area.

  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. That is, the printing apparatus and the embroidery apparatus only need to be able to use the print embroidery data created by the print 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 4 to be output is not limited to a photographic image, and various images can be used. .

  The print embroidery data creation apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a computer for creating embroidery data related to an area suitable for embroidery and print data related to an area not suitable for embroidery based on image data.

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. It is a figure which shows the image data. 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 the usable color. It is a figure which shows the usable color corresponding | compatible table. It is a figure which shows the input screen of a stitch and output size. It is a figure which shows the assumed stitch. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a part of the assumed stitch shown in FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the detail of a color continuity inspection process (S13). It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the pixel which comprises image data, and the assumed stitch. It is a figure which shows the output design 4 'output by an embroidery sewing machine or an inkjet printer. It is a figure which shows the pixel area | region set as an embroidery area | region among the image data 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows the pixel area | region set as a printing area | region among the image data. It is a figure which shows the output design 4 'based on the embroidery data synthesize | combined by the embroidery data synthetic | combination process (S15). It is a figure which shows the output design 4 'based on the print data produced | generated by the print data production | generation process (S16). It is a figure for demonstrating the output design 4 'output combining embroidery and printing. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow in "2nd Embodiment." It is a figure for demonstrating the output design 4 'output combining embroidery and printing in "3rd Embodiment." It is a figure which shows the input screen of another usable 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 (10)

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,
Usable color setting means for setting the color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device;
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;
Stitch data setting means for setting stitch data constituting an embroidery pattern;
A minute region setting means for setting each line segment constituting the exposed portion of the stitch in the stitch data as a minute region in the image data;
Pixel determination means for determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the minute area set by the minute area setting means correspond to the usable color;
When it is determined by the pixel determination means that one or more pixels included in the minute area correspond to the usable color, it is determined that the minute area is set as an embroidery area and does not correspond to the usable color. A region setting means for setting the minute region as a print region;
The micro area set as the embroidery area by the area setting means has the embroidery 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 usable color. Embroidery data creation means for creating embroidery data output by the apparatus;
The micro area set as the print area by the area setting means is the print data output by the printing apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting means, depending on the color of the corresponding pixel. A print embroidery data creation device comprising: print data creation means for creating.   When the pixel determining unit determines that more than a predetermined ratio of pixels corresponding to the usable color among the one or more pixels included in the minute region corresponds to the usable color, the region setting unit determines the minute region as an embroidery region. The print embroidery data creation device according to claim 1, wherein   The pixel determination unit may include one or more pixels included in the minute region when a pixel corresponding to the start point of the stitch corresponds to one of the usable colors among the one or more pixels included in the minute region. 3. The print embroidery data creation according to claim 2, wherein when at least a predetermined percentage of pixels corresponds to one of the usable colors, it is determined that the usable color corresponds to the usable color. apparatus.   4. The print embroidery data creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stitch data setting means includes stitch data reading means for reading stitch data created in advance.   5. The print embroidery data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the region setting unit sets, as the print region, a region that is not included in all the minute regions in the image data. .   The printed embroidery data according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the embroidery data creating means creates second embroidery data from the minute area set as the print area by the area setting means. Data creation device.   If the distance between the color position of the pixel and the color position of the usable color in an arbitrary color space is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the pixel determination unit corresponds to the usable color. The printing embroidery data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the printing embroidery data creation device is determined.   8. 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. 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,
A usable color setting step for setting the color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device;
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;
Stitch data setting process for setting stitch data constituting an embroidery pattern;
A minute region setting step for setting each line segment constituting the exposed portion of the stitch in the stitch data as a minute region in the image data;
A pixel determination step of determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the minute region set by the minute region setting step correspond to the usable color;
When it is determined in the pixel determination step that one or more pixels included in the minute area correspond to the usable color, it is determined that the minute area is set as an embroidery area and does not correspond to the usable color. A region setting step for setting the minute region as a print region,
The micro area set as the embroidery area by the area setting step is the embroidery at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step by using the embroidery thread of the color corresponding to the corresponding usable color. Embroidery data creation process for creating embroidery data output by the device,
The minute area set as the print area by the area setting step is the print data output by the printing apparatus at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step according to the color of the corresponding pixel. A print embroidery data creation program for executing a print data creation process to be created. 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,
An available color setting step for setting the color of any one or more embroidery threads used in the embroidery device;
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 stitch data setting step for setting stitch data constituting an embroidery pattern;
A micro area setting step for setting each line segment constituting the exposed portion of the stitch in the stitch data as a micro area in the image data;
A pixel determination step for determining whether or not one or more pixels included in the minute region set by the minute region setting step correspond to the usable color;
When it is determined in the pixel determination step that one or more pixels included in the minute area correspond to the usable color, it is determined that the minute area is set as an embroidery area and does not correspond to the usable color. An area setting step for setting the minute area as a print area;
The micro area set as the embroidery area by the area setting step is the embroidery 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 usable color. An embroidery data creation step for creating embroidery data output by the device;
The minute area set as the print area by the area setting step is the print data output by the printing device at the output size and output position set by the output information setting step according to the color of the corresponding pixel. A print embroidery data creation method comprising: a print data creation step to create.