JP4399805B2 - Compound data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite data processing apparatus for processing embroidery data for performing embroidery sewing by an embroidery sewing machine and print data for performing printing processing by a printer, and more particularly to embroidery processing and printing processing on a fabric set in an embroidery frame. In addition to the texture and three-dimensional feeling by embroidery, it can be expressed in art by printing.

  Conventionally, various embroidery data creation apparatuses have been proposed in which an embroidery process is performed on a fabric set in an embroidery frame based on embroidery data to express an animal or a person in an artistic manner. For example, the embroidery data creation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 creates color image data by reading a color photographic image with a scanner, and creates embroidery data for embroidering the color image based on the image data. A photographic image can be embroidered by performing an embroidery process based on the embroidery data.

  Conventionally, using embroidery data composed of a large number of needle drop point data (so-called stitch data), not only embroidery is performed on a cloth by an embroidery sewing machine, but recently, embroidery data is developed into print data which is bitmap data. However, the embroidery pattern can be printed by a printer.

  For example, in the fabric (fabric) processing method described in Patent Document 2, an outline of an embroidery area is extracted based on embroidery data created from image data, and the entire embroidery area defined by the outline is further extracted. By developing the data into bitmap data, print data to be printed on at least a part of the embroidery area is created from the embroidery data, and the embroidery thread is embroidered on the fabric based on the embroidery data. In addition, there is disclosed a combined processing technique of embroidery and printing in which printing is performed by an ink jet printer based on print data so that gloss can be exhibited over the entire surface of the embroidery area and the texture of the embroidery can be expressed.

In recent years, printers capable of printing on fabric have been put into practical use. Therefore, for example, there is a demand to print a T-shirt or the like by using a printer, and by embroidering with an embroidery sewing machine so as to fuse the goodness of embroidery with the goodness of printing and create a textured T-shirt. There is.
JP 2003-290579 A (Pages 5 to 9, FIGS. 3 and 20) JP 2004-263350 A (pages 6-7, FIG. 3)

  The above-described embroidery data creation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 describes an embroidery data creation technique for creating embroidery data after creating image data from a color photographic image. In this case, as many embroidery threads as possible (for example, 16 to 20 colors) are used in order to realistically represent the embroidery pattern that has been subjected to the embroidery process so that it resembles the original photographic image. Not only embroidery is performed based on the embroidery data, but also the thread changing operation for changing the thread by stopping the embroidery sewing machine is performed a plurality of times, which causes problems such as complicated and prolonged embroidery processing.

  Further, in the cloth (fabric) processing method described in Patent Document 2 described above, in addition to performing embroidery processing based on embroidery data over the entire embroidery area, printing processing using print data is further executed. However, this is not a combined processing technique that simplifies (convenience) the embroidery process by the printing process and shortens the processing time.

  The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 1 is a composite data processing apparatus for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on the fabric with a printer. Analyzing the embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information, the mixed color area calculating means for obtaining a mixed color area to be embroidered with a plurality of thread colors, and the mixed color area calculated by the mixed color area calculating means And print data creating means for creating print data to be printed in the same color as the plurality of thread colors in the mixed color area.

  When the embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information is analyzed by the mixed color area calculation means and a mixed color area to be embroidered with a plurality of thread colors is obtained, the print data creation means calculates the mixed color area. Print data to be printed in the mixed color area with the same color as the plurality of thread colors is created. Therefore, it is possible to perform color printing with the same color as a plurality of thread colors in the mixed color area based on the created print data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the color mixture area calculation means extracts an embroidery area having a stitch other than a predetermined stitch format including satin stitches and tatami stitches as a color mixture area. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the data processing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the thread color information for replacing all thread color information of the embroidery data belonging to the mixed color area with thread color information representing a predetermined single thread color. It has a change means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the print data creation means creates real print data for real printing according to embroidery stitches from the embroidery data of the mixed color area. Print data to be printed by calculating a plurality of color-specific areas based on the real print data and performing gradation processing on the color-specific areas satisfying a predetermined condition among the plurality of color-specific areas Is to create.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the print data creating means is configured to select a color-specific region belonging to a predetermined intermediate color in which the print color of the color-specific region is calculated using the RGB values. A gradation process is performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the composite data processing device according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the print data creating means performs gradation processing on the color-specific region where the area of the color-specific region is a predetermined value or less.

  A data processing device according to claim 7 is a composite data processing device for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on a fabric with a printer, Analyzing embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information, print data creating means for creating print data for printing an image corresponding to the embroidery pattern, and analyzing the embroidery data, Specific area extracting means for specifying a specific area having features and embroidery data invalidating means for invalidating embroidery data corresponding to an area excluding the specific area specified by the specific area extracting means are provided.

  Embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information is analyzed by the print data creation means, print data for printing an image corresponding to the embroidery pattern is created, and the embroidery data is analyzed by the specific area extraction means. Then, a specific area having a predetermined characteristic is specified in the embroidery pattern. Therefore, the embroidery data invalidating means invalidates the embroidery data corresponding to the area excluding the specific area specified by the specific area extracting means. Therefore, only the embroidery data corresponding to the specific area is left, and the embroidery is applied only to the specific area.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the composite data processing device according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the specific area extracting means is an embroidery in which a sewing order is a predetermined second order among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. An area is extracted as a specific area.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the specific area extracting means counts a predetermined number of areas counted from a larger area among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. Is extracted as a specific region.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the composite data processing device according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the specific region extraction specifies a region whose area is equal to or larger than a predetermined size among a plurality of embroidery regions corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. It is extracted as a region.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the specific area extracting means overlaps with the other embroidery areas of each of the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors and has a sewing order. The area covered by the subsequent embroidery area is extracted as the specific area.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the composite data processing device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the specific area extracting means is a lower side of the embroidery areas overlapping each other among the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors. A region having a large area excluding the overlapping portion is extracted as the specific region.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite data processing device according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, wherein an image of an embroidery area corresponding to the embroidery data based on the embroidery data invalidated by the embroidery data invalidating means. Print data to be printed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite data processing apparatus for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on the fabric with a printer. Since the area calculation means and the print data creation means are provided, color printing can be performed with print data in the same color as the plurality of thread colors used for embroidery only in a mixed color area embroidered with a plurality of thread colors Become.

  Therefore, at the time of embroidery sewing using an embroidery sewing machine, for example, when sewing this mixed color area, sewing is performed using only a white thread, and then, when embroidering the mixed color area sewn with the white thread. This is the same as when embroidery was actually performed using thread color based on embroidery data by performing print processing with a printer using print data created based on embroidery data including thread color information indicating the thread color of the thread As described above, the embroidery pattern can be expressed in a state in which the embroidery texture and the three-dimensional feeling are maintained.

  As a result, when performing embroidery sewing on this mixed color area using the embroidery sewing machine, the operator can omit the thread changing work with the embroidery sewing machine, greatly reducing the amount of work by the operator and the time required for thread changing. Will be. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to express the texture of the embroidery for this mixed color area, the time required for embroidery sewing can be further increased by omitting the embroidery process for this mixed color area and performing only the printing process for the fabric. Will be reduced.

  In addition, print data is created for all embroidery patterns, and the amount of colorant (ink in the case of an inkjet printer) consumed by the printer is reduced compared to the case where all embroidery patterns are color-printed by a printer. Can do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the color mixture area calculation means extracts an embroidery area that becomes a stitch (that is, a special seam) other than a predetermined stitch format including satin stitches and tatami stitches as a color mixture area. Therefore, it is possible to perform color printing on a mixed color area that is not sewn with satin stitches or tatami stitches, such as a random stitch that expresses a photographic image with a plurality of colors. Other effects similar to those of the first aspect are obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the thread color information changing means for replacing all the thread color information of the embroidery data belonging to the color mixture area with the thread color information representing a predetermined single thread color, the thread color is single. With the unified embroidery data, embroidery can be performed at once without changing the thread, and the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened while leaving the texture of the embroidery. Other effects similar to those of the first or second aspect are achieved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the print data creating means creates real print data for real printing according to the embroidery stitches from the embroidery data of the mixed color area, and is an area for each color based on the real print data. By calculating a plurality of color-specific areas and performing gradation processing on the color-specific areas satisfying a predetermined condition among the plurality of color-specific areas, print data to be used for printing is created. Smooth gradation expression can be achieved for each color region that satisfies the conditions, and the realism by the printing process in the mixed color region can be remarkably enhanced. Other effects similar to those of any one of claims 1 to 3 are provided.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the print data creating means performs gradation processing on the color-specific area belonging to a predetermined intermediate color in which the print color of the color-specific area is calculated using the RGB values. By adopting gradation processing for color-specific areas printed in light colors such as light blue and light blue, smoother gradation expression can be realized, and real expression in mixed color areas can be further enhanced it can. Other effects similar to those of the fourth aspect are achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the print data creation means performs gradation processing on the color-specific area where the area of the color-specific area is a predetermined value or less, the continuous color-specific area occupying a small area in the color mixture area By adopting gradation processing for the color tone, smoother gradation expression is possible, and the real expression of the mixed color area can be further enhanced. Other effects similar to those of the fourth aspect are achieved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite data processing apparatus for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on the fabric with a printer. Since data creation means, specific area extraction means, and embroidery data invalidation means are provided, the embroidery data corresponding to the area other than the specified specific area in the embroidery pattern is invalidated, and embroidery on the specific area is possible Become. When the specific region is, for example, human hair or animal mane, it is possible to three-dimensionally express the hair, mane, and the like with embroidery threads.

  Therefore, embroidery processing is performed for specific areas such as the hair and mane that are considered to be embroidered in order to express the texture and stereoscopic effect, and embroidery processing is performed for areas other than the specific areas. If the printing process is performed by, for example, a printer without performing the above process, the time required for the embroidery process can be greatly shortened while maintaining the above-described texture and stereoscopic effect in the expression of the pattern.

  According to the invention of claim 8, the specific area extracting means extracts, as the specific area, an embroidery area in which the sewing order is a predetermined second half order among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. With respect to the characteristic embroidery area in the embroidery pattern that is embroidered in a predetermined second half in the sewing order, the embroidery thread enables real expression as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression. Furthermore, since the embroidery is performed only in the specific area and the printing process for other areas is shorter than the embroidery process, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened. Other effects similar to those of the seventh aspect are achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 9, the specific area extracting means extracts a predetermined number of areas as a specific area from a larger area among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. For the characteristic embroidery area in the embroidery pattern that is realistically expressed because it is relatively large, the embroidery thread enables real expression as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened by performing a printing process with a shorter processing time than the embroidery process for the other areas. Other effects similar to those of the seventh aspect are achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the specific area extracting unit extracts, as the specific area, an area having an area equal to or larger than a predetermined size among the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors. For embroidery areas that are larger than a predetermined size and have a relatively large embroidery area and that are realistically represented, the embroidery thread enables realistic expression as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression. Become. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened by performing a printing process with a shorter processing time than the embroidery process for the other areas. Other effects similar to those of the seventh aspect are achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 11, the specific area extracting means overlaps with other embroidery areas among the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors and is covered with the embroidery area after the sewing order. Is extracted as a specific area, so that it overlaps with other embroidery areas, and is a partial area where the sewing order is covered by a later embroidery area, and a characteristic partial area in the embroidery pattern is textured by the embroidery thread. Realistic expression is possible as well as expression and three-dimensional expression. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened by performing a printing process with a shorter processing time than the embroidery process for the other areas. Other effects similar to those of the seventh aspect are achieved.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the specific area extracting unit has a large area excluding a lower overlapping portion of the embroidery areas overlapping each other among the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors. Since the area is extracted as a specific area, the area of the overlapping embroidery areas that overlap with other embroidery areas and omit the embroidery part hidden below is large, and the characteristic embroidery area in the embroidery pattern is The embroidery thread enables realistic expression as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened by performing a printing process with a shorter processing time than the embroidery process for the other areas. Other effects similar to those of the seventh aspect are achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 13, print data for printing an image of an embroidery area corresponding to the embroidery data is created based on the embroidery data invalidated by the embroidery data invalidating means. As compared with the case where print data is created and the entire area of the embroidery pattern is color-printed by the printer, the consumption of the colorant (ink in the case of an inkjet printer) of the printer can be suppressed. Other effects similar to those of any one of claims 7 to 12 can be achieved.

  The composite data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment performs embroidery sewing on a fabric by using an embroidery sewing machine, and by printing on a mixed color area embroidered with a plurality of thread colors of the embroidery pattern by a printer. It can express the three-dimensional feeling and texture by embroidery, and expresses the real feeling by printing.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, an embroidery sewing machine 2 having an inkjet printer 3 is electrically connected to the composite data processing apparatus 1, and the frame driving device 4 connected to the embroidery sewing machine 2 has various shapes. The embroidery frame 5 is detachably mounted so that the embroidery frame 5 can be moved and driven in two orthogonal directions (X direction and Y direction) not only at the time of embroidery sewing but also at the time of printing by the inkjet printer 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the composite data processing apparatus 1 is composed of a personal computer. The control apparatus 10 controls the entire control, a mouse 11 connected to the control apparatus 10, a keyboard 12, an image scanner 13, and a color display. 14 etc. The control device 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and a bus 24 for connecting them, a hard disk drive (HDD) 26 connected to the bus 24 and having a hard disk (HD) 25, an input / output interface 27, and the like. Have

  Also connected to the bus 24 are a flexible disk drive (FDD) 28 for a flexible disk and a CD-ROM drive 29 for a CD-ROM. The input / output interface 27 includes a keyboard 12, a mouse 11, an image scanner 13, a display drive circuit 30 for driving the display 14, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 31 through the embroidery sewing machine 2. Are connected to each other.

  The ROM 22 stores a startup program for starting the personal computer when the personal computer is turned on. In the RAM 23, an image data memory for storing image data for a printed pattern read from the image scanner 13, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, an embroidery data memory for storing embroidery data for an embroidery pattern, and arithmetic processing by the CPU 21 are performed. Various memories, buffers, pointers, counters, and the like for storing calculation results are provided as necessary.

  On the other hand, the hard disk 25 incorporates an OS (operating system), various drivers and application programs for enabling the mouse 11, the keyboard 12, the image scanner 13, the display 14, and the like. Read control program for reading image data and embroidery data recorded from a flexible disk or CD-ROM, data input control program for storing the read image data or embroidery data in an image data memory or embroidery data memory, image data Print data creation control for creating print data from image data, control program for embroidery data creation control for creating embroidery data from image data, print data creation control program for creating print data from embroidery data, composite data processing described later A control program for the control (Fig. 5, 7 to 10 refer), etc., also various control programs are stored.

  In the embroidery data memory of the hard disk 25, as shown in FIG. 4, a large number of embroidery data such as “zebra” embroidery data shown in FIG. That is, the “zebra” embroidery data is composed of a plurality of embroidery areas E1 to EN for each color, and the stitch data of each embroidery area E1 to EN for each color is the amount of movement (cloth) to the next stitch. (Feed amount) is a relative coordinate, and each of the embroidery areas E1 to EN by color includes a “thread color code” at the top and a “thread trimming code” at the end. Yes.

  However, the stitches in the embroidery areas E1 to EN of each color included in the embroidery pattern “Zebra” are special stitches other than a predetermined stitch type including satin stitches and tatami stitches, for example, as shown in FIG. Consists of random seams. Further, a part of the “yellow embroidery area” E3 and a part of the “black embroidery area” EN partially overlap, and the area of the “black embroidery area” EN is the other (“orange embroidery area” E1, “ It is the largest in comparison with the red embroidery area “E2,” the “yellow embroidery area” E3,.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an embroidery sewing machine body 2a of the embroidery sewing machine 2 includes a control unit 42, various operation switches 43, a spindle connected to the composite data processing apparatus 1 via a communication interface (communication I / F) 41. A position detection sensor 44, a sewing machine motor 45, a drive circuit 46 thereof, and the like are provided. The main shaft (not shown) is rotationally driven by the sewing machine motor 45, and the needle bar is reciprocated up and down by a needle bar vertical drive mechanism (not shown). The sewing needle attached to the needle bar and the thread provided on the bed portion Embroidery stitches are formed on the fabric W held by the embroidery frame 5 in cooperation with a catching mechanism (not shown).

  The ink jet printer 3 includes a control unit 51, various operation switches 52, a print head 53 in which four rows of ink nozzles for four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) are unitized, a head lifting motor 54, and a purge driving motor. 55, purge moving motor 56, drive circuits 57-60 for these print head 53 and motors 54-56 are provided. When the print head 53 receives a print command from the control unit 51, the ink is ejected from the ink nozzle toward the lower fabric W by the bending of the piezoelectric ceramic actuator.

  The frame drive device 4 includes a carriage position detection sensor 61, an X direction drive motor 62 that moves the embroidery frame 5 mounted on the frame drive device 4 in the X direction, its drive circuit 63, and the embroidery frame 5 in the Y direction. A Y-direction drive motor 64 and its drive circuit 65 are provided. When the frame driving device 4 receives a frame movement signal from the control unit 42 of the embroidery sewing machine body 2a or the control unit 51 of the ink jet printer 3, the frame driving device 4 drives the X direction driving motor 62 and the Y direction driving motor 64 to move the embroidery frame 5 to X. The direction is moved in the Y direction.

  Next, a data processing control routine executed by the control device of the composite data processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, the symbol Si (i = 11, 12, 13,...) In the figure is each step.

  When “composite data processing” in the main menu (not shown) displayed on the display 14 is selected, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the menu “composite data processing setting” is displayed. When the item “1” “print after color thread embroidery” is selected by the cursor K, the standard composite data processing control shown in FIG. 5 is started.

  When this control is started, first, the “zebra” embroidery data shown in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 12) is read from the plurality of embroidery data stored in the CD-ROM or the hard disk 25, and the embroidery data in the RAM 23 is read. It is stored in the memory (S11). Next, based on the embroidery data, outline contours of color-specific embroidery areas specified by stitch types and thread colors such as satin seams and tatami seams, that is, a plurality of color-specific embroidery areas included in the embroidery pattern are obtained. In order to obtain it, embroidery data analysis processing is executed (S12).

  The analysis process of the embroidery data will be briefly described. First, each needle drop point (total of n) included in the embroidery data is set to Pi (i = 1, 2,..., N) in the sewing order. . An initial value “1” is set to the variable i, and an orthogonal coordinate system is set with the needle drop point Pi as the origin. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an X axis is provided in a direction from the needle drop point Pi to the needle drop point Pi + 1, and the X axis is counterclockwise about the needle drop point Pi. The Y axis is provided in the direction rotated 90 °, the coordinates (Xi + 1, 0) of the needle drop point Pi + 1 and the coordinates (Xi + 2, Yi + 2) of the needle drop point Pi + 2 are read, and the coordinates of the RAM 23 are read. Store in memory.

  Next, the values of Xi + 1 and Xi + 2 are compared. If Xi + 1 is larger, the attribute of the needle drop point Pi + 1 is set to the temporary contour, and Xi + 2 ≧ Xi + 1. In the case of, the attribute of the needle entry point Pi + 1 is set as a temporary run. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the needle drop point Pi + 1 is a contour point, the stitches Si and Si + 1 on both sides thereof are folded back. In this case, the value of Xi + 2 is smaller than the value of Xi + 1 (Xi + 2 <Xi + 1).

  Therefore, in this case, if the attribute of the needle drop point Pi + 1 is a temporary contour in the sense that it can be estimated as a contour point, and the needle drop point Pi + 1 is a running point, as shown in FIG. + 2 ≧ Xi + 1. Accordingly, in this case, the attribute of the needle drop point Pi + 1 is assumed to be a temporary run in the sense that it can be estimated as a run point. The needle drop points P1 and Pn are forcibly given a temporary running attribute.

  As described above, when the value of the variable i is sequentially increased, these processes are repeatedly executed. When i + 1 = n, that is, for all the needle drop points Pi + 1 where i + 1 = 2 to n−1. The attribute of provisional contour or provisional running is given. Therefore, the classification of the stitch format is performed as follows. First, while setting 1, 2, 3,... Sequentially to the variable i, it is determined whether or not the provisional contour attribute is given to the needle drop point Pi + 1. If Pi + 1 is a temporary run, the next large value is set in the variable i and the determination is made again.

  On the other hand, when the needle drop point Pi + 1 is a temporary contour, it is determined whether or not the needle drop point Pi + 1 is adjacent to the needle drop point assigned the provisional running attribute, that is, the needle drop point Pi or Pi. Judge whether any of +2 is a temporary run. If it is adjacent to the temporary run, Yi + 2 stored in the loop in which the needle drop point Pi + 1 is given the temporary contour attribute is read.

  If the needle entry point of the temporary contour arranged before and after the needle entry point Pi is different from Yi + 2 stored in the same manner, the stitch attribute of the needle entry point Pi + 1 is temporarily set. In the case of a tatami contour and the same sign, the stitch attribute of the needle entry point Pi + 1 is assumed to be a temporary run.

  On the other hand, when the needle drop point Pi + 1 of the temporary contour is not adjacent to the needle drop point of the temporary run, and the sign of Yi + 2 is alternately replaced with the front and back temporary contours, the needle drop point If Pi + 1 is a temporary satin contour and the signs of Yi + 2 are not alternately changed, the needle drop point Pi + 1 is assumed to be a temporary run.

  Finally, the shape of the needle drop points before and after, the thread density, the tatami pattern, etc. are detected from the data of all the needle drop points to which the attribute of the temporary tatami outline is given, and the outline outline of the embroidery pattern is based on the detected data. Is executed, and the embroidery area by the stitches for performing the stitching is confirmed.

  Further, for all the needle drop point data to which the attribute of the temporary satin contour is given, the shape of the needle drop points before and after, the thread density, etc. are detected, and the process of determining the contour of the embroidery pattern is executed based on the detected shape. Determine the embroidery area with satin stitches to be satin stitched.

  Finally, with respect to the data of the remaining needle entry points that have not been established as temporary tatami contours or temporary satin contours, use the needle entry points as running points to confirm according to the stitch pitch and shape, and perform running stitching. Determine the embroidery area by running seams.

  Next, in response to the result of the embroidery data analysis process in S12, the stitches have special stitches other than a commonly used stitch type such as satin stitches and tatami stitches, and are embroidered with a plurality of thread colors. The presence / absence of a mixed color area is obtained by calculation (S13). If there is no mixed color area (S14: No), this control is terminated and the process returns to the main routine.

  Here, since the embroidery data of the embroidery pattern “Zebra” shown in FIG. 4 is not a predetermined stitch format such as a satin stitch or a tatami stitch, but a random special stitch, the entire “Zebra” is mixed color. It is an area. Therefore, if a mixed color area is detected (S14: Yes), print data creation processing control (see FIG. 7) is executed based on the embroidery data corresponding to the mixed color area (S15).

  When this control is started, first, a creation process for creating real print data for real printing according to the embroidery stitch is executed based on the embroidery data (S21). The real print data creation process will be briefly described. First, as shown in FIG. 13A, straight stitches I0, I1 connecting needle drop points Na, Nb, Nc, Nd,. , I2, I3, I4... In are generated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13-2, each straight stitch I0, I1, I2, I3, I4... In is the same color as the thread color indicated by the thread color code in the embroidery data, Print data representing straight stitches I0a, I1a, I2a, I3a, I4a, ... Ina, taking into account the thickness of standard embroidery threads (polyester and rayon) (for example, 60 to 80) Is done.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 13-3, the straight stitches I0a, I1a, I2a, I3a, I4a,... Print data representing realistic straight stitches I0b, I1b, I2b, I3b, I4b... Inb on which the shading process for adding the shadow is executed is created.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the print data of the embroidery pattern “Zebra” can be expressed in real terms with respect to the original embroidery pattern “Zebra” shown in FIG. Next, an embroidery area for each color is obtained by calculation (S22).

  In this color-specific embroidery area calculation process, as shown in FIG. 15A, a plurality of color-specific embroidery areas E1, E2, E3 based on the print data of the same print color are generated based on the print data created in S21. E4, E5... EN is obtained for each color. Next, an embroidery area number is assigned to each of the plurality of embroidery areas, and an initial value “1” is set in the embroidery area pointer P (S23). The print color of the designated embroidery area for each color is retrieved (S24).

  By the way, in general, since the print color is indicated by the RGB value which is the three primary colors of light, it is determined based on the RGB value which is the print color whether or not it is a predetermined intermediate color. In the case of the intermediate color (S25: Yes), gradation processing is executed for the embroidery area for each color (S26). Here, the gradation processing includes not only gradation expression but also blurring processing for blurring the color of the boundary portion of the embroidery area for each color.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15-1, among a plurality of color embroidery areas E1, E2, E3, E4, E5... EN, a narrow space sandwiched between a color embroidery area E2 and a color embroidery area E4. When the RGB value of the printing color in the intermediate embroidery area E3 is an intermediate color, as shown in FIG. 15B, the left half E3L of the intermediate embroidery area E3 is the printing color in the left embroidery area E2. Is changed to the RGB value of the print color close to, and the right half portion E3R of the embroidery area E3 of the intermediate color is changed to the RGB value of the print color close to the print color of the embroidery area E3 of the right color, and gradation processing is performed. The Such gradation processing may be repeated a plurality of times to perform blurring processing on the boundary portion of the embroidery area E3 for each color.

  Next, when the value of the embroidery area pointer P for each color is not the maximum embroidery area number for each color (S27: No), the embroidery area pointer P for each color is incremented by 1 (S28), and S24 and subsequent steps are repeated. Is done. When the value of the embroidery area pointer P for each color reaches the maximum embroidery area number for each color and the search process is completed for all the embroidery areas for each color (S27: Yes), all the embroidery areas for each color are displayed. If there is a blank area for which print data has not been created and a blank area is detected, a solid print data for printing the same color as the surrounding print color is added to the blank area. Supplementary processing is executed (S29), this control is terminated, and the process returns to S16 of the standard composite data processing control.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the embroidery pattern “Zebra” is created with realistic print data partially including print data in which blank portions are filled and gradation processing is performed. Next, in the standard composite data processing control, a thread color information changing process for unifying all the thread color information of the embroidery data read in S11 into a light color is executed (S16), and this control is finished. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the thread color code of each color embroidery area E1, E2, E3... EN is changed to a thread color code of “white”.

  After that, realistic print data is created in this way, and embroidery data with a single print color is created. Based on the embroidery data, a single color (in this case, white) embroidery is created by the embroidery sewing machine 2. After being embroidered with thread, it is printed by the inkjet printer 3 based on the real print data. Here, the mixed color area calculation means is composed of the standard composite data processing control, particularly S13, and the print data creation means is composed of S15, etc., of the standard composite data processing control.

  Thus, as a result of the analysis of the embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information, the embroidery is embroidered with a plurality of thread colors, and other than a predetermined stitch format including satin stitches and tatami stitches. The embroidery area “Zebra”, which is a special stitch, is extracted as a mixed color area, and print data to be printed in the same color as a plurality of thread colors in the mixed color area is created in the mixed color area. The mixed color area “zebra” embroidered with the thread can be color-printed with print data in the same color as the plurality of thread colors used for the embroidery.

  Further, since all thread color information having embroidery data belonging to the mixed color area is replaced with thread color information representing a predetermined single thread color, thread replacement is not performed by embroidery data with a single thread color. Embroidery can be performed at once, and the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened while leaving the texture of the embroidery.

  In general, in the embroidery data created for sewing an embroidery sewing machine on the basis of a photographic image by using an embroidery sewing machine, the embroidery data for sewing the mixed color area as described above is the color of the original image by mixing the colors. Therefore, not only is the number of needles large, but the number of thread colors used for sewing often increases considerably. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, embroidery processing is performed by embroidering such a mixed color area with a single thread (white thread), and performing color printing on the mixed color area after embroidery sewing. Since the embroidery sewing of the mixed color area is performed without requiring color change processing for the embroidery sewing machine, the color change work load by the operator and the time required for the color change can be omitted, and the time required for the embroidery processing is greatly increased. Can be shortened.

  Further, real print data for real printing according to the embroidery stitch is created from the embroidery data of the mixed color area, and a plurality of embroidery areas E1, E2, E3,. En is calculated, and the gradation processing is performed on the color-specific embroidery region E3 that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of color-specific embroidery regions E1, E2, E3. By printing using, it is possible to achieve a smooth gradation expression for the color-specific embroidery region E3 that satisfies a predetermined condition, and the realism by the printing process in the mixed color region can be remarkably improved.

  By the way, “composite data processing” in the main menu (not shown) displayed on the display 14 is selected. For example, as shown in FIG. When the selection item “2” “embroidery in the first specific area after printing” is selected by K, the first composite data processing control shown in FIG. 8 is started.

  This control is substantially the same as the standard composite data processing control described with reference to FIG. 5, but only S16A and S16B provided in place of S16 will be described. That is, after the print data creation process shown in S15, the color-specific embroidery area with the last sewing order is extracted as the first specific area based on the embroidery data (S16A), and the color-specific embroidery other than the first specific area is extracted. The embroidery data in the area is deleted (S16B). Here, the embroidery data of the color-specific embroidery area other than the first specific area may be invalidated instead of being deleted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, only the “black” color-specific embroidery area EN whose sewing order is last remains, and the other color-specific embroidery areas E1, E2, E3... E (N−1) The embroidery data is deleted (or invalidated). Therefore, after printing with the real print data created in S15, a black striped pattern is embroidered with the embroidery data created in this way. Is possible.

  As described above, the color-specific embroidery area that is the last in the sewing order is extracted as the specific area from among the plurality of color-specific embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors. For the various embroidery areas, not only texture expression and three-dimensional expression but also realistic expression can be realized by the embroidery thread.

  Furthermore, embroidery is performed for characteristic color-specific embroidery areas (specific areas) that may be better to perform embroidery processing to express the texture of the pattern and the three-dimensional effect, and other areas are replaced with embroidery processing. This makes it possible to perform color printing processing by a printer, so that embroidery processing by an embroidery sewing machine that requires a longer processing time compared to printing processing by a printer can be omitted, and the processing time required for embroidery processing can be greatly reduced. Is possible.

  However, the extraction of the specific area is not limited to the color-specific embroidery area in which the sewing order is the last, and a plurality of color-specific embroidery areas in which the sewing order is a predetermined second order may be extracted as the specific area. Good. In this case, the characteristic embroidery area for each color embroidered in a predetermined second half (for example, the last and second from the last) in the sewing order of the embroidery pattern is not only realistic and solid expression but also realistic by the embroidery thread. Expression becomes possible. Furthermore, since the embroidery is performed only in the specific area, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened as described above.

  By the way, “composite data processing” in the main menu (not shown) displayed on the display 14 is selected. For example, as shown in FIG. When the selection item “3” “embroidery in the second specific area after printing” is selected by the cursor K, the second composite data processing control shown in FIG. 9 is started.

  This control is substantially the same as the standard composite data processing control described with reference to FIG. 5, but only S16C and S16D provided in place of S16 will be described. That is, after the print data creation process shown in S15, based on the embroidery data, the color-specific embroidery area having the largest area among the plurality of color-specific embroidery areas obtained in S12 is extracted as the second specific area (S16C ), The embroidery data of the color-specific embroidery area other than the second specific area is deleted (S16D). Here, the embroidery data of the color-specific embroidery area other than the second specific area may be invalidated instead of being deleted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, only the “black” color-specific embroidery area EN having the largest area remains, and the other color-specific embroidery areas E1, E2, E3... E (N−1) Is deleted (or invalidated). Therefore, after printing with the real print data created in S15, the black embroidery pattern is embroidered by the embroidery data created in this way. Expression becomes possible.

  As described above, the color-specific embroidery area having the largest area among the plurality of color-specific embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors is extracted as the specific area, and the embroidery data corresponding to the area excluding the specific area is deleted. Since the area is relatively large, the three-dimensional and realistic expression using the embroidery thread is possible for the characteristic embroidery area for each color in the embroidery pattern that is realistically expressed. Further, as in the case described above, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened.

  Further, out of a plurality of color-specific embroidery regions corresponding to a plurality of thread colors, a predetermined number of regions counted from the larger area, for example, the color-specific embroidery regions from the larger area to the second are extracted as specific regions. However, the embroidery data corresponding to the area excluding the specific area may be deleted. In this case, since the area is relatively large, the characteristic of the embroidery pattern with multiple colors that can be realistically expressed For the various embroidery areas, not only texture expression and three-dimensional expression but also realistic expression can be realized by the embroidery thread. Further, as described above, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened.

  Further, an embroidery area having an area of a predetermined size or more is extracted as a specific area from a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors, and embroidery data corresponding to an area excluding the specific area is deleted. In this case, the characteristic embroidery area in the embroidery pattern that is realistically expressed because the area is equal to or larger than the predetermined size and the embroidery area is relatively large may be expressed with a texture or three-dimensional by embroidery thread. Realistic expression is possible as well as expression. Further, as in the case described above, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened.

  By the way, “composite data processing” in the main menu (not shown) displayed on the display 14 is selected. For example, as shown in FIG. When the selection item “4” “embroidery in the third specific area after printing” is selected by the cursor K, the third composite data processing control shown in FIG. 10 is started.

  This control is substantially the same as the standard composite data processing control described with reference to FIG. 5, but only S16E and S16F provided in place of S16 will be described. That is, after the print data creation process shown in S15, based on the embroidery data, among the embroidery regions that overlap each other, the lower embroidery region portion excluding the overlapping lower portion and the upper embroidery region The areas are compared, and a region having a large area is extracted as the third specific region (S16E), and embroidery data of the embroidery region other than the third specific region is deleted (S16F). Here, the embroidery data of the embroidery area other than the third specific area may be invalidated instead of being deleted.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 22, a part of embroidery areas ENa, Nb... Nn of a black area EN to be embroidered lastly and a part of embroidery areas E3a of a yellow area E3 embroidered before that. , E3b... E3n partially overlap each other, and each of these embroidery areas ENa, Nb... Nn overlaps the embroidery areas E3a, E3b.

  Therefore, the embroidery areas ENa, Nb... Nn indicated by the diagonally downward slanting lines and the slanting diagonal lines left from the embroidery areas E3a, E3b. The areas of the areas to be shown are compared, and the black area EN having a large area is extracted as the third specific area.

  As a result, only the “black” color-specific embroidery area EN having a large area remains, and the embroidery data of the other color-specific embroidery areas E1, E2, E3... E (N−1) are deleted. Is done. Therefore, after printing with the real print data created in S15, a black stripe pattern is embroidered with the embroidery data created in this way.

  In this way, the area of the embroidery areas that overlap with each other is omitted, and the embroidery area that overlaps with other embroidery areas is omitted. Realistic expression as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression becomes possible. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened.

  Further, out of each of a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors, an area that overlaps with another embroidery area and is covered by the embroidery area after the sewing order is extracted as a specific area, and the area excluding the specific area is extracted. The corresponding embroidery data may be invalidated. In this case, the embroidery area overlaps with another embroidery area, and the sewing order is covered by the later embroidery area, and the pattern of the characteristic embroidery area Realistic expression is possible as well as texture expression and three-dimensional expression. Furthermore, the processing time required for the embroidery process can be shortened.

  In the second composite data processing control (see FIG. 9) and the third composite data processing control (see FIG. 10) described above, the print data creation process in S15 is performed based on the extraction of the mixed color area in S14. However, regardless of whether or not the mixed color area is extracted in S14, each of the color-specific embroidery areas other than the second specific area and other than the third specific area in S16D of the second composite data processing control and S16F of the third composite data processing control. When the embroidery data is deleted (or invalidated), print data for printing only that portion may be created based on the deleted (or invalidated) embroidery data.

  In this case, in addition to the effect of shortening the time required for the embroidery process described above, in order to create print data for only the area other than the specific portion, the printer has a print job compared to the case where the entire embroidery pattern is printed. The consumption of the colorant (ink in the case of an ink jet printer) can be suppressed.

  Next, a modified form of the embodiment will be described.

  1] The print data creation control shown in FIG. 7 may be partially changed so that gradation processing is performed on the embroidery area for each color having a small area. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, after executing the control from S21 to S23 as described above, the area is calculated for the color-specific embroidery area designated by the color-specific embroidery area pointer P (S24A), and the area is determined to be predetermined. If it is equal to or smaller than the value (S25A: Yes), gradation processing is executed (S26).

  As described above, gradation processing is performed for the color embroidery areas whose area is equal to or less than the predetermined value, so that by adopting the gradation processing for the continuous color embroidery areas that occupy a small area in the mixed color area, smoother gradation can be achieved. Expression becomes possible, and the real expression of the mixed color area can be further enhanced.

  2] The print data creation control shown in FIG. 7 may be partially changed so that gradation processing is performed on the embroidery area for each color having a low thread density. That is, as shown in FIG. 24, after this control is executed as described above from S21 to S23, the thread density is calculated for the color-specific embroidery area indicated by the color-specific embroidery area pointer P (S24B), and the thread When the density is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, that is, when the stitch is coarser than the predetermined value (S25B: Yes), gradation processing is executed (S26).

  As described above, by adopting gradation processing for the embroidery area for each color having a low thread density, smoother gradation expression is possible, and the real expression of the mixed color area can be further enhanced.

  3] The embroidery data read in S11 of the composite data processing control shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10 may be created from the image data of the color image read by the image scanner 13.

  4] Although the composite data processing apparatus 1 is provided separately from the embroidery sewing machine 2, the control unit 42 of the embroidery sewing machine 2 may be configured to have the composite data processing apparatus 1 as well. In this case, it is not necessary to separately prepare the composite data processing apparatus 1 composed of a personal computer, and the embroidery sewing machine 2 can be used effectively.

  5] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by adding various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention includes such modifications.

1 is a connection diagram of a composite data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, an embroidery sewing machine having an inkjet printer, and a frame driving device. FIG. It is a block diagram of the control system of a composite data processing apparatus. It is a control system block diagram of an embroidery sewing machine, an inkjet printer, and a frame drive device. It is a chart explaining the data structure of embroidery data. It is a flowchart of standard composite data processing control. It is explanatory drawing explaining the detection principle of the contour point in case a return seam is included. FIG. 6C is a view corresponding to FIG. 6A when the folded seam is not included. 5 is a flowchart of print data creation control. It is a flowchart of the 1st compound data processing control. It is a flowchart of the 2nd compound data processing control. It is a flowchart of the 3rd compound data processing control. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of composite data processing setting. It is explanatory drawing explaining the embroidery data of the embroidery pattern "Zebra". It is explanatory drawing explaining the stitch data which ties a needle drop point. It is explanatory drawing explaining the stitch data corrected according to the thickness of the sewing thread. It is explanatory drawing explaining the stitch data which added the shadow and was further corrected. It is a chart explaining real print data. It is explanatory drawing of the several color embroidery area | region which has another embroidery area | region of a middle color. It is explanatory drawing of the several embroidery area | region classified by color after a gradation process. It is a chart explaining the real print data after correction. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 in which the thread color is unified. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of composite data processing setting. It is a chart explaining the embroidery data regarding a black embroidery area. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of composite data processing setting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of composite data processing setting. It is explanatory drawing explaining the several embroidery area | region according to color which mutually overlaps. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 according to a modified embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 according to a modified embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Composite data processing apparatus 2 Embroidery sewing machine 3 Inkjet printer 10 Control apparatus 22 ROM

Claims (13)

A composite data processing device for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on the fabric with a printer,
Analyzing the embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information, a mixed color area calculation means for obtaining a mixed color area to be embroidered with a plurality of thread colors,
Print data creating means for creating print data to be printed in the same color as a plurality of thread colors of the mixed color area in the mixed color area obtained by the mixed color area calculating means;
A composite data processing apparatus comprising:   2. The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color mixture area calculation unit extracts an embroidery area having a stitch other than a predetermined stitch format including satin stitches and tatami stitches as the color mixture area.   3. The composite data according to claim 1, further comprising thread color information changing means for replacing all thread color information of the embroidery data belonging to the mixed color area with thread color information representing a predetermined single thread color. Processing equipment.   The print data creation means creates real print data for real printing according to embroidery stitches from the embroidery data of the mixed color area, and calculates a plurality of color-specific areas based on the real print data. The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print data to be used for printing is created by performing gradation processing on a color-specific area that satisfies a predetermined condition among a plurality of color-specific areas. .   5. The composite data processing according to claim 4, wherein the print data creation unit performs gradation processing on a color-specific area belonging to a predetermined intermediate color in which a print color of the color-specific area is calculated using the RGB values. apparatus.   The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print data creation unit performs gradation processing on a color-specific area in which an area of the color-specific area is a predetermined value or less. A composite data processing device for processing embroidery data for embroidering an embroidery pattern on a fabric with an embroidery machine and print data for printing on the fabric with a printer,
Print data creating means for analyzing the embroidery data including a plurality of thread color information and needle drop point position information and creating print data for printing an image corresponding to the embroidery pattern;
A specific area extracting means for analyzing the embroidery data and specifying a specific area having a predetermined characteristic in the embroidery pattern;
Embroidery data invalidating means for invalidating embroidery data corresponding to an area excluding the specific area specified by the specific area extracting means;
A composite data processing apparatus comprising:   The specific area extracting unit extracts, as the specific area, an embroidery area whose sewing order is a predetermined second half order among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. Complex data processing device.   8. The composite according to claim 7, wherein the specific area extracting unit extracts a predetermined number of areas as a specific area from a larger area among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. Data processing device.   8. The composite data according to claim 7, wherein the specific area extracting unit extracts, as a specific area, an area having an area of a predetermined size or more among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. Processing equipment.   The specific area extracting unit extracts, as a specific area, an area that overlaps with another embroidery area and is covered with an embroidery area that is later in the sewing order among a plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to a plurality of thread colors. The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 7.   The specific area extracting means extracts, as the specific area, an area having a large area excluding a lower overlapping portion among the embroidery areas overlapping each other among the plurality of embroidery areas corresponding to the plurality of thread colors. 8. The composite data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein 8. The print data creation unit creates print data for printing an image of an embroidery area corresponding to the embroidery data based on the embroidery data invalidated by the embroidery data invalidation unit. The composite data processing device according to any one of to 12.