JPH0671074A - Inputting method of stitch data of embroidering machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To quickly perform inputting of compressed stitch data of a character by inputting only compressed stitch data, in which a code designation exists in a code designation memory and address data do not exist in a compressed data address memory at the time of character input and change, from an external storage medium to a compressed data memory. CONSTITUTION:An embroidering machine in the mode of inputting stitch data such as selected character from an external storage medium FD is provided with a code designation memory RAM2 for storing the code designation of the selected character, a compressed data memory RAM1 for storing compressed stitch data corresponding to the code designation, and a compressed data address memory RAM3 for storing the address data of the compressed stitch data of each code designation. At the time of inputting the compressed stitch data after character input and input change, the code designation is stored in the code designation memory RAM2 and only the compressed stitch data, in which the address data do not exist in the compressed data address memory RAM3, are inputted from the external storage medium FD to the compressed data memory RAM1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery machine, and more particularly to a plurality of external storage media storing stitch data for a plurality of characters and the like. The present invention relates to a method of reading stitch data into a storage unit of an embroidery machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, stitch data for a plurality of characters or the like is stored in a plurality of external storage media, and the stitch data for the selected characters or the like is stored in a storage means of an embroidery machine from these external storage media. An embroidery machine with a reading structure has been put into practical use.

When embroidering a group name and an individual name on work clothes using the embroidering machine having this structure, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, only the individual name is changed and the individual name is changed. You may embroider your work clothes.

Conventionally, when a character string of a personal name that has already been selected is changed, all characters including the character string of a group name that has not been changed are transferred to the storage means of the embroidery machine again from the external storage medium. It was a reading method.

[0005]

According to the above-mentioned prior art, when embroidering a plurality of work clothes by changing only the individual name without changing the group name, firstly, not only the individual name but also the group name is included. Since it is necessary to read the plural characters again while exchanging the plural external storage media again, it takes time and effort to read the stitch data, and there is a problem in workability. It was

Second, when embroidering a group name and an individual name in different typefaces, for example, a group name and a personal name in a line typeface, the stitch data is read and the embroidering machine is applied to the group name and the individual name. Embroidering by means of two groups, one for the group name and one for the individual name, has to be done separately, and there is a problem that the work is troublesome and the workability is poor.

The reason why the stitch data should be read and the embroidery by the embroidery machine should be performed in two steps is as follows. For the kanji as shown in FIG. There are two kinds of stitch data, the same character code numbers are attached, and they are stored in different discs. If only the personal name is changed and the stitch data is read from the disc, it consists of 4 digits. If the highest code number is the same, it will be read in a batch.
If the highest values of the code numbers of the characters are the same between the characters that make up the organization name and the individual name, those characters become the selected typeface, and as a result, the typefaces of the organization name and the individual name are
This is because it often happens that a different typeface cannot be specified.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a code number memory for storing code numbers of selected characters in an embroidery machine,
A compressed data memory for storing compressed stitch data corresponding to a code number in the code number memory, and a compressed data address memory for storing address data consisting of a start address and byte capacity of the compressed stitch data of each code number. A method for reading embroidery data in which only the compressed stitch data, which has a code number in the code number memory and does not have the address data in the compressed data address memory when inputting or changing characters, is read from the external storage medium into the compressed data memory Is provided.

[0009]

According to the present invention, when the first selected character is changed, the data of the character that is not changed remains valid and only the data of the changed character is read. This has the effect that the eye data can be read quickly. Secondly, for example, when performing embroidery consisting of a group name and an individual name, when performing embroidery by changing the typeface of the group name and the individual name, the input work and the embroidery work are performed as in the conventional method. There is an effect that it is not necessary to divide into two times and can be performed once in succession.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (1) Schematic Configuration of Embroidery Machine First, the schematic configuration of the embroidery machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the embroidery machine 10
It has a needle 11 that moves up and down, and a thread catcher (not shown) that cooperates with the needle.

The hoop 12 for holding the work cloth is X-
It is attached to a supporting portion 14 which is driven and controlled by a Y driving portion 13 and is controlled by XY in synchronization with a vertically moving needle 11, so that a stitch is formed on a work cloth and embroidery is performed. .

On the front surface of the embroidery machine 10, there are provided an operation key section KEY having various operation keys for using the embroidery machine 10 and a display device LCD for performing various kinds of embroidery-related displays. There is. Details of the operation key section KEY will be described later.

A floppy disk drive FDD is arranged on the base plate 15 on the lower side of the embroidery machine, and a plurality of floppy disks FD as an external storage medium for storing compressed stitch data and the like for a large number of characters and the like. The compressed stitch data and the like are read from.

A bar code book 50 is provided on the right side of the base plate 15.
Bar code reader BC for reading bar codes from
R is connected via a dedicated cord 16 and is housed in a barcode guide 17 when not in use.

The compressed stitch data is data obtained by dividing the original pattern into a plurality of blocks when the data is input from the original pattern, and inputting the coordinate data of the main points on the contour for each block and the contour of each block. Data consisting of a function code indicating the shape, etc.
The compressed stitch data read in is expanded into embroidery data (expansion data) corresponding to each stitch of the stitch by the conversion program and stored in the expansion data memory RAM4.

(2) Configuration of Operation Key Unit Next, the configuration of the operation key unit KEY will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the operation key section KEY on the front of the embroidery machine has a start key 20 for starting embroidery and a start LED located at the upper left of the start key.
21, a stop key 22 for stopping halfway, a frame advance key 23 for moving only the hoop 12 without reciprocating the needle up and down, a frame reverse key 24, and the hoop 12 for XY
A frame movement key 2 composed of a plurality of keys for moving the embroidery frame 12 to a desired position with respect to the needle drop point.
5-28, character size key 2 to set the size of the character string
9. A character arrangement key 30 for designating an arrangement of characters is arranged.

In the operation key section KEY, the code number assigned to each embroidery pattern is also inputted, and the number keys 31 of "0" to "9" for selection and the selected embroidery pattern are registered. Registration key 32 for reading, storage start key 33 for reading compressed stitch data of the selected embroidery pattern from the floppy disk FD, menu key 34 for setting the menu mode, character code number of the selected character, etc. There are provided a clear key 35 for partially deleting, a clear key 36 for deleting all selected character code numbers and the like.

(3) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit will be described with reference to FIG. A storage device ROM is connected to the central processing unit CPU via a bus line BL, and the storage device ROM has a storage area for a control program of the embroidery machine 10 and a storage area for storing font data for displaying selected characters. In addition, it has a large number of storage areas.

A storage device RAM is also connected to the central processing unit CPU via a bus line BL. The storage device RAM is provided with a plurality of storage areas. For convenience of description, these are shown as independent components. These are a compressed data memory for temporarily storing compressed stitch data and the like such as characters read from the floppy disk FD. RAM1, code number memory R for storing the code number of the selected character
AM2, compressed data address memory R for storing the start address and byte capacity of the compressed stitch data of the selected character
It is AM3.

Further, the storage device RAM stores expansion data for storing embroidery data (expansion data) for performing sewing for each stitch converted from the compressed stitch data of the compression data memory RAM1 by the calculating means 60 during execution of embroidery. The memory RAM 4 and the set character size that acts on the arithmetic means 60 when converting the compressed data into the expanded data,
The sewing machine includes a sewing parameter memory RAM 5 in which sewing parameters such as arrangement are stored.

The bus line BL also has an input / output device I /
From the sensor SEN for obtaining various signals such as the phase of the needle bar through O-1, the operation key section KEY for selecting the embroidery pattern through the input / output device I / O-2, and the bar code book A display device LCD is connected via a barcode reader BCR for reading a barcode and an input / output device I / O-3.

The bus line BL is further provided with an input / output device I /
Support 14 to which the hoop 12 is connected via O-4
Pulse motors XM and YM for XY controlling the XY control mechanism 13, a sewing machine motor ZM for vertically reciprocating the needle bar, an actuator ACT such as a thread loosening solenoid for loosening the upper thread, and an input / output device. I / O-5
Floppy disk drive FD for reading out compressed stitch data selected from a plurality of floppy disks FD in which compressed stitch data such as many characters are stored via
D is connected.

(4) Constitution of Disk A plurality of floppy disks as an external storage medium in which compressed stitch data such as characters are stored are formed.
The ANK disk in which compressed stitch data of letters, numbers, symbols, hiragana and katakana are stored is NO. It is named 1 disc. The kanji used for group names and individual names have a common typeface and a line typeface, and the same character numbers in different typefaces are assigned the same code numbers and named NO.2 to NO.5 discs. Another disc number is assigned to the one-point pattern.

That is, four-digit code numbers in the 1000's are assigned to letters, numbers, symbols, hiragana and katakana,
The disk as an external storage medium storing the compressed stitch data of these characters is named as No. 1 disk.

For the kanji used for group names and personal names, the 4-digit code numbers in the 2000s are used for the frequently used characters.
Other characters are 3000s, 4000s and 50s
The disks storing numbers 00 and allocating the compressed stitch data of these characters are named NO. 2 to NO. 5 disks in this order. The No. 2 to No. 5 discs are
There are two types of discs, regular and line type.

The disk in which the compressed stitch data of the one-point pattern is stored is named disk No. 8.

(5) Other Related Configurations Character Code Book As shown in FIG. 7, a character code book in which a 4-digit code number for each character is printed is prepared, and with reference to this, a numeric key 31 and a registration key 32 are used. Select a character.

Bar Code Book, etc. As shown in FIG. 8, a bar code book in which a 4-digit code number and a bar code for a frequently used surname are printed is prepared, and the bar code reader BCR reads and inputs the surname. . Select the character by the numeric key 3 with the 4-digit code number.
Either the selection by 3 or the selection by this bar code reader BCR is possible.

Character selection screen As shown in FIG. 9, the group name "Hoei Construction" is displayed on the first line.
Co., Ltd. ", and" Tanaka "is displayed as the personal name on the second line, indicating that these characters are selected. At the lower end of the screen, the setting state of the sewing parameters such as the character size and character arrangement is displayed.

(6) Code Number Memory Next, the code number memory RAM2 will be described with reference to FIG. The 4-digit code number of the selected character is stored in the code number memory RAM2 in association with each matrix of the selected character string.

When the storage start key 33 is pressed by the 4-digit code number stored in the code number memory RAM2, the disc number corresponding to the code number is displayed on the display device L.
The compressed stitch data of the code number displayed on the CD is inserted into the compressed data memory by inserting the disc of that number.

PN11 corresponds to the first character on the first line and stores the 4-digit code number [2151] of the character "Toyo". PN12 corresponds to the second character on the first line, and stores the 4-digit code number [3507] of the character "Sakae".

Similarly, the PN15 corresponds to the fifth character on the first line and stores the 4-digit code number [5019] of the character "(stock)".

PN21 corresponds to the first character on the second line, and stores the 4-digit code number [2001] of the character "Ta". The PN22 corresponds to the second character on the second line and stores the 4-digit code number [2008] of the character "middle".

As a code number indicating that there is no pattern (character) in the memory area of other portions, for example, [FFFF]
Is remembered. The highest numerical value of the 4-digit code number of the character corresponds to the disc number.

(7) Compressed data memory, compressed data address memory Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 14 and 13, compressed data memory RAM1 and compressed data address memory RAM3
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 14, the compressed data memory R
In the AM1, the compressed stitch data PD1 of the character "Toyo" has the byte capacity PD with the address PD1AD as the start address.
Only 1 VM is stored. Similarly, compressed stitch data for each character is stored.

As shown in FIG. 13, the compressed data address memory RAM 3 collectively stores the start address and byte capacity of the compressed data of each character.
Hereinafter, these data will be referred to as address data. For example, [FFFF] is stored in the part without characters.

(8) Outline of Operation Next, an outline of the operation of the embroidery machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, solid, dotted, and double-lined arrows connecting the blocks indicate the flow of signals and data in the order of character selection, compression stitch data reading, and embroidery.

(A) Character selection When a character is selected by the character selection means 51, a 4-digit code number is written in the code number memory RAM2 and selected on the display device LCD by the display font data of the storage device on the embroidery machine side. Characters are displayed. The clear key 35 and the all clear key 36 are used for editing when selecting characters, changing selected characters after embroidering, and the like.

(B) Reading of compressed stitch data When the memory start key 33 is operated after selecting a character, the code numbers stored in the code number memory RAM 2 sequentially display the numbers of the disks to be mounted on the floppy disk FDD. When the disks displayed on the LCD and designated by the numbers are sequentially mounted, the compressed stitch data is read from the disk into the compressed data memory RAM1 and the head address and byte of each character read into the compressed data address memory RAM3. The capacity is written.

(C) Embroidery execution When the start key 20 is pressed after reading the compressed stitch data, the character size key 29 and the character arrangement key 30 are operated to generate the sewing parameters based on the sewing parameters set in the sewing parameter memory RAM 5. The compressed data of the selected character is transferred from the compressed data memory RAM1 to the compressed data address memory RA
The data is read according to the contents of M3, converted into embroidery data for each stitch by the calculation means 60, and expanded data memory RAM
Store in 4. The sewing machine motor ZM is driven, and in synchronization with this, the pulse motors XM and YM are drive-controlled based on the embroidery data, stitches are formed on the cloth attached to the embroidery frame 12, and the embroidery is completed until the embroidery is completed. To execute.

(9) Description of Operation Next, the operation of the embroidery machine of this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 2, Sn (n = 1, 2, 3, ...) Indicates each processing step of control.

(A) Character selection S8 When a desired character is selected with the numeric keys 31 or the bar code reader BCR, the process proceeds to S9. That is, the desired character is selected by checking it in the character code book and inputting a four-digit code number with the number keys 31 and the registration key 32, or checking it in the bar code book 50 and reading the bar of the corresponding character with the bar code reader BCR. Trace the code.

S9 The code number of the selected character is stored in the code number memory RAM2.
Write in the relevant part of. The font data of each written character is read from the storage device ROM in correspondence with the S10 code number memory RAM2,
It is displayed on the display device LCD as shown in FIG. S11 The cursor moves to the right of the selected character. Then, the process returns to step S1.

(B) Character deletion 1 S12 to S14 When the clear key 35 is pressed in S12, the display of the character to the left of the cursor disappears in S13. The cursor is 1 at S14
Move left by a character.

S15, S16 In S15, the code number of the character of the corresponding portion of the code number memory is deleted. For deletion, a value such as FFFF is written in the corresponding portion. At the same time, in S16, a value of FFFF is written to and deleted from the start address and byte capacity of the character of the corresponding portion of the compressed data address memory. Hereinafter, this will be expressed as being deleted by FFFF. Then, the process returns to S1.

(C) Character deletion 2 S17 to S21 Press the AC key 36 to erase all the display of the character selected in S18, set the cursor to the upper left corner of the screen in S19, and in S20 select all of the code number memory RAM2. Delete the character code number with FFFF. In S21, the address data of all characters in the compressed data address memory RAM3 is deleted by FFFF.

(D) Reading compressed data S6, S7 When the storage start key is pressed, the compressed data reading subroutine is executed and the process returns to S1. Details of the compressed data reading subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, Sn (n = 71, 72 ...)
Each processing step is shown.

If there is a code number in the S71 code number memory and there is a character whose address data is not written in the corresponding compressed data address memory, the process proceeds to S72. Otherwise, the compressed data of all the selected characters have been read, so this subroutine is exited.

S72, S73 If the disc is not mounted, the disc number of the character not read in S73 is displayed on the display device LCD. If the disc is loaded, the process proceeds to S74.

S74 to S76 It is checked whether the disc mounted in S74 is a disc for embroidery, and if so, the process proceeds to S77.
In S75, a message is displayed on the display device LCD to replace the disc, and in S76, the disc is removed,
When it is removed, the process returns to S71.

S77, S78 The disk number is read, and it is checked in S78 whether there is a character whose address data has not been written in the compressed data address memory RAM3 and which is included in the disk having the disk number mounted this time. If there is a character included, S79
If not, proceed to S75.

S79, S80 In S79, the compressed data corresponding to the code number of the character is read from the disk and stored in the compressed data memory RAM1, and in S80 the start address and byte capacity of the character stored this time are written in the compressed data address memory RAM3. .
Then, the process returns to S78, and from S78 until the compressed data of the corresponding character included in the loaded disc is read out.
S80 is repeatedly executed.

(E) Embroidery execution S2, S3 When the start key 20 is pressed, the character size key 29 and the character arrangement key 30 are operated to sew the sewing parameter memory RA.
Based on the sewing parameter set in M5, the compressed data of the selected character is read from the compressed data memory RAM1 in accordance with the contents of the compressed data address memory RAM3, and is converted into embroidery data for each stitch by the computing means 60 and expanded data is obtained. It is stored in the memory RAM 4.

S4, S5 The sewing machine motor ZM is driven, and in synchronism with this, the pulse motors XM, YM are drive-controlled based on the embroidery data, stitches are formed on the cloth attached to the embroidery frame 12, and the embroidery is completed. Embroider up to.

(9) Description of Operation by Trial Sewing Example The operation when embroidering the characters shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

By the character selecting means 51, "Hoei Construction
If you enter "shares", these characters will be displayed on the display device LCD, and after you enter these characters, press the memory start key 33 and the selected characters will be in the 2000s, 3000s and 5000s codes. There is a number and display device L
Since it is displayed in the window of the CD that the No. 2 disc, the No. 3 disc and the No. 5 disc are to be sequentially loaded, the cursive discs of these numbers are sequentially loaded correspondingly.

Then, the display of the display device LCD is changed to a new line, and "Tanaka" is input by the character selection means, and the display device LC is displayed.
The display screen of D is in the state shown in FIG. If you press the memory start key 33 after entering these characters, the code numbers of the characters "Ta" and "Naka" for which compressed data has not yet been read are in the 2000 series, so mount the No. 2 disc. The window is displayed on the display device LCD.

This time, the No. 2 disc of the line typeface is mounted. After the compressed data of all characters are read, the start key 20 is pressed to embroider. As a result,
As shown in 0, the group name is embroidered in regular typeface and the individual name is embroidered in line typeface.

After performing the embroidery shown in FIG.
As shown in, the case of embroidering in which only the individual name is changed will be described. First, when the clear key 35 is pressed to turn off the display of "Tanaka", the data in the second line of the code number memory RAM2 and the data in the compressed data address memory RAM3 are deleted.

Next, by inputting "Toshima" by the character selection means and pressing the memory start key 33, the changed character "Toyo"
And "island" code numbers are 2151 and 2013
Since all of them are in the 2000 series, the window is displayed on the display device LCD as if the No. 2 disc was mounted.
When you install the No. 2 disc of the typeface, the letters "Yu",
The compressed data of "islands" is read.

When embroidery is performed, as shown in FIG. 11, the group name is embroidery and the personal name is embroidery in line style.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the first selected character is changed, the data of the character that is not changed remains valid and only the data of the changed character is read. The effect that the compressed stitch data of the character can be read quickly can be obtained. Secondly, for example, when performing embroidery consisting of a group name and an individual name, when performing embroidery by changing the typeface of the group name and the individual name, the input work and the embroidery work are performed as in the conventional method. It is not necessary to divide into two times, and the effect that it can be performed once in a row is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing functions of an embroidery machine.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control functions of the embroidery machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing reading of compressed stitch data.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of an embroidery machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a key operation unit and a display device on the front of the embroidery machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embroidery machine.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a code number book.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a barcode book.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a display device LCD.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of embroidery consisting of a group name and an individual name.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of embroidery when an individual name is changed with respect to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing stored contents of a code number memory.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing stored contents of a compressed data address memory.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing stored contents of a compressed data memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Embroidery machine 12 Embroidery frame 31 Numerical key 33 Storage start key 51 Character selection means BCR bar code reader FD Floppy disk as external storage medium RAM1 compressed data memory RAM2 code number memory RAM3 compressed data address memory

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. The embroidery frame is sequentially moved in X in synchronization with the vertical movement of the needle.
A stitch forming mechanism for forming a stitch by Y-control, an external storage medium composed of a plurality of compressed stitch data of a large number of characters stored together with a character code number, and a desired character In the embroidery machine of the character selection means and the method of reading the compressed stitch data corresponding to the code number of the character from the external storage medium by a read command from the storage start key for the character selected by the character selection means, Code number memory for storing the code number of the selected character, compressed data memory for storing the compressed stitch data corresponding to the code number in the code number memory, the start address and byte capacity of the compressed stitch data for each code number And a compressed data address memory that stores the address data consisting of A method for reading stitch data of an embroidery machine, wherein a code number is stored in a compressed number address memory, and only compressed stitch data without the address data in the compressed data address memory is read from the external storage medium into the compressed data memory. .