JPH067567A - Embroidering data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the generation of not only an embroidering data based on a partial embroidering area divided automatically but also an embroidering data by a division pattern according to the desire of a user in the preparation of the embroidering data from an outline data in a data processor. CONSTITUTION:An embroidering graphic is divided into a plurality of partial embroidering areas and an embroidering data is prepared for the respective partial embroidering areas based on data of the partial embroidering areas. Division patterns and sewing directions of the embroidering graphic divided are shown on a display device (S11). When more than one partial embroidering areas to be combined anew are assigned by a user among a plurality of partial embroidering areas (S12), the partial embroidering area data are corrected so as to unify the more than one partial embroidering areas assigned into one partial embroidering area (S19, S20).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embroidery data processing device for creating embroidery data for performing embroidery operations in an embroidery sewing machine for performing embroidery of a predetermined figure on a work cloth.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an embroidery sewing machine for embroidering, for example, characters and figures on a work cloth, an embroidery operation is executed based on embroidery data designating needle drop points and the like. . The present applicant has previously developed an embroidery data processing device for automatically creating embroidery data in such an embroidery sewing machine, and Japanese Patent Application No. 1-266546.
No. is pending.

This embroidery data processing device has a CPU, RO
Mainly consists of a microcomputer consisting of M, RAM, etc., and also a keyboard, floppy disk drive,
It is provided with a CRT display and the like. Then, for example, the outline data defining the contour of the embroidery figure is read from the floppy disk, the embroidery figure is divided into a plurality of partial embroidery areas in which the sewing direction is uniquely determined, and the embroidery data for each partial embroidery area is obtained. To create.

Here, what is called embroidery data includes not only one stitch data that designates all needle drop points but also block data that designates only four vertices of a block. Which one is created. In this case as well, the embroidery data is created so that the needle drop points are alternately arranged on a pair of partial outlines that extend in the embroidery advancing direction of the partial embroidery area, and as a whole, the interior of the embroidery pattern is The embroidery with the seam that fills the area is executed. Therefore, when the embroidery figure is divided into the partial embroidery areas, the division is performed so as to be a combination of figures (for example, quadrangle) including a pair of partial outlines extending in the embroidery advancing direction.

As an example, when the embroidery data of the "left" embroidery figure A as shown in FIG. 5 (a) is created, the embroidery data processing device has a large number of elements for defining the contour. Outline data composed of the coordinates of the feature points (shown by black circles) are given. In this case, the embroidery pattern A is shown in FIG.
The part is roughly divided into the part of the figure B as shown in FIG. 7A and the part of the figure C having the “engineering” shape.

Here, in the partial figure B, the data processing device uses, for example, the dividing line L1 connecting the point P1 and the point P2 from the outline data, as shown in FIG. 6A.
By drawing a dividing line L2 connecting the points P3 and P4, the partial figure B is divided into three partial embroidery areas R1, R2 and R3. After this, each partial embroidery area R1, R
2, embroidery data (single stitch data or block data) for each area is created based on the partial embroidery area data that defines the contour lines of R2 and R3, the specified thread density, and the like.
With this embroidery data, as shown in FIG. 7A, the work cloth W is formed with embroidery stitches S that fill the inside of the partial figure B.

[0007]

By the way, FIG. 5 (b)
The “right” embroidery graphic D as shown in FIG. 2 is divided into a partial graphic B portion similar to the “left” embroidery graphic A and a “mouth” shape graphic E portion. Therefore, this embroidery pattern D
In the case of creating the embroidery data as well, the partial figure B is also divided into the same divided patterns as the above-described three partial embroidery areas R1, R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 6A. As a result, the embroidery stitch S as shown in FIG.

Here, in consideration of the difference in writing order between the "left" character and the "right" character, in the case of the "right" embroidery figure D, with respect to the part of the partial figure B, , FIG. 7 (b)
A better impression is obtained by forming the embroidery with the embroidery stitch T as shown in FIG. To form the embroidery stitch T, the division pattern of the partial figure B is not the one shown in FIG. 6A, but the division line connecting the points P1 and P3 as shown in FIG. 6B. L3 and a dividing line L4 connecting the points P2 and P4
The partial graphic B may be divided into three partial embroidery areas R4, R5, and R6 by drawing.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional embroidery data processing apparatus, since the divided pattern and thus the created embroidery data are fixed to one type as shown in FIG. 7A, the user embroiders based on another divided pattern. Even if it was desired to create data, it could not be executed, which lacked flexibility.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to create not only embroidery data based on automatically divided partial embroidery areas but also a user when creating embroidery data from outline data. Another object of the present invention is to provide an embroidery data processing device capable of creating embroidery data with a divided pattern according to the above-mentioned desire.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the embroidery data processing device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of portions in which the sewing direction of the embroidery graphic is uniquely determined from the outline data defining the contour of the embroidery graphic. Dividing means for dividing into embroidery areas,
An embroidery data creating means for creating embroidery data for each partial embroidery area based on the partial embroidery area data divided by the dividing means, and displaying means for displaying an embroidery figure division pattern by the dividing means. When,
An input means for designating two or more new partial embroidery areas to be newly combined from the plurality of partial embroidery areas divided by the dividing means, and two or more partial embroidery areas specified by the input means are combined. The correction means is provided to correct the partial embroidery area data so as to form one partial embroidery area.

Further, it is effective that the display means is configured to display the sewing direction in each partial embroidery area together with the division pattern of the embroidery figure.

Further, the correction means may be configured to divide the other partial embroidery areas located between the combined partial embroidery areas according to the combination of the designated partial embroidery areas. it can.

[0014]

According to the embroidery data processing apparatus of the present invention having the above-described structure, the dividing means divides the embroidery figure into a plurality of partial embroidery areas, and based on the partial embroidery area data,
The embroidery data creating means creates embroidery data for each partial embroidery area. At this time, the division pattern of the embroidery figure divided by the division means is displayed by the display means, and the user who sees the display newly combines the plurality of partial embroidery areas by the input means. Two or more partial embroidery areas to be specified can be designated. When the combination of the partial embroidery areas is designated, the modifying means modifies the partial embroidery area data so that the specified two or more partial embroidery areas become one partial embroidery area.

Therefore, even when the dividing pattern of the embroidery figure automatically divided by the dividing means is different from the desired dividing pattern, the dividing pattern can be corrected according to the user's desire, and by extension, the user. It is possible to create embroidery data for executing the desired embroidery.

Further, in this case, if the display means is configured to display the sewing direction in each partial embroidery area together with the divided pattern of the embroidery figure, the user can see the divided pattern and the finished state of the embroidery can be seen. Will be easier to understand, and you will be able to specify the correction for sure.

Further, if the correction means is configured to divide the other partial embroidery areas located between the combined partial embroidery areas according to the combination of the specified partial embroidery areas, It is possible to divide a wide variety of partial embroidery areas.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of an embroidery sewing machine that executes an embroidery operation based on embroidery data created by the embroidery data processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the embroidery sewing machine 1 is constructed by integrally having an arm portion 3 on a sewing machine table 2. A support case 5 having a plurality of needle bars 4 in this case, 6 in this case, is provided at the tip of the arm 3. The needle bars 4 are laterally aligned and supported in a support case 5 so as to be vertically movable, and sewing needles 4a are attached to lower end portions projecting downward from the support case 5, respectively. An embroidery thread of a different color is supplied to each sewing needle 4a from a thread supply source (not shown) through a thread tension machine 6 and a balance 7 provided on the support case 5.

The support case 5 is attached to the arm portion 3 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 3, and is moved by the needle bar selection motor 8. A drive mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the sewing machine motor 9 to the needle bar 4 to drive it vertically is provided in the arm 3. This driving force is transmitted only to the needle bar 4 located at a predetermined use position. Therefore, by moving the support case 5 by the needle bar selection motor 8, the six needle bars 4 are moved. One of the needle bars 4 is selectively driven.

On the other hand, the sewing machine table 2 is provided with a bed portion 10 located below the needle bar 4, and although not shown, the bed portion 10 is driven by the sewing machine motor 9 and A thread catcher for forming embroidery stitches on the work cloth W in cooperation with the sewing needle 4a is provided. In this case, the work cloth W is supported by the embroidery frame 11, and the sewing table 2 has the embroidery frame 1
A horizontal movement mechanism 12 is provided for moving 1 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

The horizontal moving mechanism 12 moves the Y-axis direction moving frame 13 in the Y-axis direction on the sewing machine table 2 by the Y-axis feed motor 14 (see FIG. 4) and also has the X-axis having the embroidery frame 11. The direction moving frame 15 is moved along the Y axis direction moving frame 13 by the X axis feed motor 16 (see FIG. 4).
It is configured to move in the axial direction.

The embroidery sewing machine 1 as described above is controlled by a control device such as a microcomputer and the like.
In this embodiment, the embroidery data processing device for creating and editing the embroidery data also has a function as a control device of the embroidery sewing machine 1. . The embroidery data processing device according to this embodiment will be described below.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the embroidery sewing machine 1 is connected to a data processing device body 17 which also functions as a control device of the embroidery sewing machine 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the data processing device main body 17 includes a CPU 1
The main component is a microcomputer including a ROM 8, a ROM 19, a RAM 20, and a bus 21 connecting them to each other. Further, an input interface 22 and an output interface 23 are connected to the bus 21.

The output interface 23 is connected to motor drive circuits 24, 25, 26 and 27 for driving the sewing machine motor 9, the X-axis feed motor 16, the Y-axis feed motor 14 and the needle bar selection motor 8, respectively. ing. Thus, the data processing device main body 17 selects the sewing machine motor 9, the X-axis feed motor 16, the Y-axis feed motor 14, and the needle bar based on the embroidery data stored in the RAM 20, the control program stored in the ROM 19, and the like. The motor 8 is controlled to automatically execute the embroidery sewing operation on the work cloth W.

In this case, the embroidery data is composed of a set of data (single stitch data) indicating a needle drop point (feed amount in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction of the work cloth W) for each stitch, for example. A predetermined embroidery is applied to the work cloth W by sequentially reading the data and driving the needle bar 4 and the like while moving the work cloth W by the horizontal movement mechanism 12. Also,
By including data for instructing thread color switching in the embroidery data, it is possible to automatically move the support case 5 to switch the color of the embroidery thread. This embroidery data is created as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output interface 23 is connected to a display drive circuit 29 for driving a display device 28 which is, for example, a CRT display as the display means of the present invention. The display device 28 displays an embroidery figure or the like for which embroidery data is to be created when editing data to be described later. As will be described later in detail, a division pattern of the embroidery figure and a sewing direction in each partial embroidery area are displayed. Etc. are displayed.

On the other hand, the input interface 22 has
A keyboard 30 as an input means of the present invention including various keys and the like is connected, and a mouse 31 as an input means is connected. Furthermore, the input interface 2
Reference numeral 2 denotes a hard disk drive 3 for reading outline data, embroidery data, etc. stored in the hard disk.
2. An image scanner 33 for inputting newly created figure information (image data) is connected.

Now, the embroidery data processing apparatus configured as described above divides the embroidery figure into a plurality of partial embroidery areas in which the sewing direction is uniquely determined from the outline data defining the contour of the embroidery figure, and the part is divided. The embroidery data for each partial embroidery area is created based on the embroidery area data.

Then, as will be apparent from the description of the flow chart to be described later, the data processing device main body 17 displays the division pattern of the embroidery figure based on the partial embroidery area data on the display device 28 by its software configuration. When the user uses the keyboard 30 or the mouse 31 to specify two or more partial embroidery areas to be newly combined from the plurality of partial embroidery areas, the two or more partial embroidery areas are combined to form one partial embroidery area. The partial embroidery area data is modified so as to be an area.

Next, the operation of the embroidery data processing device thus configured will be described. In addition, here, in FIG.
A case where the embroidery data is edited for the partial graphic B common to the "left" graphic A and the "right" graphic D as shown in (a) and (b) will be described as a specific example.

First, the procedure for creating the embroidery data will be briefly described. The user is, for example, "left"
When the original image in which the character is written is read by the image scanner 33, the data processing device main body 17 obtains the outline data defining the contour of the embroidery figure A from the image data. This outline data is composed of the coordinates of a large number of feature points (shown by black circles in FIG. 5) that define the contour.

Next, the data processor main body 17 divides the embroidery figure A into a plurality of partial embroidery areas in which the sewing direction is uniquely determined from the outline data. Although details of the dividing method are omitted, the dividing is performed so as to be a combination of figures (for example, quadrangle) including a pair of partial outlines extending in the embroidery traveling direction. In the case of the partial figure B, as shown in FIG. 6A, for example, by drawing a dividing line L1 connecting the points P1 and P2 and a dividing line L2 connecting the points P3 and P4, B is R1, R2, R3
Is divided into three partial embroidery areas.

Then, each partial embroidery area R1, R2, R3
Based on the partial embroidery area data that defines the contour line and the specified thread density, etc., for each area R1, R2, R3,
The embroidery data is created such that the needle drop points are alternately arranged on the pair of partial contour lines. In this case, the embroidery data includes not only one stitch data that specifies all the needle drop points, but also block data that only specifies the vertices of each block obtained by dividing the partial embroidery area into some squares or triangles. Be done.

The image data, the outline data, the partial embroidery area data, and the embroidery data thus sequentially created are stored in, for example, a hard disk. Then, the embroidery sewing machine 1 executes the embroidery forming operation based on the embroidery data retrieved from the hard disk drive 32, and as shown in FIG.
The embroidery stitch S that fills the inside of the partial figure B is formed.

Now, for example, in the case of an embroidery figure D having the character "right", the embroidery stitch S shown in FIG. It is better to form the embroidery with the embroidery stitches T having different division patterns (partial embroidery area data). In this way, the processing procedure when the user wants to correct the division pattern will be described below.

The flowchart of FIG. 2 shows the outline of the edit processing of embroidery data. First, in step S1,
The outline of the embroidery pattern B (divided pattern) and the embroidery stitch S are displayed on the screen of the display device 28 based on the user's designation. This state is shown in FIG. Here, since the embroidery stitch S is also displayed, the impression of the embroidery to be formed can be seen at a glance. At the same time, selection menus such as “File”, “Edit”, and “End” are displayed at the top of the screen.

When the user wants to edit the embroidery data, he or she operates the mouse 31 to select "edit" (step S2). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, an edit menu including items such as “copy”, “move”, and “modify division pattern” is displayed on the screen of the display device 28 (step S3). Here, the user operates the mouse 31 to select one of the edit menus (step S4), but if he or she wants to correct the division pattern of the partial figure B displayed on the screen, " Select “Modify division pattern”.

Here, depending on which item is selected,
Although different processing is performed for each (step S
5) If "division pattern correction" is selected, the flow advances to division pattern correction processing in step S6, and if other items are selected, the flow advances to "other editing processing" in step S7. The "other editing process" in step S7 is not directly related to the gist of the present invention, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

The details of the division pattern correction process in step S6 are as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S11, as shown in FIG. 10, the divided pattern of the embroidery figure B is displayed on the screen of the display device 28, and the sewing directions of the partial embroidery areas R1, R2, R3 are indicated by double-headed arrows. Is displayed. Next step S12
Then, the user designates two partial embroidery areas to be combined into one partial embroidery area among the partial embroidery areas R1, R2, R3.

In this case, the user wants to correct the division pattern shown in FIG. 6 (a) to the division pattern shown in FIG. 6 (b), and this correction combines the partial embroidery areas R1 and R3. Since it is realized by doing so, the partial embroidery regions R1 and R3 are designated here. In the present embodiment, this designation is made by the user operating the mouse 31, for example, to align the pointers with the ends of the arrows in both areas on the screen to be combined and click.
Then, in the next step S13, as shown in FIG. 11, the arrows of the designated partial embroidery regions R1 and R3 are displayed as thick lines, and the markers M1 and M2 are displayed as white circles at the end points of the arrows. Will be displayed in.

In the next step S4, it is determined whether or not the designated two partial embroidery areas R1 and R3 can be combined. Here, if either of the following conditions 1 and 2 is satisfied, it is determined that the connection is possible. Condition 1: Two specified partial embroidery areas are adjacent to each other, and the end points of the arrows indicating the sewing direction of those areas match. Condition 2: Two specified partial embroidery areas are adjacent to another identical partial embroidery area (referred to as an adjacent partial embroidery area), and the end points of the arrows indicating the sewing direction of those areas are the adjacent partial embroidery areas. They exist on the outlines of different areas.

If neither of these conditions is satisfied, it is determined that the combination is impossible (N in step S14).
o), an error is displayed (step S15). On the other hand, when it is determined that the connection is possible (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to the next step S16. In this case, in the example of the partial embroidery regions R1 and R3 described above, both regions R1,
Since both R3 are adjacent to the partial embroidery area R2 and the end points of the arrows are on different partial outlines of the adjacent partial embroidery area R2, Condition 2 is satisfied.

In step S16, the two designated partial embroidery areas R1 and R3 are combined. In this connection, as shown in FIG. 12, a vertex P1 of the partial embroidery area R1 and a vertex P3 of the partial embroidery area R3 are combined into a connecting line segment L3 (division line L
3), the vertex P2 of the partial embroidery area R1 and the vertex P4 of the partial embroidery area R3 are connected by a connecting line segment L4 (dividing line L4), and at the same time, the vertex P1 and the vertex P of the partial embroidery area R1.
This is performed by deleting the dividing line L1 connecting the two and the dividing line L2 connecting the apexes P3 and P4 of the partial embroidery region R3.

At the next step S17, the above step S
It is determined whether the join at 16 is valid. This determination is made based on whether or not the connecting line segments L3 and L4 both pass within the adjacent partial embroidery region R2. If the combined line segment extends beyond the adjacent embroidery area, the combination is invalidated (No in step S17), and an error display is performed (step S18). The above connecting line segments L3 and L4
Both pass through the adjacent partial embroidery region R2, so the combination is valid (Yes in step S17). As a result, the partial embroidery areas R1 and R3 are combined to form one new partial embroidery area R5 (see FIG. 6B), and the partial embroidery area data is corrected.

Then, in the next step S19, a process for dividing the adjacent partial embroidery region R2 is performed due to the combination of the partial embroidery regions R5. This is because the partial embroidery region R2 is divided by the dividing lines L3 and L4, as shown in FIG.
The partial embroidery area data is modified as the partial embroidery area R4 and the partial embroidery area R6 shown in FIG. The embroidery figure B is now 3 of R4, R5 and R6.
The division pattern is changed to each partial embroidery area. If the condition 1 described in step S24 is met, the process of step S19 is skipped.

In step S20, as shown in FIG. 13, the corrected division pattern is displayed on the screen of the display device 28 together with the arrow indicating the sewing direction. When observing this display, the user specifies the end when the division pattern correction work is to be finished (Yes in step S21).
s). When the end is not designated (No in step S21), the processes from step S11 to step S21 are repeated. According to the divided pattern (partial embroidery area data) thus modified, as shown in FIG. 7B, the embroidery stitch S (FIG.
The embroidery seam T having a different impression from that of (a) is formed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the division pattern of the embroidery figure B automatically divided by the data processing device is displayed on the display device 28, and the user sees the display and displays the divided pattern. The division pattern can be modified. Therefore, unlike the conventional one in which the divided pattern and thus the created embroidery data are fixed to one type, various divided patterns can be formed, which is highly versatile, and by extension, the embroidery desired by the user can be obtained. It is possible to create embroidery data that can be executed. In addition, it is possible to obtain the advantage that the user only has to perform an extremely simple operation of designating the two partial embroidery regions to be combined when the division pattern is corrected.

Further, particularly in the present embodiment, when the division pattern is corrected, the sewing direction in each of the partial embroidery areas R1, R2 and R3 is displayed on the display device 28 together with the division pattern of the embroidery figure B. I did (Step S
11 and step S28, see FIG. 10 and FIG. 13), the user can easily understand the finished state of the embroidery, and can reliably specify the correction.

In the above embodiment, the partial embroidery area R1, along with the division pattern of the embroidery figure B, is displayed on the display device 28.
Although the sewing direction in R2 and R3 is displayed (corresponding to claim 2), the intended purpose can be achieved without necessarily displaying the sewing direction.

In the above embodiment, when the condition 2 is satisfied, the adjacent partial embroidery region R2 is divided in step S27 (corresponding to claim 3).
The partial embroidery area R2 may not necessarily be divided and may be left as it is. According to this, the embroidery is performed so that the stitches partially overlap. Further, the user may be allowed to select whether the adjacent embroidery area is divided or left as it is.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the data processing device also has the function of the control device of the embroidery sewing machine, but it may be configured as a dedicated device for creating and editing the embroidery data separately from the embroidery sewing machine. Further, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, three or more partial embroidery areas may be combined.

[0053]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the embroidery sewing machine data processing apparatus of the present invention, when the embroidery data is created from the outline data, the embroidery is automatically divided based on the partial embroidery areas. This has an excellent effect that not only the data but also the embroidery data can be created by the division pattern according to the user's desire.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing a procedure of division pattern correction processing.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for editing embroidery data.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an embroidery figure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing two types of division patterns of a partial figure B.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing two kinds of embroidery stitches corresponding to the two kinds of divided patterns shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display state of embroidery data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an edit menu selection screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display state of a division pattern related to a division pattern correction process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display state when a partial embroidery area to be combined is designated.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display state when the partial embroidery areas are combined.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display state of a corrected division pattern.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is an embroidery sewing machine, 17 is a data processing device body (correction means), 18 is a CPU, 19 is a ROM, and 20 is an R.
AM, 28 is a display device (display means), 30 is a keyboard (input means), 31 is a mouse, 32 is a hard disk drive, 33 is an image scanner (input means), A to E
Is an embroidery figure, R1 to R6 are partial embroidery areas, L1 to L4 are dividing lines, and P1 to P4 are characteristic points.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A dividing means for dividing the embroidery figure into a plurality of partial embroidery areas in which a sewing direction is uniquely determined from outline data defining the contour of the embroidery figure, and partial embroidery area data divided by the dividing means. An embroidery data creation unit that creates embroidery data for each partial embroidery area based on the display unit, the display unit displaying a division pattern of the embroidery figure by the dividing unit, and a plurality of portions divided by the dividing unit. Input means for designating two or more new partial embroidery areas to be combined in the embroidery area, and two or more partial embroidery areas specified by the input means are combined to form one partial embroidery area. An embroidery data processing device comprising: a correction unit that corrects the partial embroidery area data. 2. The embroidery data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays the sewing direction in each partial embroidery area together with the division pattern of the embroidery figure. 3. The correction means divides another partial embroidery area located between the combined partial embroidery areas according to the combination of the specified partial embroidery areas. Item 3. The embroidery data processing device according to item 1 or 2.