JPH07178269A - Method for setting character size of automatic embroidery sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To change the character size after the character is selected and to improve the operability at the time of changing the character by specifying the required characters at the end of selecting the characters and selecting the character size for the specified character. CONSTITUTION:In the embroidery machine, a sewing machine 10 and a control part 30 are connected through a cable 20. By the way, in the sewing machine 10, an embroidery frame 12 installed on a driving body 14 which is driven and controlled by an X-Y mechanism part 13 is X-Y controlled in synchronism with a needle 11 which moves up and down. The embroidery is performed by forming the seam on the processed cloth C. Further, the control part 30 is provided with a control key part KEY, liquid crystal display device LCD, and floppy disk drive FDD. In this case, characters are specified by the after- specification against the required character or one part or whole of the character string at the end of selecting characters whose character size for selected each character. The character size for the specified character is selected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character size setting method for an automatic embroidery machine.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When embroidering with a sewing machine,
You may want to change the character size for each character string or character. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when embroidering a family name and a first name, the name should be smaller than the last name, and FIG.
As shown in, when embroidering a group and an individual name, it may be preferable that the individual name is larger than the group name.

In order to deal with such a case, a patent application “Character size setting method and setting device for automatic embroidery sewing machine” dated June 18, 1990, which is the same applicant as the present application (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-51990). No.) was filed.

[0004]

According to the above-mentioned conventional example, when the character size is set for each character, the character size is designated as large, small or normal before character input. However, there are cases in which the character size is forgotten or mistaken for some characters after the character input is completed, or the specified character size makes the entire character string too long to fit in the desired embroidery area.

In these cases, according to the above-mentioned conventional example,
To change the character size after input, it is necessary to delete the target character or character string after selecting characters and then specify the character size again before inputting the character. It was a challenge.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides an automatic embroidery sewing machine with a desired character or characters after the character selection for which the character size for each selected character is set. It is equipped with post-specified character designating means for designating characters for part or all of the character string by post-designation and post-designated character size selection means for selecting the character size for the designated characters. It is intended to provide a character size setting method for an automatic embroidery sewing machine which can be changed.

[0007]

According to the present invention, since the character size post-designation function including the post-designated character size selection means, the post-designated character designation means, the magnification rewriting means, etc. is provided, when the character size is changed, the conventional Since there is no need to re-enter the character size and characters to be set as described above, there is an effect that the operability when changing the character size is improved.

[0008]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below with reference to examples.

(1) Configuration of Embroidery Machine First, the configuration of the embroidery machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the embroidery machine is the sewing machine main body 10.
And a control unit 30, and a cable 20 for exchanging signals and the like is connected between them.

The sewing machine main body 10 has a needle 11 that moves up and down, and a thread catching means (not shown) that cooperates with the needle 11. The hoop 12 that holds the work cloth is attached to the driving body 14 that is driven and controlled by the XY mechanism unit 13,
XY control is performed in synchronism with the vertically moving needle 11 to form a stitch on the work cloth and perform embroidery.

The control section 30 has an operation key section K for various operations.
An EY, a liquid crystal display device LCD for performing various displays relating to embroidery, and a floppy disk drive FDD for reading embroidery data from a floppy disk FD as a first storage means for storing a large number of embroidery data are provided. . In the present embodiment, the embroidery data stored in the floppy disk FD is the embroidery data in the compressed data format.

Here, the compressed data will be described. Compressed data is embroidery data created by dividing each embroidery pattern such as characters into multiple blocks such as arcs and rectangles when creating embroidery data.It is the coordinate data of the main points of each block and the shape of each block. It consists of a function code that specifies the sewing mode.

For embroidery, these data are developed into stitch data for each stitch corresponding to the actual needle entry point, so-called developed data. When expanding compressed data into expanded data, data processing such as expansion and contraction is performed at the same time as necessary.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit will be described with reference to FIG. The central processing unit CPU is a system bus line BUS (hereinafter BUS) that transfers commands and embroidery data by bidirectional communication with a memory and an I / O device.
Connected with.

The read-only memory ROM is a program area in which a program for controlling the automatic embroidery machine is written, and font data in which font data for displaying various messages necessary for executing embroidery are stored. The main magnification selected by the first operation of the area and the SIZE key, for example, S LARGER = 1.3
6, S SMALLER = 0.70 is stored, and an area such as a main magnification area M3 as a third storage unit is provided.

The random access memory RAM is C
A work memory area including a stack area and a flag storage area necessary for the PU to operate, a compressed data area M2 as a second storage means for temporarily storing the compressed data read from the floppy disk FD,
M4 as a fourth storage means for storing the values of auxiliary magnifications REDUTION and ENLARGE, an auxiliary magnification value area M5 as a fifth storage means for storing the auxiliary magnification set for each character, and compressed data of characters. Is expanded and is temporarily stored as stitch data for each stitch, and is composed of a stitch data area M6 as a sixth storage means.

I / O interface I / O-1 to I /
O-8 exchanges data between the peripheral device and the CPU via the BUS.

The operation key section KEY includes a start key START key for starting embroidery, a stop key STOP key for temporarily stopping embroidery sewing,
CTR to set special mode or command in combination with ALPHABET key to select characters to embroider, number keys to set various parameters or input character code number NUMERIC key, and ALPHABET key
An L key and a read key READ key for giving an instruction to read the embroidery data of the selected pattern from the floppy disk FD are provided.

The operation key section further includes an array key LAYOUT key for instructing the array information of the character string, a size key SIZE key for collectively designating the size of embroidery characters, and a frame for manually moving the embroidery frame. Move key JO
G KEYS, CL that deletes one selected character, deletes the set numerical value or mode, or sets the default value
An EAR key and an AC key for deleting all the selected characters are arranged.

The liquid crystal display device LCD is for displaying the pattern or pattern number when selecting a pattern, and for displaying information from the embroidery machine.
It is connected to the CPU via the O interface I / O-2.

Floppy disk drive FDD
Reads the embroidery data stored in the floppy disk FD (hereinafter referred to as a disk) under the control of the floppy disk controller FDC, and the read compressed data is stored in the R as a second storage means via the BUS.
It is stored in the compressed data area M2 of AM.

The sensor SENSOR has a plurality of sensors for obtaining various signals for controlling the automatic embroidery machine. These sensors detect a lower thread remaining amount BOBBIN to detect a lower thread remaining amount. THREAD, thread breakage detection sensor UPPER THREAD that detects thread breakage,
Thread dust detection sensor DUST for detecting the amount of thread dust in the hook, frame position detection sensors X-SEN, Y-SEN for detecting the initial position of the hoop, and needle phase detection for detecting the rotational phase of the upper shaft of the sewing machine Examples include a sensor PHASE and a sewing machine speed detection sensor VELO.

The sewing machine motor ZM is a motor for driving the sewing machine. The pulse motors XM and YM drive and control the hoop in the XY directions in this order. ZM, XM, and YM are connected to the CPU via I / O interfaces I / O-4 and I / O-5 in this order.

The actuator ACT is for controlling execution of other embroidery stitches, and is, for example, a thread loosening solenoid or the like, and an I / O interface I / O.
It is connected to the CPU via -6.

The buzzer BZ is an I / O interface I
It is connected to the CPU via / O-7. Although not shown in the figure, the light emitting display means LED includes SMALLER, STANDARD, which indicates the size set by the SIZE key,
There is an LED corresponding to each LARGER, an array LED showing a character array, etc., and an I / O interface I
It is connected to the CPU via / O-8.

(3) Functional Configuration The functional configuration of the embroidery sewing machine will be described below with reference to FIG. A desired character string is selected by operating character keys such as the ALPHABET key and the NUMERIC key of the operation key section KEY, read from the floppy disk FD, and stored in the second storage means M2 of the RAM. P1
1, P12, ... are the character strings in the first line, P21, P22, ...
Indicates compressed data of the character string in the second line.

The value of the auxiliary magnification SS at the time of character input is SS11, SS12 ..., SS21, SS22 ... For each character.
Is stored in the fifth storage means M5 as an auxiliary magnification table of the RAM. The auxiliary magnification SS of each character is CTR
By operating the L + L key and the ↑ or ↓ key of the cursor key (not shown), REDUCTION, NORMAL, ENLARGE stored in the fourth storage means M4.
Select one of

Further, by operating the CTRL + L key, the SIZE key and the number keys, REDUTION or E
The value of NLARGE can be set to a desired value. When the main magnification SM is selected from the third storage means M3 of the ROM by the SIZE key, the corresponding LED is lit and displayed.

By pressing the CTRL + L key for a predetermined time, the individual character size (auxiliary magnification) is entered in the post-designation mode, and the ↑ or ↓ keys of the cursor keys are operated to select the individual character size of the character to be modified (the post-designated character). Size selection means).

By moving the cursor position on the character input screen with the cursor key and pressing the memory key MEMORY, the beginning and end of the character to be specified later are specified (post-specified character specifying means). Then, the designated character string is rewritten to the designated individual character size (auxiliary magnification) (magnification rewriting means).

When the START key is pressed, the auxiliary magnification S of each character is added to the main magnification SM at that time by the first computing means.
The character magnification S of each character is calculated by multiplying by S, the compressed data of each character is expanded by the second calculating means, and the stitch data is calculated by multiplying by the character magnification S.
Is stored in the storage means M6.

When the AC key is operated, the contents of the second storage means M2 are erased and the auxiliary magnification SS is N of M4.
Return to the ORMAL selection state.

(4) Control Operation Next, the control operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, Sn (n = 1, 2, 3 ...
() Indicates the step of each process.

(A) Main Routine This main routine is a routine for performing a key scan and executing various processes according to the operated key.
It also includes an individual size setting routine to be described later by operating the + L key and an individual size post-designating routine by operating the CTRL + L key for a fixed time.

The S1 key scan is performed. That is, the input state of the key is checked and registered. S2 Check whether the key pressed this time is the START key. If so, the embroidery execution process of S21 to S24 is performed.

S3 It is checked whether the key pressed this time is the READ key. If so, the compressed data read processing of S31 and S32 is performed.

S4 Check whether the key pressed this time is the character key ANK key. If so, the character selection display processing of S41 to S43 is performed.

S5 It is checked whether the key pressed this time is the AC key. If so, the processing of deleting the already selected character string in S51 to S53 is performed.

S6 Check whether the key pressed this time is the SIZE key. If so, the main magnification selection processing of S61 and S62 is performed.

S7, S9 The key pressed this time is the CTRL + L key, and it is checked whether the key has been pressed for a predetermined time. If it is not pressed for a predetermined time, S
Ten individual size setting processes (details are shown in FIG. 3) are performed. After being pressed for a predetermined time, the post-individual size designation process in S91 (details in FIG. 4) is performed.

S8 If the key pressed this time does not correspond to any of the above keys, the process corresponding to that key is performed.

In step S10 of the individual size setting process, which will be described later in detail, the auxiliary magnification is set to a smaller REDUTION or a larger ENLARGE for the embroidered character, and these values are set.

(Embroidery execution processing) S21, S22 When the START key is pressed, the main magnification SM is multiplied by the auxiliary magnification SS of each character to obtain the character magnification S in S21.
In S22, the compressed data stored in the compressed data area M2 of the RAM is expanded into expanded data, and at the same time, it is enlarged or reduced by the character magnification obtained in S21 to generate the stitch data for each stitch, and the stitches of the RAM are stitched. Store in data area M6.

S23 While rotating the sewing machine motor ZM at a predetermined speed, the phase signal PHASE is checked. When the needle up phase is reached, one set of stitch data obtained in S22 is taken out, and the X, Y axis pulse motors XM, YM Drive control. Generation of stitch data and control of the X and Y axis pulse motors XM and YM are executed in parallel.

S24 Check if the embroidery is finished, and until the end, S22, S23
Is executed and it is determined that the embroidery is finished, the sewing machine motor Z
Stop M and end the embroidery control operation.

(Compressed data read processing) S31, S3
2 After selecting the desired character string in S31, press the READ key to read the compressed data of the corresponding character from the FD, and then press S
The compressed data read in 32 is stored in the compressed data area M2 of the RAM, and the process returns to S1.

(Pattern selection display processing) S41 to S43 The desired embroidery character is selected in S41, the character selected this time is displayed while moving the cursor to the cursor position on the display device LCD in S42, and in S43. The individual size of the selected character is stored in the auxiliary magnification storage area M5 of the RAM.

(Process of deleting character string already selected) S
51, S52 In order to select a desired new character string in S51, all the character strings already selected are deleted. Normally, when selecting a new character string, NORMAL is usually specified, so that the individual size is set to NORMAL in S52.

S53: "N" indicating NORMAL designation is displayed in the lower right display area of the display device LCD. In addition, REDUCTIO
In the case of N, "S" is displayed, and in the case of ENLARGE, "L" is displayed. After the display, return to S1.

(Main magnification selection processing) S61, S62 In S61, the entire size of the desired character string is selected. S6
In step 2, the LED corresponding to the size is turned on and a display for selection is displayed. STANDARD every time you press the SIZE key
→ Lights up as LARGER → SMALLER → STANDARD. After selecting the size, the process returns to S1.

(B) Individual Size Setting Processing Routine Next, the individual size setting processing routine of FIGS. 3A and 3B will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13 as necessary. The processing routine is the CTR in S7 of FIG.
It starts when it is determined that the L + L key has been operated.

S11 The display screen of the display device LCD is set to the individual size setting mode. S12 Key scan is performed.

S13 It is checked whether the ↑ key or ↓ key of the cursor keys has been pressed. If so. Proceed to S16.

S16, S17 In accordance with the operation of the cursor keys, small, standard, large, etc. REDUTION, NORMAL, ENLR are selected in S16.
Select one of GE. In S17, the selected one is displayed in a shaded manner on the display screen of the display device LCD, and the selected individual size is displayed in the lower right area of the display screen.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 9, the shaded display is NO.
If RMAL is selected and the ↑ key is operated from this state, the shaded display will indicate “RE” as shown in FIG.
DUCTION ”, and the lower right display on the display device LCD changes from“ N ”to“ S. ”After that, the process returns to S12.

S14 It is checked whether the SIZE key has been pressed in the individual size setting. If so, the process proceeds to the processing steps after S141.

S15 It is checked whether the CTRL + L key is pressed in the individual size setting. If so, the process proceeds to step S18.

S18 The display of the display device LCD is changed from the individual size setting mode to FIG.
The screen is returned to the pattern selection mode screen as shown in 3 and the routine of this individual size setting mode is exited.

S141 to S144 By operating the SIZE key, the LCD display screen becomes the REDUTION setting screen in S141. S141-S
At 144, the reduction ratio of REDUTION is set with the number keys.

That is, the display screen of the display device LCD is as shown in FIG.
When the SIZE key is operated in the state of, the display state changes from FIG. 9 to FIG. 10, and the value of REDUTION can be set. The values under SET UP are the previously set values. Enter a value from 0.20 to 1.00 using the numeric keys.

S145, S146 When the CLEAR key is pressed instead of the numeric keys, the default value of 07 is restored as shown in FIG.

S147, S148 If the SIZE key is further pressed in the display state of FIG.
The ENLARGE setting screen shown in is displayed.

S149 Key scan is performed.

In S150 and S151, in S150 and S151, a desired value within the range of 1.00 to 4.00 of ENLARGE is set by the number keys.

To set S152 and S153 ENLARGE to the default value (1.4), press the CLEAR key.

S154, S155 When the SIZE key is pressed again, the display screen returns to the individual size setting screen shown in FIG. In addition, REDUTION, E
The value of NLARGE is stored in the EEPROM (not shown).

(C) Individual Size Post-Specifying Routine Next, the individual size post-specifying routine will be described with reference to the LCD screens of FIGS. 14 to 18 as necessary.

A case where "Hachioji Junior High School" and "Yamada" are embroidered on the upper side of the pocket of the training wear as shown in FIG. 6 will be described. Here, since the desired area is pushed out due to the relationship between the number of characters and the character size of "Hachioji Junior High School", a case where "Hachioji Junior High School" is designated to be smaller later will be described.

In this embodiment, in the case of specifying the individual character size later, the case where the auxiliary magnification is selected and changed for the target character will be described. However, the main magnification is selected instead of the selection of the auxiliary magnification by the program. Alternatively, it is possible to specify the individual character size later.

In this embodiment, the character size is determined by the product of the main magnification and the auxiliary magnification, but when the character size is determined by one kind of magnification, the target is selected by selecting that magnification. It is also possible to specify the individual character size after that.

As shown in FIG. 14, the LCD screen at the time when characters and the like have been input is displayed in the pattern selection mode (LETTER).
ING MODE). CTR in this mode
If the L + L key is operated for a predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to S911.

S911, S912 In S911, the post-designated size selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. If you press the ↑ key while S NORMAL (NORMAL) is highlighted in S912, you will get a smaller size (REDUCTIO).
N) is highlighted and when you press the MEMORY key, S9
Proceed to 13.

S913, S914 In S913, the top character designation screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. S9
At 14, the cursor keys ↑ and ← are pressed to move the cursor to “8” and the MEMORY key is pressed, and the process proceeds to S915.

S915, S916 In S915, the end character designation screen is displayed. When the → key is pressed and the cursor is moved to “school”, the LCD screen of FIG. 17 is displayed. When the MEMORY key is pressed, the process proceeds to S917.

In step S917, the individual character size of "Hachioji junior high school" is set small, and SS11 to S of the auxiliary magnification table M5 in FIG.
S16 is rewritten to a smaller size, and the LCD screen returns to the pattern selection screen shown in FIG. When embroidering in this setting state, "Hachioji junior high school" having the size shown in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 is embroidered so as to fit within the desired area.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the character size post-designation function including the post-designated character size selection means, the post-designated character designation means, the magnification rewriting means, etc. is provided, the character size is changed. In this case, there is no need to re-enter the character size and the character to be set as in the conventional case, and the operability when changing the character size is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration.

[Fig. 2] Flow chart for embroidery control

[FIG. 3 (A)] First half of a flowchart showing an individual size setting routine

FIG. 3B is a second half of a flowchart showing an individual size setting routine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a post-individual size designation routine.

[Figure 5] Example of last name and name of embroidery pattern

[Fig. 6] Example of group name and individual name of embroidery pattern

FIG. 7: Perspective view of the embroidery machine

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control circuit of an embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 9: "NORM in individual size setting mode"
Example of display screen when AL is set

FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen when the SIZE key is operated from the state of FIG.

11 is an example of a display screen when the SIZE key is further operated from the state of FIG.

FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen when the ↑ key is operated from the state of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen in which the pattern selection mode is operated by operating the CTRL + L keys in the individual size setting mode.

FIG. 14: Pattern selection mode after character input (LET
TERRING MODE) display screen example

FIG. 15: Example of display screen in post-specified size selection mode

FIG. 16: Display screen when the first character is specified

[Figure 17] Display screen when the last character is specified

FIG. 18 is an example of a display screen in the pattern selection mode after the subsequent designated character size is set.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Sewing machine main body as stitch forming means 11 Needle 12 Embroidery frame 13, 14 XY mechanism section and drive body as driving means SM Main magnification SS Supplementary magnification S Character magnification FD Floppy disk as first storing means CTRL + L key , Processing of S912 by cursor key: Post-designated character size selection means S913-S9 by cursor key and MEMORY key
Process 16: Designated character designation means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A stitch forming means having a needle that reciprocates up and down to form a stitch, a storage means for storing embroidery data for a plurality of embroidery patterns, and a stitching means for the needle based on selected embroidery data. An automatic embroidery sewing machine having a driving means for controlling the relative position between the needle drop point and the hoop and a control means for controlling the driving means and the stitch forming means to form an embroidery pattern. After the character with the character size set for each character has been selected, select the character size for the specified character and the after-specified character specifying means for specifying the character by part or all of the desired character or character string. A character size setting method for an automatic embroidery sewing machine, characterized in that the character size can be changed after the character selection is completed by including a later-specified character size selection means. 2. A stitch forming means having a vertically reciprocating needle to form a stitch, a storage means for storing embroidery data for a plurality of embroidery patterns, and a stitching means for the needle based on the selected embroidery data. An automatic embroidery sewing machine having a driving means for controlling the relative position between the needle drop point and the hoop and a control means for controlling the driving means and the stitch forming means to form an embroidery pattern. In order to collectively set the size of the character string, several pre-stored main magnifications are multiplied by the auxiliary magnification value to set each character size larger or smaller than the size set in the main magnification. The character magnification of the character is calculated and stitch data is generated from the embroidery data based on the character magnification, and the character size for each selected character is set. After completion of selection, a post-specified character designating means for designating a character by post-designating a part or all of a desired character or character string, and a post-designated character size selection means for selecting a character size for the designated character, A character size setting method for an automatic embroidery sewing machine characterized in that the character size can be changed after the character selection is completed. 3. The automatic character setting method according to claim 2, wherein the post-designated character size selection means changes the character size of the post-designated character by selecting one of a main scale factor and an auxiliary scale factor. How to set the font size for embroidery machines.