JPH114984A - Embroidery sewing machine, outboard recording medium for embroidery and sewing method of embroidery pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make possible to specify a sewing machine or an outboard recording medium in which embroidery pattern failure is generated, by storing identifying pattern data for sewing the identifying pattern to individually specify a sewing machine in a pattern data memory means. SOLUTION: A ROM 24 as a pattern data memory means is mounted on a controller C to store a general control program for sewing and display controls to sew practical patterns. Further, editing processing of a selected embroidery pattern, a program for sewing processing, needle thread feed correction amount data to convert the stitch balancing thread tension to bobbin thread tension, and programs for pattern selection display control and sewing control are also stored as well as display data relating to character patterns, sewing data, etc. Even if failure is generated in an embroidery pattern, a used sewing machine can be easily specified by sewing based on data in the ROM 24. They are also stored in a ROM card 27 as an outboard recording medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sewing machine capable of sewing embroidery, an external recording medium for embroidery, and a method for sewing an embroidery pattern. In particular, when sewing an embroidery pattern, the sewing machine and the external recording medium for embroidery can be individually specified. The present invention relates to an identification pattern that is sewn.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a home electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine has a sewing mechanism including a vertically driven sewing needle and a thread catcher cooperating with the sewing needle, and an embroidery frame on which a work cloth is detachably mounted. A drive mechanism for independently moving and driving the embroidery patterns in two orthogonal directions, a pattern data memory storing a plurality of types of embroidery pattern data such as “vehicles”, “flowers”, and “animals”;
When the operator operates the operation panel and the like to display and select a desired embroidery pattern on the display and executes the embroidery sewing process, the drive mechanism operates based on the pattern data of the embroidery pattern. The sewing is controlled and the desired embroidery pattern is sewn on the work cloth mounted on the embroidery frame in cooperation with the drive mechanism and the sewing mechanism.

Recently, in this type of electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine, various kinds of embroidery patterns other than the embroidery patterns stored in the pattern data memory provided in the control device of the sewing machine can be embroidered and sewn. RO that stores pattern data related to multiple types of embroidery patterns such as “vehicles” and “flowers”
By preparing a plurality of M cards and mounting a desired ROM card on the embroidery sewing machine, a plurality of embroidery patterns stored in the ROM card that can be embroidered are displayed as a list in a matrix form. By selecting one or a plurality of desired embroidery patterns, for example, by operating touch keys provided, embroidery sewing can be performed.

In this type of electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine, a pattern data memory and R
Embroidery patterns such as original characters devised by the sewing machine maker or prominent characters (for example, prominent animals such as "Mickey Mouse" and "Draemon", robots, etc.) appearing on televisions and movies, etc. The data is recorded, and pants or blouses, etc., which are embroidered and sewn on a specific character which is not generally commercially available, can be easily manufactured at home.

[0005] In particular, it is specified that a sewing machine maker often uses a famous character with the permission of the copyright holder of the character, and only a user who has purchased an embroidery sewing machine or a ROM card can use the character personally. Various considerations are made to use such characters within the scope of permission. However, in the past, no technology has been proposed to limit the use of characters for objects other than the legitimate sewing machine owner.

For reference, see JP-A-63-23889.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-29, an embroidery pattern is formed with the thread color of the upper thread by providing thread tension devices for adjusting the thread tension of the upper thread and the lower thread, respectively, and setting these upper and lower thread tension devices for normal use. On the other hand, a two-color sewing machine has been proposed in which an embroidery pattern is partially formed with a thread color of a lower thread by changing a thread tension of upper and lower thread tension devices.

[0007]

As described above, a conventional electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine uses a pattern data memory and R
In addition to general embroidery patterns such as "elephant" and "bus" selected from a plurality of types of embroidery patterns stored (recorded) on the OM card, embroidery patterns such as original characters and famous characters are displayed. If an embroidery pattern is defective when sewing on pants, skirts or handkerchiefs worn by children, the user often brings the defective embroidery pattern to the manufacturer of the embroidery sewing machine. Not only cannot identify which embroidery sewing machine the sewing machine was used for, but also it is not possible to specify the machine model and production time even if the sewing machine was sewn with that manufacturer's embroidery sewing machine. is there.

[0008] In addition to the sewing machine owner, even those who have borrowed ROM cards from others or those who have purchased pirated ROM cards, illegally embroider their own characters or famous characters on handkerchiefs for commercial purposes. It is possible to sell, and there is a problem that it is difficult to judge whether the sewing machine is sewn by a legitimate sewing machine owner or sewn by an unauthorized person. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to easily identify an embroidery sewing machine sewing a defective embroidery pattern or an external embroidery recording medium having a defective embroidery pattern in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. It is possible to easily determine unauthorized use of the character by a person other than the sewing machine owner.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embroidery sewing machine having pattern data storage means for storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns. Further, identification pattern data for sewing an identification pattern for individually specifying a sewing machine is stored. Here, the pattern data storage means may be fixedly provided in the control device of the sewing machine, or may be detachably provided.

Pattern data storage means (for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk)
Stores, in addition to the pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns, identification pattern data for sewing an identification pattern for individually identifying a sewing machine. The sewing machine can sew an embroidery pattern selected from, and also sew an identification pattern for individually specifying the sewing machine, for example, a serial number for each model or a lot number when manufactured. Occurs,
By unraveling the embroidery pattern or the like, the sewing machine can be easily specified from the identification pattern sewn at the same time as the embroidery pattern.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to the first aspect, the identification pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the sewing machine. In this case, the identification pattern to be embroidered and sewn together with the embroidery pattern is a pattern with a number unique to the sewing machine, for example, a pattern such as a production number for each model or a lot number at the time of production. The sewing machine used for sewing can be easily specified. In addition, the same operation as the first aspect is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to the first or second aspect, the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside an embroidery area in an outer shape of the embroidery pattern. Things. In this case, the identification pattern is sewn together with the embroidery pattern inside the embroidery area within the outer shape of the embroidery pattern, that is, without protruding from the embroidery pattern. As a result, the identification pattern cannot be separated from the embroidery pattern, and the identification pattern and the embroidery pattern can always be integrated. In addition, the same operation as the first or second aspect is achieved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the identification pattern is a pattern sewn under an embroidery stitch of the embroidery pattern. It is assumed that. In this case, the identification pattern is sewn under the embroidery stitches of the embroidery pattern by sewing the identification pattern and then embroidering the embroidery pattern continuously, so that the identification pattern can be sewn without impairing the appearance of the embroidery pattern. The identification pattern can be read by securely holding the embroidery stitches. In addition, the same operation as the first or second aspect is achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the identification pattern is an embroidery pattern within the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth. It is a pattern sewn in a region corresponding to the region. In this case, the identification pattern is sewn in the area corresponding to the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern at any time during sewing of the embroidery pattern, at the time of sewing. Therefore, the identification pattern can be securely held on the back side of the fabric without impairing the appearance of the embroidery pattern, and the identification pattern can be easily read from the back of the fabric without releasing the embroidery stitches. In addition, Claim 1
The same operation as that of any one of (1) to (3) is achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the identification pattern is sewn when each of a plurality of preset embroidery patterns is sewn. Is what you do. In this case, the identification pattern is sewn only when the selected embroidery pattern corresponds to any one of a plurality of preset embroidery patterns. By setting such characters in advance, identification patterns can be simultaneously sewn in addition to these characters. In addition, the same operation as the fourth or fifth aspect is achieved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sewing machine according to the sixth aspect, the plurality of preset embroidery patterns include an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted. Is what you do. In this case, when the selected embroidery pattern is a famous character appearing on a television or a movie, for example, and the embroidery pattern is subject to copyright, the identification pattern is sewn together with the embroidery pattern. When the selected character string is, for example, the name of a famous character and is a character string pattern to be copyrighted, the identification pattern can be sewn simultaneously with the embroidery pattern. In addition, the same operation as the sixth aspect is achieved.

The embroidery external recording medium according to the present invention stores pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns, and the embroidery external recording medium detachably mounted on an embroidery sewing machine. An external recording medium stores identification pattern data for sewing an identification pattern for individually identifying at least one of the sewing machine and the embroidery external recording medium.

An external recording medium for embroidery (for example, a ROM card, a CD-ROM, an optical disk, etc.) includes at least one of a sewing machine and an external recording medium for embroidery in addition to the pattern data of a plurality of patterns for embroidery. Since the identification pattern data for sewing the identification pattern to be specified is stored, the embroidery pattern selected from the plurality of embroidery patterns is sewn and the sewing machine is individually specified. As the identification pattern, it is possible to sew, for example, the serial number of each model related to the sewing machine or the lot number at the time of manufacture. Can be
When a defect occurs in the embroidery pattern, the sewing machine or the external recording medium for embroidery can be easily specified from the identification pattern sewn together with the embroidery pattern by solving the embroidery pattern.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the identification pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the sewing machine or a pattern having a number unique to the external recording medium for embroidery. It is assumed that. In this case, in addition to the operation of the second aspect, the identification pattern to be embroidered and sewn together with the embroidery pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the external recording medium for embroidery. Number or lot number when manufactured,
The recording medium on which the embroidery pattern is recorded can be easily specified. In addition, the same operation as the eighth aspect is achieved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the embroidery external recording medium according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside an embroidery area within the outer shape of the embroidery pattern. Things. In this case, in addition to the action similar to the third aspect, the same action as the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect is achieved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the embroidery external recording medium according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the identification pattern is a pattern sewn under an embroidery stitch of the embroidery pattern. It is assumed that. In this case, claim 4
In addition to the above-described operation, it is possible to easily determine from the identification pattern whether or not the user who sewed the embroidery pattern is a person who has properly purchased the recording medium. In addition, the same operation as in any one of claims 8 to 10 is achieved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the embroidery external recording medium according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the identification pattern is an embroidery pattern within the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth. It is a pattern sewn in a region corresponding to the region. In this case, in addition to the operation similar to the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the user who has sewn the embroidery pattern is a person who has properly purchased the recording medium based on the identification pattern. it can. Others
It has the same effect as any one of claims 8 to 10.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the embroidery external recording medium according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the identification pattern is sewn when each of a plurality of preset embroidery patterns is sewn. Is what you do. In this case, in addition to the action similar to claim 6, the same action as claim 11 or 12 is achieved. An embroidery external recording medium according to a fourteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of preset embroidery patterns include an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern that is a subject of copyright. is there. In this case,
In addition to the operation similar to the seventh aspect, the same operation as the thirteenth aspect is achieved.

According to the embroidery pattern sewing method of the present invention, when sewing an embroidery pattern with a sewing machine capable of embroidery sewing, at least one of the sewing machine and an external recording medium storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns is used. It is characterized in that stitches of identification patterns for individually specifying are formed. When sewing an embroidery pattern using an embroidery sewing machine, a stitch of an identification pattern for individually specifying at least one of the sewing machine and an external recording medium storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns is provided. Since it is formed, the same operation as the eighth aspect is achieved.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine with an embroidery device capable of sewing various embroidery patterns by detachably mounting the embroidery device. As shown in FIG. 1, an electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine M (corresponding to an embroidery sewing machine) includes a sewing machine bed 1, a pillar 2 erected from the right end of the bed 1, and a pillar. An arm 3 extends leftward from the upper end of the section 2 so as to face the bed 1.

The bed 1 accommodates a feed dog vertical movement mechanism (not shown) for moving the feed dog up and down, a feed dog front and rear movement mechanism (not shown) for moving the feed dog back and forth, and a lower thread bobbin, and cooperates with the sewing needle 6. A thread catcher (for example, a horizontal shuttle) is provided.
The pillar 2 has a ROM card 27 (which corresponds to an external embroidery recording medium) in which pattern data (sewing data and pattern display data) of a large number of embroidery patterns to be added as an option are recorded. Connector 13 (see FIG. 3)
Is formed with a card slot 2a for connection to the card.

The arm 3 has a needle bar drive mechanism for vertically moving a needle bar 5 having a sewing needle 6 attached to a lower end thereof, and a needle bar swinging mechanism for swinging the needle bar 5 in a direction perpendicular to the cloth feeding direction (shown in the drawing). And a balance driving mechanism (not shown) that moves the balance up and down in synchronization with the vertical movement of the needle bar 5. The feed dog vertical movement mechanism, the needle bar drive mechanism, and the balance drive mechanism are driven by a sewing machine motor 17, the needle bar swing mechanism is driven by a needle bar swing stepping motor 18, and the feed dog longitudinal movement mechanism is a feed dog. It is driven by a front-rear drive stepping motor 19 (see FIG. 3). The head 4 of the arm 3 is provided with a start / stop switch 12 for instructing start and stop of the sewing operation.

A large liquid crystal display 10 is provided on the front surface of the arm 3.
Various stitch patterns such as practical patterns and embroidery patterns, various function names, and various messages are displayed. On the front surface of the liquid crystal display 10, touch keys 11 made of transparent electrodes are provided in a matrix in correspondence with display positions of a plurality of embroidery patterns and function names indicating functions. That is, selection of a desired embroidery pattern and instruction of a function can be realized by pressing the touch key 11 corresponding to the embroidery pattern or the function name.

At the left end of the bed 1, a free bed called a free arm is formed, and the embroidery device 30 is detachably mounted on the free bed. The embroidery device 30 includes a main body case 30a, an embroidery frame 34 on which the work cloth W is detachably mounted, and
A housing case 31 having a built-in Y-direction drive mechanism for driving the housing case 31 in the front-rear direction, and an X-direction drive mechanism for driving the storage case 31 and the Y-direction drive mechanism therein in the X-direction (left-right direction). An X-direction driving mechanism housed in the housing 30a is provided. The X-direction driving mechanism is driven by a first stepping motor 32, and the Y-direction driving mechanism is driven by a second stepping motor 33 (see FIG. 3).

When the embroidery device 30 is mounted on the free bed portion, the first and second stepping motors 32 and 33 are electrically connected to the control device C of the sewing machine M via the connector 14, and are controlled by the control device C. The drive of the first and second stepping motors 32 and 33 is controlled so that the embroidery frame 43 and the work cloth W can be sewn while the embroidery frame 43 and the work cloth W are moved independently in the X and Y directions. By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, an upper thread feeding mechanism 40 for adjusting the feeding amount of the upper thread 8 is provided in the upper thread supply path for supplying the upper thread 8 extending from the thread spool (not shown) to the sewing needle 6. ing.

The upper thread feeding mechanism 40 will be briefly described. A driving roller 42 is fixed to a drive shaft of an upper thread feeding motor 41 fixed to a sewing machine frame. 43 is provided and is rotatably supported. And the needle bar 5
The upper thread feeding motor 41 is rotationally driven at a predetermined thread feeding timing adjusted to the vertical movement of the upper thread, so that the upper thread 8 is fed by a predetermined amount. In accordance with the amount of rotation of the upper thread supply motor 41 at the thread supply timing, the entanglement point between the upper thread 8 and the lower thread is set on the work cloth W (FIG. 1).
3), it can be set to the normal thread tension provided inside the lower thread tension provided on the back side of the work cloth W. Next, a control system of the sewing machine M will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device C includes an input interface 21, a CPU 23, a ROM 24,
M25, a computer including M25, an output interface 26, and a bus 22 for connecting these. The input interface 21 is connected with a start / stop switch 12, a touch key 11, and a timing signal generator 16 for detecting a plurality of rotation phases of the main shaft of the sewing machine. The output interface 26 is connected with a sewing machine motor 17, a needle bar swing The stepping motor 18, the stepping motor 19 for driving the feed dog back and forth, the needle thread feeding motor 41, the display controller (LCDC) 20 for the LCD 10 which is a liquid crystal display, and the first and second stepping motors 32 and 33 of the embroidery device 30 are provided. Connectors 14 respectively connected
And so on. ROM 28 of the ROM card 27
Are connected to the bus 22 via the connector 13.

The ROM 24 (which corresponds to the pattern data storage means) has a general control program for sewing control and display control for sewing a practical pattern, and a size for the selected embroidery pattern via the display 10. A control program for pattern selection editing and sewing control including an editing process for performing setting and position setting editing processes and an embroidery sewing process for embroidering the selected embroidery pattern, and an upper process for changing the thread tension to the lower thread tension. Correction amount data for correcting the thread feeding amount, and a control program for pattern selection display control and sewing control, which will be described later, which are unique to the present application, are stored in advance.

Further, the ROM 24 stores display data and sewing data for each of the character patterns of numbers and alphabets, and display data and sewing data for each of a plurality of practical patterns, as shown in FIG. ,
Many embroidery patterns that are relatively frequently used (first embroidery pattern,
The pattern data of the second embroidery pattern, the third embroidery pattern...) Is stored, and the pattern data of a large number of embroidery patterns are grouped according to the type of the embroidery patterns and stored with the pattern numbers. By the way, a plurality of ROM cards 27 are prepared.
Includes pattern data of a large number of relatively infrequently used embroidery patterns (first embroidery pattern, second embroidery pattern, third embroidery pattern...), Various types of characters, figures and figures, marks, The pattern data of the embroidery pattern of a character (for example, a famous person, an animal, a robot, etc. appearing on a television or a movie) is
Grouped by type of embroidery pattern and assigned pattern number,
It is recorded similarly to the ROM 24.

That is, since the pattern data of each embroidery pattern has the same configuration, the pattern data of the first embroidery pattern will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the pattern data includes the embroidery pattern and a plurality of embroidery patterns. Pattern display data for displaying a color-specific pattern portion, sewing data for embroidery sewing, and accompanying information display data for displaying accompanying information are stored separately. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the pattern display data of the first embroidery pattern surrounds three first to third color-specific pattern portions of an embroidery pattern (for example, “elephant”) and an outer peripheral portion of each color-specific pattern portion. In order to display a rectangular frame, bit data (dot data) of the rectangular frame and bit data of the first to third color-specific pattern portions are stored.

For sewing data, for example, for three colors, sewing data for three colors of the first to third color-specific pattern portions is stored. As display data of the accompanying information, display data for characters and function names to be displayed on various display screens is stored. These ROMs 24, 28
Further, in addition to the correction data for correcting the upper thread feeding amount by the upper thread feeding motor 41 at the time of forming the stitch to make the lower thread tension, the ROM 24 as the sewing data of the identification pattern.
Is the serial number of the embroidery sewing machine M (for example, "123"),
In the ROM 28, the serial number of the ROM card 27 (for example,
The sewing data of the mirror image of "R412"), the numbers of the embroidery patterns to be copyrighted among the plurality of embroidery patterns (first embroidery pattern, fifth embroidery pattern, eighth embroidery pattern,...) A certain character string pattern (for example, "AEGLN",
"DEFHOQ"...) Are stored.

The RAM 25 is provided with memories (memory such as flags, pointers, counters, registers, buffers, etc.) necessary for the various controls. next,
The pattern selection display control routine executed by the control device C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the figure, reference symbol Si (i = 10, 11, 12,...) Indicates each step. When this control is started by turning on the power, an initial screen for selecting a pattern type (classification) is first displayed on the display 10 (S1).
0). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, selection keys 11a to 11d for selecting a character pattern according to a typeface, a selection key 11e for selecting a practical pattern, and a selection key 11 for selecting a concrete pattern.
A selection screen including a selection key 11i for selecting an embroidery pattern recorded on the ROM card 27 is displayed.

Then, a menu selection process for selecting the type of the desired embroidery pattern group by pressing the touch key 11 corresponding to the type is executed (S11), and a large number of the embroidery pattern groups included in the selected pattern group are executed. Are displayed as a list in a matrix (S12). For example, when a group of patterns related to "animals / vehicles" stored in the ROM card 27 is selected by operating the touch keys 11i, a group of patterns related to a large number of animals or vehicles are displayed in a matrix as shown in FIG. Is done. Here, the embroidery pattern can be displayed over a plurality of pages by operating the “next page” or the “previous page”.

When a character pattern is selected by operating the selection keys 11a to 11d, a character pattern selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. Next, touch keys 11
Is operated to select one of the pattern groups, the selected embroidery pattern number (for a character pattern, the character pattern number) is set to R.
The embroidery pattern is stored in the selected pattern number memory of the AM 25 (S13), and the color-specific pattern portion related to the embroidery pattern is displayed (S14).
However, when "return" is instructed by operating the touch key 11, the process returns to S10, and the initial screen is displayed again. For example, when the animal "elephant" is selected, as shown in FIG. 10, the display 10 displays an embroidery pattern "elephant" and three color-specific pattern portions included in the "elephant".

Next, when the "OK" key is operated in accordance with the decision of the embroidery pattern to be sewn, the display 10
Since an editing screen is displayed on the screen, an editing process for changing the sewing position, size, and the like is executed (S15). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an embroidery area corresponding to the embroidery frame 34 is displayed as a rectangular frame E on the display 10, and the selected embroidery pattern “elephant” is displayed inside the rectangular frame E. On the other hand, there are a plurality of movement function symbols (arrows) for moving the sewing position in eight directions, a rotation function for rotating the direction of the embroidery pattern by 90 °, and a size changing function for changing the size of the sewing size. Displays the function name.

Here, the editing process itself is a general process, and various known editing processes may be applied. Next, after the work cloth W to be used for embroidery sewing is set in the embroidery frame 34, the start / stop switch 1 is used to execute embroidery sewing.
When No. 2 is operated (S16: Yes), a command is issued to start sewing control and start sewing, and a screen display at the time of embroidery sewing is executed (S17). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the embroidery pattern "elephant"
And color-specific patterns, various accompanying information are displayed,
The remaining time (remaining time) required for embroidery sewing and other function names required for sewing are displayed.

When the embroidery sewing is completed (S
18: Yes), returning to S10, the first initial screen display is executed. Next, the sewing control shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the command to start the sewing control. When this control is started, first, a sewing pattern number to be used for sewing is read from the selected pattern number memory of the RAM 25 (S2).
0). Next, when the pattern of the pattern number is an embroidery pattern (S21: Yes), whether or not the pattern number is an embroidery pattern number to be copyrighted is searched. When the pattern number is an embroidery pattern to be copyrighted (S22: Yes). The identification pattern sewing data is read, and based on the embroidery pattern sewing data of the embroidery pattern number, the identification pattern sewing data is stored in the RAM 25 so that the identification pattern sewing data is located in an area corresponding to the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern. The data is developed and stored in the data memory (S23).

Next, sewing data of a plurality of color-specific pattern portions included in the edited embroidery pattern is developed and stored in an embroidery data memory (S24), and an embroidery sewing process is executed (S2).
Five). That is, in the embroidery sewing process, the embroidery device 3
In addition to controlling the drive of the first and second stepping motors 32 and 33, and controlling the drive of the motors 17, 19 and 41, first, the identification pattern sewing data in the embroidery data memory is sewn with the lower thread tension, and the regular thread is sewn. After returning to the original state, the first color-specific pattern portion is continuously embroidered and sewn, and each time the embroidery thread is replaced, the remaining color-specific pattern portions are sewn in the same manner.

For example, as shown in FIG.
When the embroidery pattern “elephant” 50 selected from the M card 27 is to be sewn, the embroidery pattern “elephant” 50 in the area corresponding to the inner embroidery area of the outer shape 50 a of the embroidery pattern “elephant” 50 on the back side Wb of the work cloth W is set. First, the identification pattern "123", which is the serial number of the embroidery sewing machine M, is sewn with the lower thread state, and the identification pattern "R413", the serial number of the ROM card 27, is sewn with the lower thread state. Then, as shown in FIG.
After the first color-specific pattern portion is continuously sewn with the regular thread condition, the embroidery pattern is similarly sewn on the remaining color-specific pattern portions each time the embroidery thread is replaced, and the embroidery pattern “elephant” 50 is formed on the work cloth W. Is colorfully formed on the surface side Wa of the.

When there are a plurality of sewing pattern numbers read from the selected pattern number memory and a character string pattern (S21: No), it is determined whether or not a plurality of character string pattern number combinations are copyrightable character string patterns. Is searched, and if the character string pattern is a copyrighted character pattern (S26: Yes), S23 and subsequent steps are executed in the same manner, and prior to the embroidery of the character string pattern,
In the embroidery area corresponding to the inside of the embroidery area of the character string pattern,
The identification pattern, which is the serial number of the embroidery sewing machine M, and the identification pattern, which is the serial number of the ROM card 27, are each sewn with the lower thread tension.

Next, the operation and effect of the electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine 1 will be described, including an embroidery pattern sewing method.
ROM 24 of the control device C and ROM 2 of the ROM card 27
8 stores pattern display data and sewing data relating to each of a plurality of embroidery patterns, needle thread feeding amount correction data, identification pattern sewing data including the serial number of the embroidery sewing machine M and the ROM card 27, and embroidery for copyright. Pattern number,
The embroidery sewing machine M stores a character string pattern or the like to be copyrighted and sews an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted selected from a plurality of embroidery patterns.
And the identification pattern including the serial number of the ROM card 27 is always sewn on the back side Wb of the work cloth W by the lower thread tension. The embroidery sewing machine M and the ROM card 27 can be easily specified from the identification pattern appearing on the back surface Wb of W.

Since the identification pattern is sewn together with the embroidery pattern without protruding from the embroidery area of the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern cannot be separated from the embroidery pattern, and the identification pattern and the embroidery pattern are always integrated. The embroidery sewing machine M can be easily used for unauthorized use based on the identification pattern. Furthermore,
The identification pattern is sewn in an area corresponding to the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side Wb of the work cloth W to be embroidered, so that the back surface of the work cloth W is maintained without impairing the appearance of the embroidery pattern. The identification pattern can be securely held on the side Wb, and the identification pattern can be easily read from the back of the work cloth W without releasing the embroidery stitches.
7 can be specified with certainty.

By the way, in the ROM 24, the sewing data of the normal image other than the mirror image is stored with the serial number of the embroidery sewing machine M or the ROM card 27, and FIG.
As shown in (a), in the embroidery sewing process in the sewing control, the identification patterns “123” and “R41” are used.
After sewing "2" on the embroidery area in the outer shape 50a of the front surface side Wa of the work cloth W with a regular thread tension, a plurality of color-specific pattern portions may be sequentially sewn successively. In this case, since the identification pattern is sewn under the embroidery stitches of the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern can be securely held without impairing the appearance of the embroidery pattern, and the identification pattern can be easily formed by releasing the embroidery stitches. Can be read.

Here, in the above-described embodiment,
Although the ROM card 27 composed of a flash memory or the like is used, embroidery pattern data may be stored in a CD-ROM as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-133263 filed by the present applicant. In this case, the data of the embroidery pattern is supplied to the sewing machine from the data reader via a card type adapter which can be mounted in the card slot 2a of the sewing machine. This card type adapter has the same shape as the ROM card 27, and the data reader is a CD-RO which is an optical storage medium.
The data read from M can be converted into the data format of a flash memory as a semiconductor storage medium, and the converted data can be supplied to the sewing machine. Therefore, the sewing machine is the same as when the ROM card 27 is mounted. Also, if such a conversion function of the data reader is provided in the sewing machine body,
The data reader may be a general-purpose CD-ROM device. Detailed information, especially detailed images (for example, images like photos)
When displaying in color or color, a large amount of storage capacity is required, so it is better to use a CD-ROM.

In the above-described embodiment, the identification pattern sewing data is sewn prior to the sewing of the embroidery pattern. However, the sewing may be simultaneously performed when any of the plurality of color-specific pattern portions is sewn. . Also, the case where the pattern data of each embroidery pattern includes the sewing data and the pattern display data has been described as an example. However, when the pattern data is composed only of the sewing data, the sewing data is processed and the pattern display data is processed. Can also be created. Further, the display 10 may be a CRT display. Instead of the ROM card 27, pattern data of a plurality of patterns may be stored on a magnetic disk and the magnetic disk may be detachably mounted on the FDD of the control device C. It is also possible to apply a CD-ROM and further a magnetic optical disk. The pattern selection display control and the sewing control according to the embodiment are merely examples,
Various changes can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

[0051]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the identification data for sewing the identification pattern for individually identifying the sewing machine is stored in the pattern data storage means, a plurality of embroidery patterns are stored. Embroidery patterns selected from among the sewn patterns, as well as identification patterns for individually identifying the sewing machine, such as the serial number of each model and the lot number when manufactured, can be sewn. When a defect occurs, the sewing machine can be easily specified from the identification pattern sewn at the same time as the embroidery pattern by, for example, solving the embroidery pattern.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the same effect as in the first aspect is obtained. However, since the identification pattern is a pattern unique to the sewing machine, the identification pattern unique to the sewing machine is, for example, a pattern for each model. The sewing machine used for embroidery sewing of the embroidery pattern can be easily specified by using a pattern such as a production number or a lot number at the time of production. According to the third aspect of the invention, the same effect as in the first or second aspect is obtained, but since the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern runs off the embroidery pattern. Since the embroidery pattern is sewn together with the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern cannot be separated from the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern and the embroidery pattern can always be integrated, and the sewing machine can be reliably specified. .

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effect as any one of the first to third aspects is obtained, but the identification pattern is
Since the embroidery pattern is sewn under the embroidery stitch, the identification pattern can be securely held without impairing the appearance of the embroidery pattern, and the identification pattern can be easily read by releasing the embroidery stitch. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as any one of the first to third aspects is obtained, but the identification pattern is an embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth. Since the pattern is sewn in the area corresponding to the embroidery pattern, the identification pattern can be securely held on the back side of the fabric without deteriorating the appearance of the embroidery pattern. Can be easily read.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 4 or 5,
However, since the identification pattern is sewn when each of a plurality of embroidery patterns set in advance is sewn, a unique character devised by the manufacturer or a character to be copyrighted can be used. By setting in advance, these characters and the identification pattern can be sewn at the same time, and unauthorized use by anyone other than the sewing machine owner can be easily determined from the identification pattern.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the sixth aspect is obtained, but since the plurality of preset embroidery patterns include an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted, When sewing an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern which is the subject of the copyright, an identification pattern is always sewn, and it is easy to judge unauthorized use by anyone other than the sewing machine owner from the identification pattern. .

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embroidery external recording medium which stores pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns and is removably mounted on an embroidery sewing machine. The medium stores identification pattern data for sewing an identification pattern for individually identifying at least one of the sewing machine and the external recording medium for embroidery. Lot number etc. can be sewn in. In addition, it is possible to sew in the serial number and lot number etc. for each type related to the external recording medium for embroidery. The sewing machine and the external recording medium for embroidery can be easily specified from the identification pattern sewn at the same time as the embroidery pattern.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect is obtained, except that the identification pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the sewing machine or a pattern having a number unique to the external recording medium for embroidery. In addition to the effect similar to that of the second aspect, the identification pattern embroidered and sewn together with the embroidery pattern is, for example, an identification pattern such as a production number for each type of recording medium or a lot number at the time of production. Therefore, the recording medium on which the embroidery pattern is recorded can be easily specified from the identification pattern.

According to the tenth aspect, the same effect as the eighth or ninth aspect is obtained, but the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern. The same effect as in the item 3 can be obtained. According to the eleventh aspect, the same effect as any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is obtained, but the identification pattern is a pattern sewn under the embroidery stitch of the embroidery pattern. In addition to obtaining the same effects as in the case of No. 4, it is possible to easily determine from the identification pattern whether or not the user who sewed the embroidery pattern is a person who has properly purchased the recording medium.

According to the twelfth aspect, claims 8 to 1 are provided.
0, but the identification pattern is a pattern sewn in an area corresponding to the embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth. In addition to the effect similar to that of the fifth aspect, the identification pattern makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the user who sewed the embroidery pattern is a person who has properly purchased the recording medium.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the same effect as the eleventh or twelfth aspect is obtained, but the identification pattern is sewn when each of a plurality of preset embroidery patterns is sewn. The same effect as the sixth aspect is obtained. Claim 1
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the thirteenth aspect are obtained, but the plurality of preset embroidery patterns include an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted. The effect of is obtained.

According to the fifteenth aspect, when sewing an embroidery pattern using a sewing machine capable of sewing embroidery, at least one of the sewing machine and an external recording medium storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns is separately provided. Since the stitch of the identification pattern for specifying the target is formed, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a needle thread feeding mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the embroidery sewing machine.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of various data structures stored in a ROM or a ROM card.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a pattern selection display control routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a sewing control routine.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when a pattern type is selected.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of an embroidery pattern group.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of a character string pattern group.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of an embroidery pattern and a color-specific pattern portion included therein.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when editing processing is performed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen at the time of embroidery sewing.

13A is an explanatory diagram of an identification pattern appearing on the back side of the work cloth, and FIG. 13B is an embroidery pattern of an “elephant” formed on the front side of the work cloth.

14A is an explanatory diagram of an identification pattern appearing on the front side of a work cloth, and FIG. 14B is an embroidery pattern of an “elephant” formed on the front side of the work cloth.

[Explanation of symbols]

 M Electronically controlled embroidery sewing machine C Control device 24 ROM 27 ROM card 30 Embroidery device

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An embroidery sewing machine having pattern data storage means for storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns, wherein said pattern data storage means stores an identification pattern for individually specifying a sewing machine. An embroidery sewing machine characterized by storing identification pattern data for sewing. 2. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the sewing machine. 3. The sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside an embroidery area in an outer shape of the embroidery pattern. 4. The embroidery pattern according to claim 1, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern sewn under an embroidery stitch of an embroidery pattern.
The sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sewing machine is capable of performing embroidery sewing. 5. The embroidery pattern is sewn in an area corresponding to an embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth.
3. The sewing machine according to claim 3, wherein the embroidery sewing is possible. 6. The sewing machine according to claim 4, wherein the identification pattern is sewn when sewing a plurality of preset embroidery patterns. 7. The plurality of embroidery patterns set in advance,
The embroidery sewing machine according to claim 6, wherein the sewing machine includes an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted. 8. An embroidery external recording medium which stores pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns and is removably mounted on an embroidery sewing machine. An external recording medium for embroidery, wherein identification pattern data for sewing an identification pattern for individually identifying at least one of the external recording media for embroidery is stored. 9. The embroidery external recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern having a number unique to the sewing machine or a pattern having a number unique to the external recording medium for embroidery. 10. The embroidery external recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern sewn inside an embroidery area in an outer shape of the embroidery pattern. 11. The embroidery external recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern sewn under an embroidery stitch of an embroidery pattern. 12. The embroidery pattern according to claim 8, wherein the identification pattern is a pattern sewn in an area corresponding to an embroidery area in the outer shape of the embroidery pattern on the back side of the embroidered cloth.
The embroidery external recording medium according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 13. The embroidery external recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the identification pattern is sewn when sewing a plurality of preset embroidery patterns. 14. The embroidery external recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of embroidery patterns set in advance include an embroidery pattern or a character string pattern to be copyrighted. 15. An identification method for individually identifying at least one of a sewing machine and an external recording medium storing pattern data of a plurality of embroidery patterns when sewing an embroidery pattern using a sewing machine capable of embroidery sewing. An embroidery pattern sewing method comprising forming a pattern seam.