JPS62236587A - Embroidering sewing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Technical Field] The present invention is an embroidery sewing machine that forms a desired pattern on a fabric by using seams, and which easily creates the seam pattern on a two-dimensional display screen. The present invention relates to an embroidery sewing machine that can be used to perform embroidery.

[Prior Art] Various sewing machines have been proposed to enhance the aesthetic value of fabrics by applying various patterns to fabrics using seams. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional pattern forming sewing machine. In the figure, A is an input section through which the operator inputs the pattern, etc. that the operator wants to form on fabric B, and C is an input section where the operator inputs the pattern etc. that he/she wants to form on cloth B. Read the corresponding control procedure and follow the procedure.
This is a control section that outputs a control signal to the stitch forming section E and the driving section F that changes the relative position of the fabric B and the stitch forming section E. In such a sewing machine, the control procedure for each pattern stored in the pattern storage section is fixed, and aesthetic patterns such as the well-known Hanaji Gothic font are created in the stitch forming section E and the driving section. The operator can select a desired pattern from among these patterns and sew it onto the fabric B.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, even the above-mentioned embroidery sewing machine is not sufficient, and the following problems often occur.

Each pattern is a completed pattern, and its control procedure is stored in the pattern storage unit. Therefore, in order to create various embroidery patterns using these patterns, it is desirable to make at least the positional relationship between the patterns variable. For example, even if a pattern is made up of three alphabetic letter patterns of the same letter rABcj, the embroidery pattern will be different when arranged vertically and when arranged horizontally.

Conventional embroidery sewing machines are arranged so that the positional relationship between patterns, that is, the relative positional relationship of pattern data, can be freely selected, but there are only several types of possible choices, such as vertical arrangement and horizontal arrangement. Due to the limitations, it was still impossible to create free patterns.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an excellent embroidery sewing machine that can freely change the relative positional relationship of pattern data, and can assist in completing aesthetic embroidery patterns when changing the relative positional relationship of pattern data. That is its purpose.

[Configuration of the Invention] The configuration of the present invention to achieve the above object is as shown in FIG. A driving means C3 for changing the relative position of the fabric holding means C2 and the stitch forming means C1, and a plurality of embroidery pattern pattern data defined as a set of control data of the stitch forming means C1 and the driving means C3 are stored. a selection means C5 for sequentially selecting pattern data stored in the pattern storage means C4; and a selection means C5 for sequentially selecting pattern data stored in the pattern storage means C4; In an embroidery sewing machine having a control means C6 for controlling the means C1 and the drive means C3, the embroidery pattern formed by the sequentially selected pattern data is changed at least in the relative positional relationship of each pattern data, and the a display control means C8 for displaying a simulated stitch of the embroidery pattern formed on the cloth on a two-dimensional display screen P as a result of the control of the correction means C7 for modifying the embroidery pattern and the control means C6; The gist of the present invention is an embroidery sewing machine characterized by being equipped with a figure display means C9 for displaying a desired geometric figure on a two-dimensional display screen P.

[Function] In the embroidery sewing machine of the present invention, the relative positional relationship of each pattern data can be changed by the correction means C7, and as a result of the change, the control means C6 controls the drive means C3 and the stitch forming means C1. The embroidery pattern obtained on the cloth is displayed on the two-dimensional display screen P by the display control means C8. Also,
The figure display means C9 displays desired geometric figures, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc., on the two-dimensional display screen P at the same time as the pattern.

[Example] Hereinafter, each item of an example according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of Example) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram without showing the configuration of this embodiment.

In the figure, 1 is a known sewing machine serving as a seam forming means;
As is well known, the sewing machine includes a sewing needle 1', a hook (not shown) that cooperates with the sewing needle, and a sewing motor which will be described later. Reference numeral 2 denotes a fabric holding section which is a fabric holding means, which holds the fabric by means of the embroidery weave 2' and is movable on the rails 3 and 4. 5 is a sewing machine table, and on top of it is a rail 4.
is provided so that the fabric holding means 2 can be moved on the table 5. Reference numeral 6 denotes a sewing motor that moves the sewing needle 1' of the sewing machine 1 up and down, a stepping motor (hereinafter simply referred to as y motor) that moves the fabric holding section 2, which is a driving section, along the rail 3, and the rail. The driving force is a stepping motor (hereinafter simply referred to as the X motor) that moves the needle along the needle, and converts the driving force (rotational force) into the desired vertical force of the needle or movement force on a straight rail. It is a power unit consisting of known rollers, wires, cams, etc. 7 is a keyboard which is an input unit through which the operator creates a pattern and inputs control based on the created pattern. 8 is a keyboard 7 Creation of patterns based on input information from or changes to the created patterns,
When corrections, etc. are made, a cathode ray, which is a two-dimensional display section, allows the operator to visually recognize a pattern created by the keyboard 7 that is almost the same as the pattern actually formed on the fabric. Tube (hereinafter simply referred to as CRT)
, 9 is a control means for outputting control signals to the three motors in the power section 6 in order to form a pattern on the cloth that is almost the same as the pattern projected on the CRTa by the keyboard 7.

Next, each component of the present embodiment described in FIG. 3 is shown in a block diagram in FIG. 4, and the engagement relationship thereof will be explained based on the diagram. In the figure, 7 is a keyboard which is an input section, 8
3 shows a CRT used as a display section, which is the same as that described above in FIG. Further, as described in FIG. 3, the power section 6 is equipped with three types of motors as drive sources, and these motors are 6X, 6y, and 6 in FIG.
It is S. In FIG. 4, 10 is a central processing unit (hereinafter simply CP) that controls this control system.
11 is a read-only memory (hereinafter simply referred to as ROM) in which a series of control procedures to be executed by the CPU 10 is stored in advance as a program; 12 is a CPU 10;
This is a random access memory (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM) that temporarily stores the results of various calculations performed. These CPU10. The ROM1 L RAMI 2 constitutes the main part of the control means 9 of this system. 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a pattern ROM, which stores in advance a plurality of types of patterns selected by input signals from a keyboard 7, which is an input section. In this example, the basic ROM 13a serves as a first storage section that stores geometric patterns set by straight lines and curved lines, and character patterns as a second storage section that stores alphabetic characters such as block letters, Gothic letters, and flower letters. R.O.
M13b, a chip select 14 is provided to increase the memory area, and a character pattern RO
M uses a plurality of ROM chips. 15 is a keyboard interface with keyboard 7 and CPtJl
It enables information transmission between 16 is C
The RT controller transfers the contents read into the video RAM 17 based on the information from the CPU 10 to the CPU 10.
The information is displayed on the CRT 8 as appropriate in response to instructions from the computer.

18 is an x-y motor controller that operates the X motor 6X or the y motor 6y in forward or reverse direction as appropriate in response to commands from the CPU 10 to move the fabric holding section 2 (not shown); 19 is also a C controller;
This is a sewing motor controller that drives a sewing motor 6S in response to a command from PtJlo to move a sewing needle 1' (not shown) up and down.

The overall configuration of this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 while describing the relationships thereof. Next, each of the above components will be explained in detail.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the keyboard 7 which is an input section. In the figure, 7a is a group of function keys that determines the mode of data input from the keyboard 7, 7b is a group of selection keys that are made of a known arrangement of alphanumeric characters and makes various selections, and 7C is a group of keys that make it easy to enter numbers. The provided numeric keypad 7d is provided for the practical convenience of this system, and as shown in the figure, it is a group of operation keys whose arrows schematically represent the execution of the system by manual operation of the keys. The light-emitting diode 7e is turned on and off to visually indicate permission to input the operation key group 7d, thereby improving the operability. 7 is a connector that transmits information to a control means 9 (not shown).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the display screen of the CRT8.

As shown in the figure, in this example, the screen is divided into two, with a function display section 8a that displays each function of this system on the left side of the screen, and a function display section 8a that displays each function of this system on the left side of the screen, and a function display section 8a that displays each function of this system on the left side of the screen. A pattern display section 8b that visually displays the pattern
and. , 8C is a function key group 7 of the keyboard 7 to display various functions displayed on the function display section 8a.
When selected using a, this cursor is displayed as shown at the beginning of the character representing the selected function, and is provided to improve operability.

In this example, the pattern display section 8b is configured to be able to display a matrix of a predetermined number of dots in advance, and points on the matrix calculated through various procedures as described later emit light, and a set of the points is displayed. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the pattern he or she has created.

FIG. 7 shows the storage system in the character pattern ROM 13b which stores the patterns of this system.

The alphabetic character rAJ is given as an example.

As shown in the figure, in this example, the first
One pattern is stored as a set of a plurality of points based on the point CO corresponding to the reference point. Here, the reference point CO
is the midpoint of the pattern height H and pattern width W,
That is, it is set at the center of the pattern. Then, sewing points 1S, 2S, 3S, . . . are illustrated based on the reference point CO.
12S is determined, and a plurality of columns (
A pattern having one width is defined as a set of (■, ■, ■) in FIG.

The procedure for actually forming stitches on a cloth by controlling the sewing machine 1 and the power unit 6 using a pattern that is regarded as a collection of columns is performed as follows.

First, due to its nature, each column has two types: one where the sewing points and other sewing points are surrounded by straight lines as shown in Figure 8, and the other where each sewing point is surrounded by curved lines as shown in Figure 9. They can be broadly classified into types. This shows that the present system can reliably and accurately sew patterns no matter how these two types of columns are moved by the operator.

In Figure 8, the distance from the reference point CQ is expressed using rectangular coordinates (
X1. V 1) (X 2 , V 2 )
This is a column defined by sewing points 1S, 2S, 3S, and 4S represented by (X 3 , V3) (X4./4).

In order to sew this column as shown in the figure, the sewing point movement distance Δx1. Δy1 and Δx2. It can be seen that it is sufficient to calculate Δy2. This sewing point movement distance Δx1. Δy1 and Δx2. The procedure for calculating Δy2 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10. This is a procedure that is always executed by the CPU 10 when sewing this type of column. First, in the CPU 10, 4
Two points (x1.yl) (X2.yl) ~ (x4.y4)
If it is determined that the column consists of
is executed, and the side of the column (×1.yl), (×2°Vz) and (X
3, V 3 ) and (X4.V4) are found.

Next, in step 102, the result (Xm1, ym
l) TokuXllI2. yml) to calculate the column average length. Then, in the following step 103,
The number of pitches P (number of times /
cm) and the average length of the columns, four values of the desired sewing point movement path@(8X1.Δy1), ΔX2, and Δy2 are calculated. By doing the above, the operator can obtain a uniform stitch pattern with a desired number of pitches.

Next, the case of the curved column shown in FIG. 9 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. This type of column is different from the rectangular column shown in Figure 8, and as shown in Figure 9, (xl, yl) (X2.Vz)... (x
, y>. Therefore, as described above, when the CPU 10 determines that the column to be processed is a column consisting of five points, it executes step 201 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step 201, first, the sewing point (X 1. V 1),
(X 2 , V 2 ) and (X4.V4), (x,
The midpoint of the two line segments consisting of y) (xma, Vm3),
Find (xma, Vm4). Next step 20
2, the two midpoints and sewing point (x 3 ,
Calculate the equation of one circle passing through the three points with y 3 ),
The center point (xc, yc) of the circle and its radius r are calculated.

In the following step 203, a circle of half-time r centered on (xc, yc) and points (xma, Villa), (Xm
4. The following two quantities are calculated based on Vm4). first,
The angle α between the line segments (xc, yc), (xma, Vm3> and the line segments (XC, VC>, (Xm4*Vm4)), and the second arc of a circle with radius r created by the angle α The length is Lα.

Then, in the next step 204, the arc length L
When sewing α at a predetermined number of pitches, each stitch is centered (xc,
yc)・The angle Δαn of the arc made with respect to the circle with radius r is calculated, and in the subsequent step 205, the angle Δαn and the radius r
Based on the above (xlla, Villa >,
Virtual sewing point (xdn, Vdn) on the arc created by (x 3 , y 3 ), (xm4, ym4)
(However, n=1.2, . . . ) is calculated.

In step 206, based on the virtual sewing points obtained up to step 205, (×1°vl), (×
2. y2), ..., (X, V), the center (XC, yC
) angles αO and αe between the radial direction of the circle and the column are calculated, and then the angle difference between αO and αe is αS=α〇−
αe is determined, and αn (where n=1.2.
3,...) are calculated. And next step 207
The actual sewing points (xon, yon), (xin,
The difference Δrn between the tacking point (xdn, ydn) and the basting point (xdn, ydn) is calculated.

In the following step 208, based on Δrn and Δαn1αn, the known xdn and ydn are set as the origin (xon.

yon) is calculated.

In step 209, (xin, yin) is similarly calculated based on (xon, yon >
yOn ) (where n=1.2.3, . . . ) is required.

The above is a detailed explanation of the storage method of the pattern stored in the character pattern ROM 13b of this system and the method of calculating the point at which the sewing needle 1' sews the fabric based on the stored information. The same is true when visually displaying. That is, as mentioned above, CR
The pattern display section 8b of T8 has a matrix represented by a set of many regularly arranged points, and the points on the matrix corresponding to the sewing points shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are displayed in advance. By using it as a light point and visually displaying it,
A two-dimensional pattern almost identical to the pattern formed on the cloth by the control means 9 of this system is displayed on the CRTB. In this example, we will calculate the formula for the straight line passing through each sewing point found in accordance with the procedure described above, and we will create a pattern that is almost the same as the stitch pattern actually created by sewing needle 1' using thread. CR
It is configured as shown on T8.

(Operation of Embodiment) Next, the operational relationship between the constituent elements of the embodiment detailed above will be described.

FIG. 12 shows the main flowchart of the control procedure of this system. In the figure, step 301 is an initial setting routine, and RAM 1 is used for various controls to be performed below.
2 and video RAM 17 and CRT controller 16, x
- Clear and initialize various controllers such as the y motor controller 18 and the sewing motor controller 19.

In the next step 302, the main processing means is started, and the CRT indicates that control corresponding to subsequent operations is possible.
This is a display routine to notify the operator through 8, and the display contents on the CRTa are already shown in the function display section 8a shown in FIG.

The following steps 303 to 312 are selection steps for selecting various functional routines, and are configured to continue to receive input from the operator as shown. In order to inform the operator of the functions of the selectable routines, the beginning of the character displayed on the function display section 8a on the CRTa is indicated by the function key group 7a of the keyboard 7 shown in FIG. The cursor 8C shown in FIG. 6 is displayed only at the location where the selection is input, so that the operator can always recognize the operating status of the system.

The various functional routines selected by each step will be explained below.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the "zero point adjustment" routine selected in step 303 in FIG. This routine is a routine that defines the relative position between the pattern created on the CRTa and the sewing needle 1'.

First, when the function key "fl" on the keyboard 7 is operated, step 303 in FIG. 12 is executed, and the selection routine up to that point (steps 303 to 31
2) is selected and step 401 is executed. Step 401 is a step in which the cursor is displayed at the beginning of rZeroJ on the CRT 8, and the operator is informed that the system execution has shifted to this routine. Following step 402
is a step to ask the operator whether to perform "zero point adjustment" automatically or manually.
M? Display J. The following step 403 is a step with keyboard input, and when the operator operates any key, the process moves to step 404.

In step 404, it is determined whether the character input in step 403 is "A" or not. If rAJ, the process proceeds to step 405, and if not rAJ, the process proceeds to 406. Step 406
is a step in which it is determined whether or not the character input in the previous step 403 is rMJ. If it is not "M", the process returns to step 402 and prompts to input rAJ or rMJ again.

Step 405 is a step executed when the input is rAJ as described above, and a command is issued to the X motor and the Y motor of the drive unit 6, and the sewing machine table 5 shown in FIG. Move the embroidery work 2' according to the conditions. This makes it easy for the operator to attach the fabric to the embroidery work 2'. In the next step 407, when the "sewing" function described later is executed, the embroidery material 2' moved to a predetermined corner of the sewing machine table 5 in step 405 is moved to the sewing needle 1', which is the stitch forming means 1. Data NX and Ny of the movement coordinates necessary to move the object to the position directly below are stored in variables Xs and Ys.

In step 408, the operator input in step 403 is
In the step executed during MJ, variables (XS,
Since there is no need to set YS) (Xs, Ys)
= (0, 0>) and the process moves to step 409.

Step 409 is a step executed when (XS, YS) is set in step 407 or step 408, and the cursor, rA, M ? Erase the letter J. Then, as shown, the process returns to the main routine 11 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14(A) shows a flowchart of the "reference display" routine selected at step 304 in FIG. This routine is expressed by l"Ba5eJ displayed on the CRTa, and displays a reference geometric pattern on the pattern display section 8b to help the operator create a pattern by a collection of patterns. In step 501, this routine presses the function key "f2".
rBas on CRT8 to indicate that it has been selected by
Step of displaying the cursor to the beginning of "e".

In step 502, the number input in this routine is CR.
This is a normalization step in which the control system is set to perform processing using a rectangular coordinate system having the origin at the center of the pattern display section 8b of T8, and is intended for the convenience of the operator. That is, the pattern display section 8b of the CRT 8 is subdivided into a matrix of m rows and n columns, as shown in FIG. 14(B), and the pattern is displayed by the light emission of each element of the matrix. However, since it becomes a troublesome task for the operator to specify each element of the matrix, the rectangular coordinates with the center of the pattern display section 8b as the new origin shown at point 0 in FIG. 14(B) The operator only needs to recognize this and perform subsequent operations.

Therefore, the element on the matrix at point 0 is (no.

If no > (= (x, V ) = (0, 0 >), then the operator's coordinates of a certain point P are (X, V) = (6°3
) is input, the control system set by this normalization step is the point (n.

+5. The elements of the matrix represented by mo-3) are caused to emit light.

The next step 503 is to use the chip select 14 to select the basic ROM 13a that stores basic graphic formulas for drawing various geometric patterns, as described above, and to
Connected to this system centered on Ul0, and thereafter the ROM
13a.

The following steps 504 to 509 are the basic ROM 13
This is a step group for inputting which formula to select from among the basic figure formulas stored in a. ing. When any one of these step groups is selected, a program corresponding to the selection in the reference ROM 13a is executed.

For example, when talking about a "yen", its basic formula is (x
-A> 2+(y -8) 2=R is selected in step 510, and in the subsequent step 511, the necessary data in the basic formula, such as the size of the figure (radius R) and the position of the figure (
Center of the circle (A.

B)), etc. are requested from the operator.

In step 512, a figure specified by the operator is calculated from the basic formula and necessary data obtained up to step 511, and the calculation result is normalized in step 513.
Video RAM 17 as information indicating the elements of the matrix
is stored in In the next step 514, the CRT controller 16 causes the points of the matrix prepared in advance on the CRTa to emit light according to the data values stored in the video RAM 17 as described above, and this series of operations is completed, and as shown in FIG. Return to step 13 shown in A) and repeat step 5.
The process returns to the state of waiting for the selection from step 04 to step 509.

The case of "circle" has been described in detail above, but other basic shapes can also be converted to CRT using the same procedure as described above.
It can be displayed on a. It is clear that other graphics can be achieved as described above using known computer graphics techniques.

As mentioned above, this routine can be executed recursively, so two or more shapes can be CR
It is also possible to display it on the TB. FIG. 15 (A> is a diagram showing a state in which the size of the embroidery work 2' is schematically displayed as a circle C, and then an involute curve is displayed inside the circle C. In this way, the creator of the pattern can The creation can always be done within the size of the embroidery cloth 2'.

When the desired geometric figure has been displayed on the CRTa in this way, the operator executes step 509 by operating the rENDJ key, and the bale can be removed from the selection step group of steps 504 to 509. A subsequent step 515 is executed. In step 515, the cursor displayed in step 501 is erased,
Return to main routine 11 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the "@body selection" routine executed by the selection in step 305 shown in FIG.

Step 601 is similar to the various routines described above.
In this case, the cursor is displayed at the top of "Sty+e".

Step 602 is a step of waiting for an input signal from the keyboard 7, and when some input is executed by the operator, the process moves to the next selection steps of steps 603 to 606.

This selection step determines whether the information input from the keyboard 7 in step 602 is one of the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 4, and if any other information is input, step 602 is executed again. , and so on. Stella 4 Pro 03 ~ Step 606 with numbers 1.2.3
．． If it is selectively determined that any one of the inputs in step 4 is performed by the operator, step 607 is executed next.

This step 607 is a step of selecting the character pattern ROM 13b, which is composed of a plurality of ROMs as described above, and electrically connecting it to the control system centered on one ROMeCPUlo among them. Control is executed using stored data. In this example, the selection of the plurality of ROMs 13 is performed using the chip select 14, but the same effect can be achieved even if the selection is performed completely by software. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 16, in this example, character pattern ROM 13b is selected from four ROMs.
@ta has been created, but this is character pattern ROM13
The structure of part b is a cartridge type, and is configured so that a set of commonly used character fonts can be stored in one cartridge, increasing the flexibility of the system.

The following step 608 is a step of erasing the cursor displayed in step 601, and once the operator is informed that the processing of this routine has been completed, the process returns to step 11 of the main routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the "pitch number setting" routine. This routine is selected at step 306 in FIG. 12, and is executed by pressing the function key f4 on the keyboard 7.

Step 701 is a step that performs the same operation as each routine described above, and its operation will be omitted. The next step 702 is a step of waiting for keyboard input, and if there is any input, the process moves to step 703.

Step 703 is a step of determining whether or not the input in step 702 is a numerical input that is within a predetermined pitch number (number of times/cm) setting range, and if it is within the range, step 704 is executed. However, if it is outside the range, it is determined that the operation has been erroneous, and the process returns to step 702 to wait for re-input.

Step 704 is a step executed when it is determined that the input is legitimate, and sets the numerical data input in step 702 to variable P.

The processing after step 705 is the same as the processing shown in step 608 described above, so the explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the "character selection" routine selected in step 307 of FIG. 12.

Step 801 is the step 401.501.6 described above.
Since it is the same as 01.701, the explanation will be omitted. Next, step 802 is a step of waiting for keyboard input.
Suspends execution until some input is received.

The following step 803 is an input information determination step, in which it is determined whether the input from the keyboard 7 is an input from the selection key group 7b. If the input is from the selection key group 7b, the execution moves to step 804.

Step 804 is a step of converting the input through the selection key group 7b into an "address code" based on a predetermined conversion code. 1 address code" means the characters (
(see FIG. 7), and the character pattern ROM 13b is stored in one RO selected by the "font selection" routine shown in FIG. 16.
It is M. This allows the operator to select a desired pattern.

In the subsequent step 805, data indicating the selected pattern, that is, the character pattern ROM 13
CPUl0 reads the desired data in b, and stores it in RAM1.
2 in a predetermined area.

Step 806 is a step in which variable N is incremented. This variable N is initially set to "0" in the initial setting routine of the main routine in FIG.

The next step 807 is step 8 using the above variable N.
This is a step of ranking the pattern data stored in a predetermined area in step 05, so that in subsequent operations, the operator can specify the selected pattern data to the control system by simply specifying the ranking. becomes possible.

Step 808 is a display step on CTRT8. In this step, the selected pattern is
It is displayed on a. As already described in detail, this processing method calculates the pattern data written in the RAM 12 in step 805 in accordance with the procedure explained in FIGS. 8 to 11, and determines each sewing point of the pattern. next,
The data of each determined sewing point position is normalized with the center of the pattern display section 8b of the CRT 8 as the origin of the X-axis and y-axis, and is input into the video RAM 17. As an example, when the screen of the CRT8 is in the state shown in FIG. 15(A) and the character rAJ is selected by the operator, as is clear from the diagram shown in FIG. 15(B), in this example, the center of each pattern is is stored as the center rcOJ of the pattern data, and since it is normalized in step 808 of this routine with the center of the pattern display section 8b of the CRT 8 as the center of the orthogonal coordinates, it is shown in the center of the screen of the CRT 8. It will be displayed as follows.

When the above-described processing in step 808 is completed, the execution returns to step 802. Here, if it is desired to select a large number of characters, select the characters using the selection key group 7b of the keyboard 7 as described above, and repeat the above series of operations.

In step 802, if a key other than the selection key group 7b is operated, step 803 is followed by step 809.
is executed.

In step 809, if the key operated in step 802 is rENDJ, the process proceeds to step 810; if it is any other key, it is determined that the key has been operated, and the process returns to step 802 again.

Step 810 is a step in which the rENDJ key is operated and the cursor sign displayed in step 80 during execution of this routine is erased. After execution of this step, the operation returns to step 11 of the main routine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the "character size" routine selected at step 308 shown in FIG.

Step 901 is the aforementioned step 401.501,...
- In the cursor display step indicating that this routine has been selected, similar to step 801, a cursor is displayed at the beginning of rExpanJ already displayed on the CRTS.

The next step 902 is a step of waiting for a keyboard operation to input the size of the pattern. In this example, the pattern whose size has been determined in advance (see FIG. 7) can be enlarged or reduced within a predetermined range. The desired numerical value is input using the numeric keypad 7C of the keyboard 7, and the process proceeds to step 903.

In step 903, it is determined whether the input numerical data is within a settable range. If it is outside the range, the process returns to step 901 to prompt the operator to re-enter the data; if it is within the appropriate range, the process returns to step 901. The next step 904 is executed.

Step 904 changes the numerical data input as above! This is the step of storing it as aK.

Once the magnification of the pattern has been determined through the operations up to this point, in step 905, the pattern to be enlarged or reduced by the magnification rKJ is input using the keyboard 7. At this time,
The pattern is specified in advance from the character pattern ROM 13b to the RAM by the "E character selection" routine shown in FIG.
The method for specifying the patterns is limited to the patterns stored in 12, and the method of specifying them is also executed according to the order r N J specified for each pattern in the "character selection" routine. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 15(B), the following is performed by inputting the rank given to the character rAJ: rNJ=rlJ.

In step 906, it is determined whether the input numerical data is within the numerical value currently held by the variable N. If a number larger than rNJ is input, etc., the process returns to step 905, and an opportunity for re-input is given. If the input is within N, the process moves to step 907.

Step 907 reads out the data indicating the coordinate positions of sewing points stored in the pattern storage area ranked by the numerical value rNJ in the RAM 12, and selects the X coordinate value, y
The coordinate value is also the value rK set in the variable in step 904.
Multiply by J and temporarily store the value in another area in the RAM 12. As a result, the rank rNJ in RAM12
The pattern data is multiplied by rKJ around CO, which is the reference point of the pattern data.

In step 908, this rKJ-raised rank rNJ
The pattern data is displayed on the CRT8.

Since this routine simply multiplies the sewing point data by rKJ, the display on the CRTa is centered around the first reference point CO of the pattern data of rank rNJ. Therefore, if the letter "A" is displayed as shown in Figure 15 (B) and it is doubled, it will be enlarged around the reference point CO as shown in Figure 15 (C). .

The next step 909 is a confirmation step in which the operator visually judges the pattern enlarged and displayed on the CRT, judges whether it matches his or her preference, and waits for input.

Step 910 judges the data inputted by the operator in step 909, and if the operator inputs that the operator does not like it, returns to step 902, repeats the series of steps described above, and corrects the data input by the operator. I will continue until I get Mr. FA. If the operator inputs that he/she likes the displayed pattern (enlarged pattern), the process moves to step 912.

Step 911 is a step for rearranging the data.
The data stored in step 907 multiplied by rKJ is
The data is stored in the pattern storage area assigned the rank rNJ in the RAM 12 and is stored again at the data address of each sewing point. Then, the data that has been multiplied by rKJ and temporarily stored is deleted because it is no longer needed.

This makes effective use of the storage capacity of the RAM 12.

The following step 912 is a step for inputting whether or not there is a pattern to be enlarged or reduced using this routine.In the next step 913, the input is determined, and other uses of this routine are also input. If the required pattern exists, the process moves to step 902 and the above steps are performed again, and if not, step 914 is executed and the end of the execution of this step is displayed to the operator in step 901. The displayed cursor is erased and the process returns to point 11 of the main routine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the "character movement" routine, which is selected in step 309 of the main routine.

This routine moves the pattern in parallel.
It has the ability to be called "[) 1place j" on a.

Step 1001 is display 1[) ispl on CRTa.
This is to display a cursor at the beginning of ace J to notify the operator that the control system has entered the execution state of this routine.

Step 1002 is a step for inputting the rank "N" given to the pattern to be moved using this routine, and in the next step 1003 it is determined whether or not the input is correct, and it is set in the current control system. If a number larger than the current rank rNJ is entered or if no number is entered, the process returns to step 1002 and the correct entry is prompted. If the correct rank "N" has been input, the process moves to step 1004.

In step 1004, the data of point 00, which is the reference for each sewing point of the pattern, is loaded from the RAM 12 in which the pattern data of the input order rNJ is stored. The data of the 00 point of each pattern is the coordinate value (XCO) in the orthogonal coordinates virtualized on the above-mentioned CRTa.

yco). Therefore, the 00 just displayed on the CRT by the "character selection" routine shown in FIG.
The point data is (0, O), and as shown in FIG. 15 (B) or (C), a pattern is displayed centered on the 0 point of the pattern display section 8b.

The next step 1005 is a step of lighting up the light emitting diode 7e to indicate to the operator that the operation key group 7d provided on the keyboard 7 is now ready for operation input, as described above. In the case of this routine, only parallel movement of the pattern is possible, so
Only the light emitting diode provided at the center of the directional arrow lights up, and key operations of the arrows indicating the four directions (up, down, left, and right) become effective from now on.

Step 'I 006 is a step in the waiting state for keyboard input, and if there is any input, the next step 1007
is executed.

Step '1007 is a step in which it is determined whether or not the input is made using the four arrow keys (operation keys). If the input is made using the arrow keys, the process proceeds to step 1008; if the input is made manually using other keys, the process proceeds to step 1013.

In step 1013, it is determined whether the key input is by the END key or not. If the input key is input by a key other than the END key, it is determined that it is an input error on the part of the operator, and the process proceeds to step '1002. Step 1014
Move to.

In step 1014, the cursor displayed in step 1001 is erased and the light emitting diode turned on in step 1005 is turned off in order to indicate to the operator that the execution of this routine has been completed, and the process returns to 11 of the main routine.

Step 't008 is a step executed when an input is made using the arrow keys as described above, and step 10
03, the contents of the video RAM 17 corresponding to the input pattern order "N" are cleared. That is, video RAM
Based on the contents of 'l7, the CRT controller 16
Since the image is displayed on the RTS, the pattern with pattern order rNJ is deleted from the CRTa.

Next, step 1009 is executed, and the value of the reference point CQ of the pattern is updated in accordance with the input of the arrow keys. If this is the "←" key, this is the negative direction of the X coordinate in the coordinate system shown in Figure 14 (B) (XCO-EX,
yco >, "→" key (xco +Ex,
yco >, "↑" key (xco, yco
+EV), [↓] key (xco, yco-
Ey) (where EX and Ey are arbitrary constants) is performed by simple addition and subtraction, and the process moves to the next step 1010.

Step 1010 performs the following two operations. First, R.A.
Store the new coordinate position of point 00 in M12. Next, all sewing points are calculated according to the calculation procedure shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

In the following step 1011, the calculated data is CR
Normalized to suit display on Ta, video RAM1
Memorize to 7.

Step 1012 controls the CRT controller 16 based on the stored data to display a pattern whose coordinates have been moved by EX or EV on the CRT 8.
Return to 006.

Therefore, steps 1006 to 1012 will be executed again, and as long as the operator operates the arrow keys, the v
It becomes possible to perform parallel movement by iEX or Ey.

In this embodiment, as described above, the parallel movement of the pattern was explained as a step-type movement of a fixed number of steps, but the operator can directly change the coordinate position (x co, y c
o) may be specified, and in this case, it is understood that the 00 point in step 1009 of this routine may be directly set.

Furthermore, when displaying on the CRTa, in this example, the coordinates of each sewing point are calculated each time in order to use the memory area effectively, but in relation to the processing capacity of the CPU 10 and the memory area, it is determined that the Parallel movement of the pattern can also be achieved by storing the converted information in a separate area and adding or subtracting a certain number to all of this data. This method increases the processing speed, but requires a larger memory area, so it may be selected as appropriate depending on the system capacity.

FIG. 21 (A> is a flowchart showing the "character rotation" routine, which is selected in step 310 of the main routine.

Step 1101 is an abbreviation for this routine, and lights up the cursor to the beginning of rRotatJ displayed on the CRTS to notify the operator that the control system has shifted to processing of this routine.

The following step 1102 is a step of waiting for input from the keyboard, and if any input is made by the operator, the process moves to the next step 1103.

In step 1103, it is determined whether the input from the keyboard is an input indicating the rank "N" attached to the pattern shown in FIG. 18, and if the input is other than the rank "N", step 1102 is executed again. Then, the process returns to step 1102. If it is determined that the input indicates the rank rNJ, the next step 1104 is executed, and the light emitting diode 7e shown in FIG. 5 is turned on. In this case, since only a group of operation keys for rotating the pattern is instructed, only the light emitting diodes indicating the pair of arrow keys at the upper right of FIG. 5 are lit. The following step 1105 is a step of waiting for an input from the keyboard, and when an input from an operation key or the like is made, the process moves to step 1106.

Step 1106 is a step in which it is determined whether or not the input is made using the operation keys (arrow keys). If the input is performed manually using the operation keys, the process proceeds to step 1109; if the input is performed manually using any other key, the process proceeds to step 1107.

Step 1107 is a step for determining whether or not to end the processing of this routine. If the key operated in step 1105 is the rENDj key, step 1108 is executed, and the cursor displayed in step 1]0] and step 1104 are
Turn off the lit light emitting diode and return to point 11 of the main routine. If any other key operation is performed, it is determined that the operator has made an erroneous input, and the process returns to step 1102.

Step 1109 is a step executed manually with the operating keys as described above, and the pattern of rank rNJ inputted in step 1102 is erased from the CRTs.

That is, the data obtained by normalizing the pattern data in the RAM 12 assigned the rank rNJ and stored in the video RAM 17 is cleared.

In the next step 1110, the rank "N" in the RAM 12 is determined according to the operation of a pair of operation keys "(" key or ")" key.
The sewing point data in the pattern data marked with " is updated based on the reference point CO. For example, in the operation using the t key, the coordinates fa (XS, ys) of each sewing point are
As shown in Figure (B), the coordinate (xs') is rotated counterclockwise by an angle "θ".

ys'>, when operating with the ")" key, the coordinates (XSD,
vS'').At this time, the angle ``θ''
is a constant predetermined in the system.

Step 1111 is a step of normalizing the pattern data of the updated rank rNJ for display on the CRTa, and storing the normalized data in the video RAM 17.
The data stored in the CRT controller 17 is displayed on the CRTa.

As described above, since steps 1104 to 1112 are executed continuously, the operator can continue to rotate the pattern by a predetermined angle "θ" by continuing to press the operation key ")" or "(". RAM for each rotation
The pattern data in 12 has been updated to the data of the weir break.

FIG. 22 (A>) shows a flowchart of the "sewing" routine selected in step 311 of the main routine shown in FIG. 12. By executing this routine, the operator can A pattern composed of freely created patterns can be formed on the fabric in the portion 8b.

Step 1201 is to notify the operator that the restraint system has shifted to execution of this routine.
Steps to display the cursor at the beginning of chJ.

Step 1202 executes this routine and inputs the order of the patterns to be sewn onto the fabric by the stitch forming means 1 when there are multiple patterns to be sewn (rank rNJ is 1 or more). Before starting to sew the pattern, move the sewing needle 1' up and down to determine whether or not it is necessary to sew a point unrelated to the pattern (hereinafter simply referred to as an idle point), and the coordinate values of that idle point (xa, ya), the operator enters the coordinate value of the play point (the 14th
The values of rectangular coordinates virtually set on the CRTB shown in Figure (B)) and the timing to sew the loose points are input. That is, the English letters rBJ, rAJ, and "
When sewing the three letters "C" as a pattern as shown in the diagram, the sewing start point B[ of the English letter rBJ, the sewing end point BΩ, the sewing start point Af of the English letter rAJ, the sewing end point AΩ, Consider the point Cf at the beginning of sewing and the point CQ at the end of sewing of the English letter rCJ. In such a case, when sewing the English letter rAJ after sewing the English letter rBJ, the thread embroidered on the fabric by the sewing needle 1' will extend between the line segments BQAf as shown in the figure. Similarly, the English letter rA
When transitioning from J to rCJ, it will exist on line segment AQCf.

However, even though the thread between line segment BQAf has no effect on the embroidery of the three English letters, line segment A
When embroidering the English letter "C", the thread between QCf becomes the underlay of the thread forming the English letter, and it becomes almost impossible to remove the underlay thread after the embroidery operation is completed.

Therefore, the operator must either change the sewing order of each pattern or temporarily stop the operation of the sewing machine 1 and cut the thread in advance for each pattern.

Therefore, as mentioned above, play points are provided.

In the case of FIG. 22(B), this is the point Q in the figure. After sewing the English letter rAJ, the stitch forming means 1 next sews the Q point and then embroiders the English letter "C".

Similarly, in step 1202, for example with respect to FIG. 22(B), the sewing order is rBJ, "A", Q.
point, input as "C", and coordinate values of point Q (xa, y
Enter a).

In the following step 1203, the order (variable ■) determined in step 1202 is initialized to 1.

The next step 1204 is a step to determine whether the first thing to be sewn in the order is a pattern or a play point. If it is a play point, the process jumps through the two steps of steps 1205 and 1206 and moves to step 1207. The process moves to step 1205.

Step 1205 loads the RAM 12 storing the pattern specified in order I, and reads the coordinate value data of the sewing point and reference point CO of the pattern.

Then, in step 1206, the pattern is subdivided into columns based on the read data, and all sewing points are calculated as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

Step 1207 is a zero point movement step in which output is output to the X motor 6X and Y motor 6y, which are drive units, to match the relative position of the sewing needle 1' with a point on the cloth serving as a reference for embroidery. First, the zero point data (XS,
YS) to the drive section 6. In this embodiment, there are two modes for zero point adjustment: "manual" and "automatic", and in the "manual" mode, the contents of (XS, YS) are "
0", the output to the X motor ex and y motor 6y is not performed. In the "auto" mode, the
) are NX, NY (output data to the X motor 6X and Y motor 6y for moving the center of the embroidery weave 2' in the corner of the sewing machine table 5 to just below the sewing needle 1'), and the embroidery The sewage 2' is automatically moved directly below the sewing needle 1'. Next, if the data in the order I that is currently being executed is pattern data, the coordinates of the reference point CO of the pattern data (
xco, yco), and if it is play point data, the X motor 6x is set based on its coordinate values (xa, ya).
, to the y motor 6y to determine the relative position between the sewing needle 1' and the fabric, and then proceed to the next step 1208.

Step 1208 is a step of returning the zero point data (XS, YS) to the initial setting state. If the sewing order I is 2 or more, the zero point data (XS, YS) is returned to the initial state in order to sew with the same point as the data in order 1 as the zero point.

The following step 1209 is the step of actually forming stitches on the fabric. That is, if the data in order I is pattern data, the fabric holding means 2 is moved by driving the X motor 6 Then, send a command to the sewing motor 6S to move the sewing needle 1.
' by moving it up and down to sew at a predetermined point.

The next step 1210 is a step of incrementing the sewing order I, in which the current value of variable at is increased by "1" and the process moves to step 1211.

Step 1211 is a step for determining whether or not the order ■ has been executed for all pattern data and play point data, and calculates I>(N + number of play points). If true, proceed to step 1212 and end this routine. To indicate this, erase the cursor displayed in step 1201 and return to step 11 of the main routine.
The process returns to step 204 and the same operations are repeated.

In this example, the coordinates of the play point are input using the keyboard 7.
Although the case has been described in which the light pen is used, it is also possible to use a known light pen to further improve the functionality of this system. In this case, the coordinates (
xa, ya> and the sewing points immediately before and after sewing the idle points (xa, ya) (in Fig. 22 (B), the points AΩ and C
By pointing at point f) using the light pen, this system determines which pattern should be sewn when sewing the play point, and how to sew the same pattern after finishing sewing the play point. It is possible to decide whether to start.

(Effects of Example) The configuration and operation of the example have been described in detail above.
According to this embodiment, the two-dimensional pattern visually displayed on the CRTa is based on patterns that have been aesthetically processed in advance, and is created by combining the patterns. Moreover, since the pattern can freely change its expression position, size display angle, etc., the operator can easily visually display a desired pattern based on his/her own creation on the CRTB. The pattern displayed on the CRT is appropriately judged by the control means 9, and by controlling the sewing machine 1 and the power section 6, a pattern with almost identical stitches is automatically formed on the desired cloth. Therefore, the operator can easily input the pattern he or she has created into the control system without having to perform complicated code conversion, and after the control system completes a series of operations in response to the input, the pattern is formed on the fabric. It is possible to recognize the pattern on the CRTa in advance.

Moreover, if you use the reference display function when creating the 01, it is easy to orderly arrange the positional relationship of the patterns that can be changed freely in the desired geometric shape.
The extremely aesthetic embroidery pattern shown in the figure can be created quickly and reliably. In addition, if you use the standard display function to display in advance the allowable range when creating an embroidery pattern, such as the size of the embroidery weave 2' (see Figure 15 (A>)), you can accurately determine the size of the embroidery pattern. Therefore, collision accidents between the sewing needle 1' and the embroidery sewage 2' can be prevented.

Also, based on the geometric pattern displayed on the CRTB using the geometric pattern data stored in the reference ROM 13a,
When displaying a pattern in the character pattern ROM 13b on the CR plate 8, by calculating the curvature of the area on the geometric pattern where the pattern is displayed and imagining the tangent line, the pattern can be displayed according to the curvature, e.g. Additional functions such as determining the rotation angle so that the pattern is placed on a tangent line, and the first
Providing each subroutine in the main routine shown in FIG. 2 with an editing function such as a nibbutter function can be easily performed using known computer graphics techniques. Even in such a case, the technology described in this example is not subject to any changes, and it is possible to accurately
It is possible to form almost the same pattern on the fabric as that displayed on a.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, the embroidery sewing machine according to the present invention can display a desired geometric figure on the two-dimensional display screen, and can move the pattern while visually referring to this figure. It can be carried out. Therefore, an extremely aesthetic embroidery pattern can be created easily and in a short time, and the embroidery pattern can be easily kept within a desired range.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a basic structural block diagram of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a structural block diagram of a conventional embroidery sewing machine, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment, Fig. 4 is a block diagram thereof, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional embroidery sewing machine. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the CRT, which is the display section; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the storage method in the character pattern ROM; FIG. is a schematic diagram showing one column processing of a pattern, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another column processing of a pattern, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the column processing shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main routine of one embodiment, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the zero point adjustment routine, and FIG. 14 (A> is a flowchart of the reference display routine.
Figure 14 (B) is a schematic diagram showing virtual rectangular coordinates on CRTa, Figures 15 (A) to 15 (C) are schematic diagrams showing examples of display on CRTa, and Figure 16 is a font selection routine. Figure 17 is a flowchart of the pitch number setting routine.
Figure 8 is a flowchart of the character selection routine, Figure 19 is a flowchart of the character size routine, Figure 20 is a flowchart of the character movement routine, Figure 21 (A) is a flowchart of the character rotation routine,
Fig. 21 (B) is an explanatory diagram of character rotation, Fig. 22 (A> is a flowchart of a sewing routine, and Fig. 22 (B) is an explanatory diagram of a sewing routine. 1... Stitch forming means 2 ...Fabric holding means 3.4...Rail 6...Power unit 7...Keyboard 8...CRT 9...Control means 13a...Basic ROM

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A seam forming means for forming a seam on a cloth; a cloth holding means for holding the cloth; a driving means for changing the relative position of the cloth holding means and the seam forming means; a pattern storage means for storing a plurality of pattern data of embroidery patterns defined as a set of control data of the stitch forming means and the driving means; a selection means for sequentially selecting pattern data stored in the pattern storage means; An embroidery sewing machine comprising: a control means for controlling the stitch forming means and the driving means based on an embroidery pattern formed from pattern data sequentially selected by the means; A modifying means for modifying the embroidery pattern by changing at least the relative positional relationship of each pattern data on the pattern, and a stitch of the embroidery pattern formed on the fabric as a result of control by the control means on a two-dimensional display screen. An embroidery sewing machine comprising: a display control means for displaying a simulated figure; and a figure display means for displaying a desired geometric figure on a two-dimensional display screen of the display control means.