U.S. patent application number 11/860721 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for device and method for changing embroidery patterns.
This patent application is currently assigned to BERNINA INTERNATIONAL AG. Invention is credited to Gerard Durville, Boris Zickenberg.
Application Number | 20080114484 11/860721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39090709 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080114484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zickenberg; Boris ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CHANGING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS
Abstract
A method and the device for scaling or changing embroidery
patterns (1) for sewing machines that allows a quick calculation of
optimized stitching data. For one or more different change factors
q.sub.j, data sets d.sub.j with optimized stitching data
(x.sub.ji,y.sub.ji) are stored. A target data set z with stitching
data changed according to a given change value v is determined by
selecting one of the stored data sets d.sub.j and performing an
extrapolation or an interpolation with the associated stitching
data (x.sub.ji,y.sub.ji). For a pattern with several sub-patterns,
these sub-patterns can be changed individually and combined to form
a changed pattern.
Inventors: |
Zickenberg; Boris; (Aach,
DE) ; Durville; Gerard; (Gipf-Oberfrick, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
BERNINA INTERNATIONAL AG
Steckborn
CH
|
Family ID: |
39090709 |
Appl. No.: |
11/860721 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/138 ;
112/102.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05B 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/138 ;
112/102.5 |
International
Class: |
D05C 5/02 20060101
D05C005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 2006 |
CH |
01807/06 |
Claims
1. Method for changing an embroidery pattern (1) in sewing
machines, comprising: storing a first data set do, which represents
stitching data of the embroidery pattern (1) in an original
configuration, in a memory, and allocating a first change factor
q.sub.0 to the first data set d.sub.0, storing at least one other
change factor q.sub.1, as well as an associated additional data set
d.sub.1, in the memory, wherein the additional data set d.sub.1
comprises optimized stitching data of the embroidery pattern (1)
changed according to another change factor q.sub.1, providing a
change value v for changing the embroidery pattern (1), and
changing a target data set z with optimized stitching data of the
embroidery pattern (1) corresponding to the change value v.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein several change factors
q.sub.j and associated data sets d.sub.j with the corresponding
optimized stitching data are stored in the memory.
3. Method according to claim 2, wherein a difference of adjacent
change factors q.sub.j, q.sub.j-1 is less than 25%.
4. Method according to claim 2, further comprising determining the
change factor q.sub.j that is a closest or next larger or next
smaller value in terms of magnitude in comparison with the change
value v, and calculating the stitching data of the target data set
z based on the associated data set d.sub.j.
5. Method according to claim 2, further comprising determining the
change factors q.sub.j and q.sub.j-1 adjacent to the change value
v, and calculating the stitching data of the target data set z
corresponding to the change value v through interpolation of
corresponding stitching data from the data sets d.sub.j,
d.sub.j-1.
6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the embroidery pattern (1)
is a sub-pattern of a higher-order pattern with several
sub-patterns, and the method further comprises changing the
sub-patterns of the pattern individually with the same or different
change factors q.sub.i and combining them to form a changed
pattern.
7. Device for changing an embroidery pattern (1) for sewing
machines, comprising a memory in which a first data set d.sub.0,
which comprises the stitching data (x.sub.i,y.sub.i) of the
embroidery pattern (1) in an original construction allocated to a
change factor q.sub.0, is stored and can be accessed by a sewing
machine controller, at least one other data set d.sub.j with
optimized stitching data (x.sub.ji,y.sub.ji) changed according to a
change factor q.sub.j and the associated change factor q.sub.j are
stored or are storable in the memory.
8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the sewing machine
controller comprises a program memory with processing software and
a user interface for setting a change value v, and criteria for
comparing the change value v with the change factor or factors
q.sub.j are set in the processing software.
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the processing software is
constructed for calculating target data sets z through
extrapolation or interpolation of stitching data
(x.sub.ji,y.sub.ji) of additional data sets d.sub.j.
10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the embroidery pattern (1)
is a sub-pattern of a higher-order pattern with several
sub-patterns, and individual change factors q.sub.j and changed
stitching data (x.sub.ji,y.sub.ji) are stored in the memory for
each of the sub-patterns.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The subject matter of the invention is a device and a method
for changing embroidery patterns.
[0002] Modern sewing machines frequently include embroidery devices
with an embroidery hoop that can be coupled to the sewing machine.
For embroidering, the material to be sewn is set in tension in the
embroidery hoop. This can be displaced in the two directions of the
sewing plane by means of two independent drives. In the embroidery
mode, the embroidery hoop, controlled by the sewing machine
controller, is moved as a function of stored embroidery pattern
data to the next stitching point, where a corresponding embroidery
stitch is formed. The software controlling the movements of the
embroidery hoop and the needle bar of the sewing needle is usually
stored in a program memory of the sewing machine. The data for an
embroidery pattern can also be stored in an internal memory of the
sewing machine. Alternatively, the embroidery pattern data can also
be stored in an external memory, e.g., a USB stick, which can be
connected to the sewing machine.
[0003] There are many different formats for embroidery pattern
data, e.g., ".ART" or ".EXP". In principle, distinctions can be
made between vector-based and stitching data-based formats.
Stitching data-based formats are usually optimized for use on
certain sewing machine models. In contrast, vector-based formats
can be used universally, but require more complex data-processing
devices. Computer programs are known that allow the conversion of
embroidery pattern data from one format to the other. In addition,
computer programs, e.g., "ARTE Engine," are known, with which
embroidery patterns can be created and/or modified.
[0004] For enlarging and/or reducing embroidery patterns, it is
advantageous when the corresponding data is provided in a vector
format, e.g., ".ART". For changing the size of the embroidery
pattern up to approximately .+-.20% of the original size, it is
possible to change the stitch length (or their components into the
two directions of movement of the embroidery hoop) according to the
appropriate scaling, without significantly decreasing the quality
of the embroidered image. This type of modification to the
embroidery pattern is also designated as "resizing."
[0005] For scaling values greater than approximately 20% to 25% in
terms of magnitude, the stitches or the puncture points for the
embroidery pattern to be created must be recalculated, with the
number of puncture points usually increasing or decreasing, so that
the stitching density quality is changed to be within tolerable
limits. This type of modification to the embroidery pattern data is
also designated as "recalculation." For performing such a
recalculation process, CAD software, e.g., "ARTE Engine" is
necessary. Moreover, the embroidery pattern data must be provided
in a suitable vector format, e.g., ".ART". The recalculation of
embroidery pattern data is computationally intensive and requires a
computer with correspondingly high computing power. Therefore, in
conventional sewing machines without powerful CAD software,
sometimes alternative algorithms are used for the recalculation of
embroidery pattern data. This has the result, especially for
stitching data-based embroidery formats, e.g., ".EXP", that the
stitching density quality decreases for increasing sizes, and that
fillings in the embroidery pattern can be lost.
SUMMARY
[0006] Therefore the object of the present invention is to create a
device and a method for scaling embroidery patterns, with which
qualitatively good, new embroidery pattern data can be calculated
relatively quickly even for given scaling values above
approximately 120% and below approximately 80%.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to construct the device
and the method so that fillings of embroidery patterns are not lost
even for embroidery pattern-based formats.
[0008] These are met by a device and by a method according to the
invention.
[0009] With the method according to the invention and the device
according to the invention, an embroidery pattern can be scaled and
changed easily and quickly, without negatively affecting the
quality of the embroidery pattern. For this purpose, several data
sets are created, which represent the embroidery pattern with the
associated stitching data for different fixed or adjustable scaling
factors. (Because the invention can be applied not only to changes
in size with constant proportions, but generally to parameterizable
changes, from here on instead of the term "scale factor," the term
"change factor" will be used and instead of the term "scale value,"
the term "change value" will be used.) The stitching data of each
data set is optimized in terms of the stitching density quality.
The given change factors are preferably dimensioned so that the
enlargements or reductions of the embroidery pattern correspond to
steps of approximately 20% of the original size.
[0010] For enlarging or reducing an embroidery pattern, the user
can set or select the desired change value. The machine controller
determines the change factor lying closest to the desired change
factor with reference to this user input. With reference to the
given stitching data of the associated data set, the machine
controller calculates the actual stitching data for the desired
change value. Thus it is not necessary to recalculate the
arrangement of stitches for an embroidery pattern when a change in
size greater than approximately 20% of the original size is desired
for the embroidery pattern.
[0011] With the storage of embroidery pattern data according to the
invention, embroidery patterns can be scaled or changed quickly and
without additional software for calculating new stitching
arrangements directly by the sewing machine controller within a
large range. All possible filling patterns are preserved
independent of the change value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention will be described in more detail below. Shown
are
[0013] FIG. 1 a simple embroidery pattern in the original size,
[0014] FIG. 2a the embroidery pattern from FIG. 1 reduced by a
change value with stitch intervals reduced according to the change
value,
[0015] FIG. 2b the reduced embroidery pattern from FIG. 2a, but
with modified stitch intervals,
[0016] FIG. 3 a flow chart,
[0017] FIG. 4 a transformation of a rectangle into a circle,
[0018] FIG. 4a an embroidery pattern assembled from
sub-patterns,
[0019] FIG. 4b the embroidery pattern from FIG. 4a with
sub-patterns changed independently from each other.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows, in a coordinate system with the reference axes
x and y (these correspond to the independent displacement
directions of an embroidery hoop), an example embroidery pattern 1
in the original size. The term "embroidery pattern 1" comprises, in
connection with the present protective rights, a certain picture or
motif, to which is allocated a sequence of discrete stitching or
puncture points 3 according to the size and the desired stitching
density quality of the pattern. The embroidery pattern 1 can be
enlarged or reduced or scaled, wherein its form is preserved
through proportional size changes, but the number and arrangement
of the puncture points 3 can be adjusted.
[0021] The units of length of the coordinate system are represented
on the reference axes x and y by tick marks. For better
understanding, the embroidery pattern 1 is kept very simple. It
represents the outline of a bird's head. The eye and the beak are
filled with a simple filling pattern. The individual puncture
points 3 are represented as small circular rings. The sewing yarn 5
between these puncture points 3 is represented as solid lines.
[0022] The embroidery pattern 1 can be stored, e.g., by storing
coordinates (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) in the sequence of sewing stitches
to be formed for each cohesive object that can be formed by a
continuous sequence of sewing stitches. The index i here
corresponds to the number of relevant sewing stitches. The
coordinates (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) can be specified, e.g., relative to
the origin or relative to each preceding sewing stitch (x.sub.i-1,
y.sub.i-1).
[0023] FIG. 2a shows the embroidery pattern 1 from FIG. 1. In
comparison to the original size, however, this embroidery pattern 1
is approximately 40% smaller (the units of length of the coordinate
system match those from FIG. 1). For vector-based sewing stitch
coordinates (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) the new coordinate values x.sub.i
and y.sub.i in the present example can be calculated by multiplying
the original coordinate values by a factor of approximately
0.6.
[0024] The puncture points 3 of the reduced embroidery pattern 1
thus lie closer together or the stitching density is increased
relative to the embroidery pattern 1 in the original size.
[0025] FIG. 2b corresponds to the embroidery pattern 1 from FIG. 2a
reduced by approximately 0.6 with puncture points 3 that have been
recalculated or adapted to the new size. In comparison with FIG.
2a, the embroidery pattern 1 in FIG. 2b comprises fewer puncture
points 3, so that the stitching density quality corresponds
approximately to that of the embroidery pattern 1 in the original
size.
[0026] The optimized stitching data or coordinates (x.sub.i,
y.sub.i) for different change factors q.sub.j (the index j is a
natural number) can be calculated, e.g., with corresponding
algorithms in CAD software. For each of the change factors q.sub.j,
a data set d.sub.j with the associated stitching data (x.sub.i,
y.sub.i) is calculated. The calculations are usually performed on a
computer that is independent from the sewing machine. For a
corresponding construction of the sewing machine, the calculations
can obviously also be executed there. In a storage medium that can
be accessed by the sewing machine controller, not only is the first
data set d.sub.0 stored with the stitching data or coordinates
(x.sub.i, y.sub.i) of the embroidery pattern 1 in the original
size, but also one or more other data sets d.sub.j with the
optimized stitching data or coordinates (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) for one
or more scalings or enlargements or reductions of the embroidery
pattern 1 as well as the associated change factors q.sub.j. The
number of such stored scaled embroidery pattern data sets of an
embroidery pattern 1 or the value range of the index j can either
be fixed or--in an alternative construction of the invention--can
be selected freely.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an example sequence for scaling an embroidery
pattern 1, wherein in addition to the first data set d.sub.0 with
the stitching data (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) of the embroidery pattern 1
in the original size, nine other data sets d.sub.1 to d.sub.9
corresponding to change factors of q.sub.1=20%, q.sub.2=40%,
q.sub.3=60%, q.sub.4=80%, q.sub.5=120%, q.sub.6=140%, q.sub.7=160%,
q.sub.8=180%, and q.sub.9=200% are stored in the working memory of
the sewing machine. For scaling the selected embroidery pattern 1,
in a first step S1 the user can select, adjust, or set a desired
change value v on a correspondingly constructed user interface. In
the present example, v=67%. This can be set, e.g., by means of a
rotary knob that can be set continuously or in steps on the sewing
machine with corresponding values shown on a display. In a second
step S2, processing software of the sewing machine stored in a
program memory determines which of the stored change factors
q.sub.j lies closest to the input, desired change value v, for
example, by finding the minimum of the expression v-q.sub.j from
all of the stored change factors q.sub.j (including q.sub.0=1). In
the example from FIG. 3, the corresponding change factor q.sub.3
and the associated data are outlined by bold lines.
[0028] As step S3, the associated data set d.sub.3 with the
coordinates (x.sub.31,y.sub.31), (x.sub.32,y.sub.32) . . .
(x.sub.3k,y.sub.3k) of the corresponding puncture points 3 is
selected. It is used as a basis for calculating the stitching data
for the embroidery picture 1 enlarged or reduced according to the
change value v. The sewing machine controller first calculates the
value w:=v/q.sub.3. Then, in step S4 the x and y coordinates of the
puncture points 3 stored in data set d.sub.3 are multiplied with
this value w. This produces the desired coordinates of a target
data set z with the optimized stitching data for the embroidery
pattern 1 enlarged or reduced according to the change value v.
[0029] Alternatively, a different comparison criteria could also be
used for determining the base data set d.sub.b (in the shown
example, the index b=3) suitable for the scaling or change. For
example, instead of the change factor q.sub.j lying closest to the
selected change value v in terms of magnitude, the next larger or
next smaller change factor q.sub.j could be selected.
[0030] The scaling of an embroidery pattern 1 corresponds to a
special transformation or conversion, in which the stitching data
coordinates (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) in the embroidery pattern are
enlarged or reduced proportionally. The form or the outline of the
transformed embroidery pattern is preserved in the scaling.
[0031] Other special transformations are, e.g., compressions,
extensions, distortions, rotations, reflections, or any
combinations or sequences of such transformations.
[0032] In general, parameterizable transformations are understood
as functions F, which assign one pixel F(x.sub.i, y.sub.i) to each
point (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) of an embroidery pattern. Analogous to
scaling an embroidery pattern, a transformation, which changes the
shape of an embroidery pattern, can be divided into several
intermediate steps. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, the transformation
of a rectangle 7 into a circle 9 by means of a function F. This
corresponds to a change factor of 100%. The function can be
understood as a continuous transition from an original picture
(rectangle 7) to a transformed picture (circle 9). Accordingly,
intermediate functions F.sub.j can be calculated for one or more
change factors q.sub.j lying between 0% and 100%. For the
illustrated example, an intermediate function F.sub.1 is shown for
the change factor q.sub.1=33.3% and an intermediate function
F.sub.2 is shown for the change factor q.sub.2=66.6%. For two
actual points (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) and (x.sub.2, y.sub.2), the
assigned pixels F.sub.1(x.sub.1,y.sub.1), F.sub.1(x.sub.2,y.sub.2),
F.sub.2(x.sub.1,y.sub.1), F.sub.2(x.sub.2,y.sub.2) und
F(x.sub.1,y.sub.1), F(x.sub.2,y.sub.2) are listed.
[0033] Analogous to the proportional scaling of an embroidery
pattern, the user can specify a desired change value v, wherein
these values v must now lie between 0% and 100%. The control
software determines from these value the two adjacent change values
q.sub.j and q.sub.j+1 and calculates the desired pixels, e.g.,
through linear interpolation.
[0034] In another construction of the invention, embroidery pattern
data from several different transformations or functions F can be
stored in a memory that can be accessed by the sewing machine
controller. It is also possible not to store any data sets for
intermediate functions for one or more of these functions F. For
example, for an embroidery pattern, in addition to the data set do
with the stitching data of the original, data sets d.sub.j with
stitching data of simple transformations, such as reflections or
rotations by 45.degree. or 90.degree. can be stored and retrieved
via a selection menu of the sewing machine.
[0035] In another alternative construction of the invention, an
embroidery pattern can comprise several sub-patterns. The
sub-patterns can be combined individually or into groups and scaled
or changed with the same or different change values. For
illustration, in FIGS. 4a and 4b, an embroidery pattern is shown,
which comprises three sub-patterns, namely writing 11a shown
symbolically as the letter "A", a square 11b, and a star 11c. Each
of these sub-patterns has a unique coordinate system with a
reference point 13a, 13b, 13c. The sub-patterns can be stored
individually in their original size and/or with optimized stitching
data. For scaling or changing an embroidery pattern with
sub-patterns, the sub-patterns can be changed according to the
invention with the same change value or alternatively with
different change values v. In addition, there is the possibility of
rearranging the reference points of the scaled or changed
sub-patterns when the embroidery pattern is changed.
LEGEND OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0036] 1 Embroidery pattern [0037] 3 Puncture point [0038] 5 Sewing
thread [0039] 7 Rectangle [0040] 9 Circle [0041] 11a Writing [0042]
11b Square [0043] 11c Star [0044] 13a,b,c Reference points
* * * * *