U.S. patent application number 12/656568 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for embroidery stitcher and sewing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Atsuya Hayakawa, Masayuki Hori, Satoru Makino, Aki Shimizu.
Application Number | 20100206204 12/656568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42558773 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100206204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimizu; Aki ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
Embroidery stitcher and sewing machine
Abstract
An embroidery stitcher including an embroidery frame that holds
a workpiece cloth and that is provided with a sewable area for
sewing the held workpiece cloth; a transparent display device that
has a display area that provides visibility behind thereof and that
is capable of displaying embroidery pattern information of at least
an embroidery pattern to be sewn; and an attachment mechanism that
allows detachable attachment of the display device at a position
that renders the display area and the sewable area to at least
partially overlap.
Inventors: |
Shimizu; Aki; (Nagoya-shi,
JP) ; Hayakawa; Atsuya; (Chita-shi, JP) ;
Hori; Masayuki; (Gifu-shi, JP) ; Makino; Satoru;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
NAGOYA-SHI
JP
|
Family ID: |
42558773 |
Appl. No.: |
12/656568 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
112/102.5 ;
112/103; 112/275; 112/470.05; 112/470.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05C 9/04 20130101; D05D
2205/16 20130101; D05B 39/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
112/102.5 ;
112/103; 112/275; 112/470.05; 112/470.06 |
International
Class: |
D05C 5/02 20060101
D05C005/02; D05B 19/02 20060101 D05B019/02; D05B 69/00 20060101
D05B069/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2009 |
JP |
2009-033930 |
Feb 17, 2009 |
JP |
2009-033931 |
Feb 17, 2009 |
JP |
2009-033932 |
Claims
1. An embroidery stitcher comprising: an embroidery frame that
holds a workpiece cloth and that is provided with a sewable area
for sewing the held workpiece cloth; a display device that has a
transparent display area that provides visibility behind thereof
and that is capable of displaying embroidery pattern information of
at least an embroidery pattern to be sewn; and an attachment
mechanism that allows detachable attachment of the display device
at a position that renders the display area and the sewable area to
at least partially overlap.
2. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
display device further includes: a frame type detector that detects
a type of the embroidery frame attached to the attachment
mechanism; a controller that controls the display device based on
the type of embroidery frame detected by the frame type detector to
display the embroidery pattern to be sewn on the display area
overlapping with the sewable area.
3. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
display device further includes: an embroidery pattern storage that
stores information pertaining to the embroidery pattern to be sewn
as embroidery pattern data; an embroidery pattern selector that
selects a desired embroidery pattern from the embroidery pattern
data stored in the embroidery pattern storage; an embroidery
pattern editor that executes editing of the embroidery pattern
including at least a relocation of the embroidery pattern selected
by the embroidery pattern selector; and operation input element
that inputs edit operations for editing the embroidery pattern by
the embroidery pattern editor.
4. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
display device further includes a communication element that
communicates with external elements.
5. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
embroidery frame includes: a communication element that
communicates with external elements; an operation input element
that inputs edit operations for editing at least a location of
embroidery pattern to be sewn displayed on the display area; and a
controller that displays the embroidery pattern to be sewn on the
display area based on display data of the embroidery pattern to be
sewn inputted from external elements by way of the communication
element and that outputs information pertaining to the embroidery
pattern to be sewn displayed on the display area to the external
elements after the embroidery pattern to be sewn has been edited by
the edit operations inputted by the operation input element.
6. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
embroidery frame includes a detector that detects whether or not
the display device has been attached.
7. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 1, wherein the
attachment mechanism includes: an engagement portion that is
provided at the display device; and an engagement subject that is
provided at the embroidery frame and that is engagable with the
engagement portion.
8. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 7, further comprising
an embroidery frame transfer device that transfers the embroidery
frame in two predetermined directions; the engagement subject being
detachably attached to the embroidery frame transfer device.
9. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 7, wherein the
embroidery frame includes a lower frame and an upper frame that
clamp the workpiece cloth from lower and upper sides, and wherein
the engagement subject is provided at the upper frame.
10. The embroidery stitcher according to claim 7, wherein either of
the engagement portion and the engagement subject has a groove and
the remaining other has a rib such that the display device and the
embroidery frame are coupled by a fitting engagement of the groove
and the rib.
11. A sewing machine comprising: an embroidery stitcher including:
an embroidery frame that holds a workpiece cloth and that is
provided with a sewable area for sewing the held workpiece cloth; a
display device that has a transparent display area that provides
visibility behind thereof and that is capable of displaying
embroidery pattern information of at least an embroidery pattern to
be sewn; and an attachment mechanism that allows detachable
attachment of the display device at a position that renders the
display area and the sewable area to at least partially overlap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications 2009-033930,
2009-033931, and 2009-033932, filed on Feb. 17, 2009, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an embroidery stitcher and
a sewing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional sewing machines have been provided with
embroidery frame transfer devices that transfer embroidery frames,
in two predetermined directions. In such sewing machines, the
embroidery frame transfer device is controlled based on various
embroidery data such as embroidery pattern data to form embroidery
stitches on a workpiece cloth held by the embroidery frame. In
doing so, the position in which the embroidery pattern is sewn on
the workpiece cloth held by the embroidery frame relies on the
start point of embroidery stitching. Thus, if the start point is
not properly specified, the sewing machine may fail to form
embroidery stitches within the embroiderable area or in the desired
position.
[0004] To address such concerns, a template for use in a sewing
machine has been suggested that comes in the form of an electronic
paper that displays the embroidery pattern to be sewn. The
electronic paper is configured to retain the information displayed
on the display area without power supply. Thus, template configured
by the electronic paper displays one or more patterns selected from
multiple embroidery patterns preset in the template. The user is
allowed to visually recognize the position and the shape of the
to-be-formed embroidery pattern by superimposing the workpiece
cloth with the embroidery pattern displayed in the template. The
electronic paper template is thus, easy to use because multiple
types of embroidery patterns can be selected from a single
template.
[0005] The disadvantage of the above described template is that it
does not consider the positioning of the template relative to the
embroidery frame. Thus, the user is required to verify the
positioning of the workpiece cloth mounted on the embroidery frame
with the embroidery frame displayed in the template so that the
embroidery pattern in sewn in the desired position of the workpiece
cloth.
SUMMARY
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an
embroidery stitcher and a sewing machine capable of locating the
embroidery pattern with the workpiece cloth with ease and
reliability.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the embroidery
pattern stitcher includes an embroidery frame that holds a
workpiece cloth and that is provided with a sewable area for sewing
the held workpiece cloth; a display device that has a transparent
display area that provides visibility behind thereof and that is
capable of displaying embroidery pattern information of at least an
embroidery pattern to be sewn; and an attachment mechanism that
allows detachable attachment of the display device at a position
that renders the display area and the sewable area to at least
partially overlap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become clear upon reviewing the following
description of the illustrative aspects with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which,
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embroidery stitcher and a
sewing machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embroidery frame;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an embroidery frame;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a display device with the
embroidery frame attached;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the display device with
the embroidery frame attached;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line VI-VI of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line VII-VII of
FIG. 10;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view schematically
depicting the process of attaching the embroidery frame to a holder
unit;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view schematically
depicting the process of attaching the embroidery frame to a
retainer unit;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional view schematically
depicting the process of attaching the embroidery frame to a
retainer unit;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a display and retainer
unit;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically depicting the
configuration of display and embroidery frame;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration of
the embroidery stitcher and the sewing machine according to the
first exemplary embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a memory map of Read Only
Memory;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically depicting the
configuration of the display device being attached with the
embroidery frame;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a schematic memory map of Random Access
Memory;
[0025] FIG. 17 schematically indicates the data configuration of
pattern information;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of the
main routine executed at the display device according to the first
exemplary embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of a
frame data acquisition process of the display device according to
the first exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 20A and 20B are flowcharts indicating the process flow
of a display process executed at the display device according to
the first exemplary embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the display presenting the
main menu;
[0030] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the display presenting a
pattern selection list and a pattern selection menu;
[0031] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the display presenting a
pattern relocation menu;
[0032] FIG. 24A schematically indicates a pattern image;
[0033] FIG. 24B schematically indicates a selection frame
surrounding the pattern image;
[0034] FIG. 24C schematically indicates a selection frame with a
resize handle surrounding the image pattern;
[0035] FIG. 24D schematically indicates a selection frame with a
rotate handle surrounding the image pattern;
[0036] FIG. 25 schematically depicts the display presenting a
communication menu;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of a
mouse pointer display process according to a first exemplary
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of a main
menu process according to the first exemplary embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of a
modified main menu process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0040] FIGS. 29A and 29B are flowcharts indicating the process flow
of a pattern selection process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of the
pattern selection process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0042] FIGS. 31A and 31B are flowcharts indicating the process flow
of a pattern relocation process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of the
pattern relocation process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of the
pattern relocation process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a flowchart indicating the process flow of a
communication process according to the first exemplary
embodiment;
[0046] FIGS. 35A and 35B are flowcharts indicating the process flow
of the processes executed by an embroidery stitcher and a sewing
machine second exemplary embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 36 is a plan view of the embroidery frame and the
display device according to a third exemplary embodiment in
detached state;
[0048] FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the embroidery frame
and the display device according to the third exemplary embodiment
in attached state;
[0049] FIG. 38 is a plan view of the embroidery frame and the
display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in
detached state;
[0050] FIG. 39 is a front view of the embroidery frame and the
display device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment in
detached state; and
[0051] FIG. 40 is a plan view of the embroidery frame and the
display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in
attached state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] With reference to the drawings, a description will be given
hereinafter on multiple exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure implemented as an embroidery stitcher and a sewing
machine employing the same based on the accompanying drawings.
Elements that are substantially identical across different
exemplary embodiments will be identified with identical reference
symbols and will not be re-described.
[0053] FIG. 1 shows an embroidery stitcher and a sewing machine
employing the same according to a first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure. As indicated by the arrows given in FIG. 1, the
following description will be based upon an assumption that the
direction in which the user positions him/herself relative to the
sewing machine is the front.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, provided integrally with sewing machine
10 are bed 11, pillar 12, arm 13, and head 14. Bed 11 constitutes
the lower end of sewing machine 10 and pillar 12 extends upward
from the right end of bed 11. From the upper end of pillar 12, arm
13 extends leftward substantially parallel to bed 11 and the left
end extreme of arm 13 defines head 14. Inside head arm 13, a sewing
machine main shaft not shown extends in the left and right
direction which is driven in rotation by a sewing machine motor not
shown also provided inside arm 13.
[0055] Head 14 is provided with a needle bar having sewing needle
15 attached to its lower end. In the proximity of sewing needle 15,
a presser foot 16 is provided for pressing down the workpiece cloth
when it is being stitched. Arm 13 further contains a needle bar
drive mechanism not shown that drives the needle bar up and down in
response to the rotation of the sewing machine main shaft, a needle
bar swing mechanism not shown that swings the needle bar to the
left and right, in other words, the lateral direction orthogonal to
the direction of cloth feed, and a thread take-up drive mechanism
that drives a thread take-up not shown up and down in synchronism
with the up and down movement of the needle bar.
[0056] On the upper surface of bed 11, needle plate 17 is provided
so as to oppose arm 13. Within sewing machine bed 11 below needle
plate 17 are components such as a cloth feed mechanism not shown
that drives a feed dog up and down and also back and forth, a
horizontal shuttle mechanism not shown containing a bobbin thread
bobbin not shown and that forms stitches in cooperation with sewing
needle 15, and a thread cutter mechanism not shown that cuts needle
thread and bobbin thread.
[0057] On the front face of arm 13, various operation switches 18
are provided, whereas on the front face of pillar 12, a sizable and
vertically elongate liquid crystal display 19 capable of displaying
in full color is provided, which is hereinafter simply referred to
as LCD 19. LCD 19 displays various information such selection of
patterns including embroidery patterns and utility stitches, names
of various functionalities to be executed in a sewing operation,
and various other information related to the sewing operation. On
the front face of LCD 19, a touch panel is provided that has
multiple touch keys comprising transparent electrodes. Selection of
embroidery patterns to be sewn, instructions for executing the
desired function and setting various parameters such as feed amount
and needle swing amount can be made through operation of the touch
keys.
[0058] Bed 11 allows detachable attachment of embroidery frame
transfer device 21 at its left end. Embroidery frame transfer
device 21 transfers embroidery frame 20 over bed 11 in two
predetermined directions. Embroidery frame transfer device 21
comprises carriage 22, an X-direction transfer mechanism and
Y-direction transfer mechanisms that are neither shown. Carriage 22
supports embroidery frame 20 which is detachably attached to it.
The X- and Y-direction transfer mechanism are each provided with a
dedicated step motor, for instance, an X-direction step motor and a
Y-direction step motor not shown to drive carriage 22 supporting
embroidery frame 20 in the X and Y directions respectively. Sewing
machine 10 operates under different sewing modes such as, for
instance, a normal sewing mode and an embroidery mode. When
embroidery frame transfer device 21 is attached to bed 11, the
sewing mode is switched from the normal sewing mode to the
embroidery sewing mode. The X-direction step motor and Y-direction
step motor are driven independently to transfer embroidery frame 20
attached to carriage 22 in the X direction representing the left
and right direction and the Y direction representing the front and
rear direction based on the selected embroidery pattern.
[0059] Next, a description will be given on the configuration of
embroidery frame 20 with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.
[0060] Embroidery frame 20 allows detachable attachment of a
display device 23 on its upper surface. Display device 23 is
mechanically connected to embroidery frame 20 by way of attachment
mechanism 24. Embroidery frame 20 is provided with engagement
subject 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, embroidery frame 20 comes in
various sizes and shapes. Embroidery frames shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
are identified with identical reference symbols where
applicable.
[0061] Embroidery frame 20 being primarily configured by inner
frame 34 and inner frame 34 is a generally rectangular frame and
holds workpiece cloth 35 as can be seen in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG.
2, engagement subject 32 is mechanically connected to outer frame
33 of embroidery frame 20 by way of joint 36. Referring to FIG. 5,
the upper end of joint 36 receives display device 23 so that it
rests horizontally on it in parallel with embroidery frame 20.
Embroidery frame 20 is provided with a fastening element 37 that is
operated for mounting and dismounting of workpiece cloth 35 to and
from embroidery frame 20. Fastening element 37 is also operated to
make adjustments in the hold of workpiece cloth 35. The number of
fastening element 37 may be varied depending upon the size of
embroidery frame 20. For instance, if embroidery frame 20 is
relatively large as shown in FIG. 2, fastening element 37 may be
provided on the two lateral ends of embroider frame 20. If
embroidery frame 20 is relatively small as shown in FIG. 3,
fastening element 37 may be provided on either of the two lateral
ends. Engagement subject 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is located
on the left end side of embroidery frame 20 and is provided with
detection subject 38 which is configured by one or more of
convexoconcave(s). A unique pattern of convexoconcaves is assigned
to each embroidery frame 20 differing in size and/or shape.
[0062] To elaborate, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, engagement subject
32 is provided with lower step 321, mid step 322, and upper step
323. Upper step 323 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 is provided with
guide surface 324 on its front and rear ends that are downwardly
sloped toward the edges. Detection subject 38, being provided
integrally with embroidery frame 20, projects towards the side
surface of mid step 322. Engagement subject 32 is further provided
with a guide bump 326 extending in the front and rear direction and
projecting downward.
[0063] Display device 23 is provided with display 41 and display
frame 42. Display 41 is capable of displaying information
pertaining to embroidery sewing including information on at least
embroidery pattern 43. The display 41 is made of transparent or
semi-transparent see through material that provides visibility
beyond it, meaning that it provides visibility of embroidery frame
20 placed below it. Display frame 42 holds display 41 at its inner
peripheral side. Display device 23 is further provided with a
holder unit 44 provided at display frame 42. Display frame 42
holding display 41 has its left end detachably attached to holder
unit 44. Attachment or the mechanical connection between display
frame 42 and holder unit 44 establishes electrical connection
between them. Holder unit 44 is provided with an engagement portion
45 that has opening 46 opening up toward engagement subject 32 of
embroidery frame 20. Display device 23 attached to embroidery frame
20 is attached to carriage 22 of embroidery frame transfer device
21 by way of holder unit 44.
[0064] Next, a brief description will be given on display 41.
Display 41 is provided with a so-called electronic paper. The
electronic paper, for instance, is configured as a highly flexible
thin sheet driven by a known microcapsule electrocataphoresis
method. The electronic paper comprises a display layer and a
transparent driver layer. Display layer comprises a matrix of
multiplicity of microcapsules arranged in rows and columns in a
density of 400 dpi (dots per inch) that are capable of displaying
in monochrome. The transparent driver layer is provided on the
underside of the display layer and comprises transparent electrodes
that electrically control the microcapsules. The display layer and
the transparent driver layer are provided between two plastic
sheets. Each microcapsule has a black insulation liquid and white
positively charged microparticles such as titanium oxide particles
sealed into it. The transparent driver layer is provided with scan
lines, data lines, active elements, and microelectrodes. Scan lines
comprise a multiplicity of fine wires arranged in the X direction
corresponding to the row direction of the microcapsules. Similarly,
data lines comprise a multiplicity of fine wires arranged in the Y
direction corresponding to the column direction of the
microcapsules. Active elements are provided at the intersections of
the scan lines and the date lines. A dedicated microelectrode is
provided for each microcapsule.
[0065] Each active element in the drive layer transmits an "H"
level signal to each of the scan lines at a small time interval and
"H" or "L" level signal to each of the data lines at a small time
interval in synchronism with the signal transmitted to the scan
lines. Thus, each active element is selectively turned on at the
intersection of the scan line and the data line. When the active
element is turned on, each of the microcapsules, that is, the
microelectrodes residing at the intersection is momentarily applied
with "H" level voltage and the positive charge particles of the
microcapsule rises to the top side of the microcapsule to present a
white dot on the display layer. In the active element which is
turned off, the corresponding microcapsules, that is, the
microelectrode maintains the "L" level to draw the positive charge
particles to the bottom side of the microcapsules to present a
black dot on the surface layer. Thus, an electronic paper is driven
and controlled by the active matrix method which is substantially
identical to that of a liquid crystal display. Hence, electronic
paper is capable of displaying graphics and characters in 400 dpi
resolution, for example, and maintains what was being displayed
when power was supplied even after the power is turned off.
Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the electronic paper
is configured by two types of capsules that are equally spaced and
aligned in matrix in the display layer, the first type being sealed
with black insulation liquid and electrically charged particles,
and the second type being a transparent capsule in which neither of
the foregoing substances are sealed. As a result, the electronic
paper is rendered light transmissive and transparent or
semi-transparent.
[0066] Display device 23 allows detachable attachment of embroidery
frame 20 by way of attachment mechanism 24 as shown in FIG. 12.
Holder unit 44 of display device 23 is provided with engagement
portion 45 as described earlier and engagement portion 45 has
opening 46 opening up toward engagement subject 32 of embroidery
frame 20. Engagement subject 32 of embroidery frame 20 is inserted
into opening 46 provided at engagement portion 45 of holder unit 44
as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Attachment mechanism 24 is provided with
lock mechanism 51 which effects a lock to maintain the engagement
between engagement portion 45 and engagement subject 32 and which
is unlocked to allow the detachment of embroidery frame 20. To
elaborate, lock mechanism 51 has a lever 52 that is rotated to the
upright position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to cancel the engagement
between engagement portion 45 and engagement subject 32 to allow
the detachment of embroidery frame 20. Contrastingly, by reclining
lever 52 as shown in FIG. 10 after inserting engagement portion 45
into engagement subject 32, engagement portion 45 and engagement
subject 32 are locked together to prohibit detachment of embroidery
frame 20. As described above, engagement portion 45 provided at
holder unit 44 of display device 23 and engagement subject of
embroidery frame 20 together constitute attachment mechanism
24.
[0067] Next, a description will be given on the connection between
embroidery frame 20 and display device 23.
[0068] Engagement subject 32 of embroidery frame 20 is detachably
attached to engagement portion 45 of holder unit 44 provided at
display device 23. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, engagement portion 45
of holder unit 44 includes a bottom wall 441, sidewall 442, and top
wall 443, and has an opening for receiving engagement subject 32.
Bottom wall 441 has guide groove 444 for receiving guide bump 326
of engagement subject 32 and provides guidance in the movement of
guide bump 326 in the front and rear direction. Bottom wall 441 is
provided with stopper 445 on its rear end side which is on the
opposite side of the front end from which engagement subject 32 is
inserted. Stopper 445 and bottom wall 441 are integrally bent
upward. Stopper 445 determines the rearmost position of the
engagement subject 32. Engagement subject 32 is disengaged from
engagement portion 45 through open end 446 of holder unit 44.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, on engagement portion 45 of
holder unit 44 of display device 23, frame type detection switch 53
is provided for detecting the type of embroidery frame 20 attached.
More than one frame type detection switch 53 is provided in the
front and rear direction so as to be associated with detection
subject 38 of embroidery frame 20. Frame type detection switch 53
comprises a micro switch, for instance, that is provided with
detection lever 531 capable of contacting detection subject 38 of
embroidery frame 20 as shown in FIG. 7. Frame type detection switch
53 establishes or cancels the pressure by establishing contact with
the convexes and concaves of detection subject 38 of embroidery
frame 20. Thus, frame type detection switch 53 outputs detection
signal corresponding td the frame type of embroidery frame 20
attached based on the presence/absence of pressure exerted on each
switch.
[0070] Engagement portion 45 of holder unit 44 is provided with
upper leaf spring 447 provided below upper wall 443. Upper leaf
spring 447 comprises a piece of spring having a free end and
presses down the upper step 323 of engagement subject 32.
Engagement portion 45 of holder unit 44 is further provided with
rear side leaf spring 448 provided at the rear side of upper wall
443. Rear side leaf spring 448 presses the rear side of the
engagement subject 32 forward to prevent rattling of engagement
subject locked by lock mechanism 51.
[0071] Display device 23 is further provided with a detector 54
that detects whether or not display 41 is attached as shown in FIG.
11. Detector 54 is provided on upper wall 443 of holder unit 44.
Detector 54 is configured to open/close the connection point by,
for instance, sensing the approaching or distancing of permanent
magnet 55 provided on display frame 42. Detector 54 determines
whether or not display 41 is attached based on the opened/closed
status of the connection point.
[0072] Display frame 42 has engagement pin 421 that protrudes
toward holder unit 44, whereas holder unit 44 is provided with hole
451 that receives the insertion of engagement pin 421. The
insertion of engagement pin 421 into hole 451 allows display 41 to
be located with holder unit 44 as well as establishing the
connection between them. Display frame 42 and holder unit 44 are
also secured by a screw element not shown.
[0073] On sidewall 442 of holder unit 44, screw hole 449 is
provided on both of its front and rear portions that correspond to
the screw holes not shown provided on carriage 22 as shown in FIG.
1. Thus, by screw fastening screw holes 449 formed on sidewall 442
of holder unit 44 and the screw holes not shown formed on carriage
22 by screws penetrating through the through holes, holder unit 44
is located with carriage 22 as well as being disconnectably
connected with carriage 22.
[0074] As described above, holder unit 44 is also located with
carriage 22.
[0075] Display frame 42 may be configured to establish detachable
attachment with holder unit 44 and holder unit 44 may be provided
at carriage 22 in advance. Display 41 has display area A1 as shown
in FIGS. 1, 4, and 12. Embroidery frame 20, on the other hand, has
sewable area A2 that allows embroidery patterns to be formed within
the bounds of embroidery frame 20, especially, within the bounds of
inner frame 34. Attachment mechanism 24 comprising engagement
portion 45 of display device 23 and engagement subject 32 of
embroidery frame 20 allows embroidery frame 20 and display device
23 to be connected at the predetermined position. Thus, display
device 23 can be attached to embroidery frame 20 at the position in
which at least a portion of display area A1 overlaps with sewable
area A2 of embroidery frame 20.
[0076] Holder unit 44 has mouse 61 and communication cable 62
connected to it as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12. Mouse 61 serves as a
pointing device and allows the user make editing operations
including relocation of the pattern displayed on display area A1 of
display device 23. Communication cable 62 allows data communication
to be established between display device 23 and sewing machine 10.
Communication cable 62 may be replaced by other wired communication
through USB (Universal Serial Bus) or LAN (Local Area Network)
connection or wireless communication using Bluetooth or infrared
rays. Alternatively, data may be communicated between display
device 23 and sewing machine 10 by a non-volatile memory card
configured by memory such as EPPROM.
[0077] Next, a description will be given on the electrical
configuration of the above described sewing machine 10 and display
device 23. Display device 23 is provided with a controller 70 that
is primarily configured by a microcomputer including CPU 71, ROM
72, RAM 73, input interface 74, output interface 75, communication
interface 76, and bus 77 interconnecting the foregoing elements.
Input interface establishes connection with components such as
mouse 61, frame type detection switch 53, and detector 54. Output
interface 75 is connected to display 41 whereas communication
interface 76 is connected to sewing machine 10 by way of
communication cable 62. Sewing machine 10 is provided with
controller 81. Controller 81 establishes connection with operation
switches 18, LCD 19, and sewing mechanism 82. Sewing mechanism 82
is provided with mechanisms such as drive motor not shown that
executes a sewing operation.
[0078] ROM 72 of controller 70 pre-stores items such as pattern
data, frame data, pattern selection program, embroidery pattern
relocation program, and electronic paper display control program.
The pattern data comprises needle transfer data, pattern shape data
that correspond to multiple stitch patterns and multiple embroidery
patterns. The frame data includes data indicating locations and
sizes of sewable area A2 for each type of embroidery frame.
Electronic paper display control program is a program for
displaying contents such as stitch pattern images and embroidery
pattern images on display 41. RAM 73, as well known, is configured
to temporarily save data in an unoccupied work area.
[0079] Controller 70 controls the image presentation of display 41
by supplying drive control signals to the scan lines and data lines
of display 41 in accordance with the above described items such as
pattern data and display control program. Controller 70 further
associates embroidery information pertaining to embroidery patterns
43, etc., with sewable area A2 of embroidery frame 20 when
displaying such embroidery information on display area A1 of
display 41.
[0080] Next, a description will be given on the operation of the
above described display device 23.
[0081] First a brief description will be given on data
configuration, in other words, the memory maps of ROM 72 and RAM
73. ROM 72 stores memory map 101 configured by items such as
control program 102, pre-stored embroidery pattern data 103, frame
data 104 for each frame type, and GUI (Graphical User Interface)
data 105. Control program 102, as described earlier, controls
display device 23. Pattern data 103 representing the pre-stored
embroidery patterns is configured by multiple shape data and needle
transfer data that are each associated with an ID. The shape data
is image data such as bit map for displaying embroidery pattern 43
on display area A1 of display device 23. Needle transfer data, on
the other hand, specifies the movement of sewing needle 15 in
sewing, for instance, embroidery pattern 43.
[0082] Frame data 104 specifies multiple entries of data pertaining
to the size of embroidery frame 20, in other words, the size of
sewable area A2 and offset of the origin of sewable area A2 from
the origin of display area A1. The multiple entries of the above
described data are associated with a unique ID. To elaborate, as
shown in FIG. 15, when embroidery frame 20 is attached to display
device 23, the location of display area A1 and sewable area A2 can
be represented by plotting origin P1 at the left and rearmost point
of display area A1 and plotting origin P2 at the left and rearmost
point of sewable area A2, respectively. The distance between
origins P1 and P2 can be represented by predetermined distance L
which indicates the offset between origins P1 and P2. This offset
is predetermined for each type of embroidery frame 20. Thus, frame
data 104 stores the offsets with their associated IDs to allow the
distinction of frame types.
[0083] GUI data 105 includes data such as icons displayed on
display 41 for facilitating user operation. As shown in FIG. 16,
memory map 111 of data stored in RAM 73 is configured by area 112
that includes stack area for storing parameters running the control
programs and by area 113 that stores pattern information list.
Pattern information list stores pattern data 103 selected from
those pre-stored in ROM 72 and its ID, which taken together
constitute pattern information 120. Pattern information 120 can be
broken down to pattern data 121, relocation data 122, and frame
data 123 as shown in FIG. 17. Pattern data 121 can be further
broken down to pattern shape data 1211 and needle transfer data
1212. Relocation data 122 indicates the location within sewable
area A2 where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn and include
location information 1221, rotational angle information 1222,
inverse information 1223, and resize information 1224. Frame data
123 indicates parameters that are unique to each frame type and
includes frame size information, that is, size information 1231
representing the size of sewable area A2, and offset information
1232 representing the offset of origin P2 of sewable area A2 from
origin P1 of display area A1.
[0084] Next a description will be given on the main routine
executed by display device 23 based on FIG. 18. The following
description will focus on the mainstream flow of the process flow
and the details will be addressed individually.
[0085] Controller 70 initializes each device, parameters and
pattern information list (step S101) when power of sewing machine
10 and display device 23 are turned on, meaning that controller 70
initializes each functional elements of sewing machine 10 and
display device 23, their specified values, and pattern information.
Controller 70, when completing the initialization at step S101,
specifies the main menu mode and requests for display update
(S102). Then, controller 70 proceeds to execute frame data
acquisition process (S103), and display process (S104). The frame
data acquisition process at S103, and display process at S104 will
be detailed afterwards.
[0086] Controller 70, when completing the display process at S104,
determines whether or not the main menu mode has been specified
(S105). Controller 70, when determining that the main menu mode has
been specified (S105: Yes), executes the main menu process (S106).
The main menu process will be detailed afterwards.
[0087] When controller 70 determines that the main menu process has
not been specified (S105: No), proceeds to determine whether or not
the pattern selection mode has been specified (S107). Controller
70, when determining that the pattern selection mode has been
specified (S107: Yes), executes the pattern selection process
(S108) which will be detailed afterwards. Controller 70, when
determining that pattern selection process has not been specified
(S107: No), determines whether or not the pattern relocation mode
has been specified (S109). Controller 70, when determining that
pattern relocation mode has been specified (S109: Yes), executes
the pattern relocation mode (S110) which will be detailed
afterwards. Controller 70, when determining that pattern relocation
mode has not been specified (S109: No), proceeds to determine
whether or not the communication mode has been specified (S111).
Controller 70, when determining that the communication mode has
been specified (S111: Yes), executes the communication mode (S112)
which will be detailed afterwards. Controller 70, when determining
that the communication mode has not been specified (S111: No),
returns to S103 and repeats S103 to S112 until sewing machine 10
and display device 23 have been turned off.
[0088] Next the details of the above described frame data
acquisition process executed at S103 will be described with
reference to FIG. 19.
[0089] Controller 70 when proceeding to the frame data acquisition
process at S103, determines whether or not the status of frame
attachment has changed (S201), meaning that determination is made
as to whether or not embroidery frame 20 has been attached/detached
or replaced. Controller 70, when determining that no change has
been made to the status of embroidery frame attachment (S201: No),
returns to the main routine. When controller 70, on the other hand,
determines that there has been a change in the status of embroidery
frame attachment (S201: Yes), determines whether or not embroidery
frame 20 is attached (S202), meaning that a determination is made
as to whether or not engagement subject 32 of embroidery frame 20
is attached to holder unit 44 of engagement portion 45.
[0090] Controller 70, when determining that embroidery frame 20 is
attached (S202: Yes), acquires the type of embroidery frame 20
(S203). Controller 70 acquires the frame type by reading the type
of embroidery frame 20, that is, the frame ID unique to each type
of embroidery frame 20 attached to holder unit 44 based on the
output of frame detection switch 53 which varies depending on
detection subject 38. Based on the acquired frame ID, controller 70
acquires frame data 104 and specifies it as frame data 123 of
pattern information 120 (S204). To elaborate, based on the acquired
frame ID, controller 70 acquires frame data 104 classified by frame
type stored in ROM 72 and writes the acquired information into RAM
73 as frame data 123 to be contained in pattern information 120.
Then, controller 70 makes a display update request for displaying
sewable area A2 that corresponds to embroidery frame 20 attached to
the holder unit 44 to display 41 (S205).
[0091] On the other hand, when controller 70 determines that
embroidery frame 20 is not attached (S202: NO), frame data 123
contained in pattern information 120 is cleared (S206). Then,
controller 70 makes a display update request (S207) to clear
sewable area A2 displayed on display 41. After making a request of
display update at 5205 or S207, controller 70 returns to the main
routine.
[0092] Next, the display process executed at the above described
S104 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 20.
[0093] Controller 70, when proceeding to the display process at
S104 of the main routine, executes a later described mouse pointer
display process (S301) and at the same time determines whether or
not a display update request has been made (S302).
[0094] Controller 70, when display update request has been made
(S302: Yes), determines whether or not embroidery frame 20 is
attached (S303). When display update request has not been made
(S302: No), on the other hand, controller 70 returns to the main
routine.
[0095] Controller 70, when embroidery frame 20 is attached (S303:
Yes), displays boundary line B that indicates sewable area A2
(S304). That is, as shown in FIG. 15, controller 70 displays
boundary line B indicating the outline of sewable area A2 on
display area A1 of display 41. When embroidery frame 20 is not
attached (S303: No), on the other hand, controller 70 clears the
display of boundary line B indicating sewable area A2 (S305). That
is, since sewable area A2 need not be displayed when embroidery
frame 20 is not attached, controller 70 clears the display of
boundary line B.
[0096] Controller 70, after displaying boundary line B at S304 or
clearing boundary line B at S305, determines whether or not the
current process flow is running under the main menu mode (S306).
Controller 70, when determining that the current mode is the main
menu mode (S306: Yes), displays items such as the mode button
(S307). Under the main menu mode, main menu 130 including items
such as mode buttons are displayed on display area A1 of display 41
as shown in FIG. 21. At the rearward right side portion of display
area A1, characters 131 that reads "MENU" along with pattern
selection button 132, pattern relocation button 133 and
communication button 134 are displayed. Characters 131 that reads
"menu" is an indication that selectable menu (s) exists. On display
area A1, mouse pointer 135 is displayed to indicate where the mouse
61 is currently pointing. By moving mouse pointer 135 over pattern
selection button 132 and clicking mouse 61, input is made to
proceed to pattern selection mode. By moving mouse pointer 135 over
pattern relocation button 135 and clicking mouse 61, input is made
to proceed to pattern relocation mode. Likewise, by moving mouse
pointer 135 over communication button 134 and clicking mouse 61,
input is made to proceed to communication mode. In the case shown
in FIG. 21, since embroidery frame 20 is attached, display 41
displays on its display area A1, boundary line B indicating the
outline of sewable area A2 that correspond to the size of
embroidery frame 20 attached. At this instance, since display 41
comprises the above described transparent or semi-transparent
electronic paper, workpiece cloth 35 retained by embroidery frame
20 situated below display 41 can be seen through.
[0097] If the controller 70, on the other hand, determines that the
current process flow is not executed under the main menu mode
(S306: No), further proceeds to determine whether or not items such
as the mode button of main menu 130 are displayed on display area
A1 of display 41 (S308). If mode buttons, etc. of main menu mode
130 is displayed on display area A1 of display 41 (S308: Yes),
controller 70 clears display of mode buttons, etc., of main menu
130 from display area A1 (S309). Controller 70, after displaying
the mode buttons, etc. of main menu 130 at S307 or determining that
the mode buttons, etc. of main menu 130 are not displayed at 5308
(S308: No), or clears the display of mode buttons, etc., of main
menu 130 from display area A1 at S309, proceeds to determine
whether or not the current process flow is running under the
pattern selection mode (S310).
[0098] Controller 70, when determining that the current process
flow is running under the pattern selection mode (S310: Yes),
displays on its display area A1 items such as a pattern selection
list, a pattern selection status, and an OK button for validating
the selection (S311). When running under the pattern selection
mode, most part of display area A1 of display is occupied by
pattern selection list 140 as shown in FIG. 22. Further, when
running under the pattern selection mode, at the rearward right
side of pattern selection list 140 displayed on display area A1 of
display 41, items such as page navigation button 142, OK button
143, and return button 144 are displayed that constitute pattern
selection menu 141. Page navigation button 142, represented as a
double headed arrow in the present exemplary embodiment, instructs
navigation between the pages of pattern selection list 140 when
mouse pointer 135 is placed over it and clicked. Page navigation
button 142 allows navigation of the pages such that when mouse
pointer 135 is placed on its right side and clicked, the subsequent
page is displayed and when mouse pointer 135 is placed on its left
side and clicked, the previous page is displayed. When mouse
pointer 135 is placed on OK button 143 and clicked, the pattern
selected from pattern selection list 140 is validated and the
process flow proceeds to the pattern relocation mode. When mouse
pointer 135 is placed on return button 144 and clicked, the process
flow returns to the main menu mode.
[0099] On the rearward right side corner of pattern selection list
140, page number 145 is displayed. Page number 145 is displayed as
" 1/7", for instance, when the currently displayed page of pattern
selection list 140 is the first out of seven pages. As one may
readily understand, pattern selection list 140 is displayed to
allow selection of a given embroidery pattern to be sewn from the
choice of multiple embroidery patterns. Since the embroidery
pattern to be sewn can be chosen without visually sizing up with
embroidery frame 20 and workpiece cloth 35, display area A1 may be
made nontransparent when displaying pattern selection list 140.
Controller 70, after presenting pattern selection list 140, page
navigation button 142, OK button 143, and return button 144,
returns to the main routine.
[0100] Controller 70, after determining at 5310 that the current
process flow is not running under the pattern selection mode (S310:
No), further determines whether or not items such as pattern
selection list 140 and pattern selection menu 141 are displayed on
display area A1 of display 41 (S312). If pattern selection list
140, etc. are displayed on display 41 (S312: Yes), controller 70
clears the items such as pattern selection list 140, page
navigation button 142, OK button 143, and return button 144
(S313).
[0101] Controller 70, when determining at 5312 that items such as
pattern selection list 140 are not displayed (S312: No), or has
cleared those items at S313, further determines whether or not the
current process flow is running under the pattern relocation mode
(S314). If controller 70 determines that the current process flow
is running under the pattern relocation mode (S314: Yes), mouse
pointer 135 determines whether or not mouse pointer 135 resides
over menu hot point 150 (S315). Controller 70, after determining
that mouse pointer 135 resides over menu hot point 150 (S315: Yes),
displays the pattern relocation menu such as edit buttons
(S316).
[0102] As shown in FIG. 23, menu hot point 150 is displayed at the
rearward right side of display area A1 of display 41. When
controller 70 determines that mouse pointer 135 is placed over menu
hot point 150, pattern relocation menu 151 comprising pattern
selection button 152, resize button 153, rotate button 154, inverse
button 155 and delete button 156, and return button 157 are
displayed. Hereinafter, pattern selection button 152, resize button
153, rotate button 154, inverse button 155, delete button 156, and
return button 157 will be collectively referred to as edit
buttons.
[0103] When mouse pointer 135 is placed over the arrow shaped
pattern selection button 152 and clicked, pattern selection is
initiated in which selection is made from pattern image 158
displayed on display area A1. Pattern image 158 corresponds to
embroidery pattern 43 shown in FIG. 1. When mouse pointer 135 is
placed over resize button 153 and clicked, the process flow
proceeds to the resize mode in which the selected pattern image 158
is increased/reduced in size. When mouse pointer 135 is placed over
rotate button 154 and clicked, the process flow proceeds to the
rotate mode in which the selected pattern image 158 is rotated.
When mouse pointer 135 is placed over inverse button 155 and
clicked, the process flow proceeds to the inverse mode in which the
selected pattern image 158 is inversed/uninversed. When mouse
pointer 135 is placed over delete button 156 and clicked, the
process flow proceeds to the delete mode in which the selected
pattern image 158 is deleted. When mouse pointer 135 is placed over
return button 157 and clicked, the process flow returns to the main
menu mode.
[0104] Controller 70, displays pattern relocation menu 151 such as
the edit buttons and also displays a handle on pattern image 158
displayed on display area A1 that indicates the state of selection
of pattern image 158 (S317). When pattern image 158 displayed on
display area A1 is not in a selected state, nothing is displayed
around pattern image 158 as exemplified in FIG. 24A. When pattern
image 158 is in the selected state, on the other hand, selection
frame 161 is displayed around pattern image 158 as shown in FIG.
24B. Selection frame 161 is also an indication of a normal mode
when no handles are present. When pattern image 158 is in the
selected and resize button 153 is clicked, a resize mode selection
frame 163 including a resize handle is displayed around pattern
image 158 as shown in FIG. 24C. Further, when pattern image 158 is
in the selected state and rotate button 154 is clicked, a rotate
mode selection frame 165 including rotate handle 164 is displayed
as shown in FIG. 24D. As described above, display 41 displays
resize handle 162, rotate handle 164, and selection frames 161,
163, and 165 depending on the mode of pattern image 158 displayed
on display area A1.
[0105] Controller 70, when determining at 5314 that the current
process flow is not running under the pattern relocation mode
(S314: No), or that mouse pointer 135 is not placed in contact with
menu display hot point 150 (S315: No), further determines whether
or not pattern relocation menu 151 such as the edit buttons is
displayed on display area A1 of display 41 (S318). If pattern
relocation menu 151 such as the edit buttons is displayed on
display area A1 (S318: Yes), controller 70 clears the display of
pattern relocation menu 151 such as edit buttons displayed on
display area A1 (S319).
[0106] If controller 70 determines that pattern relocation menu 151
is not displayed (S318: No) when displaying resize handle 162,
rotate handle 164, or selection frames 161, 163, or 165 are
displayed; or when pattern relocation menu 151 such as the edit
buttons is cleared at S319, further proceeds to determine whether
or not the current process flow is running under the communication
mode (S320). If controller 70 determines that the current process
flow is running under the communication mode (S320: Yes), items
such as the send button is displayed (S321). In the communication
mode, communication menu 170 such as the send button is displayed
on the rearward right side of display area A1 of display 41 as
shown in FIG. 25. Communication menu 170 includes send button 171
and return button 172. When mouse pointer 135 is placed over send
button 171 and clicked, pattern information 120 pertaining to the
selected pattern image 158 is transmitted to sewing machine 10.
When mouse pointer 135 is placed over return button 172 and
clicked, the process flow proceeds to the main menu mode.
[0107] Controller 70, when determining at S320 that the current
process flow is not running under the communication mode (S320:
No), further determines whether or not communication menu 170 such
as send button 171 is displayed on display area A1 of display 41
(S322). When communication menu 170 is displayed on display area A1
of display 41 (S322: Yes), controller 70 clears the display of
communication menu 170 of display area A1 of controller 70
(S323).
[0108] Controller 70, after displaying communication menu 170 such
as send button 171 at S321, determines at S322 that communication
menu 170 such as send button 171 is not displayed (S322: No), or
after clearing communication menu 170 such as send button 171 at
S323, the content being displayed in sewable area A2 of display 41
is cleared (S324). In other words, controller 70 temporarily
deletes the images displayed in display area 41 within sewable area
A2. Then, controller 70 determines whether or not pattern
information 120 exists (S325). In other words, controller 70
determines whether or not pattern information 120 to be displayed
exists in RAM 73. Controller 70, when determining that pattern
information 120 exists (S325: Yes), displays pattern image 158
corresponding to embroidery pattern 43 displayed on display area A1
at a predetermined location of sewable area A2 based on the
relocation data contained in pattern information 120 (S326).
Controller 70, when determining that pattern information 120 does
not exist (S325: No), or after displaying pattern image 158,
returns the process flow to the main routine.
[0109] Next, a detailed description will be given on mouse pointer
display process executed at S301 of display process.
[0110] Controller 70, after proceeding to the mouse pointer display
process at S301 of the display process, determines whether or not
any change has taken placed on the position where mouse pointer 135
is pointing (S401). Controller 70, when determining that, change
has taken place (S401: Yes), updates the display of mouse pointer
135 (S402). The movement of mouse pointer 135 can be visually
perceived on display area A1.
[0111] Controller 70, after updating the display of mouse pointer
135, determines whether or not the current process flow is running
under the pattern relocation mode (S403). Controller 70, when
determining that current process flow is running under the pattern
relocation mode (S403: Yes), further determines whether or not
mouse pointer 135 resides over display hot point 150 (S404).
Controller 70, when determining that mouse pointer 135 resides hot
point 150 (S404: Yes), makes a display update request (S405) to
display pattern relocation menu 151 including edit buttons such as
pattern selection button 152 and resize button 153. Thus if pattern
relocation menu 151 is currently displayed, it is refreshed by the
display update. If pattern relocation menu 151 is not displayed on
the other hand, it is displayed in response to the display update.
When mouse pointer 135 is placed over menu hot point 150, edit
buttons of pattern relocation menu 151 are displayed as a pull down
menu. When mouse pointer 135, on the other hand, is removed from
menu hot point 150, pattern relocation menu is pulled up and
disappears. In other words, pattern relocation menu 151
expands/retracts depending upon the location of mouse pointer 135.
Thus, even if multiplicity of buttons are included in pattern
relocation menu 151, there is smaller possibility of pattern
relocation menu 151 overlapping with sewable area A2 and degrading
the visibility of sewable area A2 and pattern image 158.
[0112] Controller 70, when the position indicated by the mouse
pointer 135 at step S401 is not changed (S401: No), or when
determining at step S403 that the current process flow is not
running under the pattern relocation mode (S403: No), the process
flow returns to the display process. Further, when controller 70
determines at S404 that mouse pointer 135 is not placed over menu
hot point 150 (S404: No), or after making a display update request
at S405, returns the process flow to the display process.
[0113] Next, the main menu process executed at S106 of the main
routine will be described in detail based on FIG. 27.
[0114] The main menu process is the process carried out when the
main menu mode is set at S102 of the main routine and when main
menu 130 is displayed in display area A1 as shown in FIG. 21.
Controller 70, when proceeding to the main menu process, determines
whether or not mouse 61 has been clicked at a given position within
display area A1 (S501) as shown in FIG. 21. Controller 70, when
determining that mouse 61 has been clicked (S501: Yes), further
determines whether or not pattern selection button 132 has been
pressed (S502). When controller 70, on the other hand, determines
that mouse 61 has not been clicked (S501: No), returns to the main
routine.
[0115] Controller 70, when determining that pattern selection
button 132 has been pressed (S502: Yes), initializes the pattern
selection mode (S503). To elaborate, controller 70 initializes
pattern selection list 140, as such indicated in FIG. 22, displayed
in display area A1 in the pattern selection mode to the first page
and unselects the multiple display patterns contained in pattern
selection list 140 to the unselected state if any of the display
patterns are in the selected state. Then, controller 70 specifies
the pattern selection mode, makes a display update request (S504),
and returns to the main routine.
[0116] If controller 70 determines that pattern selection button
132 has not been pressed (S502: No), further proceeds to determine
whether or not the count of pattern information 120 within the
pattern information list stored in RAM 73 as shown in FIG. 16 is
"0" (S505). Controller 70, when determining that the count of
pattern information 120 within the pattern information list is "0"
(S505: Yes), returns to the main routine.
[0117] Controller 70, when determining that the count of pattern
information 120 within the pattern information list is not "0"
(S505: No), further determines whether or not the click of mouse 61
determined at S501 was a depression of pattern relocation button
133 (S506). Controller 70, when determining that pattern relocation
button 133 has been depressed (S506: Yes), initializes the pattern
relocation mode (S507). To elaborate, controller 70 assumes that
pattern image 158 to be displayed on display area A1 in the pattern
relocation mode is pattern information 120 at the first entry of
the pattern information list stored in RAM 73 and places pattern
information 120 coming at the first entry of the pattern
information list in the selected state. Then, controller 70
specifies the pattern relocation mode, makes a display update
request (S508) and returns to the main routine.
[0118] On the other hand, when controller 70 determines that
pattern relocation button 133 has not been pressed (S506: No),
further proceeds to determine whether or not clicking of mouse 61
determined at S501 was the depression of communication button 134
(S509). Controller 70, when determining that communication button
134 has been pressed (S509: Yes), initializes the communication
mode (S510). That is, controller 70 initializes each component of
the communication apparatus such as a USB device. In addition to
the specification of the communication mode, controller 70 makes a
display update request (S511) and returns to the main routine.
Further, if controller 70 determines that communication button 134
has not been pressed at S509 (S509: No), terminates the process and
returns to the main routine. This means that even if clicking of
mouse 61 has been detected at S501, if it is determined not to be a
depression of communication button 134 at S509, it is an indication
that mouse pointer 135 resides at a location where main menu 130 is
not displayed. Thus, controller 70 terminates the process and
returns to the main routine.
[0119] The communication between display device 23 and sewing
machine 10 need not be carried out by way of communication cables
such as USB as described above but may utilize a nonvolatile memory
card instead. When using a memory card not shown, when determining
that pattern relocation button 133 has not been pressed at the
above described S506 (S506: No), controller 70 proceeds to S521 of
shown in FIG. 28 instead of S509. That is, controller 70 determines
whether or not the write button has been depressed by the clicking
of mouse 61 determined at S501 (S521). When removable medium such
as memory cards are used for communication between display device
23 and sewing machine 10, the write button is displayed instead of
communication button 134 on main menu 130 of display area A1.
Accordingly, at step S521, controller 70 determines whether or not
the write button has been pressed at S521.
[0120] Controller 70, when determining that the write button has
been depressed (S521: Yes), writes pattern information 120 stored
in RAM 73 into the memory card (S522) and displays a message that
reads "writing" on display area A1 of display 41 which is an
indication that information is being written in the memory card.
Then, controller 70 determines whether or not writing of pattern
information 120 into the memory card has been completed (S524) and
if not (S524: No), repeats S522 and S523. When controller 70, on
the other hand, determines that writing has been completed (S524:
Yes), clears the "writing" message displayed on display area A1 and
returns to the main routine. Further, when controller 70 determines
at S521 that the write button has not been pressed (S521: No),
terminates the process and returns to the main routine.
[0121] Next, a description will be given in detail on the pattern
selection process executed at S108 of the main routine based on
FIGS. 29 and 30.
[0122] The pattern selection process is a process executed when the
pattern selection mode is specified at S504 of the main menu
process and when pattern selection menu 141 such as pattern
selection list 140 etc. are displayed on display area A1 as shown
in FIG. 22. Controller 70, when proceeding to the pattern selection
process, determines whether or not mouse 61 has been clicked at a
given position within display area A1 when pattern selection menu
141 is being displayed at display area A1 (S601). Controller 70,
when determining that mouse 61 has been clicked (S601: Yes),
further proceeds to determine whether or not any of the patterns
displayed on pattern selection list 140 has been depressed (S602).
If controller 70, on the other hand, determines that mouse 61 has
not been clicked (S601: Yes), returns to the main routine.
[0123] Controller 70, when determining that any one of the pattern
images contained in pattern selection list 140 has been depressed
(S602: Yes), further determines whether or not the depressed
pattern image is already in the selected state (S603). Controller
70, when determining that the depressed pattern image is already in
the selected state (S603: Yes), places the pattern image having
been placed in the selected state to the unselected state (S604).
On the other hand, when controller 70 determines that the selected
pattern image has not already been placed in the selected state
(S603: No), proceeds to S605 to place the selected pattern into the
selected state. Then, controller 70 makes a display update request
(S606) and returns to the main routine.
[0124] Controller 70, when determining that none of the patterns
displayed have been depressed (S602: No), further determines
whether or not OK button 143 shown in FIG. 22 has been depressed
(S607). Controller 70, when determining that OK button 143 has been
depressed (S607: Yes), determines whether or not any of the pattern
image contained in pattern selection list is in the selected state
(S608) as earlier described in S603 to S606.
[0125] Controller 70, when determining that any of the pattern
images contained in pattern selection list 140 has been selected
(S608: Yes), extracts the pattern data corresponding to the
selected pattern image from pattern data 103 of the pre-stored
embroidery patterns stored in ROM 72 as shown in FIG. 14. Then
controller 70 appends the extracted data as pattern information 120
to the pattern information list 20 stored in RAM 73 as shown in
FIG. 16 (S609). Then, controller 70 initializes relocation data 122
contained in the pattern information 120 appended to the pattern
information list of RAM 73 (S610). Then, controller 70 specifies
the pattern relocation mode (S611), makes a display update request
(S612), and returns to the main routine. Controller 70, when
determining that none of the patterns contained in pattern
selection list 140 is in the selected state (S608: No), returns to
the main routine without executing 5609 to S612.
[0126] When controller 70, on the other hand, determines that OK
button 143 has not been depressed (S607: No), further determines
whether or not return button 144 shown in FIG. 22 has been
depressed (S613). When determining that return button 144 has been
depressed (S613: Yes), controller 70 determines that a return
request is made to the main menu from the pattern selection process
and proceeds to specify the main menu mode (S614), make a display
update request (S615), and return to the main routine.
[0127] Controller 70, when determining that return button 144 has
not been depressed at S613 (S613: No), further proceeds to
determine whether or not the next page side of page navigation
button 142 has been depressed (S616). Controller 70, when
determining that the next page side on the right side of page
navigation button 142 has been depressed (S616: Yes), increments
the page number displayed on pattern selection list 140 by "1"
(S617). Then, controller 70 further proceeds to determine whether
or not the incremented page number of pattern selection list 140
has exceeded the total page number of pattern selection list 140
(S618). Controller 70, when determining that the incremented page
number has exceeded the total page number of pattern selection list
140 (S618: Yes), sets the page number of pattern selection list 140
to "1", meaning that the first page is set (S619). Controller 70,
after setting the page number to the first page at S619 or
determining that the total page number of pattern selection list
140 has not been exceeded (S618: No), makes a display update
request (S620), and returns to the main routine. As described
above, when the next page side of page navigation button 142 is
depressed when the final page of pattern selection list 140 is
being displayed, the page number of pattern selection list 140
returns to the first page.
[0128] When controller 70 determines that the next page side of
page navigation button 142 has not been depressed (S616: No),
further proceeds to determine whether or not previous page side in
the left side of the navigation button 142 has been depressed
(S621). Controller 70, when determining that previous page side of
navigation button 142 has been depressed (S621: Yes), decrements
the page number of pattern selection list 140 by "-1" (S622). Then,
controller 70 further proceeds to determine whether or not the
decremented page number of pattern selection list 140 has been
reduced to "0" (S623). Controller 70, when determining that the
page number of pattern selection list 140 has been reduced to "0"
(S623: Yes), sets the page number of pattern selection list 140 to
the final page (S624). Controller 70, after setting the page number
to the final page at S625 or when determining that the page number
of pattern selection list 140 has not been reduced to "0" (S623:
No), makes a display update request (S625) and returns to the main
routine. As described above, when the previous page side of page
navigation button 142 is depressed when the first page of pattern
selection list 140 is being displayed, the page number of pattern
selection list 140 returns to the final page.
[0129] Further, when controller 70 determines at S621 that the
previous page side of navigation button 142 has not been depressed
(S621: No), proceeds to determine whether or not any of the
patterns contained in the pattern selection list 140 is in the
selected state (S626). As described above, when it has been
determined that the previous page side of page navigation button
142 has not been depressed, it is an indication that mouse 61 has
been clicked at a location where pattern selection list 140 or any
of the buttons of pattern selection menu 141 does not exist.
Controller 70, when determining at step S626 that any of the
patterns contained in pattern selection list 140 is in the selected
state (S626: Yes), places the selected pattern in the unselected
state (S627), makes a display update request (S628), and returns to
the main routine. That is, when mouse 61 is clicked at a location
where pattern selection list 140 or any of the buttons of pattern
selection menu 141 does not exist, the selected state of the
patterns contained in pattern selection list 140 is cancelled. When
controller 70, on the other hand, determines that the patterns
contained in the pattern selection list 140 is not in the selected
state (S626), the process flow returns to the main routine without
having to execute the processes of S627 and S628.
[0130] Next, a description will be given in detail on pattern
relocation process executed at S110 of the main routine based on
FIGS. 31 to 33.
[0131] The pattern relocation process is a process executed when
the pattern relocation mode is set at S611 of the pattern selection
process and when items such as the selected pattern image 158 and
pattern relocation menu 151 are displayed on display area A1 as
shown in FIG. 23. Controller 70 after proceeding to the pattern
relocation process, determines whether or not mouse 61 has been
clicked (S701). That is, controller 70 determines whether or not
mouse 61 has been clicked at a given position within display area
A1 when items such as the selected pattern image 158 and pattern
relocation menu 151 are displayed as shown in FIG. 23. Controller
70, when determining that mouse 61 has been clicked (S701: Yes),
further proceeds to determine whether or not pattern image 158 has
been depressed (S702).
[0132] Controller 70, when determining that pattern image 158 has
been depressed (S702: Yes), further proceeds to determine whether
or not the depressed pattern image 158 or any other pattern image
158 has already been placed in the selected state (S703).
Controller 70, when determining that pattern image 158 has already
been placed in the selected state (S703: Yes), places pattern image
158 already placed into the selected state into the unselected
state (S704) and places the newly selected pattern image 158 into
the selected state (S705). In the example shown in FIG. 23, only
pattern image 158 is displayed on display area A1. However,
depending on the desired embroidery pattern, more than one display
pattern corresponding to more than one embroidery patterns may be
displayed on display area A1. In such case, the pattern selected by
mouse 61 is placed into the selected state and the remaining other
patters are placed into the unselected state. Once controller 70
places pattern image 158 in a selected state, a display update
request is made (S706), and the process flow is returned to the
main routine.
[0133] Controller 70, when determining at step S702 that pattern
image 158 has not been depressed (S702: No), further proceeds to
determine whether or not pattern selection button 152 shown in FIG.
23 has been depressed (S707). Controller 70, when determining that
pattern selection button 152 is depressed (S707: Yes), sets
selection frame 161 surrounding pattern image 158 to the normal
mode (S708) as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24A, makes a display update
request (S706), and returns the process flow to the main
routine.
[0134] Controller 70, when determining at S707 that pattern
selection button 152 has not been depressed (S707: No), further
proceeds to determine whether or not resize button 153 shown in
FIG. 23 has been depressed (S709). Controller 70, when determining
that resize button 153 has been depressed (S709: Yes), sets
selection frame 163 surrounding pattern image 158 to a resize mode
including resize handle 162 (S710), makes a display update request
(S706), and returns the process flow to the main routine.
[0135] Controller 70, when determining that resize button 153 has
not been depressed at 5709 (S709: No), further proceeds to
determine whether or not rotate button 154 shown in FIG. 23 has
been depressed (S711). Controller 70, when determining that rotate
button 154 has been depressed (S711: Yes), sets selection frame 165
surrounding pattern image 158 to a rotate mode including rotate
handle 164 (S712), makes a display update request (S706), and
returns the process flow to the main routine.
[0136] Controller 70, when determining at S711 that rotate button
154 has not been depressed (S711: No), further proceeds to
determine whether or not return button 157 shown in FIG. 23 has
been depressed (S713). Controller 70, when determining that return
button 157 has been depressed (S713: Yes), determines that a return
request has been made from the pattern relocation process to the
main menu. Then, controller sets the main menu mode (S714), makes a
display update request (S715) and returns the process flow to the
main routine.
[0137] When controller 70, on the other hand, determines at 5713
that return button 157 has not been pressed (S713: No), further
proceeds to determine whether or not pattern image 158 displayed on
display area A1 is in a selected state (S716). Controller 70, when
determining that pattern image 158 is in the selected state (S716:
Yes), further proceeds to determine whether or not inverse button
155 shown in FIG. 23 has been depressed (S717). Controller 70, when
determining that inverse button 155 has been depressed (S717: Yes),
flags an inverse in relocation data 122 contained in pattern
information 120 stored in RAM 73, more specifically, turns inverse
flag 1223 "ON" (S718). Thus, pattern image 158 displayed on display
area A1 is inversed, meaning that its front side and the back side
are turned over. Controller 70, after flagging an inverse in
relocation data 122 at S718, makes a display update request (S719),
and returns the process flow to the main routine. Further, when
controller 70 determines at S716 that pattern image 158 is not in
the selected state (S716: No), returns the process flow to the main
routine. That is, if pattern image 158 is not in the selected state
at step S716, mouse 61 has not selected pattern image 158 but has
been clicked where pattern relocation menu 151 is not displayed. In
such case, no change occurs in the display of pattern image 158 or
pattern relocation menu 151.
[0138] Controller 70, when determining at step S717 that inverse
button 155 has not been depressed (S717: No), further proceeds to
determine whether or not delete button 156 shown in FIG. 23 has
been depressed (S720). Controller 70, when determining that delete
button 156 has been depressed, deletes pattern information 120
corresponding to the selected pattern image 158 (S721) from pattern
information 120 contained in the pattern selection list stored in
RAM 73. Then, controller 70, after deleting pattern information 120
corresponding to the selected pattern image 158, or when
determining at S720 that delete button 156 has not been depressed
(S720: No), places pattern image 158 into the unselected state
(S722), makes a display update request (S719), and returns to the
main routine.
[0139] When controller 70, on the other hand, determines at the
above S701 that mouse 61 has not been clicked (S701: No), proceeds
to S723 shown in FIG. 33 and determines whether or not pattern
image 158 displayed on display area A1 has been dragged (S723).
Controller 70, when determining that pattern image 158 has been
dragged (S723: Yes), further proceeds to determine whether or not
pattern image 158 has been dragged into the boundary of sewable
area A2 (S724). Then, when controller 70 determines that pattern
image 158 has been dragged into sewable area A2 (S724: Yes),
location information 1221 of relocation data 122 for pattern image
158 contained in pattern information 120 is updated to the
relocated position (S725), a display update request is made (S726),
and the process flow is returned to the main routine. When
controller 70 determines that pattern image 158 has not been
dragged into sewable area A2 (S724: No), a display update request
is made (S726) without executing the process of S725 and the
process flow is returned to the main routine. The above process
updates the display position of pattern image 158 if pattern image
158 has been dragged within the bounds of sewable area A2.
Contrastingly, if pattern image 158 has not been dragged within the
bounds of sewable area A2, display position of pattern image 158
remains unchanged from its original position.
[0140] Controller 70, when determining that pattern image 158 has
not been dragged at S723 (S723: No), further proceeds to determine
whether or not resize handle 162 shown in FIG. 24C has been dragged
(S727). Controller 70, when determining that resize handle 162 has
been dragged (S727: Yes), further proceeds to determine whether or
not pattern image 158 resized by dragging resize handle 162 resides
within sewable area A2 (S728). Then, controller 70, when
determining that resized pattern image 158 resides within sewable
area A2 (S728: Yes), specifies resize information 1224 of
relocation data 122 contained in pattern information 120 to the
resized size (S729), makes a display update request (S726), and
returns the process flow to the main routine. Further, controller
70, when determining that resized pattern image 158 does not reside
within sewable area A2 (S728: No), makes a display update request
(S726) without executing the process of S729, and returns the
process flow to the main routine. According to the above described
process, pattern image 158 is resized if pattern image 158 resized
by dragging resize handle 162 resides within sewable area A2. As
opposed to this, if pattern image 158 resized by dragging resize
handle 162 does not reside within sewable area A2, pattern image
158 is not resized.
[0141] Controller 70, when determining at S727 that resize handle
162 has not been dragged (S727: No), further proceeds to determine
whether or not rotate handle 164 shown in FIG. 24D has been dragged
(S730). Controller 70, when determining that rotate handle 164 has
been dragged (S730: Yes), further proceeds to determine whether or
not pattern image 158 rotated by dragging rotate handle 164 resides
within sewable area A2 (S731). Then, controller 70, when
determining that the rotated pattern image 158 resides within
sewable area A2 (S731: Yes), updates rotate angle information 1222
of relocation data 122 contained in pattern information 120 to the
rotated location (S732), makes a display update request (S726), and
returns the process flow to the main routine. When controller 70
determines that the rotated pattern image 158 does not reside
within sewable area A2 (S731: No), makes a display update (S726)
without executing S729, and returns the process flow to the main
routine. According to the above described process, if pattern image
158 rotated by dragging rotate handle 164 resides within sewable
area A2, pattern image 158 is rotated and if it does not reside
within sewable area A2, it is not rotated.
[0142] When controller 70 determines at S730 that rotate handle 164
has not been dragged (S730: No), the process flow is returned to
the main routine. If rotate handle 164 has not been dragged at
S730, it is an indication that mouse 61 was neither clicked or
dragged, meaning that mouse 61 was merely moved and hence, no
change takes place in the presentation of items such as pattern
image 158 and pattern relocation menu displayed on display area
A1.
[0143] Next, a description will be given in detail on the
communication process executed at step S112 of the main routine
based on FIG. 34.
[0144] The communication process is executed when the communication
mode is set at S511 of the main menu process and communication menu
170 of the communication mode is displayed on display area A1 as
shown in FIG. 25. Controller 70, when proceeding to the
communication process, determines whether or not mouse 61 has been
clicked (S801) on a given position of display area A1 when
communication menu 170 is displayed as shown in FIG. 25. Controller
70, when determining that mouse 61 has been clicked (S801: Yes),
further proceeds to determine whether or not return button 172 of
communication menu 170 has been depressed (S802). Controller 70,
when determining that return button 172 has been depressed (S802:
Yes), determines that a request has been made to return to the main
menu mode from the communication mode and thereafter specifies the
main menu mode (S803), make a display update request (S804), and
returns the process flow to the main routine. Controller 70 also
returns the process flow to the main routine when mouse 61 has not
been clicked.
[0145] On the other hand, when controller 70 determines at S802
that return button 172 has not been depressed (S802: No), further
proceeds to determine whether or not send button 171 has been
depressed (S805). Controller 70, when determining that send button
171 has been depressed (S805: Yes), prepares for communication with
medium such a USB (S806), and determines whether or not
communication link has been established (S807). Controller 70, when
determining that communication link has not been established (S807:
No), stands by until the communication link has been
established.
[0146] Controller 70, when determining that communication link has
been established (S807: Yes), transmits pattern information 120
stored in RAM 73 to sewing machine 10 (S808) while displaying a
message that reads "sending" on display area A1 indicating that
pattern information 120 is being transmitted and further proceeds
to determine whether or not the transmission has been completed
(S810). Controller 70, when determining that the transmission of
pattern information 120 has not been completed (S810: No), repeats
S808 and S809 until the transmission is completed.
[0147] Controller 70, when determining that the transmission of
pattern information 120 has been completed (S810: Yes), clears the
"sending" message indicating that pattern information 120 is being
transmitted (S811) and returns to the main routine. Further,
controller 70, when determining at S805 that send button 171 has
not been depressed (S805: No), terminates the process and returns
to the main routine. This means that, though clicking of mouse 61
was indeed detected at 5801 it was not a depression of send button
171 of S805, which is an indication that mouse pointer 135 of mouse
61 is not placed over communication menu 170. Thus, controller 70
terminates the process and returns to the main routine.
[0148] When the processes described above based on FIGS. 18 to 20
and FIGS. 26 to 34 have been completed, the embroidery pattern
selected by display device 23 and relocated and resized relative to
workpiece 35 as required is sewn by sewing machine 10. When sewing
the embroidery pattern with sewing machine 10, embroidery frame 20
holding workpiece cloth 35 is attached to carriage 22 of embroidery
frame transfer device 21. Pattern information 120 may be
transferred from embroidery frame 20 to sewing machine 10 either
before or after attaching carriage 22 to embroidery frame 20.
[0149] After starting the sewing operation, sewing machine 10
controls the motion of sewing needle 15 based on pattern
information 120 transmitted from display device 23 and controls the
transfer of embroidery frame 20 by embroidery frame transfer device
21. Thus, the selected embroidery pattern 43 is sewn in the desired
position and in the desired form on workpiece cloth 35 held by
embroidery frame 20 based on pattern information 120. When detector
54 provided at display device 23 detects the attachment of display
41, controller 70 outputs instructions to prohibit sewing machine
10 from executing the sewing operation. Thus, sewing machine 10
does not execute a sewing operation of embroidery pattern 43 while
display 41 is attached.
[0150] Embroidery frame 20 and sewing machine 10 according to the
above described first exemplary embodiment has the following
effects.
[0151] By attaching display device 23 to embroidery frame 20 by way
of attachment mechanism 24 before initiating the sewing operation,
workpiece cloth 35 held by embroidery frame 20 is located with the
embroidery pattern displayed on display 41. Display 41 displays
pattern image 158 so that it overlaps with sewable area A2 of
embroidery frame 20 on which the sewing operation is actually
performed. Further, because display 41 is configured by an
electronic paper capable of providing visibility of the back side
of display area A1, when display 41 is attached, the size of the
embroidery pattern and images of where to form the stitches and how
the finished pattern will look on workpiece cloth 35 held at
sewable area A2 of embroidery area 20 can be presented to the user.
Thus, the embroidery pattern to be sewn can be located with
workpiece cloth 35 with greater ease and reliability.
[0152] Controller 70 detects the type of embroidery frame 20
attached by frame type detection switch 53. Thus, display 41 is
capable of displaying the sewable area A2 and embroidery pattern to
be sewn depending upon the type of embroidery frame 20 detected
even if embroidery frames 20 come in different shapes and sizes.
The above described feature also provides greater ease and
reliability in locating the embroidery pattern to be sewn with the
workpiece cloth 35.
[0153] Pattern image 158 displayed on display area A1 of display 41
is editable in its sew position, size, and shape etc. from mouse 61
input depending upon the desired embroidery pattern. Thus, the
desired size and/or shape of the embroidery pattern may be edited
in view of pattern image 158 displayed on display area A1 and
workpiece cloth 35 held by embroidery frame 20. Thus, the
embroidery pattern can be readily edited with accuracy depending
upon workpiece 35 as well as being located in the desired
position.
[0154] The pattern image displayed on display area A1 is outputted
to sewing machine 10 through medium such as USB so that patterns
based on the outputted embroidery pattern can be sewn by sewing
machine 10 provided with embroidery frame transfer device 21.
[0155] Attachment mechanism 24 comprises engagement portion 45 of
display device 23 and engagement subject 32 of embroidery frame 20.
Display device 23 and embroidery frame 20 are located with each
other by way of the engagement between engagement portion 45 and
engagement subject 32. The above described arrangement allows
display device 23 and embroidery frame 20 to be reliably and
readily located with each other in a less complex
configuration.
[0156] Because sewing machine 10 of the first exemplary embodiment
is provided with display device 23 producing the above described
effects, embroidery pattern 43 can be sewn accurately on the
desired position of workpiece cloth 35 based on pattern image 158
displayed on display 41.
[0157] Next, a description will be given on a display device and a
sewing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure based on FIG. 35.
[0158] The mechanical and electrical configuration of display
device 23 and sewing machine 10 are identical to those of the first
exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the data configuration of the
data used is also identical to the data types shown in FIGS. 14, 15
and 16. The second exemplary embodiment differs from the first
exemplary embodiment in that pre-stored pattern data 103 is stored
in the ROM, not shown, of sewing machine 10 instead of being stored
in ROM 72 of display device 23 and in that the process flow of the
embroidery sewing process flows differently. This means that not
only ROM 72 and RAM 73 but also the ROM not shown of sewing machine
10 stores embroidery pattern data.
[0159] First, a description will be given on the flow of the
process executed at display device 23 side. The processes that are
identical to those of the first exemplary embodiment are identified
with identical step number and will not be explained.
[0160] In initiating the main process, in other words, when power
is turned ON, controller 70 initializes display device 23 in its
entirety (S1001). Then, as in the first exemplary embodiment,
controller 70 acquires the frame type of embroidery frame 20
attached to attachment mechanism 24. Then, display device 23 is
attached to sewing machine 10 (S1002). More specifically, display
device 23 is connected in data communication with sewing machine 10
by way of medium such as USB. Controller 70 determines whether or
not connection with display device 23 and sewing machine 10 has
been established or not (S1003). Controller 70, when determining
that connection between display device 23 and sewing machine 10 has
not been established (S1003: No), stands by until the connection is
established.
[0161] Controller 70, when determining that the connection has been
established between display device 23 and sewing machine 10 (S1003:
Yes), proceeds to determine the presence/absence of send request of
pattern information 120 (S1004). That is, controller 70, when
display device 23 is connected in data communication with sewing
machine 10, determines the presence/absence of send query.
Controller 70, when determining that no send request of pattern
information 120 has been made (S1004: No), stands by until a send
request is made. When, controller 70, on the other hand, determines
that send request of pattern information 120 has been made (S1004:
Yes), transmits an "accept" signal for allowing the transmission of
pattern information 120 from sewing machine 10 (S1005). Controller
70 thus, retrieves pattern information 120 from sewing machine 10
(S1006) and stores it into RAM 73. Then, controller 70 determines
whether or not retrieval of pattern information 120 has been
completed (S1007) and when determining that retrieval of pattern
information 120 has not been completed (S1007: No), repeats the
process S1006 until the retrieval of pattern information 120 has
been completed.
[0162] Controller 70, when determining that the retrieval of
pattern information 120 has been competed (S1007: Yes), displays
pattern image 158 corresponding to pattern information acquired
from sewing machine 10 on display area A1 of display 41 (S1008).
Using the pattern image 158 displayed on display 41, the user is
allowed to make adjustments in the positioning of the pattern to be
formed with workpiece cloth 35. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the user is allowed to relocate, resize, and rotate
pattern image 158 displayed on display area A1 using mouse 61. The
editing, that is, relocation, resizing, and rotation of pattern
image 158 can be executed as described in pattern relocation
process shown in FIGS. 31 to 34 of the above described first
exemplary embodiment and thus will not be explained.
[0163] The positioning of pattern image 158 displayed on display
area A1 of display 41 relative to workpiece cloth 35 can be carried
out when the connection between display device 23 and sewing
machine 10 is canceled. As described above, display 41 comprising
electronic paper retains the latest image displayed before the
cancellation of connection with sewing machine 10. Thus, pattern
image 158 can be located with workpiece 35 even if display device
23 having embroidery frame 20 attached to it is removed from sewing
machine 10. The above described configuration facilitates the
relative positioning of pattern image 158 and workpiece cloth 35
since no structural elements such as sewing machine 10, and
embroidery frame transfer device 21 exists in the periphery of
embroidery frame 20 that are likely to interfere with the
positioning work. If sewing machine 10 is provided with a frame
retraction functionality that retracts embroidery frame from its
sewing position, the frame retraction may be executed instead of
removing embroidery frame 20. In this case also, the relative
positioning of pattern image 158 and workpiece 35 will not be
interrupted by sewing machine 10 and embroidery frame transfer
device 21, etc. as was the case when display device 23 is removed
from sewing machine 10.
[0164] Controller 70, when completing the pattern relocation
process at S1009, determines whether or not display device 23 and
sewing machine 10 are connected (S1010). Controller 70, when
determining that display device 23 and sewing machine 10 are not
connected (S1010: No), stands by until connection is established
between display device 23 and sewing machine 10 (S1011) while
repeating S1010 until verifying the connection between display
device 23 and sewing machine 10.
[0165] Controller 70, when determining that display device 23 and
sewing machine 10 are connected (S1010: Yes), sends a send request
to sewing machine 10 (S1012). To elaborate, controller 70 requests
for a permission to send pattern information 120 edited by the
pattern relocation process. Then, controller 70 determines whether
or not the send request has been acknowledged by sewing machine 10
(S1013). Controller 70, when determining that send request has not
been acknowledged (S1013: No), repeats S1012 until sewing machine
10 acknowledges the send request.
[0166] Controller 70, when determining that send request has been
acknowledged (S1013: Yes), transmits pattern information 120 to
sewing machine (S1014). Then, controller 70 determines whether or
not transmission of pattern information 120 is completed (S1015)
and when determining that transmission of pattern information 120
has not been completed (S1015: No), proceeds to step S1004 and
repeats S1004 onwards.
[0167] Next, a description will be given on the process flow
executed at sewing machine 10 side.
[0168] In initiating the main process, in other words, when power
is turned ON, controller 81 of sewing machine 10, initializes
sewing machine 10 in its entirety (S1021). Then, controller 81
executes the pattern selection process (S1022). This means that in
the second exemplary embodiment, the pattern selection process for
selecting embroidery pattern 43 is executed at sewing machine 10.
More specifically, the user is to select an embroidery pattern from
the pattern selection list displayed on LCD 19 of sewing machine
10. The pattern selection process can be executed as described in
FIGS. 29 and 30 of the above described exemplary embodiment except
for the process being primarily executed by controller 81 of sewing
machine 10 and thus, will not be described in detail.
[0169] Controller 81, after starting the execution of the pattern
selection process, determines whether or not the pattern selection
process has been completed (S1023). Controller 81 when determining
that pattern selection process has not been completed (S1023: No),
stands by until the pattern selection process at S1022 is
completed. When controller 81 determines that the pattern selection
process has been completed (S1022: Yes), sewing machine 10 is
connected to display device 23 (S1024). As described above,
controller 81 verifies whether or not connection is established
between sewing machine 10 and display device 23 (S1025). The
connection of sewing machine 10 to display device 23 (S1024)
corresponds to the connection of display device 23 to sewing
machine 10 in the above described S1002. Likewise, verification of
whether or not sewing machine 10 has been connected to display
device 23 at S1025 corresponds to the verification of whether or
not display device 23 has been connected to sewing machine 10 at
S1003.
[0170] Controller 81, when determining that display device 23 has
been connected at S1025 (S1025: Yes), issues a send request to
display device 23 (S1026). When controller 81, on the other hand,
determines that display device 23 is not connected at S1025 (S1025:
No), stands by until display device 23 is connected. Controller 81
may be configured to acquire the type of embroidery frame 20
mounted on attachment mechanism 24 from display device 23 side when
transmitting the send request.
[0171] At S1004 described above, controller 70 of display device 23
determines whether or not send request of pattern information 120
has been issued by sewing machine 10. Thus, controller 81 issues a
send request to display device 23 at S1026 in which return
controller 70 of display device 23 sends a permission for sending
pattern information 120 to sewing machine 10. After transmitting
the send request of pattern information 120 to display device 23 at
S1026, controller 81 of sewing machine 10 determines whether or not
the send request has been acknowledged by display device 23, in
other words, whether or not send request of pattern information 120
has been acknowledged/permitted by display device 23 at S1005
(S1027).
[0172] Controller 81, when determining that permission has been
obtained from display device 23 in response to the send request
(S1027: Yes), sends pattern information 120 to display device 23
(S1028). Controller 70 of display device 23 receives pattern
information 120 at S1006 which was sent from sewing machine 10 at
S1028. When controller 81, on the other hand, determines that it
has not obtained permission from display device 23 in response to
the send request (S1027: No), stands by until obtaining permission
from display device 23.
[0173] Controller 81, after sending pattern information 120 at
S1028, determines whether or not transmission of pattern
information 120 has been completed (S1029). Controller 81, when
determining that transmission of pattern information 120 has been
completed, further proceeds to determine the presence/absence of
send request of pattern information 120 (S1030). Controller 70 of
display device 23, after executing the pattern relocation process
at S1009, sends a send request to sewing machine 10 at S1012.
Responsively, sewing machine 10 determines at S1030 whether or not
the send request for the edited pattern information 120 has been
issued from display device 23. Controller 70 of display device 23
determines at S1010 whether or not display device 23 and sewing
machine 10 are connected. Likewise, determination may be made on
sewing machine 10 side as to whether or not display device 23 is
connected. Controller 81, when determining at S1030 that the send
request for the edited pattern information has not been issued from
display device 23 (S1030: No), stands by until the send request has
been sent from display device 23.
[0174] Controller 81, when determining at S1030 that the send
request for the edited pattern information 120 has been issued from
display device 23, (S1030: Yes), retrieves the edited pattern
information 120 from display device 23 (S1031). In other words, at
step S1031, controller 81 retrieves pattern information 120 sent by
display device 23 at S1014. Then, controller 81 determines whether
or not the retrieval of edited pattern information 120 has been
completed (S1032). Controller 81, when determining that the
retrieval of the edited pattern information 120 has not been
completed (S1032: No), stands by until the retrieval of pattern
information 120 is completed.
[0175] Controller 81, when determining at S1032 that retrieval of
edited pattern information 120 has been completed (S1032: Yes),
proceeds to the sewing process of the embroidery patterns (S1033).
Controller 81 further determines by way of detector 54 as to
whether or not display 41 is attached to display device 23 (S1034).
More specifically, controller 81, when determining that display 41
is attached to display device 23 (S1034: Yes), displays a message
that reads "error" on LCD 19 (S1035) indicating that the sewing
operation cannot be started because display 41 is attached. When
controller 81, on the other hand, determines that display 41 is not
attached to display device 23 (S1034: No), executes formation of
embroidery pattern (S1036). Then, controller 81 determines whether
or not formation of embroidery pattern has been completed (S1037),
and if not completed (S1037: No), continues with embroidery pattern
formation. When controller 81, on the other hand, determines that
the embroidery pattern formation has been completed (S1037: Yes),
returns the process flow to S1022.
[0176] The above described second exemplary embodiment provides the
following effects in addition to those provided in the first
exemplary embodiment. Selection of a given embroidery pattern from
multiple embroidery patterns is executed on the sewing machine 10
side whereas the pattern relocation process of the selected
embroidery pattern is executed on pattern device 23 side. Thus,
tasks can be allocated to both sewing machine 10 and display device
23 to allow optimization of sewing machine 10 and display device
23.
[0177] Next a description will be given on a third exemplary
embodiment based on FIGS. 36 and 37 focusing primarily on the
difference from the first exemplary embodiment.
[0178] In the third exemplary embodiment, display frame 842 of
display 23 is generally formed as a frame. The structures for
establishing connection with holder unit 44 will not be described
for simplicity.
[0179] Further, display frame 842 has an outer peripheral edge that
gradually curves along the inner periphery of inner frame 34. On
the lengthwise mid portion of each of the four sides of display
frame 842, a notch 843 is formed that serves as an engagement
portion.
[0180] Inner frame 34 of embroidery frame 20 is dimensioned so that
it can accommodate display frame 842 within it and is provided
integrally with bottom support 844 that supports display frame 842.
Bottom supports 844 define a rectangular sewable are A2 within
inner frame 34 of embroidery frame 20 as viewed in plan view.
Bottom supports 844 are each provided integrally with rib 845 in
its lengthwise mid portion that serves as and engagement subject.
Rib 845 is fitted with notch 843 of display frame 842. Engagement
subject 32 is integrally provided with a dedicated detection
subject 38 on embroidery frame 20. Joint 36 is provided with cover
846 that stores controller 81. Controller 81 has communication
cable 62 connected to it that communicates with sewing machine
10.
[0181] When display device 23 is attached onto embroidery frame 20
configured as described above, the outer peripheral edge, in other
words, display frame 842 is supported by bottom support 844. At
this instance, rib 845 of bottom support 844 is fitted with notch
843 of display frame 842. Thus, embroidery frame 20 and display
device 23 are located such that the display area and the sewable
area A2 are substantially located at the same predetermined
position. Though not shown, display device 23 and controller 81 are
connected by wireless communication.
[0182] According to the third exemplary embodiment, embroidery
frame 20 can be attached to display device 23 by merely fitting rib
845 into notch 843. This means that attachment mechanism 24 merely
comprises rib 845 and notch 843 to minimize cost and complexity of
structure. Further, embroidery frame 20 can be located with and
attached to display device 23 by merely locating the outer profile
of display device 23 with embroidery frame 20, thus, further
improving the work efficiency and simplifying the configuration of
display device 23. Further, the third exemplary embodiment provides
the effects similar to those provided in the first exemplary
embodiment such as allowing the user to visually recognize the
actual size and the finished image of the embroidery pattern in
view of sewable area A2 of embroidery frame 20 holding workpiece
cloth 35.
[0183] Further, in the third exemplary embodiment, a retaining
structure similar to holder unit 44 can be preinstalled at carriage
22 of embroidery frame transfer device 21. Thus, when executing the
embroidery sewing operation, attachment of holder unit 44 to
carriage 22 can be eliminated.
[0184] Next, a description will be given on a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 38 to
40.
[0185] The fourth exemplary embodiment employs cap frame 181 for
use in an embroidery sewing machine for embroidering a brimmed cap
200, hereinafter simply referred to as a cap. Cap frame 181 is
attached to a rotary frame not shown that is connected to a feed
mechanism of a single headed or a multiple headed embroidery sewing
machine. The feed mechanism not shown is provided with a Y drive
mechanism that transfers the rotary frame in the front and rear
direction represented as the Y direction and an X drive mechanism
that rotates the rotary frame about a shaft oriented in the Y
direction by way of a rotary mechanism provided on the rotary
frame. The embroidery sewing machine according to the fourth
exemplary embodiment executes embroidery sewing operation on cap
200 mounted on cap frame 181 by transferring cap frame 181 with the
rotary frame by way of the feed mechanism.
[0186] Cap frame 181 is provided with cap frame body 182, presser
frame 183, and holder frame 184. Cap frame 182 is formed into a
loop and detachably attached to the rotary frame not shown. Presser
frame 183 is placed over cap frame body 182 and has one end
connected to cap frame body 182 so as to clamp cap 200 therebetween
to allow the cap 200 to be releasably held by cap frame 182. Holder
frame 184 supports cap 200 from below.
[0187] Cap frame body 182 is provided with a looped mount frame 185
that is mounted on the outer side of the rotary frame. Mount frame
185 is provided with flange 186. Flange 186 is provided with flange
support 187 that rises obliquely rearward and upward from the
uppermost center of mount frame 185. Flange support 187 is provided
with brim presser 189 that presses brim 201 of cap 200. The
structure of cap frame body 182 comprising brim presser 189 and
flange support 187 being known in the art will not be
described.
[0188] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, holder frame 184 is curved in
front view and rectangular in plan view in order to support the
front face of cap 200, referred to as embroidery portion 203, on
which embroidery is formed in a tensed state. Holder frame 184 is
secured on the upper portion of cap frame body 182 to hold cap 200
from the inner bottom side.
[0189] Presser frame 183 is bendable and is curved in front view
and rectangular in plan view just like holder frame 184. Thus,
embroidery portion 203 of cap 200 is removably secured between the
presser frame 183 on the upper side and holder frame 184 on the
lower side. On the lower end side of cap frame body 182, a
forwardly oriented rod 190 that rotatably supports the left end of
presser frame 183 and support element 191 for locking the right end
of presser frame 183 is disposed. Support element 191 is provided
with hook 1911 which is engaged with ring 1831 that is provided on
the right end of presser frame 183. By engaging ring 1831 on hook
1911, the right end of presser frame 183 is mounted removably on
support element 191. Further, holder frame 184 and presser frame
183 clamp embroidery section 203 from the lower side, that is, the
inner side and the upper side, that is, the outer side. The inner
side of presser frame 83 constitutes sewable area A2 which is
rectangular in plan view.
[0190] Presser frame 183 is provided with cylindrical ribs 192 on
both ends of its upper side, which protrude outward. As shown in
FIG. 39, ribs 192 are provided symmetrically on presser frame 183
and serves as an engagement subject for engagement with display
device 223.
[0191] Display device 223 is provided with display 241 and display
frame 242. Display frame 242 is bendable and holds display 241 in
curved profile so as to curve along presser frame 183. Display
frame 242 is curved in front view and rectangular in plan view.
Display frame 242 comprises a plurality of frame segments 193, and
each of the right side frame segment and the left side frame
segment has notch 194 that serves as an engagement portion as shown
in FIG. 38. At the circumferential center of notch 194, fitting
portion 195 is provided for fitting insertion of rib 192. Also, the
mouth located at the lower portion of each notch 194 as viewed in
FIG. 38 spreads axially to define taper 196.
[0192] When display device 223 is placed onto the above configured
presser frame 183 from above, display device 223 receives insertion
of rib 192 from taper 196 side of notch 194. The fitting of the
inserted rib 192 with fitting groove 95 establishes the hold of
display device 223 by presser frame 183. Thus, display device 223
and cap frame 181 are attached such that display 41 and sewable
area within presser frame 183 are coincidental. The electrical
configuration of display device 223 may employ an equivalent of the
third exemplary embodiment and thus, will neither be shown nor
explained.
[0193] According to the above described configuration, display
device 223 and cap frame 181 can be attached to the other by merely
fitting notch 194 with rib 192. This means that the attachment
mechanism can be configured merely by notch 194 and rib 192 to
reduce the cost and simplify the structure as much as possible.
Further, as described above, display device 223 can be placed on
cap frame 181 from above and allow visual recognition of the top
view of the aforementioned image of finished embroidery while
maintaining the attachment of cap frame 181 and display device 223
to provide user friendliness.
[0194] In the above described exemplary embodiments, display device
23 is provided with controller 70 that controls embroidery pattern
selection and embroidery pattern editing, and ROM 72 and RAM 73
that store data pertaining to embroidery patterns. Display device
23 further establishes connection with mouse 61 through which user
operation is inputted, and communication cable 62 through which
data communication is carried out. Alternatively, controller 70,
ROM 72, and RAM 73 may be provided at embroidery frame 20 instead
of display device 23, while mouse 61 and communication cable 62 is
connected to display device 23. In such case, the processes carried
out in the first and the second exemplary embodiments are executed
at embroidery frame 20.
[0195] Further, the above exemplary embodiments have been described
based on display device 23 provided with display 41 comprising
electronic paper. However, display 41 may comprise medium other
than electronic paper such as a liquid crystal display, organic
electroluminescence, and projector that are transparent to provide
visibility of the object placed behind it. When employing a
projector as display 41, a transparent screen providing visibility
behind it, in other words, its back side, constitutes display area
A1 on which images are projected from a projector provided on
attachment mechanism side 24.
[0196] Yet, further in the above described exemplary embodiments,
mouse 61 was given as an example of a pointing device for editing
pattern image 158 presented on display 41. However, display 41 may
be configured as a touch panel so that image pattern image 158 may
be edited through touch operation of display 41.
[0197] While various features have been described in conjunction
with the examples outlined above, various alternatives,
modifications, variations, and/or improvements of those features
and/or examples may be possible. Accordingly, the examples, as set
forth above, are intended to be illustrative. Various changes may
be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the
underlying principles.
* * * * *