U.S. patent application number 13/727351 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yin Hsuan HUANG, Masahiro MIZUNO. Invention is credited to Yin Hsuan HUANG, Masahiro MIZUNO.
Application Number | 20130186316 13/727351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48796173 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130186316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIZUNO; Masahiro ; et
al. |
July 25, 2013 |
APPARATUS AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM
Abstract
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to
store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to
perform the steps of acquiring pattern data of an embroidery
pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to
be sewn on a sewing object formed of a specific material, whether
the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a
second area, generating, in a case where it is determined that the
embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the
second area, supplemental data representing at least one
supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch connecting at least
some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and
the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the
generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery
pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.
Inventors: |
MIZUNO; Masahiro;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) ; HUANG; Yin Hsuan; (Hsieh,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIZUNO; Masahiro
HUANG; Yin Hsuan |
Nagoya-shi
Hsieh |
|
JP
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
48796173 |
Appl. No.: |
13/727351 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
112/102.5 ;
700/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05B 19/10 20130101;
D05B 19/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
112/102.5 ;
700/138 |
International
Class: |
D05B 19/10 20060101
D05B019/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 19, 2012 |
JP |
2012-008546 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory configured to
store computer-readable instructions that, when executed, instruct
the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data, the
pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that
form an embroidery pattern; determining, in a case where the
embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed
of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at
least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired
pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least
one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a
predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that
is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality
of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a
threshold value; generating, in a case where it is determined that
the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and
the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at
least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that
connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of
the first area and the second area; and generating, from the
pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data
to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental
stitch,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where it
is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the first area,
the generating the supplemental data includes generating the
supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental
stitch, at least one stitch that intersects with the at least one
long stitch.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the generating the
supplemental data includes: setting a number of the at least one
supplemental stitch depending on a length of the at least one long
stitch; setting a position of each of the at least one supplemental
stitch depending on the length of the at least one long stitch; and
arranging each of the at least one supplemental stitch in the set
position and generating the supplemental data.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where it
is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the second area,
the generating the supplemental data includes generating the
supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental
stitch, at least one stitch each connecting two points on the
stitch line enclosing the second area.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the generating the
supplemental data includes: dividing the second area into a
plurality of divided areas each having a degree of roundness that
is equal to or more than the threshold value; and generating the
supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental
stitch, the at least one stitch each connecting the two points at
both ends of a boundary line between two adjacent areas of the
plurality of divided areas.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the generating the
supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data of the
at least one supplemental stitch that is a same type of stitch as
the plurality of stitches that form the stitch line enclosing the
second area.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific
material is one of a water-soluble material and a heat-soluble
material.
8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, instruct an
apparatus to execute steps comprising: acquiring pattern data, the
pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that
form an embroidery pattern; determining, in a case where the
embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed
of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at
least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired
pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least
one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a
predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that
is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality
of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a
threshold value; generating, in a case where it is determined that
the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and
the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at
least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that
connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of
the first area and the second area; and generating, from the
pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data
to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental
stitch.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery
pattern includes the first area, the generating the supplemental
data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as
the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch that
intersects with the at least one long stitch.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
9, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: setting a
number of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on a
length of the at least one long stitch; setting a position of each
of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on the length of
the at least one long stitch; and arranging each of the at least
one supplemental stitch in the set position and generating the
supplemental data.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery
pattern includes the second area, the generating the supplemental
data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as
the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch each
connecting two points on the stitch line enclosing the second
area.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
11, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: dividing
the second area into a plurality of divided areas each having a
degree of roundness that is equal to or more than the threshold
value; and generating the supplemental data that represents, as the
at least one supplemental stitch, the at least one stitch each
connecting the two points at both ends of a boundary line between
two adjacent areas of the plurality of divided areas.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
11, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes
generating the supplemental data of the at least one supplemental
stitch that is a same type of stitch as the plurality of stitches
that form the stitch line enclosing the second area.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim
8, wherein the specific material is one of a water-soluble material
and a heat-soluble material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2012-008546, filed Jan. 19, 2012, the content of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety,
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that is
capable of generating embroidery data to sew an embroidery pattern
using an embroidery sewing machine, and to a non-transitory
computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions
that cause an apparatus to generate the embroidery data.
[0003] A technique is known that creates a so-called openwork
pattern (lace embroidery, for example). For example, a method is
known in which, after performing embroidery to form a mesh portion
on a base fabric that melts in heat or dissolves in water, the
openwork pattern is formed by melting or dissolving the base fabric
in the mesh portion.
SUMMARY
[0004] As in the above-described method, when only the base fabric
in the mesh portion is dissolved, the base fabric remains as a base
underneath the embroidery pattern. Thus, a possibility of shrinkage
of the openwork pattern itself is not taken into account. However,
if a sewing object, which is the base fabric, completely dissolves,
the stitches of the embroidery pattern may shrink and thus an
intended design shape may become distorted. Further, even if the
sewing object is a material that does not melt in heat or dissolve
in water, if the sewing object is a material that shrinks extremely
easily, the embroidery pattern may similarly take a design shape
that is different from the intended shape, due to shrinkage as a
result of sewing.
[0005] In either of the above-described cases, in order to inhibit
the design shape from becoming distorted due to shrinkage of the
stitches, a method may be employed in which embroidery data is
generated taking shrinkage into account in advance. Additionally,
in a case where the material shrinks extremely easily, a method may
be employed in which underlay stitches are sewn in advance.
However, in both these methods, if a person generating the data is
not familiar with a degree of shrinkage of the sewing object, it is
difficult to maintain the intended design shape. Moreover, as the
degree of shrinkage varies depending on a type of the sewing
object, the person generating the data may not always know the
degree of shrinkage of the sewing object at that time.
[0006] Various exemplary embodiments of the broad principles
derived herein provide an apparatus capable of generating
embroidery data that may inhibit distortion of an embroidery
pattern due to shrinkage of stitches after sewing, and a
non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable
instructions that cause may an apparatus to generate the embroidery
data.
[0007] Exemplary embodiments herein provide an apparatus that
includes a processor and a memory configured to store
computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions
instruct, when executed, the apparatus to perform the steps of
acquiring pattern data, the pattern data being data representing a
plurality of stitches that form an embroidery pattern, determining,
in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing
object that is formed of a specific material, whether the
embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a
second area, based on the acquired pattern data, the first area
being an area that includes at least one long stitch each of which
is a stitch that is longer than a predetermined length, and the
second area being a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line
formed in a line shape by a plurality of stitches and that has a
degree of roundness that is lower than a threshold value,
generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery
pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second
area, supplemental data that is data representing at least one
supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that connects at
least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first
area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and
the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the
embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.
[0008] Exemplary embodiments also provide a non-transitory
computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions.
The computer-readable instructions instruct, when executed, an
apparatus to execute steps comprising acquiring pattern data, the
pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that
form an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the
embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed
of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at
least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired
pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least
one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a
predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that
is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality
of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a
threshold value, generating, in a case where it is determined that
the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and
the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at
least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that
connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of
the first area and the second area, and generating, from the
pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data
to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental
stitch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments will be described below in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of an embroidery data generating apparatus;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an external view of an embroidery sewing
machine;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of main processing of the embroidery
data generating apparatus;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern
that includes a first area;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram that shows a part of FIG. 4
in an expanded manner;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of first area processing that is
performed in the main processing;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern
to which supplemental stitches are added;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a
pattern to which supplemental stitches are added;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern
that includes a second area;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a type of stitch that
forms a stitch line of the pattern shown in FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of second area processing that is
performed in the main processing;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern division
method; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern
that has been divided into three parts and to which supplemental
stitches have been added.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be
explained with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of
an embroidery data generating apparatus 1 will be explained with
reference to FIG. 1. The embroidery data generating apparatus 1 is
an apparatus that can generate embroidery data to sew an embroidery
pattern on a sewing object using an embroidery sewing machine 3
(refer to FIG. 2) that will be described later. The sewing object
may be, for example, a work cloth, a water-soluble sheet, a
heat-soluble sheet or the like.
[0024] The embroidery data generating apparatus 1 may be an
apparatus that is dedicated for use in generating embroidery data
or may be a general-purpose device, such as a so-called personal
computer. In the present embodiment, the general-purpose device is
exemplified. As shown in FIG. 1, the embroidery data generating
apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 that is a controller that is
configured to control the embroidery data generating apparatus 1. A
RAM 12, a ROM 13, and an input/output (I/O) interface 14 are
connected to the CPU 11.
[0025] The RAM 12 is configured to temporarily store various data.
The ROM 13 is configured to store a BIOS and so on. The I/O
interface 14 is configured to mediate in the exchange of data. A
hard disk device (HDD) 15, a mouse 22 as an input device, a video
controller 16, a key controller 17, a CD-ROM drive 18, a memory
card connector 23 and an image scanner 25 are connected to the I/O
interface 14. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the embroidery data
generating apparatus 1 may also include an external interface that
allows connection to an external device or a network.
[0026] A display 24 as a display device is connected to the video
controller 16. A keyboard 21 as an input device is connected to the
key controller 17. A CD-ROM 54 can be inserted into the CD-ROM
drive 18. For example, at a time of setup of an embroidery data
generating program, the CD-ROM 54 storing the embroidery data
generating program may be inserted into the CD-ROM drive 18. Then,
the embroidery data generating program may be read and stored in a
program storage area 153 of the HDD 15. The embroidery data
generating program may also be acquired from the external device or
via the network and stored in the program storage area 153. A
memory card 55 can be connected to the memory card connector 23,
and information can be read from and written to the memory card
55.
[0027] Storage areas of the HDD 15 will be explained. As shown in
FIG. 1, the HDD 15 includes a plurality of storage areas, including
an embroidery data storage area 151, a setting storage area 152,
the program storage area 153 and an other data storage area 154.
The embroidery data storage area 151 may store embroidery data. The
embroidery data is data that represents stitches to form a pattern
that is sewn by embroidery. The embroidery data of the present
embodiment is data to be used when performing embroidery using the
embroidery sewing machine 3, and includes at least data relating to
needle drop points (coordinate values of an XY coordinate system
that is specific to the embroidery sewing machine 3) and to a
sewing order of the needle drop points. The embroidery data may
also include data relating to colors of embroidery threads,
corresponding to each pattern. Note that, hereinafter, a pattern
for which the embroidery data is stored in the embroidery data
storage area 151 is referred to as a stored pattern.
[0028] Various setting values to be used in various processing
executed by the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 may be
stored in the setting storage area 152. A plurality of programs to
be executed by the CPU 11, including the embroidery data generating
program, may be stored in the program storage area 153. Initial
values and setting values of various parameters, for example, may
be stored in the other data storage area 154. It should be noted
that the embroidery data generating program may be stored in the
ROM 13 or may be stored in another storage area (a flash ROM
etc).
[0029] The embroidery sewing machine 3 will be explained with
reference to FIG. 2. The embroidery sewing machine 3 is a sewing
machine that can sew an embroidery pattern based on the embroidery
data. As shown in FIG. 2, the embroidery sewing machine 3 includes
a bed 30, a pillar 36, an arm 38, and a head 39. The long dimension
of the bed 30 runs left to right. The pillar 36 rises upward from
the right end of the bed 30. The arm 38 extends to the left from
the upper portion of the pillar 36. The head 39 is joined to the
left end of the arm 38.
[0030] An embroidery frame 41 may be disposed above the bed 30. The
embroidery frame 41 is configured to hold a work cloth (not shown
in the drawings) on which embroidery will be performed. A Y
direction drive portion 42 and an X direction drive mechanism (not
shown in the drawings) may move the embroidery frame 41 to a
position that is indicated by a coordinate value of the XY
coordinate system that is specific to the embroidery sewing machine
3. The X direction drive mechanism is housed in a main body case
43. A needle bar 35 on which a sewing needle 44 is mounted and a
shuttle mechanism (not shown in the drawings) may be driven in
conjunction with the moving of the embroidery frame 41. In this
manner, the embroidery pattern is formed on the work cloth. The Y
direction drive portion 42, the X direction drive mechanism and the
needle bar 35 may be controlled by a control device (not shown in
the drawings) that is built into the embroidery sewing machine 3.
The control device may be formed of a microcomputer or the
like.
[0031] A memory card slot 37 may be provided in a side face of the
pillar 36 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. The memory card 55
can be inserted into and removed from the memory card slot 37. For
example, embroidery data that has been generated by or edited by
the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 (refer to FIG. 1) may be
stored on the memory card 55 via the memory card connector 23.
Then, the memory card 55 may be inserted in the memory card slot
37, the stored embroidery data may be read and the embroidery data
may be stored in the embroidery sewing machine 3. Based on the
embroidery data supplied from the memory card 55, the control
device (not shown in the drawings) of the embroidery sewing machine
3 may automatically control embroidery sewing operations by the
above-described structural members. In this way, the embroidery
sewing machine 3 can sew the embroidery pattern based on the
embroidery data supplied from the embroidery data generating
apparatus 1.
[0032] Main processing executed by the embroidery data generating
apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 13.
The main processing shown in FIG. 3 is started when a command to
start the processing is input by a user. The CPU 11 reads the
embroidery data generating program stored in the HDD 15 shown in
FIG. 1, and performs the following processing by executing
computer-readable instructions that are included in the
program.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, after the main processing is started,
the CPU 11 identifies a pattern selected by the user that is to be
a target of embroidery sewing (step S1). More specifically, for
example, the CPU 11 displays, on the display 24 of the embroidery
data generating apparatus 1, a screen (not shown in the drawings)
that shows a list of stored patterns and an Enter key. When the
Enter key is selected after the user has selected a desired pattern
by operating the mouse 22 and the keyboard 21, the CPU 11
identifies the pattern that has been selected (hereinafter referred
to as a selected pattern), acquires embroidery data of the selected
pattern (hereinafter referred to as selected pattern data) from the
embroidery data storage area 151 of the HDD 15 and stores the
selected pattern data in the RAM 12.
[0034] At step S1, the user can select a plurality of patterns. In
this case, the CPU 11 acquires a plurality of sets of selected
pattern data that correspond to the plurality of selected patterns,
respectively, and stores the plurality of sets of selected pattern
data in the RAM 12 in an order of selection. Note that the pattern
to be sewn by embroidery is not limited to the stored pattern and
may be, for example, a pattern for which embroidery data has been
stored in the memory card 55 or in the external device. In such a
case, the CPU 11 may read the selected pattern data from the memory
card 55 or the external device and store the data in the RAM
12.
[0035] The CPU 11 performs editing of the selected pattern data
(step S2). At step S2, for example, the CPU 11 displays, on the
display 24 of the embroidery data generating apparatus 1, an
editing screen (not shown in the drawings) that includes an area
displaying the selected pattern, various keys to edit the pattern
and an Enter key. First, in the area displaying the selected
pattern, the selected pattern is displayed in a size and layout
determined by initial settings. The editing of the pattern may be,
for example, changing the size of the pattern (scaling up, scaling
down) and changing the layout of the pattern (moving, or rotating
etc.). By selecting the various keys, the user can input commands
to edit the selected pattern as desired.
[0036] For example, in a case where the user wishes to create a
larger pattern by combining a plurality of the stored patterns, the
user selects a plurality of the patterns while observing the
editing screen, and inputs commands to change the size and the
layout of the selected patterns. When the Enter key is selected
after editing the patterns as appropriate, the CPU 11 confirms the
editing content and corrects the selected pattern data read at step
S1 in accordance with the editing content. More specifically, in
accordance with the editing content, the CPU 11 changes coordinate
values representing needle drop points included in the selected
pattern data.
[0037] After editing the selected pattern data, the CPU 11
displays, on the display 24, a specification screen (not shown in
the drawings) that is used to specify design features of the
selected pattern (step S3). Design features of the selected pattern
may include, for example, classification of the sewing object,
whether or not a supplemental stitch is needed and so on. The
classification of the sewing object is whether or not the sewing
object is a specific material. The specific material is a material
on which stitches of the pattern may easily shrink after sewing.
The specific materials may include, for example, a soluble material
(a water-soluble material or a heat-soluble material, for example),
a material that has a comparatively high shrinkage factor (a knit,
for example) and so on.
[0038] In a case where the user wishes to remove the sewing object
after sewing the selected pattern on the sewing object to obtain an
openwork pattern, a soluble material is used as the sewing object.
In such a case, when the sewing object is melted or dissolved after
the embroidery sewing of the pattern, a degree of shrinkage of the
stitches of the pattern is greater than a case in which the sewing
object remains. Thus, there is a higher possibility that the shape
of the pattern will be distorted. Further, in a case of a material
that has a comparatively high shrinkage factor, similarly, there is
a possibility that, depending on a type of the pattern, the
stitches of the pattern may shrink after sewing and the shape of
the pattern may be distorted. The supplemental stitch is a stitch
that is added in such cases in order to suppress shrinkage of the
stitches and to maintain the shape of the pattern. The supplemental
stitch will be explained in detail later.
[0039] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sewing object
has been specified as the specific material on the specification
screen (step S4). In a case where the sewing object is not the
specific material (no at step S4), there is no particular need to
add the supplemental stitch and thus the CPU 11 ends the main
processing. In a case where the sewing object is the specific
material (yes at step S4), the CPU 11 determines whether or not it
has been specified that creation of the supplemental stitch is
necessary (step S5). Even if the sewing object is the specific
material, the user may specify that the creation of the
supplemental stitch is not necessary, such as when the user knows
from previous experience that the possibility of the shape of the
selected pattern becoming distorted is low, etc. In a case where it
is specified that the creation of the supplemental stitch is not
necessary (no at step S5), the CPU 11 ends the main processing.
[0040] On the other hand, in a case where it is specified that the
creation of the supplemental stitch is necessary (yes at step S5),
if the selected pattern includes an area (at least one of a first
area and a second area that will be explained later) that fulfills
specific conditions, the CPU 11 performs processing to generate
embroidery data to which the supplemental stitch is added (step S6
to step S23).
[0041] First, the CPU 11 identifies a total number N of the
selected patterns (hereinafter referred to as a number of patterns
N) selected at step S1 and for which the corresponding selected
pattern data has been acquired and stored in the RAM 12, and stores
the number N in the RAM 12 (step S6). The CPU 11 sets a counter
value n that is stored in the RAM 12 to an initial value of 1 (step
S7). n is a variable that is used to sequentially process the N
selected patterns. From the selected pattern data of the N selected
patterns acquired and stored in the RAM 12, the CPU 11 selects the
embroidery data of an n-th pattern (hereinafter referred to as a
pattern n) as a processing target(step S8). Based on the embroidery
data of the pattern n, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the
first area is included in the pattern n (step S9).
[0042] The first area is an area that includes at least one long
stitch. A long stitch of the present embodiment is a single stitch
that joins two needle drop points and that is longer than a
predetermined length L0 (approximately 10 mm, for example). The
long stitch is a stitch that may easily shrink when the sewing
object dissolves or shrinks severely. Therefore, in the present
embodiment, the long stitch is set as a target to which the
supplemental stitch is added.
[0043] For example, from the coordinate values of the needle drop
points of the embroidery data, the CPU 11 calculates a distance
between two successive needle drop points. By determining whether
or not the calculated distance is greater than the predetermined
length L0, the CPU 11 may determine whether or not the
corresponding stitch is the long stitch. In the present embodiment,
in a case where another long stitch that is longer than the
predetermined length L0 is arranged within a predetermined distance
D (equal to or less than 5 mm, for example) from a given long
stitch, the CPU 11 regards these long stitches as one group, and
identifies the first area. Thus, the first area is identified as an
area that includes at least one long stitch.
[0044] Of a pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, for example, in a section
that is enclosed by a dashed line 61, a distance between needle
drop points P1 and P2, a distance between needle drop points P3 and
P4, a distance between needle drop points P5 and P6 and a distance
between needle drop points P7 and P8 are each longer than the
predetermined length L0, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the
stitches that are formed on the line segments P1P2, P3P4, P5P6 and
P7P8 each correspond to the long stitch. Further, the line segments
P1P2, P3P4, P5P6 and P7P8 are aligned within the predetermined
distance D. Thus, the CPU 11 identifies a first area R1 including
one group of the four long stitches.
[0045] With respect to the pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, sections
enclosed by a dashed line 62 and a dashed line 63 are identified as
first areas R2 and R3, respectively, in a similar manner. In other
words, the CPU 11 determines that three first areas are included in
the pattern 60 (yes at step 89). In this type of case, the CPU 11
performs first area processing (step S10, FIG. 6). The first area
processing is processing to generate supplemental data representing
at least one supplemental stitch each of which intersects with the
at least one long stitch in the first area.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, in the first area processing, the CPU 11
first identifies a total number M of first areas (hereinafter
referred to as a number of first areas M) included in the pattern n
identified at step S9 in the main processing (refer to FIG. 3)
(step S101). In the example of the pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, the
CPU 11 identifies the number of first areas M as being 3. The CPU
11 sets a counter value m stored in the RAM 12 to an initial value
of 1 (step S102). m is a variable that is used to sequentially
process the M first areas. The CPU 11 identifies a length of a long
stitch that is included in an m-th first area (hereinafter referred
to as an area m) (step S103). In accordance with the identified
length, the CPU 11 sets a number of the at least one supplemental
stitch to be added (step S104), and sets a position in which each
of the at least one supplemental stitch will be arranged (step
S105).
[0047] For example, the CPU 11 may set the number of the at least
one supplemental stitch by referring to a table (not shown in the
drawings) that is stored in advance in the setting storage area 152
of the HDD 15. In the table, the number of supplemental stitches
may be defined for each of ranges of lengths of the long stitch.
For example, it may be defined that the number of supplemental
stitches is one in a case where the length of the long stitch is
equal to or longer than 10 mm and less than 15 mm, and the number
of supplemental stitches is two in a case where the length is equal
to or longer than 15 mm and less than 20 mm. However, these
numerical values are illustrative examples, and the range and the
number of supplemental stitches can be changed as appropriate. It
should be noted that in a case where a plurality of the long
stitches having different lengths are included in the first area,
the above-described number of the at least one supplemental stitch
may be set while taking the longest long stitch as a reference.
[0048] Further, the CPU 11 may set a position of the supplemental
stitch in the following manner, for example. In a case where the
number of the supplemental stitches is one, the CPU 11 may arrange
supplemental stitches 611, 621 and 631 that intersect with long
stitches of the first areas R1 to R3 in center positions of the
long stitches, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7. In a case where
the number of supplemental stitches is two, the CPU 11 may arrange
supplemental stitches 612, 613, 622, 623, 632 and 633 that
intersect with the long stitches in the first areas R1 to R3 in
positions equally dividing the long stitches into three,
respectively, as shown in FIG. 8. Note that in a case where a
plurality of long stitches are included in the first area, the
above-described position may be set, using the longest long stitch
as a reference.
[0049] It is preferable that an angle of the supplemental stitch
with respect to the long stitch be an angle other than 90 degrees
(approximately 60 degrees, for example), as almost no effect of
suppressing the shrinkage of the long stitch is obtained with an
angle of 90 degrees. Further, a length (5 mm to 10 mm, for example)
that is set in advance and stored in the setting storage area 152
of the HDD 15 may be used as a length of the supplemental stitch.
Alternatively, a length specified by the user may be used. Note
that it is preferable that the length of the supplemental stitch be
such that the supplemental stitch intersects with all of the at
least one long stitch within the first area.
[0050] After the CPU 11 sets the number and the position of the at
least one supplemental stitch in this manner, the CPU 11 generates
the supplemental data by calculating the coordinate values of the
needle drop points to form the at least one supplemental stitch and
stores the supplemental data in the RAM 12 (step S106). Note that
the supplemental data of the at least one supplemental stitch that
is generated in the first area processing is data representing at
least one stitch, and includes the coordinate values of at least
two needle drop points. For example, the supplemental stitch 611
shown in FIG. 7 may be a single stitch that connects the needle
drop points P11 and P12, at least.
[0051] When the CPU 11 ends the generation of the supplemental data
for the area m, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value m stored in
the RAM 12 (step S107) and determines whether or not the counter
value m has exceeded the number of first areas M (step S108). For
as long as the counter value m does not exceed the number of first
areas M (no at step S108), an unprocessed first area remains. Thus,
the CPU 11 returns the processing to step S103 and repeats the
processing to arrange the supplemental stitch with respect to the
long stitch within the next area m, and generate the supplemental
data (step S103 to step 5108). In the example of the pattern 60
shown in FIG. 4, when the counter value m becomes 4 at step 5107 in
the processing of the third first area R3, the counter value m
exceeds the number of first areas M (=3) (yes at step S108). In
such a case, there are no more unprocessed first areas, and the CPU
11 ends the first area processing shown in FIG. 6 and returns to
the main processing shown in FIG. 3.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, in a case where the CPU 11 determines
that the pattern n does not include the first area (no at step S9),
or after the first area processing (step S10), the CPU 11
determines whether or not the pattern n includes the second area
(step S11). The second area is a closed area that is enclosed by a
stitch line formed of a plurality of stitches in a line and whose
degree of roundness is lower than a threshold value. When a surface
area of the closed area is S and a peripheral length of the closed
area is L, a degree of roundness C of the closed area enclosed by
the stitch line can be calculated using the following formula. The
degree of roundness C approaches I the closer the closed area is to
a perfect circle.
C=(4.pi..times.S)/L.sup.2
[0053] The closer the embroidery pattern is to a circular shape,
namely, the closer the degree of roundness is to 1, the less there
is distortion of the shape, when shrinkage occurs. In contrast, the
further the embroidery pattern differs from a circular shape,
namely, the smaller the degree of roundness becomes than 1, the
larger the distortion when shrinkage occurs. Thus, the stitch line
that encloses the area having a comparatively low degree of
roundness is formed of stitches that may easily shrink when the
sewing object is dissolved or shrinks severely. Therefore, in the
present embodiment, such a stitch line is set as a target to which
the supplemental stitch is added.
[0054] Note that in the present embodiment, the stitch line is not
just a stitch line that is formed of a plurality of stitches
arranged in a single line, such as running stitches, but also
includes cases in which zigzag stitches, or decorative type
stitches are arranged in a line shape along a single line. For
example, in a pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, a decorative stitch 78
that is shown in FIG. 10 is arranged in a plurality in a line shape
along a contour line of a closed area that has an arch shape and is
enclosed by a curved line 71, a straight line 72, a curved line 73
and a straight line 74, thus forming a stitch line 75 that encloses
a second area R5.
[0055] In a case where there is a closed area having a lower degree
of roundness than the threshold value (0.5, for example) in the
pattern n, it is determined at step S11 that the second area is
included in the pattern n (yes at step S11). The threshold value
may be set in advance and stored in the HDD 15, for example, or may
be a value that is specified by the user. It should be noted that,
as in the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, in a case where the shape of
the pattern n itself is a closed area whose degree of roundness is
lower than the threshold value, this also corresponds to the case
in which the second area is included in the pattern n. In this
case, the CPU 11 performs the second area processing (step S20,
FIG. 11). The second area processing is processing to generate
supplemental data in which the supplemental stitch is at least one
stitch that connects two points on the stitch line enclosing the
second area.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 11, in the second area processing, the CPU
11 first identifies a total number B of second areas (hereinafter
referred to as a number of second areas B) included in the pattern
n identified at step S11 of the main processing (refer to FIG. 3)
(step S201). In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the
CPU 11 identifies the number of second areas B as being 1. The CPU
11 sets a counter value b that is stored in the RAM 12 to an
initial value of 1 (step S202). b is a variable that is used to
sequentially process the B second areas. The CPU 11 identifies a
type of the stitches that form a stitch line of a b-th second area
(hereinafter referred to as an area b) (step S203). In the example
of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 identifies the stitch
78 shown in FIG. 10 as the type of the stitches forming the stitch
line 75 enclosing the second area R5.
[0057] The CPU 11 sets a minimum rectangle S0 that contains the
area b (step S204) and identifies a longitudinal direction of the
minimum rectangle S0 as a longitudinal direction of the area b
(step S205). In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the
minimum rectangle S0 shown in FIG. 12 is identified, and a
direction of an arrow A is identified as the longitudinal direction
of the pattern 70. The CPU 11 sets a counter value k to 2 (step
S206). k is a variable that is used to count a number of partitions
in order to divide up the area b into a number k of divided areas.
The CPU 11 divides up the area b into the number of k divided areas
(step S207). In other words, in the first round of the processing,
the area b is divided into two divided areas.
[0058] The CPU 11 performs division of the area b using the
following method, for example. The CPU 11 first equally divides up
the minimum rectangle S0 into the k divided areas in the
longitudinal direction. Specifically, the CPU 11 divides up the
area b into the k divided areas, using a division line of the
minimum rectangle S0, namely, a boundary line between two adjacent
areas among the k divided areas as a division line of the area b.
In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, in the first
round of the processing (k=2), the CPU 11 divides the pattern 70
into two areas, that is, an area 81 and an area 82, using a
division line K0 that divides the minimum rectangle S0 in half in
the direction of the arrow A, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0059] The CPU 11 calculates a degree of roundness of each of the k
divided areas, and determines whether or not the degrees of
roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more than the
above-described threshold value (step S208). In a case where the
degrees of roundness of all of the divided areas are not equal to
or more than the threshold value (no at step S208), the CPU 11 adds
1 to the counter value k (step S209). The CPU 11 then divides the
area b into a number of divided areas that is increased by one
compared to the number of divided areas in the previous round (step
S207). The CPU 11 repeats the processing until the degrees of
roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more than the
threshold value (step S207 to step S209). In a case where the
degrees of roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more
than the threshold value (yes at step S208), the CPU 11 arranges a
supplemental stitch on each division line of the area b (S211).
Specifically, the CPU 11 arranges the supplemental stitch on each
boundary line between two adjacent areas among the k divided areas,
the supplemental stitch connecting to the stitch line of the area b
at two points at both ends of the boundary line.
[0060] The CPU 11 generates the supplemental data by calculating
coordinate values of needle drop points to form the supplemental
stitch, and stores the supplemental data in the RAM 12 (step S212).
Note that, in the second area processing of the present embodiment,
the CPU 11 generates supplemental data of the supplemental stitch
that is the same type as the type of the stitches forming the
stitch line of the area b and identified at step S203. Thus, it is
possible to form the supplemental stitch that does not appear
incongruous with respect to the original pattern corresponding to
the area b. After the generation of the supplemental data for the
area b, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value b stored in the RAM
12 (step S213). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the counter
value b exceeds the number of second areas B identified at step
S201 (step S214). In a case where the counter value b does not
exceed the number of second areas B (no at step S214), an
unprocessed second area remains. Therefore, the CPU 11 returns the
processing to step S203 and repeats the processing to divide the
next area b, arrange the supplemental stitch and generate the
supplemental data (step S203 to step S214).
[0061] When the second area R5 corresponding to the pattern 70
shown in FIG. 9 is divided into three areas 83, 84 and 85 by
division lines K1 and K2 that divide the minimum rectangle S0 into
three parts (processing round where k=3), as shown in FIG. 13, the
degrees of roundness of all the areas 83, 84 and 85 are equal to or
more than the threshold value. In this case, the CPU 11 arranges
supplemental stitches 88 on a boundary line between the area 83 and
the area 84, such that the supplemental stitches 88 connect to the
stitch line 75 at two points at both ends of the boundary line.
Additionally, the CPU 11 arranges supplemental stitches 89 on a
boundary line between the area 84 and the area 85, such that the
supplemental stitches 89 connect to the stitch line 75 at two
points at both ends of the boundary line. Both the supplemental
stitches 88 and 89 are formed of the same type of the stitch 78 of
the stitch line 75 (refer to FIG. 10). Thus, even when the
supplemental stitches 88 and 89 are added to the stitch line 75, it
is possible to form the pattern that does not appear incongruous as
a whole. In this example, when the counter value b becomes 2, the
counter value b exceeds the number of second areas B (=1) (yes at
step S214). In such a case, there are no more unprocessed second
areas and thus the CPU 11 ends the second area processing shown in
FIG. 11 and returns to the main processing shown in FIG. 3.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, when the CPU 11 determines that the
pattern n does not include the second area (no at step S11), or
after the second area processing (step S20), the CPU 11 determines
(step S21) whether or not the supplemental data has been generated
in the first area processing (step S10) or in the second area
processing (step S20). In a ease where the supplemental data is
stored in the RAM 12, the CPU 11 determines that the supplemental
data has been generated (yes at step S21). In this case, from the
embroidery data of the pattern n selected at step S8 and the
supplemental data, the CPU 11 generates final embroidery data in
order to sew the pattern n in a state in which the supplemental
stitches are added.
[0063] More specifically, the CPU 11 sets a sewing order of the
needle drop points included in the embroidery data and the
supplemental data of the pattern n, such that, in the sewing order,
a first needle drop point among the needle drop points of the
supplemental stitches continues subsequently to a last needle drop
point among the needle drop points of the pattern n. The CPU 11
thus unifies the embroidery data of the pattern n and the
supplemental data as one set of embroidery data. When the sewing is
performed in accordance with the resulting embroidery data, the
supplemental stitches are sewn after the pattern n. However, the
sewing order of the supplemental stitches is not limited to this
example, and the supplemental stitches may be sewn before the
pattern n. When the CPU 11 finishes generating the embroidery data,
the CPU 11 advances the processing to step S23. In a case where the
supplemental data is not generated (no at step S21), the CPU 11
advances the processing to step S23.
[0064] At step S23, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value n that
identifies the selected pattern as the processing target, and sets
the next selected pattern in the order as the processing target.
The CPU 11 determines whether or not the counter value n exceeds
the number of patterns N (step S24). In a case where the counter
value n does not exceed the number of patterns N (no at step S24),
an unprocessed selected pattern remains. Thus, the CPU 11 returns
the processing to step S8 and performs processing to generate the
supplemental data as necessary with respect to the next pattern n,
as described above (step S8 to step S24). In a case where the
counter value n exceeds the total number of patterns N (yes at step
S24), the CPU 11 ends the main processing shown in FIG. 3.
[0065] As described above, according to the embroidery data
generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in a case where
the pattern that is to be sewn on a sewing object formed of a
specific material includes at least one of the first area, which
includes at least one long stitch, and the second area, which has a
degree of roundness lower than the threshold value, embroidery data
to which supplemental data is added is generated. The supplemental
data is the data of at least one supplemental stitch that connects
at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in the first area
or the second area (namely, the long stitch or a stitch line
enclosing the second area). Thus, even if the sewing object is
dissolved or shrinks severely after the pattern has been formed,
due to the supplemental stitch, it is possible to inhibit the long
stitch or the stitch line enclosing the second area from shrinking
and the shape of the pattern from being distorted.
[0066] More specifically, in the case of the first area, the number
and position of the at least one supplemental stitch that
intersects with the long stitch can be appropriately set in
accordance with the length of the long stitch. As a result, it is
possible to reliably inhibit the shape of the long stitch from
being distorted. Further, in the case of the second area, the
second area is divided into a plurality of divided areas each
having the degree of roundness that is equal to or more than the
threshold value, and the supplemental stitch that connects to the
stitch line enclosing the second area is formed on the boundary
line. Thus, it is possible to efficiently arrange the supplemental
stitch that inhibits the shape of the stitch line from being
distorted.
[0067] Various modifications can be made to the above-described
embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the
soluble material is exemplified by the water-soluble material and
the heat-soluble material. However, the soluble material may be
another material that is soluble in a type of liquid. In such a
case, it is necessary for the liquid to be a type in which an
embroidery thread does not dissolve.
[0068] The main processing of the above-described embodiment is an
example in which the supplemental data of the supplemental stitch
is generated in a case where the pattern n includes at least one of
the first area and the second area. However, in the main
processing, the CPU 11 may, for example, generate the supplemental
data for the supplemental stitch that intersects with the long
stitch when the pattern includes the first area only. Specifically,
the CPU 11 need not perform the processing from step S11 to step
S20 relating to the second area. The number and arrangement
position of the at least one supplemental stitch that intersects
with the long stitch may be set by a method that is different form
the method of the above embodiment. For example, the number and
position specified by the user may be used. Alternatively, the
number and position of the supplemental stitch may be set
uniformly, irrespective of the length of the long stitch.
[0069] Further, in the main processing, the CPU 11 may generate the
supplemental data of the supplemental stitch that connects the two
points on the stitch line enclosing the second area in a case where
the pattern includes the second area only. Specifically, the CPU 11
need not perform the processing from step S9 to step S10 relating
to the first area. The number and the arrangement position of the
at least one supplemental stitch need not be set by using the
minimum rectangle and dividing the pattern into the plurality of
divided areas. For example, the CPU 11 may divide up the pattern
using division lines specified by the user. In such a case, the CPU
11 may arrange the supplemental stitch on the boundary line between
the divided areas at a point in time at which the degree of
roundness of each of the divided areas becomes equal to or more
than the threshold value. The CPU 11 may take, as the position of
the supplemental stitch, a position that is specified by the user
while using the boundary line as a reference. Furthermore, the type
of the supplemental stitch in the second area processing need not
be the same type of stitch as the type of the stitch line enclosing
the second area.
[0070] In the above-described embodiment, in a case where the
sewing object is the specific material and the pattern includes at
least one of the first area and the second area, the CPU 11
generates the supplemental data in the first area processing and
the second area processing only if the user specifies that it is
necessary to generate the supplemental stitch. In such a case, the
CPU 11 can perform the processing efficiently in accordance with
the wishes of the user. However, the CPU 11 may always generate the
supplemental data in a case where the sewing object is the specific
material and the pattern includes at least one of the first area
and the second area. Specifically, the determination processing at
step S5 of the main processing, which is performed in accordance
with the user specification, may be omitted.
[0071] The apparatus and methods described above with reference to
the various embodiments are merely examples. It goes without saying
that they are not confined to the depicted embodiments. 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.
* * * * *