Tool for designing and making a knitted component

Abstract

Computer-based systems and methods for designing and manufacturing consumer products including knitted footwear uppers and the like. The system provides for digital control of customizing knitted components, including complex multi-structural knitted components. The system simulates the deformation of a knitted structure and allows a user to control and visualize compensation in the structure(s) of the knitted component to better match an intended knitted design and actual physical knitted component results. The system can manufacture / make a knitted component based on a predicted / estimated deformation behavior of the knitted good.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 14, 2019, with application number 201980052499.1 and invention title "Tool for Designing and Manufacturing Knitted Parts".

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 685,701, filed June 15, 2018, entitled "Tool for Design and Fabrication of Knitted Components". The entire contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The techniques disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for designing knitted parts. More specifically, the disclosed techniques relate to methods and systems for customizing and manufacturing knitted parts and complex knitted structures. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional athletic footwear comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The upper provides coverage for the foot, which securely accommodates and positions the foot relative to the sole structure. Additionally, the upper may have configurations that protect the foot and provide ventilation, keeping the foot cool and wicking away sweat. The sole structure is attached to the underside of the upper and is positioned roughly between the foot and the ground. Besides reducing ground reaction forces and absorbing energy (i.e., providing cushioning), the sole structure provides traction and controls potentially harmful foot movements, such as overpronation. Therefore, the upper and sole structures work together to provide a comfortable structure suitable for a variety of walking activities such as walking and running.

[0005] Various materials can be used to manufacture shoe uppers and other knitted or woven products, such as apparel and other wearable or non-wearable items. Some shoe uppers are formed from knitted materials such as yarns and / or threads. Knitted shoe uppers have a different appearance than those made from other materials such as leather, synthetic leather, and rubber. During the design and manufacture of knitted shoe uppers, designers typically create a design, and then one or more others program a knitting machine to manufacture the upper. Separating parts of the design and manufacturing process from a single design that can be produced by a knitting machine can result in several different shoe uppers. It is a waste of time and resources to repeatedly create numerous knitted shoe uppers that do not meet the designer's design vision.

[0006] Furthermore, the use of digital control tools to customize knitted fabrics can present manufacturing challenges, hindering the widespread adoption of digital customization for large-scale knitted products. Importantly, this problem is exacerbated when complex, multi-layered knitted fabrics are involved. When loop structures with different physical properties are combined within the same fabric or knitted component, this issue can arise in part from physical variations occurring within the overall dimensions of the knitted fabric. For example, the fabric's silhouette is particularly important because it is often pre-configured to be a specific shape and size that must be repeatable, such as knitted footwear uppers. Traditional knitting design processes and computational tools cannot help simulate and predict these knitted fabric deformations. Therefore, traditional processes for manufacturing / producing knitted components / products often rely on the manual work and knitting expertise of highly trained individuals who perform repeated tests to precisely produce knitted components free from deformation and other production problems.

[0007] Therefore, a knitting system and computational parameter tools are needed that can be used for digital design and industrial production / manufacturing of knitted parts / products, thereby creating a direct link between design and manufacturability. This link between design and manufacturability allows designers / users to accurately estimate fabric deformation and control and visualize compensations in the fabric structure, thus helping designers / users assign technical tasks to the knitted structure to achieve a better match between the initial graphic intent of the knitted design and the actual physical knitted fabric result generated by the knitting machine. This approach can significantly improve the design of the manufacturing process in knitting engineering and reduce the number of iterations for knitted material samples, especially when designing with varying knit heights, thereby increasing the efficiency of knitting machines and knitting production, and reducing waste during the manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The disclosed systems and methods for designing wearable and non-wearable products including footwear uppers satisfy one or more of the aforementioned needs in the art.

[0009] One or more aspects of this disclosure focus on the implementation of digital customization systems for knitted products. From a manufacturing perspective, the physical behavior of complex, multi-structured knitted parts / fabrics presents a real challenge for achieving product personalization and customization on a large scale. When changes are made to the design of knitted parts, traditional knitting systems require time-consuming and iterative methods to create samples of the knitted parts and / or fabrics, which are then manually tested to identify / identify potential deformations in the samples. Deformations can be represented by geometric changes in the samples. For example, a sample may experience an increase or decrease in the length of the knitted portion (in any direction). Furthermore, spatial deformation can represent changes in the 3D form of the structure, such as an increase or decrease in the curvature of the knitted structure. Such deformations can occur due to a variety of factors, including loop structure, yarn properties, knit density, etc. Each change to the knitted design pattern typically requires this repetitive process. This inefficient process is time-consuming, wasteful, expensive, and labor-intensive because it requires the manual work of trained knitting experts to properly reprogram the knitting machines to perform each production task. This traditional approach also hinders the adoption of more diverse manufacturing methods, which would provide designers or end-users with enhanced flexibility to customize their own knitted designs. Furthermore, the coupling between the visual attributes of personalized knitted fabrics (e.g., color, shading, density, etc.) and their structural dynamics, as well as the way they interact with the human body, increases the focus on enhancing their fit, thus providing end users with better customized and bespoke products. Therefore, as explained further below, the better and more accurately a knitting system predicts the behavior of knitted fabrics, the more personalized the resulting knitted products will be.

[0010] The global textile and knitted products industry can greatly benefit from improvements in manufacturing flexibility, accuracy, and speed. As mentioned above, from a product perspective, manual data reorganization of documents by knitting experts can lead to loss of information and changes in subtle differences within knitted components. With this in mind, systems for digitally designing and producing knitted fabrics, as described herein, will increase efficiency and thus further improve the production / manufacturing process of knitted products. As described in more detail below, this knitting system implements physical simulations to estimate the deformation of knitted components, allowing designers (or end-users) to dynamically add compensations and achieve better predictions of the final knitting results and physical output of the knitting machine.

[0011] The knitting system described in this paper requires the creation of a knitting pattern library and a comprehensive computational predictive model to compensate for deformations caused by different aspect ratio combinations within the knitted components / fabric. Data associated with the knitting pattern library can be obtained from separate sources and / or generated by the knitting system through extensive testing processes using a large number of knitted samples, with the test results maintained / stored in the library (or other suitable data storage) for future use. For example, each new knitted sample or knitted design tested by the knitting system may also include analysis of loop combinations and measurements of knitted physical behavior, and this information can be stored in the knitting pattern library for comparison with future knitted samples and the fabrication of different knitted designs. Therefore, once the system obtains data and parameters related to new knitted patterns and their deformation behavior, this information can be incorporated by the knitting system in future testing and knitting production, thereby improving the automation and reliability of computers and knitting machines when creating any knitted design.

[0012] In some aspects of this disclosure, the disclosed technology can be implemented, in part or in whole, using a computer-readable medium, for example, by storing computer-executable instructions or modules, or by utilizing a computer-readable data structure. Of course, the methods and systems of the above embodiments may also include other additional elements, steps, computer-executable instructions, or computer-readable data structures.

[0013] Details of these and other embodiments of the disclosed technology are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the disclosed technology will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The disclosed technology is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 A system for designing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 2A Example surface markings for various knitted constructions are shown according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2B Examples of knitted parts manufactured according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0018] Figure 3A An example workflow for designing and manufacturing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3B An example workflow for designing and manufacturing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3C Additional components of a system for designing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0021] Figure 4A An example knitted design for manufacturing knitted parts is shown according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4B Examples of knitted parts made using materials of different colors according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0023] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example matrix data structure according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown, along with corresponding technical notes and machine operations for the data structure.

[0024] Figure 5C Examples of modified knitting structures for improving knitting design examples are shown according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5D An example of a spring-based simulated image is shown according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5E Example knitted structures of various knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0027] Figures 6A to 6F Examples of different compensation methods for predicting deformation behavior in knitted parts, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, are shown.

[0028] Figure 7 An example interface for designing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 A method for designing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Generally, as described above, some aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for designing consumer products, as well as the simulation and evaluation of knitted designs and correspondingly manufactured knitted components, said consumer products including products comprising knitted components and / or fabrics.

[0031] In recent years, there has been a growing interest in knitting, a textile technology that is incredibly diverse in scale, materials, production processes, and applications. Textile innovation, including knitting technology, is linked to the creation of material components capable of responding to changing conditions through their material and structural composition. Textiles serve as flexible, strong, and lightweight media for composite materials, leading manufacturers to focus on their computational and behavioral prediction capabilities. As highly designed materials, textiles and knitwear, in particular, can be customized to evolving requirements and applications, achieving a wide range of performance characteristics that help manufacturers reduce the number of repetitive (and costly) trials that might necessitate the appropriate manufacture of the intended knitted components with minimal fabric deformation based on a fundamental product design.

[0032] Users of the systems and methods according to various aspects of this disclosure can control, modify, or customize any desired type of design data, such as the color of a portion of a product, such as footwear (e.g., various upper parts or components) or apparel. If desired, the systems and methods according to at least some examples of this disclosure may also allow users to select from various materials or other properties for various parts of footwear, such as: different upper materials; upper thickness; upper stiffness characteristics; arch support characteristics; impact damping characteristics; the size, orientation, and / or location of openings or windows in the upper; the pattern of the openings in the upper; laser-cut designs and / or characteristics; laser-etched designs and / or characteristics; etc.

[0033] Although the above description relates to the design of footwear, aspects of this disclosure can also be applied to the design of other consumer products, such as apparel. In the footwear example, users can be allowed to select various features of the footwear and manipulate a visual image of the footwear from a software application displayed on a user interface or screen. As described herein, the user interface may display one or more tools for changing aspects of various design data of the footwear or otherwise manipulating various design data of the footwear.

[0034] Users can use computing devices to access design applications and / or websites. The computing devices establish communication channels within the network and communicate with a messaging server system (including one or more server computers) that provides interactive design features for modifying product designs. Any desired communication links and protocols may be used to provide and control data exchange between the computing devices and the system, as will be disclosed in more detail below. Users can connect to the online design system using computing devices via networks such as the Internet, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), etc. Users can connect their computing devices to the system via any communication channel, such as a website portal and applications from various internal and / or external sites linked to the manufacturer's portal.

[0035] Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, various types of computing devices may be used, such as any computing device capable of establishing network connections and / or peer-to-peer connections and providing the necessary display, user interface, and input capabilities. Some more specific examples of computing devices that may be used in the systems and methods according to at least some examples of this disclosure include, but are not limited to: desktop computers, personal computers, laptop computers, PDAs, handheld computers, cellular phones, any other mobile devices or smartphones, personal digital assistants, computer workstations, televisions, etc.

[0036] The computing device that can be used in the systems and methods according to examples of this disclosure may include one or more input devices and a data processing system (e.g., including one or more microprocessors). Examples of input devices that may be included in the computing device include, but are not limited to, conventional input devices such as: keyboards (hard keyboards or soft keyboards); mice, trackballs, ball bearings, touchpads or other pointing devices; styluses or other pen-type input devices (e.g., for tablet computing devices); disk drives; USB ports; network connections; joystick-type controllers; telephone connections; Ethernet connections; voice recognition capabilities; and so on. Furthermore, the computing device may have a “touchscreen” capability, allowing a user to input data into the computing device by physically touching the screen of the display with their finger or a selection device such as a stylus. Additionally, any desired type of display device may be provided for use with the computing device in the systems and methods according to various aspects of this disclosure, including display devices integrated with the computing device itself or display devices separate from but communicating with the computing device, such as projector displays or stand-alone monitor displays.

[0037] Example design and manufacturing system

[0038] Figure 1 A system (e.g., system 100) for designing and manufacturing consumer products is illustrated, including but not limited to knitted footwear uppers. System 100 may include computing devices, such as design computer 102, which can be programmed with software modules that perform various functions when executed by at least one processor. The software includes computer-executable instructions that can be stored on at least one tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as solid-state or magnetic memory.

[0039] Without departing from any aspect of this disclosure, the design computer 102 can be connected to a network (not shown) in any desired manner, including in conventional ways known and used in the art, such as any conventional wired or wireless connection and using any network connection protocol. Additionally or alternatively, the design computer 102 is operable to communicate with one or more computing devices in a separate network, such as a network associated with a manufacturer or a network dedicated to one or more knitting machines for making knitted parts.

[0040] The systems and methods according to examples of this disclosure will also provide a user interface display on the user's computing device. This interface will allow the user to see the subject of the design work and will allow the user to incorporate his / her input into the design work. The user interface on various devices will be provided and controlled by the user's computing device and / or server system, and data input through the user interface for generation, maintenance, and reception will be generated and provided via a computer-readable medium that is included as part of or associated with the computing device and / or server system. Examples of such computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, computer-readable storage devices that can be internal to a computer (e.g., a hard disk drive) or separate from a computer (such as disks, solid-state or flash memory devices, data available via a network connection, etc.), including any type of computer-readable medium conventionally known and used in the field of computing.

[0041] System 100 may include various data structures, such as libraries for storing information on the design and manufacture of knitted parts. For example, color library 111 may contain various color values. Individual color values ​​may be set in a database, such as a FileMaker Pro database. In one embodiment, color values ​​have four channels, such as CMYK color values. In another embodiment, color values ​​have three channels, such as RGB color values. Individual color values ​​may correspond to the colors of various materials (e.g., yarns) supplied to or available to knitted product manufacturers. Pattern library 118 may be connected to design computer 102 via the Internet. Pattern library may contain information about various pattern designs, which may be created by one or more knitting machines available to knitted product manufacturers. Last library 112 may store information about lasts of various shapes and forms. The last library may also store data files corresponding to footwear designs. Grading library 113 may store information about a collection of previously graded uppers. This collection may identify characteristics of the product (e.g., footwear), such as the location of the structure and other attributes, as well as modifications made to grade a base design for use in a range of shoe sizes.

[0042] The knitting pattern library 117 stores information about various knitting patterns that can be used to design and manufacture knitted products. Different knitting patterns assembled in design tools can be used to form the library 117. In some cases, knitting pattern information can be obtained from one or more other computing devices or suitable storage locations, such as a product manufacturer's remote server. Additionally or alternatively, users can access the knitting pattern library and store knitting information in it. Thus, the library 117 can accumulate and store knitting pattern information and other data for each knitting pattern stored therein over time. As will be described in more detail below, this knitting system can be configured to create a knitting pattern library that can be used to improve the knitting process and the reliability and accuracy of making / manufacturing complex knitted parts / products, thereby reducing manufacturing problems and improving the material use efficiency of knitting machines, resulting in less material waste due to better fit and performance of knitted items.

[0043] As explained above, in some cases, an initial dataset of knitted structure information can be used to calibrate a knitting system (and / or the knitting machine within it) to identify and differentiate fabric deformations within knitted components. Assuming each knitted structure has different structural and visual characteristics, linear and spatial deformations occur when different structures are combined. Linear deformation may alter the length of knitted segments, while spatial deformation may change how knitted segments naturally bend, becoming uneven. The complex distribution of knitted structures within a knitted component leads to greater deformation of the overall intended shape / frame of the knitted component. Therefore, to calibrate a knitting system, different aspect ratios of knitted components can be measured and incorporated into the knitting system (and / or the computational tools within it).

[0044] In some cases, the initial dataset can be further calibrated by testing different variations of the knitted design / pattern. For example, the knitted design / pattern (or other image data) can be incorporated into a knitting system. Knitted designs / patterns can be incorporated into a knitting system in several ways, including by scanning or inputting images via a computing device and then sending / transmitting the images to the knitting system. Additionally or alternatively, knitted designs / patterns can be incorporated into the knitting system by generating parametric designs internally, by designing loops with different stretch and visual characteristics via the knitting system, and / or by assigning loop patterns to specific areas or colors within the design, such that different areas have different linear and spatial deformations. One or more of these knitted designs can be based on variations of a three-color knitting technique. One such technique, a "bird's eye" weave, uses three different colors of yarn woven simultaneously, where each area of ​​the pattern can differ in structure and yarn, thus increasing the possibility of creating knitted combinations. Regarding the above example, such a knitted design / pattern can be positive / negative in nature, with any of the three different yarns being advanced by the knitting machine to the positive side of the fabric to form a solid, or mixed with any of the other two yarns. For example, Figure 2B Two knitted pieces produced by a knitting machine are shown, both featuring the same knit design and structure, but knitted using alternating (yarn) colors. Therefore, the improved knitting system can utilize information from an initial dataset and / or calibration tests to generate knitted structures, thereby increasing the number of knitted structures that the knitting system can analyze when predicting fabric deformation. The knitting system allows for the assignment of yarn colors to the design color and the allocation of loop types, increasing the number of available combinations for creating / generating knitted structures via the knitting system. Furthermore, when generating knitted structures, the knitting system considers the deformation of the knit design and structure, as well as other geometric information such as loop aspect ratio. Similarly, these improvements also allow the knitting system to incorporate material / yarn color as another layer of information that can be used to improve the prediction of knit deformation and other outcomes.

[0045] For reference Figure 3A and Figure 4A As described in more detail herein, design websites, interfaces, and / or applications may, for example, display various patterns or models available for custom design within a portion of the interface display. These various models of products (e.g., footwear, apparel, carpets, artwork, etc.) may include templates or “base” models that the user can select as part of the design process. Such “base” models or templates may be added or modified during the design process based on the user's choices.

[0046] Figure 1Some of the components shown can transmit data to and from design computer 102 during a design session. For example, UI 115 can establish a communication channel with design computer 102 to provide a user interface for customizing or modifying footwear designs. The user interface can also be used to sample input data received from the design computer. The user interface can also be used to assign knitted structures to designs. The user interface can receive information related to knitted structures from libraries such as library 117. The assignment logic (of user interface 115) for assigning knitted structures to various designs can be user-controlled and allows for flexibility in the design process. In some embodiments, user interface 115 can be executed within and / or incorporated into design computer 102. Various types of software applications can be executed, including but not limited to Rhinoceros 3D CAD software applications (“Rhino”) with the Grasshopper visual programming language and parametric design environment, which can be incorporated into or integrated into user interface 115. The software used to generate user interface 115 can reside on or be used on computer-readable media present on design computer 102 or knitting system 100. Alternatively, if desired, the software or at least some portions thereof may reside on more than one computing device of the knitting system 100. The knitting system may be operated and maintained by the same entity(s) or individual(s) that operates and maintains the design computer 102, or the knitting system may be operated, controlled, and maintained wholly or partially by a party separate from any or all of these entities. As some more specific examples, the knitting system may be operated and maintained by one or more entities (and the user interface 115 may also be operated and / or maintained), whose products are manufactured using the knitting systems and methods described below (entities such as manufacturers, retailers selected by manufacturers or retailers, etc.).

[0047] The structural rules component 120 can provide design computer 102 with data related to one or more structural rules that are associated with the physical and / or structural integrity required for the footwear upper (and / or other apparel articles) to be manufactured and the corresponding basic design. Various types of product-specific structural rules can be stored in the rules component 120, such as running shoe rules that provide structural integrity requirements and inherent characteristics of running shoes. As will be discussed in more detail, these structural rules can impose certain limitations on the user's ability to modify certain aspects of the footwear design during a design session in order to maintain the structural integrity of the footwear upper during manufacturing and for use by the wearer. In some aspects of this disclosure, the structural rules associated with the physical and / or structural integrity required for the footwear upper can vary based on the type of footwear (e.g., running shoes, basketball shoes, football shoes, etc.) or the type of apparel or product.

[0048] Design computer 102 may include various modules for performing various operational functions of the design computer. For example, design computer 102 may include design module 103, which processes various design changes made to the footwear design via user interface 115. Design module 103 may also present an image of the footwear design based on the processed design changes. Design computer 102 may include grading module 104 for processing and determining changes applicable to the footwear design based on grading changes (e.g., increases or decreases in footwear size). For example, grading module 104 may extract information associated with the base footwear design and compare that information with data stored in grading library 113 to present a new base design for different footwear gradings. In some embodiments, grading module 104 may recommend one or more design changes to the base footwear design based on the processed grading information. By calculating the difference between the desired 2D / 3D shape and the predicted shape based on the size change (grading), the knitting system may use data indicating these differences (e.g., comparison data) to suggest geometric design changes to compensate for the calculated differences. The knitting system may base its decisions on and according to the known linear and spatial deformations of the specific loops used (e.g., regarding...). Figure 2A (Description of one or more coils) to suggest such design changes.

[0049] Design computer 102 may include a structural evaluation module 105 for processing data to determine whether design changes to the footwear design made via user interface 115 are acceptable. For example, structural evaluation module 105 may extract information associated with a base footwear design that has been modified to include one or more design changes and compare that information with data from structural rule component 120 to determine whether the intended design changes comply with predetermined structural rules and / or physical constraints associated with the base footwear design used to manufacture the footwear upper and / or the knitting machine. The extracted information includes, for example, loop elasticity and aspect ratio associated with the design, which may affect the final shape and performance of the resulting footwear. Additionally or alternatively, the extracted information may include knitting machine constraints indicating threshold numbers of different colors or loops that can be applied to specific areas of the design. In some aspects of this disclosure, evaluation module 105 is operatively communicateable with a database (or other suitable form of memory) storing multiple predetermined structural integrity characteristics associated with each of the base footwear designs selectable by the user.

[0050] Design computer 102 may include a bill of materials module 106 for processing data related to the availability of various materials that can be used to manufacture knitted components 140 according to product designs (such as footwear or apparel designs). Design computer 102 may extract information associated with a basic design and compare that information with data regarding the current supply or availability of materials 130 to determine whether a requested design change is acceptable.

[0051] Design computer 102 may also include a time / cost estimation module 107 for processing data related to the cost of manufacturing knitted components 140 based on the footwear design. Design computer 102 may extract information associated with the footwear design and compare that information with data collected and / or stored by the time / cost estimation module 107 to calculate the cost of manufacturing knitted components 140 (e.g., footwear uppers) based on the product design and determine whether the cost exceeds any predetermined cost threshold. Time / cost estimation module 107 may recommend one or more design changes to the footwear design to reduce the estimated cost below the predetermined cost threshold.

[0052] Design computer 102 may also use time / cost estimation module 107 to process data related to the amount of time required to manufacture knitted part 140 based on product design. Design computer 102 may extract information associated with product design and compare it with data collected and / or stored by time / cost estimation module 107 to calculate the amount of time required to manufacture knitted part 140 based on product design and determine whether that time exceeds any predetermined time threshold. Time / cost estimation module 107 may recommend one or more design changes to product design to reduce the estimated manufacturing time below the predetermined time threshold. In some aspects of this disclosure, an interface or sub-interface may be displayed to a user during a design session depicting the amount of time required to manufacture the knitted part taking into account the current product design. When the user modifies the product design, the interface (or sub-interface) may be updated to reflect the updated amount of time required to manufacture the knitted part (such as a knitted footwear upper).

[0053] Design computer 102 can also use compiler module 108 to generate and / or output machine code and / or data files to a knitting machine such as knitting machine 135. Design computer 102 (or other computing devices in knitting system 100) can utilize compiler modules to directly translate source code. For example, compiler module 108 can be configured to translate source code from a high-level programming language into a low-level language such as machine code. This process thus allows the knitting system, including user interface 115, to bypass the standard interface of the knitting machine. Design computer 102 can also use visualization / compensation module 110 to obtain and analyze information from (i) the knitting structure library 117 and previous / historical analysis of knitting structures and / or (ii) the output from a spring-based physics engine (such as engine 116) to evaluate the difference between the knitting design and the predicted production results of the knitted parts. Design computer 102 can also use input device 109 to process input data and other information, such as data provided by the end user or designer. For example, via input device 109, a user / designer can control the distribution of different loop combinations within the design of a knitted component and visualize the selected / available knitted structure / design via a user interface such as UI 115. Design computer 102 may also include various devices, interface units, and drivers for reading and writing data or files. Exemplary interface units and drivers include keyboards, pointing devices, microphones, pen devices, touchscreens, or other input devices.

[0054] As mentioned above, Figure 1 Some of the components shown can be connected to each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). For example, color library 111 can be connected to design computer 102 via the Internet. In another example, design computer 102 can transmit knitting instructions to knitting machine 135 in the form of one or more encrypted files via a communication network such as the Internet. Figure 1 The system shown may include conventional network components (not shown), such as switches, wireless access points, and routers that connect the components shown.

[0055] Despite Figure 1The diagram shows a single knitting machine 135, but knitting machine 135 can represent one or more knitting machines used to manufacture knitted parts 140. These one or more knitting machines may be located in the same and / or different geographical locations. In some aspects of this disclosure, one or more knitting machines are operatively in communication with each other. Knitting machine 135 may include an industrial flatbed CNC knitting machine that is programmable and configured for industrial manufacturing. Knitting machine 135 may also include two rows of parallel needles referred to as a “needle bed”, wherein multiple needles are used to continuously knit yarns or other materials supplied to the knitting machine. These yarns or other materials (e.g., material 130) may be supplied to knitting machine 135 via multiple carriers. In some embodiments, the knitting machine may include sixteen (16) carriers. Complex knitted structures can be generated via the knitting machine by electronically controlling specific needles that can transfer, skip, and / or cross yarns between needles and between needle beds to manufacture knitted parts based on a basic knitting design. Flatbed knitting machines such as knitting machine 135 can be configured to seamlessly generate three-dimensional volumes and operate at high capacity with little or no human intervention. However, in cases where the fabric deforms or other manufacturing problems arise compared to the intended design, changes to the knitting design procedure / process may be necessary. Such changes typically require manual modifications by highly skilled operators, leading to a significant reduction in knitting capacity and efficiency, and increasing product and associated indirect costs. For example, when the results from the knitting machine (e.g., the knitted part) are not as expected, technicians may be required to change or subsequently modify certain knitting parameters in an attempt to correct the problem. Knitting parameters that can be manually modified include, in particular, changes to the loop density and / or structure of the knitted fabric itself—such as increasing or decreasing loops, rows, etc. This method of producing the desired knitted part based on hindsight and adjusting the knitting machine is both time-consuming and costly. According to the embodiments described herein, such adjustments and changes are unnecessary, considering that all knitting parameters will be calculated to optimize the shape and result of the knitted part. Therefore, when faced with such manufacturing problems, it is desirable to reduce the necessity / need for manual modification of the knitting machine.

[0056] In one aspect of this disclosure, the knitting system can be used to customize knitted products produced via industrial flat knitting machines. For example, by incorporating knitting machines into retail locations for in-store on-demand customization, users can create specific designs for knitted parts and have knitted parts manufactured based on those designs. In some cases, these attempts to provide on-demand product customization of knitted parts are limited in scope and operability, and therefore, customization is often simply used as a means of personalizing knitted parts or product designs, such as simply changing the color of the yarn, within predetermined and limited parameters. Other cases may include fitting modifications to knitted parts in a limited and prescribed manner. This knitting system can support this form of more tailored knitted product “customization,” seeking to simplify the knitting interface and make it directly customizable by the end user.

[0057] As will be discussed below Figure 3A As explained in more detail in other figures, in other aspects of this disclosure, the fabrication of this knitting system, design tools, and knitted parts incorporates a much broader definition of customization, including providing a design environment configured to allow users to make numerous changes to knitted structural combinations (e.g., size, shape, material composition, etc.), all within the same fabric or knitted part. Computational knitting can greatly benefit from additional contributions, such as those described herein, to the further development and improvement of tools for digital knitting production.

[0058] Additionally, the knitting system can generate and / or acquire different data sources to directly drive knitting production and further: serve as input for product specifications; improve production accuracy and efficiency; and enhance waste reduction. This knitting process and information flow can occur in real time, as will be discussed below. Figure 3A This will be discussed in more detail. Such improvements in efficiency and communication along the design / manufacturing pipeline can lead to improved coupling between the shop floor and production facilities. It can also result in enhanced communication and data flow between remote parties to improve the knitting process, for example, by obtaining data remotely from online business activities, whether it's online shopping, customer engagement, or other feedback such as sensor data. By improving the knitting process to predict deformation and other manufacturing problems in knitted parts, the knitting system described herein can improve the knitting process in a way that allows for high-volume production, enabling a high degree of diversity and on-demand personalization in knitted designs.

[0059] Within the framework of this ever-changing environment for designing and manufacturing knitted parts, in some aspects of this disclosure, the aforementioned system may include one or more computing devices, such as a design computer 102 (or computing tools therein), for utilizing multiple digital inputs and a real-time parameter pipeline to generate the necessary machine code and output files to operate a knitting machine to manufacture a custom knitted design. As will be referred to below at least... Figure 3ATo be explained in further detail, the knitting system 100, which includes one or more computing devices (e.g., design computer 102), can be configured to: (i) manufacture fabrics with multiple knitted structures within the same sample or knitted part; (ii) parametrically interchange knitted structures in a manner that does not alter the overall geometry and dimensions of the fabric outline, and further maintains the geometric proportions of a custom design within the sample or knitted part itself; and (iii) operate various aspects of the knitting machine directly from the computing tool.

[0060] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, various features of a user interface for accepting user input and providing the user with information about knitting designs will be described in more detail below, such as user interface 115 and / or other suitable interfaces. Those skilled in the art will understand that the following description and figures are merely examples of potential features, functions, arrangements of interface components, orientations of interface components, combinations of interface components, etc., of systems, methods, and user interfaces according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0061] Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to a user interface provided on a computing device that allows a user to design footwear (or other consumer products). The user interface may include elements and features that allow the use and / or activation of any of the features and / or functions described above and / or in more detail below.

[0062] As some more specific examples, aspects of this disclosure relate to a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions stored thereon for generating a user interface for a footwear design session on a computer-controlled display device. The user interface may include, for example: (a) a first display portion including at least one presentation of a footwear article; (b) one or more selector elements (such as pointers or cursors) allowing a first user to select a portion of the footwear article; (c) an indicator indicating which portion(s) of the footwear article has been selected via individual selector elements (such as text, icons, images, animations, etc.); and (d) a first element for generating changes in the appearance of the presentation of the footwear article in the first display portion based on input generated by the first user. The first element (or at least some elements of the interface) may include features such as a color palette or color menu that allows the user to change the color of selected portions of the footwear and / or components of the footwear (e.g., knitted materials); one or more orientation elements that allow the user to change the orientation of the footwear presented in the first display portion; one-way, two-way, or multi-way user communication elements or features (such as text input and / or one or more display panels, instant messaging capabilities, audio and / or video communication capabilities, etc.); and so on. The user interface may also include an input section through which the first user can input data for establishing a collaborative footwear design session with a second user (or another user).

[0063] Given this general background and information, the following will describe in more detail specific examples of systems, methods, computer-readable media, and user interfaces according to various aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that this more detailed description relates to various specific examples of this disclosure and their features and functions, and that this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] I. Knitting Structure and Calculation Design Tools

[0065] Knitted fabrics can be inherently customized through digital, mechanical, and material control of each loop combination within the resulting knitted part / fabric. Knitting is generally considered more suitable in its composition than other textile techniques such as weaving due to the long, continuous yarns that form the fabric or knitted part. In knitted fabrics / materials, these yarns can be looped together via looping loops individually controlled by the knitting machine. Changes in the loops themselves, as well as the loop alignment and tension of adjacent loops, can result in overall properties and performance of the knitted part, such as its tensile properties, density, opacity, repeatability, shedding, and other visual and physical characteristics. Furthermore, manufacturers can switch yarns during the knitting process and seamlessly integrate new materials into the knitted fabric / material.

[0066] Knitted fabrics are inherently flexible and stretchable, exhibiting non-linear three-dimensional movement, attributed to the interlocking nature of the continuous yarns constituting the knitted fabric / material. As will be explained in more detail below, aspects of this disclosure relate to digital innovations in industrially manufactured knitted fabrics, including those fabrics / materials that may contain complex or multiple combinations of knitted loops within the same knitted component / part of the fabric, which may be referred to as "knitted structures." Complex knitted structures can be achieved by creating a series of constructions that repeat themselves and impart the overall appearance and physical properties of the fabric.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates examples of different complex knitted constructions that can be used to manufacture knitted parts. In particular, Figure 2A Technical surface markings for commonly used knitting constructions are shown, such as "plain weave" construction 210; "rib" construction 212; "transfer" construction 214; "float or float stitch" construction 216; "tuck" construction 218; and "loose yarn" construction 220. For example, various different knitting structures can be generated using (and / or based on) repeating sequences of one or more knitting constructions (such as transfer and tuck structures). Information identifying one or more types of knitting constructions / compositions associated with a particular knitting construction and / or that can be used to generate a particular knitting construction can be stored in library 117.

[0068] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 is informed by the knitting process and uses a non-traditional bottom-up approach derived from understanding the fabrication needs and processes for the knitting material and the operation of the knitting machine 135. In some aspects of this disclosure, one or more computing devices within the knitting system 100, such as a design computer 102 (or computing tools therein), can acquire and analyze multiple predetermined knitting structures, such as knitting structure information stored in a library 117. The design computer 102 can also be used to combine one or more knitting structures within the same fabric or knitted part. By strategically combining various knitting structures within the same knitted part in various arrangements, the design computer 102 can analyze one or more of the typical proportional deviations, aspect ratios, and dimensions of each knitted part from the expected knitted shape or design. For example, a change in the loop density of a knitting structure may change the overall size of a specific area of ​​the knitted part, but it may not affect the ratio between width and length. Available visualization tools (e.g., module 110) can be used to simulate the deformation of a knitted sample / part in a static state based on physical spring-based compensation analysis. Naturally, over time and without external forces, knitted structures held at a specific size on the knitting machine may be subjected to tension due to the knitting process. Once the knitted structure is removed from the knitting machine and left to rest, it can change its shape to meet minimum internal energy requirements. This similarly explains the shrinkage phenomenon of any textile (or even other materials), i.e., given enough time under static conditions without being forced to form any shape, the knitted structure will eventually deform into its "natural" shape. The design computer 102 or knitting system 100 can use many different modification tools to automatically redistribute the forces in the knitted parts / fabric in a way that compensates for physical deformation, resulting in knitted parts that are more similar to the intended knitted design generated using conventional knitting systems / processes.

[0069] Figure 3A An example flowchart of a method for designing and manufacturing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3A The knitting process shown in this paper can also be referred to as a "computational tool assembly line". Figure 3A The stages identified in the middle can be such as Figure 1 The system execution of the knitting system 100 shown. Figure 3A The process shown includes multiple stages (e.g., elements 302 to 308), each stage may include one or more steps in the process of designing and manufacturing the knitted part as described herein.

[0070] For example, the first stage of a knitting process (or a computational tool pipeline) may include an input stage, such as... Figure 3AStage 302 is shown. In this stage, the knitting system 100 obtains inputs for manufacturing the knitted parts, including design inputs. For example, as... Figure 3B As shown, element 332 represents an example image that can be used as input data for the knitting process and / or as part of the intended knitting design. In this example, the image represents an aerial view of a sand dune. The knitting system 100 can use various other images, pictures, knitting designs, and other information as input data. Additionally, Figure 3C Additional elements of the knitting system 100 are shown, which can be used to perform knitting. Figure 3A The various stages of the knitting process shown and described herein. For example, as... Figure 3C As shown, the design computer 102 can receive and / or obtain input data / files 332 from one or more other computing devices or suitable data storage devices.

[0071] The knitting system 100 can acquire input data using an input device (such as input device 109) or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the input device may include a parameter-interchangeable input device. Figure 3A The image input is shown in the diagram (e.g., element 302). The input device can be configured to interface with various data formats / structures, such as digital vector and / or raster data formats.

[0072] The second stage of a knitting process (or computational tool pipeline) may include sampling and dispensing stages, such as... Figure 3A Phase 304 is shown. In this phase, the knitting system 100 may sample input data, such as the input data received in phase 302, using a visually flexible user interface (such as UI 115). The user interface may include allocation logic and / or obtain allocation logic from one or more other computing devices (e.g., design computer 102, structure rules 120, etc.), thereby allowing the user to flexibly control the design of the knitted parts. For example, the user may utilize user interface 115 to select and / or allocate specific knitted structures and / or knitted compositions that may include the overall knitted design. Different knitted structures and / or knitted compositions may have different visual appearances during manufacturing, such that using different knitted structures for different parts of the part can be used to make the part resemble a specific image provided as input data. In addition, the overall knitted design may include not only visual designs such as a company logo, but also different loops that may affect the physical properties of the knitted product / part. In some aspects of this disclosure, computing devices within the knitting system 100, such as design computer 102, may access library 117 (or any other suitable storage device) to obtain knitted structures / compositions that can be used to design the knitted parts.

[0073] The third stage of the knitting process (or computational tool pipeline) may include visualization and compensation stages, such as... Figure 3AStage 304 is shown. In this stage, the knitting system 100 can evaluate the discrepancy between the design intent (e.g., the design of the knitted part prior to the allocation of the knitted structure) and the predicted / future physical behavior of the knitted fabric manufactured by the knitting machine, based on the assigned knitted structure. The discrepancy is the spatial deformation of the knitted part relative to the design intent (i.e., the baseline geometry of the knitted part according to the original design before any knitted structure is allocated to form the part). The discrepancy may involve at least the shape (i.e., the profile) of the periphery of the knitted part. The discrepancy may involve a mapping between the spatial distribution of multiple segments of the knitted part according to the design intent and the spatial distribution of multiple segments of the knitted part predicted based on the allocated knitted structure. In some aspects of this disclosure, one or more computing devices within the knitting system 100 may include visualization and compensation modules (e.g., module 110 of design computer 102) that utilize information obtained from (i) previous / historical analysis of the knitted structure and / or (ii) from the output of a spring-based physics engine (such as engine 116) to evaluate these discrepancies. As used herein, a spring-based physics engine refers to a computational model used within software to simulate one or more segments of a knitted structure, design, or part as physical springs with predetermined internal forces. This software tool is used to embed physical behavior in a 3D modeling environment and also allows for real-time interaction during simulation runtime. Implemented on computing devices such as Spring Engine 116 and / or Computer 102, the software tool provides various ways to generate forces that affect particles in the simulation, calculating the force applied by a spring model following Hooke's law of elasticity through input measurements derived from the geometric model of the knitted part.

[0074] The fourth stage of the knitting process (or computational tool pipeline) may include a compilation stage, such as... Figure 3A Stage 306 is shown. In this stage, one or more computing devices of the knitting system 100, such as design computer 102, can generate and / or output machine code and / or data files for operating the knitting machine, such as... Figure 3A The knitting machine described as element 310 or Figure 1 The knitting machine 135 is shown. In some aspects of this disclosure, the design computer 102 may include a compiler, such as compiler 108, for generating machine code and / or data files and / or outputting machine code and / or data files to the knitting machine 135.

[0075] A. Evaluation and fabrication of knitted components

[0076] The geometric properties of knitting, such as the ability of knitted parts to adhere to specific, complex, and undevelopable hyperbolic geometries, and the fact that manufacturing knitted parts is digitally conceived and can be applied using countless materials and custom designs, partly explain the need to develop enhanced design tools and manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, there is a general interest in novel building materials and methods and processes for manufacturing knitted parts, including significant efforts to integrate robotics, automation, and machine learning into the fabrication and manufacturing process. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure focus in part on complex three-dimensional geometries for knitted parts that are applicable to product architecture and can be used to develop textile-based building components for specific products that differ in their appearance and structural properties, thus providing users with enhanced customization opportunities. For example, 2D knitted footwear uppers can be fabricated and subsequently used to produce 3D footwear articles incorporating the fabricated knitted footwear uppers.

[0077] In addition to structural considerations related to product architecture, other forms of information input are considered to depict visual and performance differences within the knitted structure of the knitted part. For example, in some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can utilize data from multiple sensors (not shown) to record / determine changes in the knitting environment, which manifest as variations in the knitted appearance. For example, in the case of fiber-based structures created using moldless winding technology, continuous and mutual exchange of sensor information can be transmitted between robotic manipulators and pneumatic templates during the knitting assembly process. For example, sensors on a knitting machine can measure the actual length of yarn knitted into the fabric in specific areas. This data can be transmitted to a design system and used as a feedback mechanism for better control and design of the knitted product. This exchange of information can facilitate more predictable changes and variations within a defined computational model or knitted design. The examples and applications described herein illustrate the importance of creating direct feedback between the design domain and actual production of knitted parts, and the potential of the collected information to significantly transform manufacturing towards more diverse and personalized systems.

[0078] While recent advances have made knitting simulations slightly more manageable and predictable, such achievements are generally focused on the design of knitted components rather than their subsequent manufacturing or fabrication, rather than the production or fabrication of those components. Using different logics and algorithms to abstract the complex physical behavior of textiles in an attempt to computationally model their behavior can be challenging. In particular, knitted fabrics are considered more challenging and better suited for modeling than woven fabrics, while braided fabrics are more common and easier to represent textile behavior.

[0079] In some aspects of this disclosure, distinguishing between simple and more complex knitting, the knitting system 100 (or one or more computing devices therein, such as design computer 102) can handle different types of knitting loops / compositions to determine various loop rows of yarn, including knitting designs, test samples, or knitted parts, and how individual yarn paths affect the overall physical fabric movement. For example, a general grid representation is used in a CAD (computer-aided design) environment assigned specific loop types with different observed physical rest lengths assigned to each of its faces. This enables the replication of a variety of more complex knitting patterns and can be used within the knitting system for calibration and data collection purposes regarding jacquard weft-knitted lace fabrics. Spring mass simulation can be achieved via the knitting system (e.g., spring engine 116) to replace the general pattern of the fabric with loop loops that form new auxiliary grids for pattern simulation.

[0080] In various aspects of this disclosure, simulation models can be used to determine / predict the mechanical interactions between yarns or other materials at the yarn cross-sections at the loop intersections of knitted components. For example, computational models such as neural networks and fuzzy logic models can be used by one or more computing devices of the knitting system 100 (e.g., design computer 102) to predict the tactile properties of knitted textiles in relation to finishing processes. These computational models may include complex concepts that numerically characterize the human sensory evaluation of the textiles.

[0081] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may utilize one or more computational models to simulate and / or predict the physical behavior of knitted parts. For example, assuming a spring model provides a fast and reliable testing / simulation method and uses particle modeling logic compatible with part-based modeling of knitted fabrics, the spring model can be used as a physics engine to implement the simulation. The spring model used by the knitting system 100 may be stored on and / or executed on the spring engine 116.

[0082] As will be explained in more detail below, the knitting system 100 can be configured to directly embed information indicating the physical behavior and properties of the knitted parts into the 3D modeling environment, thereby allowing “real-time” (e.g., dynamic, real-time) interaction with the knitted design during simulation runtime. In some embodiments, the design computer 102 can be configured to perform these steps. For example, these steps can be performed by computational tools of the design computer 102, such as computational tool 333. The knitting system can include various methods for generating forces that can affect portions of the knitted parts in the simulation. In some embodiments, the knitting system 100 can determine the force applied by a spring model by using and obeying the principles of Hooke's law of elasticity. Spring-based methods can also be used to simulate fabric behavior, thereby creating a modeling and simulation environment compatible with finite element analysis in a programmable language such as Processing (Java).

[0083] Finally, in other aspects of this disclosure, one or more computing devices of the knitting system 100, such as design computer 102, can execute applications (or other suitable software / modules, such as compilers—e.g., compiler 108) to bypass the standard interface of the knitting machine and translate source code directly from a high-level programming language into a low-level language (machine code). This bypass is implemented when a knitting (or operational) task to be performed by the knitting machine cannot be achieved using the conventional / standard knitting machine interface. This is the case when making / manufacturing at least parametric knitting patterns, which include those patterns based on generated, non-repeating, large-scale geometric variations that cannot be designed or processed by conventional knitting machine software.

[0084] In other aspects of this disclosure, one or more compilers (or other suitable software / modules) of the knitting system 100 may analyze and / or process complex three-dimensional geometries to shape fabrics into specific configurations, such as volumetric configurations. This may be achieved, for example, by providing an automated knitting system that: (i) forms volumes and controls their geometry, (ii) stitches the volumes together, and (iii) commands one or more knitting machines to construct and / or manufacture knitted parts. In other aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may utilize knitting machines (e.g., sending knitting instructions to knitting machine 135 via design computer 102) to knit complex, non-unfoldable surfaces within a single knitted part or fabric article without cutting or sewing. The knitting system 100 may utilize design computer 102 (or computational tools therein) to: (i) automatically sample shapes, knitted compositions, and / or knitted structures, (ii) dissect knitted structures into one or more knitted rows, and (iii) generate and / or fabricate one or more knitted patterns.

[0085] In other aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may utilize knitted parts or portions thereof (e.g., one or more knitted structures) to guide a computational model, rather than utilizing machine logic for commanding needle commands as a single, continuous operation. Specifically, the knitting system may utilize repeating sequences of one or more knitted structures used by the knitting machine to create / generate new knitted structures and / or subsequent knitted parts. In this way, the knitting system 100 can provide improved control and an enhanced, more efficient level of prediction for implementing design decisions prior to the manufacture of knitted parts and informing the end user of available design options. By broadening the user base and thus providing a foundation for creating a general design environment for the design-to-production of knitted parts, the knitting system is able to reduce / reduce the traditional reliance on technical experts to perform these tasks.

[0086] II. Additional Examples of Evaluating and Making Knitted Parts

[0087] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can be configured to generate knitted parts using a knitting machine without using one or more conventional / standard software interfaces of the knitting machine. The design computer 102 can implement a computational tool (e.g., computational tool 333) that outputs two overlapping files, which may be necessary for the knitting machine 135 to manufacture the knitted parts in some cases. The first file may include a detailed machine-level control language. In some cases, the first file may include a sintral file and may be generated by a file generator of the design computer 102 (such as file generator 342). The second file may include a matrix array. In some aspects of this disclosure, the matrix array may contain data instructing the knitting plan of the knitting machine. The matrix array may also include data indicating and / or representing each needle movement and operation, such as a jacquard file. In some cases, the jacquard file may be generated by a file generator of the design computer 102 (such as file generator 341).

[0088] In some aspects of this disclosure, one or more computing devices of the knitting system 100, such as design computer 102, may be configured to allow a designer or user to incorporate design changes within a predetermined knitting area of ​​the knitted part. Design computer 102 may also determine the shape and / or proportions of the outline of the knitted part to be manufactured, as well as the graphic composition of the contents of the knitted part. Additionally, the knitting system may be configured to manufacture / produce knitted parts in various shapes and patterns, such as the shape of footwear uppers or apparel articles. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitted part may include a rectangular shape, which improves the ease with which one or more computing devices (such as design computer 102) within the knitting system 100 can evaluate deformation according to the original intent of the knitting design. The knitting system 100 may be configured to manufacture one or more knitted structures within the same knitted part, resulting in inherent complexity in the fabric in two dimensions (2D) because the densities of various knitted structures that may coexist within the same knitted part differ. Maintaining the shape of the manufactured knitted part(s) is important in relation to the subsequent connection of the 2D layout pattern (e.g., footwear upper) to a three-dimensional (3D) form (e.g., footwear article). In some embodiments, attaching a 2D layout pattern to a three-dimensional (3D) form can be achieved by sewing, which can be done by a knitting machine 135 or other suitable sewing machine. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is used to perform this. This explains and emphasizes the importance of obtaining accurate, reproducible dimensions of knitted parts. Furthermore, the production of 2D forms with bends and creases (typically used during the knitting process to obtain minute volumetric shapes before sewing) depends on the knitting machine's ability to produce variations within the knitted structure. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure may relate to the production of 3D shapes via a knitting machine.

[0089] In some aspects of this disclosure, input devices in the knitting system (e.g., input device 109) enable users / designers to control the distribution of different loop combinations within a knitted part and visualize the knitted structure / pattern via a user interface (e.g., UI 115) before physically knitting or fabricating the knitted part. Conventional design and / or visualization tools do not attempt to simulate the physical behavior of knitted fabrics in a static state. Similarly, in conventional design systems, the combination of different knitted structures requires significant professional and technical expertise, especially when considering the performance behavior of different knitted structures in relation to stretching and deformation. As a result, previous attempts to “sketch” the design pattern of a knitted fabric and predict its behavior before actual knitting / manufacturing have proven cumbersome, time-consuming, and inefficient, as this process typically requires iterative manufacturing attempts using one or more knitting machines to produce a knitted part with a physical appearance that precisely corresponds to the intended knitted design. Indeed, even with the involvement of experienced knitting machines and / or technical experts, the aforementioned conventional “sketching” method still requires multiple iterations to produce a knitted part of the appropriate shape due to the complexity of the knitted structure / pattern and loop patterns of knitted parts manufactured by knitting machines.

[0090] For example, Figure 4A An example knitting design (e.g., knitting design 402) is shown, which can be used by knitting system 100 to make / manufacture knitted parts. Figure 4B The knitted components 404 and 406 shown are described in more detail below. Knitted components 404 and 406 are variations of the knitted structures (loops) assigned to each color in design 402, thus providing variations in overall shape and variation. In some cases, knitted design 402 is initially received without any knitted structures, and the software can assign individual knitted structures based on grayscale definitions. Darker areas in the grayscale image can indicate denser knitted structures, while lighter areas indicate mesh (or less dense) knitted structures. This parameter can be controlled and changed by the user. Additionally, as described herein, the user can assign colors (e.g., yarn colors) to the knitted design. Figure 4B This illustrates two knitted parts (e.g., knitted parts 404 and 406) produced by a knitting machine using different knitting structures, resulting in different shapes of the fabric outline for each of knitted parts 404 and 406. Figure 4B As shown, knitted components also include entire pieces of fabric of different sizes from each other. Figure 4B In the example shown, two knitted component samples (e.g., elements 404 and 406) were knitted by a knitting machine using three identical yarns of three different colors. Thus, at least for... Figure 4BThe exemplary knitted design 402 shown, when using yarns / materials of different colors to manufacture the knitted part, this specific allocation of the knitted structure to the knitted design has a slight effect on the overall size of the knitted part.

[0091] At least one objective of this knitting system is to provide a mechanism for testing / evaluating the computational parameters of knitted parts / fabrics, with a focus on connectivity between design, design variations, knitted structure allocation, and industrial manufacturing / production. In some aspects of this disclosure, the data output (such as machine code) of the design computer 102 maintains a real-time and / or live communication relationship between the knitting design and instructions to the knitting machine, and is also updated simultaneously with any parameter changes in the knitting design (or user interface) environment. This contrasts with conventional methods for knitted fabrics, as previously explained, which require numerous manual digital conversions by different professionals, experts, or technicians involved in the industrial knitting process.

[0092] Another objective of the knitting system described herein is to improve the digital customization and / or user interface for operating knitting machines to enhance the fit and / or performance of knitted products. In some aspects of this disclosure, when using a uniform knitting pattern, variations in the color distribution parameters of the material (e.g., yarn) within the same knit / fabric structure can be more easily achieved if the physical properties of the knitted parts (e.g., elasticity, material type, tensile strength, elongation, flexibility, durability, etc.) and the main knitting commands can remain constant. Conversely, the parameter distribution of the knitted structure can alter performance aspects of the knitted parts and is also useful when designing knitted parts for high-performance products such as footwear and wearable apparel. Therefore, by changing the knitted structure of the knitted parts, rather than using traditional design / manufacturing methods, fit problems (e.g., better grip, movement restriction and guidance, customized support, matching with irregular / asymmetrical appearances, etc.) can be better addressed.

[0093] A. Matrix data structure method for generating knitted patterns

[0094] To design knitted patterns / structures, the knitting system described herein can utilize input devices (e.g., input device 109), such as parameter-interchangeable input devices capable of using multiple data type sources, such as numerical, vector, and / or raster-based data sources. Using multiple design inputs to instruct the knitting machine to produce knitted parts is based on the idea of ​​a flexible design platform that can combine various types of data input sources, such as customer feedback data, sensor data, personalized body scans, etc. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can use grayscale images (and / or other types of images or input data) to display / predict the potential for parametric distributions of different knitted structures within the same fabric or knitted part. In some examples, grayscale images (and / or other input data used to generate knitted parts) are interchangeable. Additionally, user control options can be provided, for example, via UI 115 and / or design computer 102, to enable the user to control the distribution of knitted structures within the knitted part.

[0095] As mentioned above, in Figure 3A The example knitting process or computational tool pipeline shown in Figure 302 illustrates an input stage where the knitting system 100 receives input data, such as input data / files, via input device 109. Subsequently, the knitting system 100 or one or more computing devices (e.g., design computer 102) can process the input data to generate output files, including two-dimensional matrix arrays. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can assign unique characters and / or identifiers to one or more evaluation metrics in the matrix array. In some cases, each pixel of the design is defined as dark, medium, or bright based on a scale threshold and then assigned a unique letter / character. Each unique letter / character is expanded into a small array of letters corresponding to the command array used to form the matrix array. Evaluation metrics may include sub-partitions that divide the initial knitted area into small squares, each square assigned a letter that is a unique character associated with the knitted structure. The user / designer can control the number of knitted structures and their distribution logic. For example, evaluation metrics can be distributed based on images or data files, and the user can choose how the image is filtered, essentially replacing colored pixels with structural "evaluation metrics" or components. These evaluation metrics serve as a mechanism for assigning different loop structures to areas within a knitted design (e.g., knitted design 402). This is achieved by assigning colors to the desired evaluation metrics within the knitted design, for example, by (i) filtering pixel colors, (ii) using parametric formulas, or (iii) manually assigning the necessary allocation information according to the designer. In some cases, the knitting system 100 may assign a unique character and / or identifier to each evaluation metric in the matrix array. The number of unique characters and / or identifiers assigned by the knitting system 100 may correspond to the number of different knitted structures used to manufacture / produce the knitted parts. Figure 3BAs shown, element 334 represents an example data structure (e.g., a matrix array) that can generate unique characters as output based on input data (e.g., element 332) and / or knitting design. The matrix data structure can be stored on the design computer 102, such as... Figure 3B The element 331 is indicated.

[0096] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can perform deterministic and / or allocation logic to assign different knitted structures to knitted parts relative to specific data inputs or files, such as raster images. This allocation performed by the knitting system 100 can be achieved through sampling of grayscale tones and / or other input data. (Referring to the above...) Figure 3A The knitting system 100 can perform such sampling via a user interface 115 during a sampling phase (e.g., phase 304) of the knitting process or computational tool pipeline. As an example, a 16-bit grayscale image includes 260,000 tonal values ​​between two predetermined values, such as between zero (0) and one (1). In cases where a knitted part is designed / made using a relatively low number of knitted structures, the knitting system 100 can apply a thresholding mechanism to resample the grayscale values ​​to a number consistent with the number of knitted structures expected by the designer or end-user to be included in the knitted part.

[0097] The knitting system 100 may assign one or more thresholds, unique characters, and / or identifiers to a thresholding mechanism. In some cases, the design computer 102 may assign a unique character and / or identifier to each threshold. In some embodiments, when the knitting system 100 evaluates a knitted part comprising a single yarn of one color, the knitting system may automatically arrange the knitted structure of the knitted part by density. For example, the knitting system 100 may be configured to arrange the knitted structure from the densest and / or opaque structure to the loosest and / or mesh structure. Thus, the distribution of the knitted structure may correspond to the grayscale tonal levels of an image (or other input data), which may be visually represented as pixelated knitted parts or fabric when manufactured by a knitting machine (e.g., knitting machine 135). In other aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may recommend a suggestion or recommendation to a designer or end user to determine the range of knitted structure of the knitted part by density, for example, when the knitted part comprises a single yarn of one color.

[0098] Referring again to the aforementioned unique character matrix data array, the knitting system 100 can automatically convert this matrix data structure into a standard row-numbered jacquard file format. For example, as... Figure 3BAs shown, the matrix data structure (represented by element 334) can be converted into a separate file format represented by element 336. In some cases, a computing tool (e.g., computing tool 334) executes on the design computer 102, or other suitable computing devices(s) of the knitting system 100 can convert the matrix data structure 331 into a jacquard file format. In some cases, the conversion of the matrix data structure can be performed by a file generator 341. The jacquard file generated by the knitting system 100 consists of a character array representing a two-dimensional space containing one or more knitting commands for any particular knitting task performed by the knitting machine 135. The character rows in this array can be presented in the operating sequence of the knitting machine 135, which can perform knitting from bottom to top, row by row, character by character, such as... Figure 5A The order shown. Specifically, Figure 5A The needle command markings for the sequence of two knitted structures (structure A – element 510 and structure B – element 520) are shown, illustrating one cycle of each structure. (See diagram.) Figure 5A As further shown, each character in the array defines an action / operation (e.g., a knitting construction) performed by the knitting machine 135, such as the various knitting constructions shown in Figure 2. One or more needles of the knitting machine 135 can perform various operations, including:

[0099] Tuck loop - the operation of adding new yarn to a needle that was previously held in a loop or empty;

[0100] The knitting-command needle pulls new yarn through the previous loop held by the needle to form a new loop;

[0101] Float or float needle—an operation that commands the needle to not operate, allowing new yarn to pass laterally without being caught.

[0102] Transfer – The operation of transferring a loop(s) held by the command needle to an adjacent needle that is empty or already holds a loop(s). For some knitting machines, it is not possible to transfer a loop to a needle on the same needle bed, thus requiring a two-step operation.

[0103] Segmentation – An operation that combines knitting and transfer operations into a single operation. The segmentation operation commands the needle to knit loops on opposite needle beds without losing the loops held in the original knitting needle.

[0104] In some aspects of this disclosure, knitting machine commands / operations are doubled; in particular, the knitting system 100 can assign different unique characters to the needles located on the front and / or rear needle beds of the knitting machine 135. Thus, the machine-level control file (e.g., a sintral file) continuously receives and evaluates information from the jacquard file regarding the position of the matrix array and knitting commands.

[0105] Figure 5B The components 512 and 522 show corresponding components respectively. Figure 5A The matrix data structures A (element 510) and B (element 520) shown represent technical annotations for machine operation. These annotations represent standard technical coil annotations, where each symbol can represent / indicate a single knitting coil executed by a specific knitting needle on the knitting machine. This is achieved through... Figure 5B The technical annotations shown "illustrate" the way the knitted fabric / parts are depicted can be used to communicate a specific knit / fabric structure to the user, and also to convey this information when programming the knitting machine 135 to perform the intended making / manufacturing of the knitted part. The accompanying drawings corresponding to elements 512 and 522 present simplified top views of the two needle beds (of the knitting machine 135), with the yarn showing the action / operation of each needle. Specifically, as stated above, Figure 5B The illustration shows a cycle of each knitted structure / pattern.

[0106] When creating a knitted part, the knitting system 100 may rely on identifying knitted "block" structures rather than determining individual needle operations. Therefore, in some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may assign a linear array of needle command operations to each repeating knitted structure in the final knitted part. This is particularly relevant when (one or more) knitted structures appear sequentially. Thus, the knitting system 100 can parse one or more unique characters of a matrix data structure using a small array of needle command operations. For example, the design computer 102 may use a small array of needle command operations via the (jacquard) document generator 341 to parse each unique character of a matrix data structure.

[0107] The knitting system 100 can analyze knitted patterns / structures and break them down into the smallest repeating "blocks". For example, as Figure 5C As shown, element 532 represents an exemplary representation of a repeating block as a portion of a knitting design 534. In this example, the knitting design may already include corresponding loop structure data. This data may, for example, originate from (i) an image and loop assignment, or (ii) directly from a parametric formula or the designer (user). One or more of these repeating blocks may consist of one or more needle operations. In some cases, each of the repeating blocks may consist of one or more needle operations. Assuming that different knitting structures with different command operation logics can be combined into an output file, one or more matrix arrays may differ in size. Therefore, in this case, the knitting system 100 may utilize the common denominator of the width and length of each knitting array so that the entire combination of knitting structures (or corresponding command logics) can ultimately form a uniform rectangular matrix at its boundaries, thereby reducing and / or preventing distortion of the knitted pattern.

[0108] In other aspects of this disclosure, to improve the resolution of a particular / sample knitted part, the knitting system 100 may further decompose or “split” the knitted pattern beyond its individual visual components by (i) interrupting the repetition of the pattern and (ii) adding smaller segments (or sub-blocks) of the original pattern to the knitted structure. For example, as Figure 5C As shown, the knitting system 100 can introduce additional breaks in the knitting design of the knitted part into the width direction of the knitted part, thereby changing the resolution and scale of the image drawn on the surface of the knitted part, resulting in a knitted part (e.g., knitted part 530) that includes a knitted design with increased resolution. For example, refer to... Figure 5C Element 532 depicts an example of a repeating block, which includes one or more knitted structures for a portion of an original knitted design (e.g., design 534). Element 532 includes multiple repeating units, as well as a single knitted structure (e.g., element 535) consisting of four-unit blocks of a knitted pattern.

[0109] To improve the resolution of the design on the knitted parts, as explained above, one or more computing devices of the knitting system 100 (e.g., consumer device 102) can analyze one or more parts of the knitted design 534 to decompose or break down the knitted structure 535 into smaller segments or sub-blocks, as shown in knitted structures 537 and 539, which consist of two unit blocks having a rectangular shape in the width direction. Figure 5C As can be seen in the corresponding knitting design 538, the original design decomposes the knitting structure and then reassembles the knitting structure parts to form a new knitting structure. This allows the knitting system to improve the image / design resolution of the final knitting result, for example... Figure 5C The knitted component shown (e.g., element 530). The process of “breaking down” or decomposing the knitted structure of the knitted component by the knitting system 100, and the subsequent reassembly of one or more parts of the knitted structure / composition with other segments / parts of different knitted structures / compositions within the knitted component, enables the knitting system 100 to generate new knitted structures / compositions based on the reassembly of different parts of the current knitted structure in the knitted component, thereby creating new knitted structures and patterns together in the knitted component. In other words, the knitting system considers which knitted loops can or can not be adjacent to each other according to known practices in the industry, and ensures that there are no conflicts in the current design / composition. Furthermore, the knitting system reassembles loops according to the designer / user and according to knitting “rules” or knitting machine constraints.

[0110] As explained above, the knitting system 100 can utilize a machine-level control file (Sintral) generator (e.g., file generator 342) to obtain the following as inputs to the knitting machine: (i) the final jacquard file, (ii) the initial length and width dimensions of the canvas / fabric / knitted parts, (iii) uniform structural dimensions (common denominators in both directions), and (iv) knitting machine parameters. Knitting machine parameters may include various metrics associated with the knitting machine, such as total machine width, fabric detachability, knitting and transfer speeds, and / or needle counters. These parameters, along with other machine information, may be stored in one or more computing devices within the knitting system, such as the design computer 102 shown as element 343 in Figure 3c. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 stores this information as parameters at a specific location within a machine code file template (e.g., a Sintral file). This unconventional process of storing parameters in machine code allows end-users or designers increased control while operating the knitting machine and allows for dynamic changes to the knitting performed by the machine between iterations. The knitting machine 135 can use outputs from the consumer design 102 (such as Sintral files) to manufacture knitted parts. Therefore, in Figure 3B The components 336 and 338 are shown in the middle.

[0111] B. Visualization and simulation of fabric behavior

[0112] As explained above, knitted fabrics possess unique characteristics, particularly due to their long, continuous inner loop yarns, which can affect the overall behavior of the fabric. These characteristics can lead to non-linear three-dimensional motion in knitted components.

[0113] The simulation mechanism used by the knitting system 100 to visualize the physical behavior of the knitted parts takes a unique character dot matrix generated by the knitting system as input. Therefore, assuming that the specific quotient of each knitted structure differs from the expected square logic of the matrix array, the knitting system 100 is able to transform each cell in the initial matrix (partially as described above regarding the partitioning of evaluation metrics) into a specific rectangular measurement. In some aspects of this disclosure, prior to modeling the simulation, the knitting system 100 may obtain data indicating the dimensions of the knitted sample, where dimensions are measured in a relaxed state of the knitted part or fabric. The knitting system 100 may use this data to determine a unique aspect ratio for each knitted structure, which is specific and constant for the corresponding knitted structure.

[0114] To simulate the internal forces that cause deformation of the knitted part, the knitting system 100 can use mesh edges (in the computational representation of the knitted part, such as CAD) to create a lattice for physically simulating the forces of a simulated spring. Software tools can display geometric information in various ways, such as in CAD or in general. As described herein, mesh edges (e.g., polygon / pixel modeling) can be used to create the lattice because the system may require specific dimensional information when converting mesh edges to spring calculations. This can be achieved by converting a non-uniform rational basis spline (NURB) surface, representing a common mathematical representation of 3D objects, into a mesh. Typically, objects are initially scanned using NURBS when they are scanned into a CAD program. The knitting system 100 converts the respective length of each mesh edge into a spring that conforms to Hooke's law of elasticity. In some cases, this conversion can be performed by a computing device within the knitting system 100, such as a spring engine 116. One or more computing devices of the knitting system 100, such as the spring engine 116, can simulate the spring as a force-bearing object, and the entire mesh can be used by the knitting system 100 to visualize the overall geometry of the knitted part. The output of the simulation may include a new geometry of the knitted component, which has been deformed by the springs relative to the intended design of the component before the distribution of the knitted structure that may cause deformation. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 and / or one or more computing devices therein (e.g., spring engine 116) may create a dynamic iterative simulation until the knitting system reaches equilibrium. Figure 5D A static image visualization of a spring-based simulation of a knitted part (e.g., element 550) is shown, adjacent to an image of the knitted part being fabricated (e.g., element 552). Figure 5D As shown, this exemplary test illustrates the correlation between the deformation behavior of the simulated image 550 and the knitted sample 552.

[0115] C. Compensation methods in knitted component design

[0116] By integrating physics engine simulation into the knitting design and knitting process, the knitting system 100 allows users to observe the deformation behavior of knitted parts before they begin making / manufacturing them.

[0117] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may utilize a first compensation method (e.g., a "row copying" method) that enables a user to control the shape profile of the fabric or knitted part. This first compensation method is based on differential row copying and, in some cases, may be a preferred method for knitted parts comprising knitted structures of varying heights. The compensation method involves selectively selecting which areas of the knitted part and individual knitted structures to copy rows, for example, to gain additional length in those areas identified as "shorter" during simulation. Machine code (jacquard) generated by the knitting system 100 compensates for the height difference by strategically copying rows in the shorter knitted structures. As explained herein, the machine code is generated by the system as the final knitting instruction to be sent to one or more knitting machines. As a result, the knitting system 100 can knit different numbers of rows for different knitted areas in a continuous process. This row copying method can lead to changes or modifications made to one or more jacquard files by the knitting system (e.g., design computer 102). The jacquard file may indicate and / or include a set of symbols used by the knitting machines to know what to knit for each needle in each row. As described here, the knitting system can modify the initial jacquard file according to the compensation method, and the system can generate a new jacquard file based on the modification.

[0118] In other aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 may use a second compensation method (e.g., a "loop density" method) to enable a designer or end-user to control the contour shape of the knitted part. This second compensation method is based on automatically creating a new information layer for dynamically controlling the loop density of the knitted part. This loop density information layer represents another occurrence of a bitmap of a knitted area with individual loop density information for each loop (needle movement) in the design, similar to a jacquard file but with loop density information. In some cases, the knitting machine may include an optional specific extension of the jacquard file to include loop density information. By changing the loop density of the knitted part, which can be digitally controlled in the knitting machine, the knitting system can control whether the loops of yarn created by the knitting needles are tightened or loosened. The knitting system 100 can automatically generate an initial new information layer by replicating the overall geometry of the knitted part and converting that information into loop density values. As described above, in some cases, this new information layer may serve as a component or extension of the jacquard file. Therefore, although the knitted part may not change its pattern / design appearance / knitting structure, the tension distribution within the knitted part may change. Therefore, the knitting system 100 can generate individual loop tension maps for each loop in a pattern without altering the loop structure and overall design. In some cases, the knitting system 100 can modify the loop density of a knitted part only in selected areas. Additionally, changes to the loop density of a knitted part can be stored by the knitting system 100 in an additional file similar to a jacquard file, thus presenting a new differential density matrix that defines the values ​​for loop control of the knitting machine 135.

[0119] The rest length of the knitted part can be measured automatically by the knitting system. In some cases, the rest length measurement can be performed manually. Additionally or alternatively, to calibrate the automatic measurement, the manually measured rest length can be compared with the automatic measurement. In some aspects of this disclosure, the rest length measurement can be used by a knitting system such as UI 115 or spring engine 116 as a parameter defining the spring constant. For example, the system can determine the rest length measurement by sampling multiple knitted parts at rest. The system can standardize these values ​​and store them in a suitable storage area. Table 1 below provides... Figure 5E A list of examples of rest length measurements for several different knitted structures (e.g., structures 1 to 7) is shown below:

[0120] Table I: Measurements of length at rest (the figures are standardized and relative, based on sampling of knitted parts of a single knitted structure at rest)

[0121]

[0122]

[0123] The evaluation of various compensation methods, including "row replication" and "loop density" methods, can be measured and scored by the knitting system 100 using, for example, the following mathematical model:

[0124] (1)

[0125] (2)

[0126] (3)

[0127] As shown in equation (1) above, the first aspect ratio (“AR”) can be determined by the knitting system 100 by determining the initial area (“a”) of the initial knitted design shape and dividing that value by the maximum width (W) of the knitted part. max The knitting system 100 measures the area (“a”) and width (“W”) of the knitted part after implementing compensation methods such as the “row replication” and “loop density” methods (or combinations thereof) described above. max The knitting system can use equation (2) to calculate the second / updated aspect ratio (“AR”) of the design shape. Using equation (3), the knitting system can determine the quotient of the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio (i.e., the “ARR” score). The quotient of the aspect ratio between the design intent and the simulation (ARR) will tend to be one (1) to the extent that the two ratios are equal. The knitting system can also determine the area difference (“ADR” score) between the initial area (“a”) and the new area (“a”). In some cases, the knitting system can determine the ADR score based on the area that deviates from the original knitted shape, so that the closer the ADR score is to zero (0), the more accurate the compensation.

[0128] These scores, measured by the knitting system, are used to shorten or reduce repetitive processes involving trial and error, as is common in traditional systems. However, when developing new knitting prototypes, these scores still allow the knitting system to maintain a prototype-based creative workflow. When scaled up, unlike experienced designers and knitters, the knitting system continues to be relevant to modifications of knitting characteristics by the end user.

[0129] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation of compensation methods such as "row replication" and "loop density" can be measured and scored by the knitting system 100 using the following mathematical model:

[0130]

[0131] In some cases, if equation 1 of this model results in a fractional value between zero (0) and - (1), then the system can determine the inverse value of the equation as shown in equation (2) below, such that all the resulting values ​​are greater than - (1).

[0132]

[0133] Referring again to Equation 1, the total area (a) of the initial design shape is divided by the square of the maximum width (Wmax) (square), and the geometric ratio (GAR) is measured. In the case of a square knitted part, the GAR value can be equal to (1). For other shapes, the GAR value can reflect the numerical ratio between the maximum width and the average length of the shape. After the compensation strategy is implemented in the knitting system, the new area and width can be determined and compared with the template / sample knitted part (such as a knitted part with a perfectly square shape). Additional geometric deviation parameters can be determined by measuring the deviation of the deformed shape from the original shape - the area difference ratio (ADR) - the original shape and the deformed shape can be superimposed, and each of the absolute differences in the area between the two can be summed and normalized by the knitting system:

[0134]

[0135] As shown in Equation 3 (above), dif(aa′) is the area difference relative to each of the edges of the original square, and A is the area of ​​the original square. Therefore, an ADR score closer to (0) zero means that the shapes (e.g., the original shape and the shape of the knitted design to which the compensation strategy has been applied) are more similar to each other, and thus the compensation method is more accurate. Using these scores when developing new knitted prototypes allows for a shorter trial-and-error process while maintaining a prototype-based creative workflow and a holistic approach to research and development.

[0136] Figure 6A Different compensation methods used by the knitting system 100 are illustrated to predict the deformation behavior of knitted parts prior to fabrication. For example, the desired knitted pattern 602 represents a specific knitted design fabricated by the knitting system 100. One or more computing devices of the knitting system 100 (such as a design computer 102) can determine the evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and ARR scores) of one or more compensation methods performed according to the knitted pattern 602, as well as the evaluation scores of knitted designs for which no compensation method is applied. Additionally or alternatively, the design computer 102 can determine the evaluation score of the knitted design 602 based on a combination of compensation methods.

[0137] like Figure 6AAs shown, element 604 illustrates a modified knitted design that visually indicates the predicted deformation behavior of the knitted parts prior to fabrication, while element 606 shows an image of the corresponding knitted parts actually manufactured by the knitting machine based on an applied compensation method. Deformation is determined based on assigning specific knitted structures to individual sections of the knitted pattern. Different knitted structures are assigned to each section of the knitted pattern such that it deforms to different dimensions upon removal from the knitting machine and after some relaxation time. For example, element 604A shows an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and ARR) determined by the knitting system without applying a compensation method. Figures 6A to 6E As shown, the predicted deformation regions can be color-coded (e.g., red and yellow). In Figures 6A to 6E In the examples shown, yellow can indicate areas that are not present in the simulation of the original (intended) design, or in other words, shrinkage of the knitted part. Similarly, in these examples, red can indicate areas that are not present in the intended design in the simulation. Component 606A illustrates a knitted part produced by a knitting machine, such as... Figure 6A As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted part is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system. As another example, element 604B shows an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and ARR) determined by the knitting system using a "row replication" compensation method. Element 606B shows the resulting knitted part manufactured by a knitting machine, as... Figure 6A As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted parts is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system.

[0138] Now for reference Figure 6D In the example, element 605A shows an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and GAR) determined by the knitting system without applying compensation methods. Element 606A shows the resulting knitted part manufactured by a knitting machine, such as... Figure 6D As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted part is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system. As another example, element 605B shows an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and GAR) determined by the knitting system using a "row replication" compensation method. Element 606B shows the resulting knitted part manufactured by a knitting machine, as... Figure 6D As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted parts is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system.

[0139] As yet another example, such as Figure 6AAs shown, element 604C illustrates an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and ARR) determined by the knitting system using a "loop density" compensation method. Element 606C illustrates the resulting knitted part manufactured by a knitting machine using the loop density compensation method, such as... Figure 6A As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted part is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system. As another example, element 604D shows an image of the original knitted design 602, which includes predicted deformation areas (red and yellow) and evaluation scores (e.g., ADR and ARR) determined by the knitting system using a combination of row replication and loop density compensation methods. Element 604D shows the resulting knitted part manufactured by a knitting machine, such as... Figure 6A As shown, the deformation behavior of the manufactured knitted parts is consistent with the behavior predicted by the knitting system.

[0140] Figure 6B and Figure 6C Additional examples of different compensation methods used by the knitting system 100 to predict the deformation behavior of knitted parts with different knitting designs (e.g., knitting designs 612 and 622) are shown.

[0141] Figure 6E and Figure 6F Additional examples of different compensation methods used by the knitting system 100 to predict the deformation behavior of knitted parts with different knitting designs (e.g., knitting designs 612 and 622) are shown.

[0142] One or more computing devices of the knitting system 100 can be configured to generate new knitted patterns. For example, consumer device 102 (or a computing tool-design tool 333 executed therein) can be configured to generate new knitted patterns. The knitting system 100 can generate known knitted patterns by: (i) identifying knitted structures within knitted parts (or knitted designs), (ii) “breaking” these knitted structures into small, repeatable components, and (iii) recombinating these segmented parts (or sub-pieces) into new and potentially unpredictable knitted structures / patterns. This method for generating new knitted structures / patterns is similar to the process explained above for improving or enhancing the resolution of knitted design patterns by making them more sensitive to knitted structure distribution and design potential. Additional ways in which the knitting system 100 can dissect / decompose knitted structures into minimal repeating patterns with the highest resolution also include developing models for smooth transitions between different structures using different structural properties such as transparency, density, and texture.

[0143] Importantly, the purpose of this knitting system is to enable engagement with one or more end-users who can participate in the knitting design process in a smooth and automated manner. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system 100 can use the pattern-generating process described herein to create knitted fabrics derived from various types of input data, such as data based on actual users. For example, the knitting system 100 can generate sensor-driven knitting information to create knitted parts. Other types of information, such as data provided by end-users reflecting their preferences and needs for better performance, can also be used during the aforementioned knitting process.

[0144] Figure 7 An example interface for modifying a knitted design according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. The user interface 700 includes a knitting machine image 735, a color reference palette 710, one or more color vectors (e.g., vector 715), a portion of the interface representing the knitted structure (e.g., knitted structure 720), and a display portion 701 showing the presentation of the knitted design. The user interface 700 may display animations showing various design choices and options made by the user during the design process. It is understood that components of the user interface 700 may include the same or similar features and functions as corresponding components provided by the user interface 115.

[0145] As another example, knitted structure 720 may include the same or similar features and / or components as the knitted structure described herein. For example, although in Figure 7 As not shown, the knitted structure 720 may include (or display) information associated with the knitted structure, such as the underlying knitted composition or repeating blocks that include the knitted structure. In some cases, the user can draw a color vector 715 in the user interface 700 to associate (or assign) specific color values ​​(e.g., yarn / material color) to a specific knitted structure. After drawing or modifying the color vector, the user interface 700 may graphically display the material (such as yarn from one or more spools associated with the selected color value) arranged in one or more portions of the knitting machine image 735, as shown in element 736.

[0146] The knitting machine image 735 in the user interface 700 can be used as a graphical representation of a knitting machine (e.g., knitting machine 135) used to manufacture knitted products (e.g., knitted footwear uppers). The materials used by knitting machine 135 to manufacture knitted products 140 (such as material 130) can be graphically represented in the knitting machine image 735. For example, as shown in element 710, each color or color reference selected by the user can be graphically represented by one or more yarn bobbins (or some other material) in the knitting machine image 735.

[0147] When a user selects and / or modifies various design choices, these choices can be reflected in real time (e.g., graphically or in simulation) via the knitting machine image 735 or other parts of the interface 700. For example, by changing the color of one or more spools of yarn to correspond to a new color value, the change in the color value of the color reference 710 can be reflected in the knitting machine image 735. As another example, the number of colors available for a particular design can be graphically represented by the number of spools in the knitting machine image 735. In this example, empty spools can represent undefined or available color references that can be added to the color palette.

[0148] It is understandable that a user's design choices may be limited by constraints associated with the knitting design, such as material availability, structural rules, and the physical limitations of the knitting machine. For example, due to limitations in the supply of certain materials used to manufacture knitted products, a limited number of color choices may be offered to the user corresponding to the availability or supply of these materials (e.g., yarn). Therefore, when a user selects color reference 711, a list of color options corresponding to the currently available materials may be provided to the user. As another example, due to structural or physical limitations of the knitting machine, a user may be limited in the number of color options assigned to a particular knitting structure. For example, if a knitting machine such as knitting machine 135 has a predetermined number of "feeders," the user may be limited by the number of color combinations or the number of colors that can be assigned to a knitting structure based on the number of feeders in the knitting machine.

[0149] Figure 8 Methods for designing and manufacturing knitted parts according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are shown. These methods can utilize, for example... Figure 1 The knitting system 100 shown is used to perform the knitting process. Figure 8 The steps marked in the middle.

[0150] First, in step 802, the knitting system obtains knitting structure information. The system can obtain the knitting structure information from one or more computing devices and / or appropriate storage areas (such as library 117). Additionally or alternatively, the knitting system can obtain part (or all) of the knitting structure information by analyzing one or more knitted samples / parts.

[0151] In step 804, the knitting system obtains design input data. The system can use the design input data to manufacture a knitted part having a graphic design corresponding to an image associated with the obtained design input data. The input data may include data files, such as raster images. The input data may identify various visual and physical attributes (e.g., features) associated with the knitted design. In some embodiments, a user may select a knitted design from a plurality of knitted designs stored in the system.

[0152] Next, in step 806, the knitting system samples the design input data, such as the input data obtained during step 804. The knitting system can use a user interface such as UI 115 to sample the input data. The user interface may include allocation logic and / or allocation logic obtained from one or more other computing devices of the knitting system, thereby allowing the user to flexibly control the design of the knitted parts, and in step 808, the knitting system can assign knitted structures to the knitted parts to be manufactured. In step 808, the knitting system uses input provided by the end user / designer to assign knitted structures. In some embodiments, the system can assign different knitted structures to the knitted parts relative to specific data inputs or files (such as the input data obtained during step 804). In step 806, the distribution of knitted structures can be performed based on sampling of grayscale tones and / or other input data.

[0153] In step 810, the knitting system evaluates the difference between the knitted design and the predicted / determined knitted part. As described herein, the system can perform a physical simulation of the estimated deformation of the knitted part, which allows the system to dynamically add compensation based on different methods to achieve a better prediction of the final knitting result and physical output of the knitting machine, for example, where the output profile more closely resembles the profile according to the original knitted design compared to the expected design. The knitting system can evaluate the difference between the knitted design and the predicted / determined knitted part based on the assigned knitted structure. At step 810, the system can simulate the deformation of the knitted part under static conditions based on a compensation analysis based on physical springs. The knitting system can automatically determine the redistributed forces in the knitted part / fabric to compensate for the physical deformation. The knitting system may include a dynamic system that simulates the forces between elements and deforms these elements accordingly. After calculating the initial deformation, further calculations can be performed to determine new deformations until equilibrium is reached. In step 810, the system can use one or more evaluation scores to evaluate the determined differences.

[0154] In step 812, the knitting system generates and / or outputs machine code and / or data files for operating the knitting machine. In some aspects of this disclosure, the knitting system may include a compiler, such as compiler 108, for generating machine code and / or data files and / or outputting the machine code and / or data files to the knitting machine 135.

[0155] In step 812, the system can utilize a file generator (e.g., file generator 342) to generate data files, such as sintral files, for controlling the knitting machine. The knitting system can generate data files based on various inputs, such as jacquard files, initial knitted part length and width dimensions, uniform structure dimensions, and knitting machine parameters. In step 814, the knitting system can manufacture or produce knitted parts. One or more knitting machines of the knitting system can manufacture / produce knitted parts based on the instructions or machine code output generated in step 812.

[0156] While this disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples of currently preferred modes that include various aspects of implementing this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made to the systems and techniques described above without departing from this disclosure. For example, the systems, methods, and / or user interfaces may include more, fewer, and / or different functions than described above, and various features of the systems, methods, and / or user interfaces may be activated or interacted in a different manner than described above (e.g., using different types of interface elements). Furthermore, various process steps may be changed, altered in sequence, omitted, and / or additional steps or features may be included without departing from this disclosure. Various changes and modifications can be made to the systems, methods, and user interfaces without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0157] In the following text, various features will be highlighted in a set of numbered clauses or paragraphs. These features should not be construed as limiting the invention or inventive concept, but are provided merely as a highlighting of some of the features described herein, and not as implying a particular order of importance or relevance of these features.

[0158] Clause 1: A method comprising: obtaining a first set of knitted structure information by a computing device; obtaining design input data by the computing device; assigning one or more knitted structures to a knitted design based on the design input data and the knitted structure information; generating one or more output files by the computing device and based on the knitted design, the one or more output files indicating a plurality of knitting instructions; and sending the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing knitted parts.

[0159] Clause 2: The method according to Clause 1, wherein the design input data includes raster images.

[0160] Clause 3: The method according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the design input data includes at least one of a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knitted design.

[0161] Clause 4: The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes: sampling a plurality of grayscale images associated with the design input data by the computing device.

[0162] Clause 5: The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the assignment of the one or more knitted structures to the knitted design is based on grayscale levels associated with the design input data.

[0163] Clause 6: The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein assigning the one or more knitted structures further includes: receiving user input selections for assigning the one or more knitted structures via a user interface.

[0164] Clause 7: The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes: determining, by the computing device and based on the expected knitting design, the deformation of the knitted part corresponding to the knitting design.

[0165] Clause 8: The method according to Clause 7 further comprises: displaying the deformation of the knitted part by the computing device; determining by the computing device and based on one or more compensation procedures a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knitting design; and applying one or more redistribution forces in the knitted part based on the predicted compensation results to compensate for the determined deformation.

[0166] Clause 9: The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes: generating a matrix data structure by the computing device and based on the knitting design, the matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knitting instructions for a knitting machine.

[0167] Clause 10: A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computing device to: obtain a first set of knitted structure information; obtain design input data; assign one or more knitted structures to a knitted design based on the design input data and the knitted structure information; generate one or more output files based on the knitted design, the one or more output files indicating a plurality of knitting instructions; and send the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing knitted parts.

[0168] Clause 11: The non-transitory machine-readable medium as described in Clause 11, wherein the design input data includes raster images.

[0169] Clause 12: A non-transitory machine-readable medium as described in Clause 10 or 11, wherein the design input data includes at least one of a set of visual attributes or a set of physical attributes associated with the knitted design.

[0170] Clause 13: A non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein the one or more knitted structures assigned to the knitted design correspond to grayscale levels associated with the design input data.

[0171] Clause 14: A non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein, when executed, the instructions also cause the computing device to: determine the deformation of the knitted part corresponding to the knitted design.

[0172] Clause 15: A non-transitory machine-readable medium as described in Clause 14, wherein, when executed, the instructions also cause the computing device to: display the deformation of the knitted part; determine, based on one or more compensation procedures, a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knitted design; and, based on the predicted compensation results, apply one or more redistribution forces in the knitted part to compensate for the determined deformation.

[0173] Clause 16: A non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 10 to 15, wherein, when executed, the instructions also cause the computing device to: generate a matrix data structure based on the knitting design, the matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knitting instructions for a knitting machine.

[0174] Clause 17: An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: obtain a first set of knitting structure information; obtain design input data; assign one or more knitting structures to a knitting design based on the design input data and the knitting structure information; generate one or more output files based on the knitting design, the one or more output files indicating a plurality of knitting instructions; and send the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing knitted parts.

[0175] Clause 18: The apparatus according to Clause 17, wherein, when the instructions are executed, the apparatus further causes the apparatus to: determine the deformation of the knitted part corresponding to the knitted design.

[0176] Clause 19: The apparatus according to Clause 18, wherein, when the instructions are executed, the apparatus further causes the apparatus to: display the deformation of the knitted part; determine a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knitted design based on one or more compensation procedures; and apply one or more redistribution forces in the knitted part based on the predicted compensation results to compensate for the determined deformation.

[0177] Clause 20: The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 17 to 19, wherein, when the instructions are executed, the apparatus further causes to: generate a matrix data structure based on the knitting design, the matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knitting instructions for a knitting machine.

Claims

1. A method comprising: determining, by a computing device and based on design input data and knit structure information, an assignment of one or more first knit structures of a knit design; determining one or more modifications to the one or more first knit structures to compensate for a distortion associated with the knit design, wherein the one or more modifications include copying one or more rows of the one or more first knit structures; generating, by the computing device and based on the one or more modifications, one or more output files that indicate a plurality of knit instructions associated with the knit design; and sending the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing a knit component, wherein determining the one or more modifications to the one or more first knit structures further comprises: determining, by the computing device and based on one or more compensation procedures, a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design; and determining, based on scores associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the design input data includes at least one of a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knit design.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the computing device and based on a plurality of grayscale images associated with the design input data, a distribution of the one or more first knit structures of the knit design.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, determining the assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design is based on a grayscale tone level associated with the design input data.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, determining the assignment of the one or more first knit structures further comprises: receiving, via a user interface, a user input selection for assigning the one or more knit structures to the knit design.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the computing device, a distortion associated with the knit design.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, determining the assignment of one or more first knit structures of a knit design further comprises: generating, by the computing device and based on the knit design, a matrix data structure that indicates a plurality of knit instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning, to the matrix data structure, a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with one or more first knit structures.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a first aspect ratio associated with one or more first knit structures; determining, by one or more compensation procedures, one or more second knit structures; and determining, based on a comparison of the first aspect ratio and a second aspect ratio, a score of the one or more first knit structures, wherein the second aspect ratio is associated with the one or more second knit structures.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining, based on the score associated with the one or more first knit structures, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures for the knit design.

10. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computing device to: determine, based on design input data and knit structure information, an assignment of one or more knit structures of a knit design; ​ determining one or more modifications to one or more knit structures to compensate for a distortion associated with a knit design, wherein, the one or more modifications comprise replicating one or more rows of the one or more knit structures; generating one or more output files based on the one or more modifications, the one or more output files indicating a plurality of knit instructions associated with the knit design; and sending the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing a knit component, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the one or more modifications to the one or more knit structures by: determining, based on one or more compensation procedures, a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design; and determining, based on scores associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion.

11. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, the design input data comprises a raster image.

12. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, the design input data comprises a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knit design.

13. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, determining that the assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design corresponds to a gray scale tone level associated with the design input data.

14. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine the distortion associated with the knit design.

15. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the one or more modifications to the one or more knit structures by: generating, based on the knit design, a matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knit instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning, to the matrix data structure, a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with one or more knit structures.

16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine a first aspect ratio related to one or more knit structures; determine one or more second knit structures through one or more compensation procedures; and determine a score of the one or more knit structures based on a comparison of the first aspect ratio and a second aspect ratio, wherein the second aspect ratio is associated with the one or more second knit structures.

17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine, based on the score associated with the one or more knit structures, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures for the knit design.

18. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: determine, based on design input data and knit structure information, an assignment of one or more knit structures of a knit design; determine one or more modifications to the one or more knit structures to compensate for a distortion associated with the knit design, wherein the one or more modifications comprise replicating one or more rows of the one or more knit structures; generate one or more output files based on the one or more modifications, the one or more output files indicating a plurality of knit instructions associated with the knit design; and send the one or more output files to a knitting machine for manufacturing a knit component, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to determine the one or more modifications to the one or more knit structures by: ​ determining, based on one or more compensation procedures, a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design; and determining, based on scores associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: determine the distortion associated with the knit design.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to determine one or more modifications to the one or more knit structures by: generating, based on the knit design, a matrix data structure, the matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knit instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning, to the matrix data structure, a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with one or more knit structures.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: determine a first aspect ratio related to one or more knit structures; determine one or more second knit structures through one or more compensation procedures; and determine a score of the one or more knit structures based on a comparison of a first aspect ratio and a second aspect ratio, wherein the second aspect ratio is associated with the one or more second knit structures.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: determine, based on the score associated with the one or more knit structures, a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures for the knit design.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the design input data includes a raster image.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the design input data includes a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knit design.

25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, determining that the assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design corresponds to a gray scale tint level associated with the design input data.

26. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing device, a knit design including one or more knit structures; modifying the knit design to compensate for a distortion, wherein the modifying includes replicating one or more rows of the one or more knit structures; generating, by the computing device, knit instructions associated with the modified knit design; and sending, to a second computing device, the knit instructions, wherein modifying the knit design further includes: determining, based on one or more compensation routines, a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design; and determining, based on scores associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results, a compensation routine of the one or more compensation routines to compensate for the distortion.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: receiving design input data, the design input data indicating at least one of a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knit design.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: determining, based on a gray scale tint level associated with the design input data, an assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising: determining, by the computing device, an assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, determining the assignment of the one or more knit structures further includes: generating, by the computing device, a data structure indicating knit instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning, to the data structure, a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with one or more knit structures.

31. The method of claim 26, further comprising: determine, by the computing device, a distortion associated with the knit design.

32. The method of claim 26, further comprising: determining a first aspect ratio related to one or more knit structures; determining one or more second knit structures through one or more compensation procedures; and determining a score of the one or more knit structures based on a comparison of the first aspect ratio and a second aspect ratio, wherein the second aspect ratio is associated with the one or more second knit structures.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: determining a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures for the knit design based on the score associated with the one or more knit structures.

34. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computing device to: receive a knit design comprising one or more knit structures; modify the knit design to compensate for a distortion, wherein the modification comprises replicating one or more rows of the one or more knit structures; generate knitting instructions associated with the modified knit design; and transmit the knitting instructions to a second computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the modification by: determining a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design based on one or more compensation procedures; and determining a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion based on a score associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results.

35. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 34, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: receive design input data indicating at least one of a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knit design.

36. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 35, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine an assignment of one or more knit structures of the knit design based on a gray tone level associated with the design input data.

37. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 34, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine an assignment of one or more knit structures of the knit design.

38. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 37, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the assignment of the one or more knit structures by: generating a data structure indicating knitting instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with the one or more knit structures to the data structure.

39. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 37, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the assignment of the one or more knit structures of the knit design by: generating a matrix data structure indicating a plurality of knitting instructions for a knitting machine based on the knit design; and assigning a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with the one or more knit structures to the matrix data structure.

40. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 34, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to: determine a distortion related to the knit design.

41. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: receive a knit design comprising one or more knit structures; modify the knit design to compensate for a distortion, wherein the modification comprises replicating one or more rows of the one or more knit structures; generate knitting instructions associated with the modified knit design; and transmit the knitting instructions to a second computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing device to determine the modification by: determining a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knit design based on one or more compensation procedures; and determining a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion based on a score associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results. transmitting knitting instructions to a computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to determine the modification by: determining a plurality of predicted compensation results corresponding to the knitting design based on one or more compensation procedures; and determining a compensation procedure of the one or more compensation procedures to compensate for the distortion based on scores associated with the plurality of predicted compensation results.

42. The device of claim 41, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: determine an assignment of one or more stitch structures of the knitting design.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to determine the assignment of one or more stitch structures by: generating a data structure indicative of knitting instructions for a knitting machine; and assigning a plurality of evaluation metrics associated with one or more stitch structures to the data structure.

44. The device of claim 42, wherein, the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to: receive design input data indicative of at least one of a set of visual attributes and a set of physical attributes associated with the knitting design.

Images