Controller, system and method for generating line shading data for at least one line based on digital representations

Abstract

A controller (200) configured to generate line shading data for lines used in generating a decorative line pattern is provided. The controller (200) is further configured to generate the line shading data based on a digital representation to be generated as a decorative line pattern by: obtaining pattern data from the digital representation (10), the pattern data comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position (p) and a color value (cv) in the digital representation (10); generating resolution data by processing the pattern data, where processing the pattern data includes determining a line arrangement comprising a plurality of consecutive line portions, where the entire line arrangement corresponds to a digital representation to be generated; and generating line shading data for the line (20) based at least on the resolution data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller for generating line coloring data for at least one line based on a digital representation. The present invention also relates to associated systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] The concept of converting photographic images into embroidery patterns, also known as photo embroidery, has been used in the prior art. Photo embroidery generally involves a first step of uploading a digital image into a controller or retrieving the digital image in some other way. The digital image can actually be any type of digital reproduction of one or more physical or virtual objects (such as sculptures, themes, signs, people, animals, landscapes, etc.). The digital image includes a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel represents a specific color belonging to, for example, an RGB or CMYK color space. The photo embroidery method used in the art also involves retrieving color data associated with the pixels. The color data is retrieved by processing each pixel in the digital image and deriving a thread color corresponding to the color data associated with the pixel for each pixel. For example, a pixel with an RGB color value of (0, 128, 128) can be selected. Therefore, the thread color cyan is selected to represent the pixel, and may also represent a plurality of additional pixels near the selected pixel. Other types of information (such as information related to color transitions and needle placement positions) are also retrieved in order to properly reproduce the digital image into an embroidery pattern. Once all pixels in the digital image have been processed and a set of colored thread reels corresponding to the best image reproduction have been selected, the embroidery pattern is typically sewn onto the fabric by appropriately switching between the colored thread reels and making changes to the needle placement position in the fabric.

[0003] Online thread coloring is a technique that has been applied in prior art systems. Online thread coloring is advantageous in several aspects, one of which relates to the fact that only a single thread color is required to produce advanced embroidery patterns. For online thread coloring, a controller is usually connected to a coloring device and is adapted to control the coloring device to distribute one or more coloring substances onto the thread during movement. The thread may then travel to, for example, a thread consumption device that is operable to consume the thread of the online thread coloring in order to produce an embroidery pattern.

[0004] The prior art does not include any solution for performing photo embroidery during inline coloring. Thus, it is not known how to perform photo embroidery with inline thread coloring so that the resulting embroidery pattern colors are accurately reproduced, the resolution is satisfactory and / or the transition colors are accurate. Moreover, it is not known how to manage different types of stitches and sewing directions, how to manage sudden changes in color in a digital image, or how to manage the inherent variations in thread consumption of associated thread consuming equipment.

[0005] The present inventors have recognized the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art and have profoundly proposed a solution for photo embroidery during thread coloring. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution which solves or at least alleviates one or more of the problems or disadvantages identified in the background section above.

[0007] A controller configured to generate line coloring data for a line used in producing a decorative line pattern is provided. The controller is further configured to generate the line coloring data based on a digital representation to be produced as the decorative line pattern by: obtaining pattern data from the digital representation, the pattern data comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position and a color value in the digital representation; generating resolution data by processing the pattern data, wherein processing the pattern data comprises determining a line arrangement comprising a plurality of continuous line portions, wherein the entire line arrangement corresponds to the digital representation to be produced; and generating the line coloring data for the line based at least on the resolution data.

[0008] In one embodiment, processing the pattern data further comprises determining information regarding the length of the line portions, the direction of the line portions and / or the type of connection used to connect one or more line portions to each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, generating shading data for the lines comprises transforming color values ​​into resolution data; and extracting color data from the transformed color values ​​in an order of a generation path defined by the arrangement of the line portions relative to each other.

[0010] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first pixel portion, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first pixel portion; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for columns substantially perpendicular to the corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0011] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first axis, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for columns perpendicular to the corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0012] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first pixel portion, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first pixel portion; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for columns substantially perpendicular to corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0013] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel from a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first axis, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections that fit into columns perpendicular to corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections that fit into corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller further comprises grouping the connections according to the resolution data.

[0015] In one embodiment, generating line shading data for the line includes generating a transition color for an underlying connection.

[0016] In one embodiment, generating a transition color for the underlying connection includes: retrieving color data from a first edge portion defined by line shading data, the first edge portion corresponding to a first row; retrieving color data from a second edge portion defined by the line shading data, the second edge portion opposite the first edge portion and corresponding to a row subsequent to and parallel to the first row; generating a color gradient including a combination of color data of the first edge portion and the second edge portion; replacing color data in the first edge portion and the second edge portion with color data of the color gradient; and, for each subsequent edge portion pair defined by the line shading data, repeating the process of retrieving color data from the edge portion, generating a color gradient including the retrieved combination of color data, and replacing the color data of the edge portion with the color gradient.

[0017] In one embodiment, generating a transition color for an underlying connection includes: retrieving color data from a first edge defined by line shading data; retrieving color data from a second edge defined by the line shading data; generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the color data of the first edge and the second edge; and replacing the color data in the right edge and the left edge with the color data of the color gradient.

[0018] In one embodiment, generating the color gradient includes: aligning a first edge and a second edge parallel to and successively with each other; dividing the aligned edges into a plurality of parts; and combining color data of the corresponding parts according to a color transition scheme.

[0019] In a second aspect, a system for processing a thread to be used in a decorative thread pattern is provided. The system comprises a controller according to the first aspect, and further comprises a processing unit comprising at least one discharge device configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread when activated. The controller may also be configured to control the dispensing of the discharge device onto the thread based on thread coloring data.

[0020] In one embodiment, the system is for in-line processing of thread, and wherein the system is in operable communication with a thread consuming unit configured to produce a decorative thread pattern.

[0021] In a third aspect, a method for generating line coloring data for a line used in producing a decorative line pattern is provided. The method comprises: generating the line coloring data based on a digital representation to be produced as a decorative line pattern by: obtaining pattern data from the digital representation, the pattern data comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position and a color value in the digital representation; generating resolution data by processing the pattern data, wherein processing the pattern data comprises determining a line arrangement comprising a plurality of consecutive line portions, wherein the entire line arrangement corresponds to the digital representation to be produced; and generating line coloring data for the line based at least on the resolution data.

[0022] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising" when used in this specification is used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Unless explicitly defined otherwise herein, all terms used in the claims will be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" will be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, component, device, step, etc. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead is placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1a is a schematic block diagram of a system for use with a line consuming device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 1bis a schematic illustration of a system for use with a line consumer according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 A method of generating on-line line shading data for a line based on a digital image according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 3a to Figure 3c A method of generating resolution data for a line using straight line traces according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0028] Figures 4a to 4e A method of generating resolution data for a thread using a satin stitch according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 5a A method of generating in-line line coloring data for a line using straight line traces according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 5b A method of generating in-line thread coloring data for a thread using a satin stitch according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 6a to Figure 6b is a graphical representation of conversion errors when transforming a digital image into a pattern to be produced according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 Providing coloring data for underlying stitches according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0033] Figures 8a to 8d Providing coloring data for underlying stitches according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0034] Fig. 9 A method of generating on-line line shading data for a line based on a digital image according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0035] Fig.10 A controller configured to control generation of on-line line shading data for a line based on a digital image is illustrated according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The system described herein can be used to process the thread to be used in the decorative thread pattern. The system can be a system connected to a thread consumption device or a separate processing system for processing the thread to be used at a later stage. The following examples will relate to systems for processing thread online. However, the invention described herein can also be applied to other types of systems.

[0037] refer to Figure 1a, a schematic diagram of a system 300 for coloring a line on a line is shown. The system 300 includes a processing unit 320. The processing unit 320 can be a coloring unit suitable for dispensing one or more coloring substances onto the line. The processing unit 320 can include one or more discharge devices. Each discharge device includes a plurality of nozzles (e.g., inkjet nozzles) configured to dispense the coloring substance onto the line 20. The plurality of nozzles can be arranged at different longitudinal positions along the line 20 passing through the processing unit during use. Each discharge device is preferably formed as a series of inkjet print heads, each print head having one or more nozzle arrays. Each nozzle array typically includes hundreds or thousands of nozzles.

[0038] The system 300 includes a controller 200 for use with at least one thread consuming device 310. In this case, the thread consuming device 310 is any device that consumes thread during use. For example, it can be an embroidery machine, a loom, a sewing machine, a knitting machine, a tufting machine, a winding machine, or any other thread consuming device that can benefit from on-line thread coloring of the associated thread.

[0039] In this case, the line is a flexible elongated member or substrate that is thin in width and height and has a longitudinal extension significantly greater than the longitudinal extension of any part of the system described herein, as well as greater than its width and height dimensions. Typically, the line can be composed of multiple strands that are bundled or twisted together. Thus, the term line includes yarns, wires, strands, filaments, etc. made of a variety of different materials, such as fiberglass, wool, cotton, synthetic materials (such as polymers), metals, or mixtures of, for example, wool, cotton, polymers or metals.

[0040] The controller 200 is configured to perform various functions related to controlling the generation of line coloring data. The controller 200 may be implemented with any known controller technology, including but not limited to a microcontroller, a processor (e.g., a PLC, a CPU, a DSP), an FPGA, an ASIC, or any other suitable digital and / or analog circuit capable of performing the intended functions.

[0041] The controller 200 may be configured to receive digital content. The digital content may be a photographic picture captured by a camera unit included in the system 300 or provided externally to the system. The digital content may alternatively be virtually presented by the controller 200 or some other type of device capable of presenting digital content.

[0042] The controller 200 may be configured to communicate via a communication interface with any known short-range or long-range communication standard known in the art. Short-range communication interfaces include, for example, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, ZigBee, WirelessHART, WiFi, BLE, RFID, QR, WLAN, MQTT IoT, CoAP, DDS, NFC, AMQP, LoRaWAN, Z-Wave, Sigfox, Thread, EnOcean, Mesh communication or any other form of proximity-based device-to-device radio communication signal, such as LTE Direct. Long-range communication interfaces include, for example, W-CDMA / HSPA, GSM, UTRAN or LTE.

[0043] A memory unit (not shown) may be associated with the controller 200, such as being located therein, and implemented with any known memory technology, including but not limited to E(E)PROM, S(D)RAM, or flash memory. The memory unit may alternatively be a cloud storage unit. The cloud storage unit may be deployed as a SQL data model, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle RDBMS. Alternatively, a deployment based on a NoSQL data model such as MongoDB, Amazon DynamoDB, Hadoop, or Apache Cassandra may be used. Alternatively, the memory unit may be located in an external server configured with any type of client-server or peer-to-peer (P2P) computer architecture. The server configuration may, for example, involve any combination of, for example, a network server, a database server, an email server, a network proxy server, a DNS server, an FTP server, a file server, a DHCP server (just to name a few examples).

[0044] In some embodiments, the memory unit may be integrated with or internal to the controller 200. The memory unit may store program instructions for execution by the controller 200 and temporary and permanent data used by the controller 200. The program instructions and / or temporary and permanent data pertain to the online line shading data and other data used by the controller 200 to generate the online line shading data. The stored online line shading data may be used to color the lines either directly (with at least some expected delay, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art of computer networking) or at a later stage.

[0045] The stored online line shading data may be transmitted and used in one or more other systems 300. Thus, online line shading data generated in a controller 200 is not necessarily used in the same system 300 including the controller 200. In this sense, the online line shading data may be stored in a computer readable medium as a computer program product.

[0046] Now turn to Figure 1b, wherein an exemplary embodiment of a system 300 for coloring a thread is shown. The system 300 includes a thread consumption device 310, which in this example is specifically implemented as an embroidery machine, and more specifically, is implemented as a single-head embroidery machine. The system 300 also includes a processing unit 320 and a controller 200. The controller 200 is not limited to Figure 1b Arrangement. In alternative embodiments, the controller 200 can be arranged anywhere in or outside the system 300. The thread consumption device 310 includes a movable stage 312 that carries a fabric 40 or indeed any type of substrate. The thread 20 will be embroidered on the fabric 40 so that an embroidery pattern 30 is produced thereon. The embroidery pattern 30 can have any size, shape, form, size, pattern, graphic, shape, text, emblem, symbol, etc. The embroidery pattern 30 can be, for example, an embroidered logo or company name. The controller 200 can be configured to determine the above information related to the embroidery pattern 30. During operation, the movable stage 312 is controlled to change its position in the X and Y directions (i.e., the horizontal plane).

[0047] The processing unit 320 enables the thread consumption device 310 to operate without providing the unique pre-colored thread required by conventional embroidery machines. Therefore, the processing unit 320 performs thread coloring on the thread 20 according to the predetermined coloring data so that a colored embroidery pattern 30 can be produced. The processing unit 320 thus replaces the separate thread reel present in the prior art system that does not use thread coloring. The process of generating the thread coloring data for the thread 20 is coordinated by the controller 200.

[0048] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that using an embroidery machine to produce the embroidery pattern 30 is only an example. The digital representation to be produced can be considered as a thread arrangement comprising a plurality of continuous thread portions, wherein the entire thread arrangement corresponds to the digital representation to be produced. The pattern 30 to be produced is produced by arranging the thread portions in a production path so as to generate a decorative thread pattern.

[0049] In one embodiment, the decorative thread pattern is embroidery, the thread arrangement 22 is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions 24 are a plurality of continuous stitches. In one embodiment, the decorative thread pattern is a knitted fabric, the thread arrangement 22 is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions 24 are a plurality of continuous stitches. In one embodiment, the decorative thread pattern is a sewn fabric, the thread arrangement 22 is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions 24 are a plurality of continuous stitches.

[0050] In one embodiment, the decorative thread pattern is a braid, the thread arrangement 22 is a braided pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions 24 are a plurality of continuous interweavings between warp threads and weft threads.

[0051] In one embodiment, the decorative thread pattern is a tufted fabric, the thread arrangement 22 is a tufting pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions 24 is a plurality of continuous tuft heads.

[0052] Figure 2 1 is a schematic illustration of a method 100 for generating thread coloring data for thread 20 based on digital content according to one embodiment. The digital content may be a (2D) digital representation 10. In this example, the thread coloring thread 20 is sewn onto a fabric 40 (shown as a shirt) for embroidering an embroidery pattern 30, however this should be considered only as one example of application. In this example, the digital representation 10 is a digital image that may be represented in a bitmap graphic format (including but not limited to GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, XBM, BMP, PCX, etc.). As previously referenced Figure 1a to Figure 1b As discussed, the line shading data may alternatively be stored for future use in the same or another system. In the following, the term digital image will be used, however, it should be noted that the concepts described also apply to the broader term digital representation.

[0053] Method 100 may involve receiving a digital representation 10, for example via a camera unit or the like, as shown in reference Figure 1a to Figure 1b discussed.

[0054] The method 100 may also involve obtaining pattern data from the received digital representation 10. The pattern data comprises information about pixels in the digital representation 10. Thus, the pattern data comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is associated with a position p and a color value cv in the digital image 10. In examples where the digital representation 10 is a digital image, the pattern data may be considered image data.

[0055] Since the digital representation 10 is two-dimensional, the position p indicates a two-dimensional position. For example, a pixel located at the upper left corner of the digital image 10 may have a position p=(0,0), and a pixel located at the lower right corner of the digital image 10 may have a position p=(row max ,col max ), where row max is the maximum number of pixel rows in the digital image 10, col max is the maximum number of pixel columns in the digital image 10. In this example, if the resolution of the digital representation is 1080p (1920×1080), the pixel located at the bottom right corner of the digital image 10 has a position p=(1080, 1920). Similar pixel positions can be implemented for other image resolutions, such as 2K, 4K, 8K, etc.

[0056] For the sake of brevity, in terms of shape, the digital representation 10 is generally referred to as a square or rectangle in this disclosure. However, the skilled person will understand that this is just a way of some examples. In other examples, the digital representation 10 can be associated with any suitable shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a star, a crescent, a cross, an arrow, or in fact any known substantially regular or irregular shape that can be represented by the digital representation 10.

[0057] For this reason, it should be understood that the terms "row" and "column" as used herein can be rows and columns of any shape in view of these other exemplary shapes. For this reason, the terms "row" and "column" are not necessarily interpreted as being horizontally or vertically straight in the context of, for example, a matrix. This is especially related to the situation of non-square or non-rectangular shapes (such as circles). Therefore, it should be understood that the terms "row" and "column" used in the present disclosure refer to the relative arrangement of elements rather than the physical linearity of lines, that is, a trace or pixel is followed by another trace or pixel. In the context of the present disclosure, rows and columns are sequences of elements organized in a specific order. By way of example, a substantially circular pattern can include a plurality of substantially circular rows or columns, and a substantially square pattern can include a plurality of substantially straight rows or columns.

[0058] The color value cv may belong to any color space known in the art, such as an RGB or CMYK color space. Thus, if the color value cv of a pixel in the RGB color space is derived as (0,0,0), the color value cv represents black.

[0059] After obtaining the pattern data of the digital representation 10, the method 100 also involves generating resolution data. The resolution data is generated by processing the pattern data of the digital representation. During this process, information related to the line arrangement of the plurality of continuous line portions comprising the pattern 30 to be formed / produced is determined. The processing of the pattern data may include determining information related to the length 23 of the line portion, the direction 24 of the line portion, and / or the type of connection 25 for the continuous line portions.

[0060] In one embodiment, the pattern data comprises a plurality of stitches to be embroidered. Thus, information relating to a thread arrangement comprising a plurality of continuous thread portions may be considered as information relating to stitches or stitch data. The processing step may then comprise deriving stitch data for a plurality of interconnected stitches 22, the stitch data comprising stitch length 23, sewing direction 24 and stitch type 25.

[0061] The method 100 also includes generating line shading data for the line 20 based at least on the resolution data. The line shading data is either stored in, for example, a reference Figure 1a to Figure 1b The controller may be stored in a memory unit or directly used to generate the pattern 30 .

[0062] Further details regarding the generation of resolution data and information regarding a plurality of continuous line portions will now be described according to two different embodiments, which are respectively described in Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figures 4a to 4e In the following examples, the steps of determining information related to the continuous line portion (e.g., the length 23 of the line portion, the direction 24 of the line portion, and the type of connection 25 for the continuous line portion) will be referred to as stitch data for easier reference. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that line coloring data for lines may be generated for other types of creations other than stitches.

[0063] exist Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figures 4a to 4e , an embodiment of generating resolution data is shown. Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figures 4a to 4e How to derive stitch data from a plurality of pixel portions is illustrated, wherein each pixel portion includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a position p and a color value cv. As the technician will readily appreciate, the pixel portion may be a column, a row, a portion of a row, or a portion of a column of the digital image 10. The pixel portion may alternatively be interpreted as an axis, such as a substantially horizontal axis (x) or a substantially vertical axis (y). Therefore, the resolution data disclosed herein is not limited to the sewing direction. This basically means that, considering that the accurate reproduction of the digital image 10 can be represented in the pattern 30, the pattern 30 based on the digital image 10 can be sewn from either direction.

[0064] Processing pattern data involves deriving stitch data for a plurality of interconnected stitches 22. The term "interconnected" may be interpreted as being able to provide a pattern 30 based on a digital image 10 using a single thread 20, since the stitches provided by the thread 20 are interconnected. Alternatively, deriving stitch data for a plurality of interconnected stitches 22 does not require changing the thread roll comprising differently colored threads. This also involves sewing each subsequent stitch 22 from a starting position 22a corresponding to an ending position 22b of a previous stitch 22. Thus, the process of sewing a pattern 30 does not require a sudden stop and / or a change in needle placement position due to a change in color of the digital image 10. The resolution data therefore includes information for each subsequent and interconnected stitch 22.

[0065] exist Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figures 4a to 4e In the two embodiments shown, the stitch data at least includes a stitch length 23 , a sewing direction 24 and a stitch type 25 .

[0066] Sewing direction 24 may be selected arbitrarily. Alternatively, sewing direction may depend on the type of subject matter in digital image 10, the level of detail in digital image 10, the fabric receiving pattern 30, or one or a combination of any other suitable factors. In another embodiment, determining sewing direction 24 may be performed by calculating a weighted direction value based on two or more of the above factors.

[0067] Stitch type 25 Figure 3b to Figure 3c In the middle is a straight stitch, in Figure 4b to Figure 4e However, stitch type 25 is not limited to these stitches. Alternatively, the stitch type 25 can be selected from the group consisting of: straight stitch or reverse straight stitch, satin stitch or reverse satin stitch, basting stitch, backstitch stitch, zigzag stitch, basting stitch, hemming stitch, folding stitch, overlock stitch, lockstitch stitch, stem stitch, compound stitch, French knot stitch, chain stitch, feather stitch, flat petal stitch, herringbone stitch, dot embroidery stitch, wing stitch, separated chain stitch, applique stitch, woven wheel stitch, rolled stitch, zigzag stitch, stretch stitch, edge stitch, rolled hem stitch, triple straight stitch, cover stitch, selvedge stitch, blind rolled stitch, ruffle stitch, shell stitch, overlock stitch, running stitch, ladder stitch, multi-step zigzag stitch, lockstitch, lockstitch and decorative stitch.

[0068] The stitch length 23 depends on the stitch type 25. The inventors have conducted experiments to determine the shortest possible length 23 of each stitch 22. Therefore, the stitch length 23 is derived as a fixed value based on the shortest possible stitch length 23 that can be colored with a coloring substance. The shorter the stitch length 23 that can be colored with a specific color, the higher the resolution of the pattern 30 will be. However, due to various operational reasons, such as the accuracy of the coloring substance application, the rotation of the thread, the speed of the thread, the application of the coloring substance, and other physical factors, the length of the stitch 22 colored with a specific color obviously cannot be infinitely short. Moreover, when the stitch length 23 is short enough, the human eye will not perceive the change in color.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the stitch data may include additional stitch data including information relating to operating conditions (e.g., speed of the thread consumption unit and / or (one or more) other signals, material (s) of the thread and / or fabric, movement of the movable table 312, maintenance of components, etc.).

[0070] Now pay attention Figure 3b to Figure 3c, wherein a straight stitch is shown. The inventors have determined the optimal stitch length 23 of the thread 20 to be approximately 1.50 mm with respect to the above discussion. This value may vary slightly depending on, for example, the material of the thread and / or fabric. Thus, the stitch length 23 of the straight stitch may vary between approximately 1.40 mm and 1.60 mm. However, depending on the digital image 10, the stitch length does not have to be the shortest possible stitch length 23. For example, for some digital images 10 that do not have a high degree of color depth, the stitch length 23 may be longer. Thus, the stitch length 23 may depend on the subject matter of the digital image 10.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 3a to Figure 3c The generation of resolution data for straight traces is discussed in detail. It should be noted that although reference will be made to Figure 3a to Figure 3c The exemplary resolution data generation scheme discussed refers to a digital representation 10 that is substantially rectangular in shape, but as noted above, other shapes may be implemented. Figure 3a to Figure 3c The rows and columns discussed are substantially straight, although this is for exemplary purposes only.

[0072] Resolution generation includes selecting a first pixel from a plurality of pixels. Figure 3a The first pixel may be selected as a pixel whose position p is at one end point of the pixel portion, for example, p(x, y)=(nbr row ,0)、(nbr row ,col max )、(0,nbr col ) or (row max ,nbr col ), where nbr row and nbr col is an arbitrary column number or row number in the digital image 10, respectively. Similar endpoint positions of the pixel portions may be achieved for portions of rows or portions of columns. Alternatively, the starting position may be an arbitrarily selected starting position p of a pixel in the digital image 10 based on, for example, its subject matter and / or level of detail.

[0073] The position of the first pixel together with the sewing direction 24 represents the first pixel portion x, such as Figure 3b In the direction of the first pixel portion x, a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other. This is seen in Figure 3c , where the rows are denoted r1, r2, ..., rn, where n is the number of rows.

[0074] exist Figure 3c, generating resolution data further comprises calculating a first resolution as the maximum number of stitches 22 that fit into the corresponding row r1-n. Thus, the first resolution can be interpreted as the density of stitches in the "x" direction, i.e., the length of the row lr. The first resolution can be derived by calculating the length of the row lr and the number of stitch lengths that fit into the length of the row lr. For example, if the length of the row lr is calculated to be 30.0 cm (300.0 mm), and the stitch length is 1.50 mm, then in this example, the first resolution will be calculated according to Calculate the number of stitches that will fit into the row. Thus, 200 stitches will fit into the length of the corresponding row.

[0075] Generating the resolution data also includes calculating the second resolution as the maximum number of traces that fit into the columns c1-n that are substantially perpendicular to the corresponding rows. As described above, the term "substantially perpendicular" refers to the concept of relative arrangement of elements, rather than the physical linearity of the lines. To this end, it should be understood that the sequence of elements organized according to columns is substantially perpendicular to the sequence of elements organized according to rows. In some examples, the columns are perpendicular to the corresponding rows. The second resolution can thus be interpreted as the trace density in the "y" direction. Similar to the first resolution, in this example, the second resolution is calculated according to to calculate the number of stitches that fit into a column, where lc is the length of the corresponding column. However, there is a significant difference in how the stitch length ls is interpreted when calculating the second resolution. This is because the thread is very thin, so that the rows can be embroidered very close to each other in the pattern 30, so that the stitches 22 in the subsequent row are aligned with the stitches 22 in the corresponding previous row. For straight stitches, the second resolution res(y) is higher than the first resolution res(x). This difference can be directly derived from Figure 3c , where it can be seen that the ratio between the traces 22 that fit the column length lc is higher than the ratio between the traces 22 that fit the row length lr. Only 8 traces 22 fit in each row length lr (c1 to cn=8), where 24 traces 22 fit in each column length lc (r1 to rn=24), i.e. three times. Although the figure is to be interpreted only as a schematic representation, the row length lr is obviously not three times the column length lc.

[0076] The resolution data is defined by a first resolution res(x) and a second resolution res(y), i.e., by the density of the traces 22 in the "x" and "y" directions, respectively. "Defined by..." in this sense can be interpreted as a multiplication relationship. Therefore, the resolution res(e) is calculated according to res(e)=res(x)*res(y). Although the subject matter of the digital image may vary, the second resolution res(y) will be higher than the first resolution res(x).

[0077] Now pay attention Figure 4b to Figure 4e, wherein a satin stitch is shown. The inventors have determined the optimal stitch length 23 of the thread 20 to be approximately 3.0 mm with respect to the above discussion. The stitch length 23 of the satin stitch is determined based on the following formula: l s =s p (n o -1)+s o , l s The stitch length is 23, s p is the pixel size, n o is the number of overlapping rows, and s o is the minimum overlap size. This value may vary slightly depending on, for example, the material of the thread 20 and / or fabric receiving the pattern. Thus, the stitch length 23 of the satin stitch may vary between approximately 2.80 mm and 3.20 mm. However, depending on the digital image 10, the stitch length does not have to be the shortest possible stitch length 23. For example, for some digital images 10 that do not have a high color depth, the stitch length 23 may be longer. Thus, the stitch length 23 may depend on the subject of the digital image 10.

[0078] Now refer to Figures 4a to 4e The generation of resolution data for satin stitch is discussed in detail. It should be noted that although reference will be made to Figures 4a to 4c The exemplary resolution data generation scheme discussed herein refers to a substantially rectangular shaped digital representation 10, but as noted above, other shapes may be implemented. Figures 4a to 4c The rows and columns discussed are substantially straight, although this is for exemplary purposes only. Resolution generation includes selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels. This Figure 4a As shown in FIG. Figure 3a The discussion on how to select the first pixel for a straight trace is to select the first pixel.

[0079] The position of the first pixel together with the sewing direction 24 represents the first pixel portion x, such as Figure 4b Seen in. Figure 4c to Figure 4d It is further illustrated how to make a satin stitch. The construction of a satin stitch itself is known in the art and will not be described further herein. In the direction of the first pixel portion x, a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other. This is seen in Figure 4e , where the rows are represented as r1, r2, ..., rn.

[0080] refer to Figure 4e, generating resolution data also includes calculating the first resolution as the maximum number of traces 22 that fit into a column that is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding rows r1-n. The term "substantially perpendicular" refers to the concept of the relative arrangement of elements, rather than the physical linearity of the lines as described above. To this end, it should be understood that the sequence of elements organized according to columns is substantially perpendicular to the sequence of elements organized according to rows. In some examples, the columns are perpendicular to the corresponding rows. The columns are represented as c1, c2, ..., cn. The first resolution can thus be interpreted as the trace density in the "y" direction. The first resolution can be derived by calculating the length of the column lc and the number of trace lengths that fit into the length of the column lc. For example, if the length of the column lc is calculated to be 30.0 cm (300.0 mm) and the trace length is 3.0 mm, then in this example, the first resolution will be calculated based on Calculate the number of stitches that will fit in a row. So, 100 stitches will fit in the length of the corresponding column.

[0081] Generating the resolution data also includes calculating the second resolution as the maximum number of traces 22 that fit into the corresponding row r1-n. The second resolution can be interpreted as the density of traces in the "x" direction. Similar to the first resolution, in this example, to calculate the number of stitches that fit into a row, where lr is the length of the corresponding row. However, similar to reference Figure 3c In the calculation of the second resolution in the example of a straight stitch, there is a significant difference in how the stitch length ls is interpreted when calculating the second resolution. In the case of a satin stitch, this is the opposite of a straight stitch. Because the thread is very thin, the columns can be embroidered very close to each other in the pattern 30 (as opposed to a row straight stitch) so that the thread color in a subsequent column is consistent with the thread color in the previous column. For a satin stitch, the second resolution res(x) is higher than the first resolution res(y). This difference can be directly derived from Figure 4e , where it can be seen that the ratio between the traces 22 that fit the row length lr is higher than the ratio between the traces 22 that fit the column length lc. Only 3 traces 22 fit in each column length lc (r1 to rn=3), where 65 traces 22 fit in the row length lr (c1 to cn=65), i.e. almost 22 times.

[0082] The resolution data is defined by a first resolution res(x) and a second resolution res(y), i.e., by the density of the traces 22 in the "x" and "y" directions, respectively. "Defined by..." can be interpreted as a multiplication relationship. Therefore, the resolution res(e) can be calculated according to res(e)=res(x)*res(y). Although the subject matter of the digital image may vary, the second resolution res(x) will be higher than the first resolution res(y).

[0083] For example, according to reference Figure 3a to Figure 3c or Figures 4a to 4e After the resolution data has been calculated for the described subject matter or alternatively for any other stitch type discussed herein, portions of the stitches to be embroidered may be grouped. Thus, method 100 may also involve grouping the stitches according to the calculated resolution data. Grouping the stitches to be embroidered may be useful for certain digital images with different levels of detail. For example, it may be seen that Figure 1b and Figure 2 The digital image 10 seen in FIG. 1 has a generally higher level of detail in the middle and lower portions of the image 10, where a castle and a forest are illustrated. The level of detail is significantly lower in the upper portion of the image 10, where the sky and some clouds are illustrated. The portions of the digital image 10 representing a lower level of detail may have lower resolution data due to the lower number of stitches representing a higher number of pixels. Due to the grouping of stitches, the perceived quality of the pattern 30 will remain the same while requiring a lower number of stitches, thereby effectively reducing the complexity of generating the resolution data.

[0084] refer to Figure 5a to Figure 5b , showing the generation of online line shading data for line 20 based at least on the resolution data.

[0085] Generating online line shading data may include converting Figure 4a and Figure 5a The color values ​​cv of the pixels in the digital image 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 are transformed into the calculated resolution data, and the color data are extracted (obtained, retrieved, etc.) from the transformed color values ​​in the order of the generated path defined by the plurality of interconnected traces 22 .

[0086] The transformation of the color values ​​cv of the pixels in the digital image 10 into resolution data can be performed by constructing an updated bitmap of the digital image 10 and providing the resolution data as an input parameter for creating the bitmap. The bitmap is typically represented in the same format as the digital image 10, as described earlier in this disclosure. Thus, the resulting bitmap includes color values ​​transformed according to the calculated resolution data. Thus, the transformation involves obtaining the color data of the stitches to be embroidered so that they correspond to the color values ​​cv of the pixels.

[0087] Extracting color data from the transformed color values ​​in the order in which the paths are generated can be performed by retrieving color data cd representing the transformed color values ​​of the respective pixels in the updated bitmap of the digital image 10 for the respective pixels. The color data cd can be, for example, a color value in an RGB or CMYK color space (as previously discussed for the color value cv). Thus, the process involves retrieving color data cd of the transformed color values ​​in the updated bitmap of the digital image 10, wherein the updated bitmap is generated based on the resolution data.

[0088] Figure 5a to Figure 5b Two embodiments of line coloring data generation are shown. Figure 5a Generate online coloring data corresponding to straight line traces, Figure 5b The online coloring data corresponding to the satin stitch is generated. It should be noted that although the reference Figure 5a to Figure 5b The exemplary online coloring data generation scheme discussed herein refers to a digital representation 10 that is substantially rectangular in shape, but as discussed above, other shapes may be implemented. Figure 5a to Figure 5b The rows and columns discussed are generally straight, although this is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 5a In the diagram shown, it can be seen that each stitch 22 is associated with color data cd1-4. Although not explicitly shown, Figure 5b As shown in the illustration, similar color data representations can also be achieved. Color data representations cd1-4 are extracted in the order of a production path defined by a plurality of interconnected traces 22. The production path includes a first trace s1, followed by a plurality of subsequent traces 22, and a final trace sn. According to the two examples shown, each of the traces s1, 22, sn is interconnected. Additional examples can be implemented for alternative digital images 10, patterns 30 and / or trace types. Therefore, for each interconnected trace 22 in the production path, color data cd1-4 is extracted.

[0089] refer to Figure 6a to Figure 6b , Figure 7 and Figures 8a to 8d , different embodiments of generating transition colors for underlay stitches are shown. The underlay stitches have at least two functions in generating thread coloring data for thread 20. The first function is to serve as a transfer between the end position of the first stitch and the start position of the subsequent stitch. The second function is to hide the edge errors of the pattern to be produced caused by the varying levels of thread consumption of the thread consumption machine. Therefore, coloring the underlay stitches can make the transition between the first edge and the second edge of the embroidery pattern more consistent and accurate.

[0090] Figure 6a to Figure 6b Illustrated are problems that may arise for some digital images 10 when converting the digital image into thread coloring data for an embroidery pattern 30 and using a satin stitch in the embroidery pattern 30. The illustration shows a portion of a digital image 10 converted into thread coloring data for two embroidery rows r1, r2, but the general idea applies to the entire digital image / embroidery pattern 10 / 30. Figure 6a represents a portion of a digital image 10, and Figure 6b 10 represents the online thread coloring data for the embroidery pattern 30 based on the portion of the digital image 10. Figure 6bIn the example above, the line coloring data has not yet been determined for the underlying trace. As can be seen in the illustration, the color data representation of the edge portion r1e1 is not accurately reproduced. This problem is caused by the sudden change in color value when the generation path travels from the upper right edge r1e2 via the underlying trace to the upper left edge r1e1 (e.g., Figure 4c The thread consumption variation has caused the upper left edge r1e1 to present a color data representation similar to the upper right edge r1e2. Alternatively, the varying thread consumption has caused the color change in the first row r1 to be delayed, so that the upper left edge r1e1 receives a color representation similar to the upper right edge r1e2. Furthermore, the opposite happens to the edges r2e1 and r2e2. Generating transition colors for the underlying stitching can solve problems such as Figure 6b The color data shown represents the error.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 , shows the online thread coloring data for an embroidery pattern, wherein, according to one embodiment, a transition color has been generated for the underlying stitches. In the embodiment shown, a color gradient has been generated, which includes the color data of the upper left edge r1e1 to the color data of the lower right edge r2e2. Thus, the problem of Figure 6b The sudden change in color data depicted in .

[0092] The process involves retrieving color data from a first edge portion r1e1 defined by the thread coloring data, wherein the first edge portion r1e1 corresponds to the first embroidery row r1. The color data is included in the thread coloring data for each stitch to be embroidered. Similarly, the process involves retrieving color data from a second edge portion r2e2, wherein the second edge portion r2e2 is opposite to the first edge portion r1e1 and is selected from an embroidery row r2 that is after and parallel to the first embroidery row r1. "Opposite" refers to the other end of the embroidery row defined by the thread coloring data.

[0093] The process also involves generating a color gradient comprising a combination of color data of the first edge portion r1e1 and the second edge portion r2e2, and replacing the color data in the original edge portions r1e1 and r2e2 with the color data of the color gradient. Figure 7 Only two lines r1, r2 are shown. Although not explicitly shown, the process also involves repeating the process of retrieving color data from the edge portions, generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the retrieved color data, and replacing the color data of the edge portions with the color gradient for each subsequent pair of edge portions defined by the line coloring data. This type of gradient may be suitable for some digital images 10 where the level of detail is not too high. However, for some other digital images 10, the inventors have described a further improved process. Reference will now be made to Figure 8aThis is described in relation to Figure 8e, where another type of gradient is shown.

[0094] exist Figure 8a In Figure 8e, in-line thread coloring data for an embroidery pattern is shown, wherein, according to one embodiment, a transition color has been generated for the underlying stitching.

[0095] exist Figure 8a , the color data are retrieved from the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 respectively as defined by the line coloring data. Figure 7 Compared to the described embodiment, the process involves retrieving color data from the edges e1, e2 of the entire embroidery pattern to be embroidered (i.e. not just a pair of rows (edge ​​portions)) defined by the line coloring data. Subsequently, a color gradient is generated comprising a combination of the color data of the first edge e1 and the second edge e2.

[0096] exist Figure 8b In one illustrated embodiment, generating a color gradient can be performed by aligning a first edge e1 and a second edge e2 parallel to and successively with each other. Therefore, the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 are interpreted as embroidery rows defined by the line coloring data, in the illustration the first row is e2 and the second row is e1. This embodiment also involves dividing the aligned edges e1 and e2 into a plurality of parts e1p1-n, e2p1-n, where n is the number of parts. In the example shown, n=5, but the edges e1 and e2 can be divided into any number of parts p1-n. Alternatively, the number of edges of the edges e1 and e2 can be different, so that, for example, two or more parts of the first edge e1 are aligned with a single part of the second edge e2.

[0097] Embodiments also relate to combining color data of the respective parts e1p1-5, e2p1-5 according to a color transition scheme cts. Figure 8b An example of a color transition scheme cts is illustrated in . It is shown that the aligned portions can be combined by combining 100% color data of portion e2p1 with 0% color data of portion e1p1. Thus, the color data of portion e2p1 will dominate in the combined color data. Moreover, the color transition scheme cts drops from 100% to 0% for the second edge e2 and simultaneously rises from 0% to 100% for the first edge e1. As a result, the combined portion will have a varying range of color data from portion e1p1-5 of the first edge e1 and from portion e2p1-5 of the second edge e2.

[0098] Color transition scheme cts is not limited to Figure 8bThe color transition schemes cts may have any suitable percentage-based distribution, such as 20% to 80% and 80% to 20%, respectively, 40% to 100% and 80% to 0%, respectively, or any other distribution such that the sum of the color contributions of each pair of parts adds up to 100%. The differences in the color transition schemes cts may depend, for example, on the level of detail or resolution of the digital image being converted into the embroidery pattern.

[0099] Figure 8c Shown is a reference Figure 8b The above process generates a color gradient.

[0100] exist Figure 8d , the color data in the color gradient has replaced the original color data from edges e1, e2, thereby effectively mitigating color errors caused by, for example, inherent variations in line consumption.

[0101] Fig. 9 A method 100 for generating online coloring data for a line 20 based on a digital image 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The method 100 comprises a step 110 of obtaining pattern data from the digital image 10, wherein the pattern data comprises a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position p and a color value cv in the digital image 10. The method further comprises a step 120 of generating resolution data by processing the pattern data. The method further comprises a step 130 of generating online coloring data for the line 20 based at least on the resolution data.

[0102] Fig.10 The controller 200 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The controller 200 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 1a to Figure 1b The controller 200 is configured to implement the method 100. The controller 200 may include an image receiving unit 210 configured to receive the digital image 10 and obtain its pattern data. The controller 200 may include a processing unit 220 configured to process the pattern data to generate resolution data. The controller 200 may include a coloring data generating unit 230 configured to generate online coloring data for the line based on at least the resolution data.

[0103] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first axis, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections suitable for columns perpendicular to the corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0104] In one embodiment, generating resolution data also includes: selecting a first pixel from a plurality of pixels, wherein a position of the first pixel and a direction of a generated path represent a first axis, wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of connections that fit into columns perpendicular to corresponding rows; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of connections that fit into corresponding rows, wherein the resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0105] In one embodiment, a method for generating in-line coloring data for a thread based on a digital image is provided. The method includes: obtaining image data from a digital image, the image data including a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position and a color value in the digital image; generating embroidery resolution data by processing the image data; and generating in-line coloring data for the thread based at least on the embroidery resolution data.

[0106] In one embodiment, processing the image data involves deriving stitch data for the plurality of interconnected stitches, the stitch data including stitch length, sewing direction, and stitch type.

[0107] In one embodiment, generating thread coloring data for a thread comprises transforming color values ​​into embroidery resolution data; and extracting color data from the transformed color values ​​in the order of a generated path defined by a plurality of interconnected stitches. The stitch type may be selected from the group consisting of a satin stitch and a straight stitch. The stitch length may be derived as a fixed value.

[0108] In one embodiment, wherein the stitch type is a straight stitch, generating embroidery resolution data includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position and a sewing direction of the first pixel represent a first embroidery axis, wherein a plurality of embroidery rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first embroidery axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of stitches suitable for a corresponding embroidery row; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of stitches suitable for an embroidery column perpendicular to the corresponding embroidery row, wherein the embroidery resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0109] In one embodiment, wherein the stitch type is a satin stitch, generating embroidery resolution data includes: selecting a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, wherein a position and a sewing direction of the first pixel represent a first embroidery axis, wherein a plurality of embroidery rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first embroidery axis; calculating a first resolution as a maximum number of stitches that fit into an embroidery column perpendicular to the corresponding embroidery row; and calculating a second resolution as a maximum number of stitches that fit into the corresponding embroidery row, wherein the embroidery resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

[0110] Generating the thread coloring data for the thread may include generating a transition color for the underlying stitching. In one embodiment, wherein generating the transition color for the underlying stitching includes: retrieving color data from a first edge portion defined by the thread coloring data, the first edge portion corresponding to a first embroidery row; retrieving color data from a second edge portion defined by the thread coloring data, the second edge portion being opposite to the first edge portion and corresponding to an embroidery row subsequent to and parallel to the first embroidery row; generating a color gradient including a combination of color data of the first edge portion and the second edge portion; replacing color data in the first edge portion and the second edge portion with color data of the color gradient; and repeating the process of retrieving color data from edge portions, generating a color gradient including the retrieved combination of color data, and replacing color data of edge portions with the color gradient for each subsequent edge portion pair defined by the thread coloring data.

[0111] In one embodiment, generating a transition color for an underlying stitch includes: retrieving color data from a first edge defined by in-line coloring data; retrieving color data from a second edge defined by in-line coloring data; generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the color data for the first edge and the second edge; and replacing the color data in the right edge and the left edge with the color data for the color gradient.

[0112] In one embodiment, generating the color gradient includes: aligning a first edge and a second edge parallel to and successively with each other; dividing the aligned edges into a plurality of parts; and combining color data of the corresponding parts according to a color transition scheme.

[0113] In one embodiment, the method further comprises grouping the stitches according to the embroidery resolution data.

[0114] The method may further include performing online thread coloring of the thread based on the online thread coloring data; and sewing an embroidery pattern using the colored thread.

[0115] In one embodiment, a controller for controlling generation of on-line line coloring data for a line based on a digital image is provided. The controller is configured to implement the method according to the first aspect.

[0116] In one embodiment, a system for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes: a controller configured to generate online thread coloring data for a thread based on digital image control according to the second aspect; and a processing unit configured to dispense one or more coloring substances onto the thread according to the online thread coloring data when activated.

[0117] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a thread consuming device which is an embroidery machine, a sewing machine, a knitting machine, a loom, a tufting machine, a winding machine or any combination thereof.

[0118] The advantages of the inventive concept described by the above embodiments are that the pattern resolution based on the digital image is higher by coloring in the line. The pattern has better color depth and is easier to reproduce with high quality. Another advantage is that an improvement in transition colors is achieved. Moreover, the present invention provides a more effective use, that is, using the underlying stitching to hide unwanted parts. These unwanted parts may be transition colors, wrongly colored stitching or other "ugly parts".

[0119] Throughout this disclosure, terms such as pixels, stitches, digital images, and embroidery patterns will be discussed. It is easy to understand that pixels do not necessarily correspond to stitches, particularly when processing digital images with higher resolution. On the contrary, it is understood that when generating online thread coloring data for a thread, the stitches used in the embroidery pattern generally correspond to a plurality of pixels. Therefore, in most cases, the number of stitches in an embroidery pattern based on a digital image will be significantly lower than the number of pixels in the digital image. The natural result of this situation is that the color data of the stitches will generally correspond to the color values ​​in more than one pixel, that is, a certain type of average value of the color values ​​of a plurality of pixels will be used to represent the color data of a particular stitch. This is true when generating embroidery resolution data and online thread coloring data. The examples relating to rectangular embroidery patterns proposed and described in this disclosure are only rectangular, because the interpretation of the shapes is relatively easy. However, this in no way limits this disclosure, because digital images or embroidery patterns can be of any shape.

[0120] Throughout this disclosure, digital images and embroidery patterns will be described. It will be readily appreciated that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to actually generating an embroidery pattern. Thus, it will be appreciated that online coloring data may be generated without having to sew an embroidery pattern. In this sense, when it is stated that something is "defined" by online coloring data, for example, a row, column, or edge belonging to an embroidery pattern, it is meant that row, column, or edge as they may be embroidered in the future.

[0121] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0122] In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not mean that a combination of features is not feasible and / or disadvantageous. In addition, a singular reference does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not exclude a plurality. The reference signs in the claims are provided merely as an illustrative example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A controller (200) configured to generate line coloring data for a line used in producing a decorative line pattern, and wherein, The controller (200) is also configured to: The thread coloring data is generated based on the digital representation to be produced as the decorative thread pattern by: Obtaining pattern data from the digital representation (10), the pattern data comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position (p) and a color value (cv) in the digital representation (10); generating resolution data by processing the pattern data, wherein processing the pattern data comprises determining a line arrangement comprising a plurality of consecutive line portions, wherein the entire line arrangement corresponds to the digital representation to be generated; and Line shading data for the line (20) is generated based at least on the resolution data.

2. The controller (200) according to claim 1, wherein: Processing the pattern data further comprises determining information about the length (23) of the line portions, the direction (24) of the line portions and the type of connection (25) used to connect one or more line portions to each other.

3. The controller (200) according to claim 2, wherein: Generating shading data for the line comprises: transforming the color value (cv) into the resolution data; and Color data is extracted from the transformed color values ​​in an order that produces a path defined by the arrangement of the line portions relative to one another.

4. A controller (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Generating the resolution data further includes: selecting a first pixel among the plurality of pixels, wherein the position and the direction of the generated path of the first pixel represent a first pixel portion (x), wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first pixel portion (x); calculating a first resolution as the maximum number of connections (22) that fit in the corresponding row; and The second resolution is calculated as the maximum number of connections (22) that fit into the columns substantially perpendicular to the corresponding rows, The resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

5. The controller (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Generating the resolution data further includes: selecting a first pixel among the plurality of pixels, wherein the position and the direction of the generated path of the first pixel represent a first pixel portion (x), wherein a plurality of rows are defined parallel to each other in the direction of the first pixel portion (x); calculating the first resolution as the maximum number of connections (22) that fit into the columns substantially perpendicular to the corresponding rows; and The second resolution is calculated as the maximum number of connections (22) that fit in the corresponding row, The resolution data is defined by the first resolution and the second resolution.

6. The controller (200) of any preceding claim, further comprising grouping connections according to the resolution data.

7. A controller (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Generating line shading data for the line (20) comprises: Generates transition colors for underlying connections.

8. The controller (200) according to claim 7, wherein: Generating a transition color for the underlying connection includes: retrieving color data from a first edge portion defined by the line shading data, the first edge portion corresponding to a first line; retrieving color data from a second edge portion defined by the line coloring data, the second edge portion being opposite the first edge portion and corresponding to a line subsequent to and parallel to the first line; generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the color data of the first edge portion and the second edge portion; replacing the color data in the first edge portion and the second edge portion with color data of the color gradient; and The process of retrieving color data from edge portions, generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the retrieved color data, and replacing the color data of the edge portions with the color gradient is repeated for each subsequent pair of edge portions defined by the line shading data.

9. The controller (200) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein: Generating transition colors for underlying connections includes: retrieving color data from a first edge defined by the line shading data; retrieving color data from a second edge defined by the line shading data; generating a color gradient comprising a combination of the color data of the first edge and the second edge; and The color data in the right edge and the left edge are replaced with color data of the color gradient.

10. The controller (200) according to claim 9, wherein: Generating the color gradient includes: aligning the first edge and the second edge parallel to and successively to each other; dividing the aligned edge into a plurality of portions; and The color data of the corresponding parts are combined according to a color transition scheme.

11. A system (10) for processing a thread (20) to be used in a decorative thread pattern, comprising a controller (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and also comprising a processing unit (320), the processing unit (320) comprising at least one discharge device (150) configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread (20) when activated.

12. The system (10) according to claim 11, wherein: The controller (200) is further configured to control the dispensing of the discharge device (150) on the line (20) based on the line coloring data.

13. The system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The system is for in-line processing of thread (20), and wherein the system is in operative communication with a thread consumption unit (310) configured to produce the decorative thread pattern.

14. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The decorative thread pattern is embroidery, the thread arrangement (22) is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions are a plurality of continuous stitches.

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The decorative thread pattern is a knitted fabric, the thread arrangement (22) is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions (24) are a plurality of continuous stitches.

16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The decorative thread pattern is a braid, the thread arrangement (22) is a braided pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions (24) are a plurality of continuous interweavings between warp threads and weft threads.

17. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The decorative thread pattern is a sewn fabric, the thread arrangement (22) is a stitch pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions (24) are a plurality of continuous stitches.

18. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The decorative thread pattern is a tufted fabric, the thread arrangement (22) is a tufted pattern, and the plurality of continuous thread portions (24) are a plurality of continuous tuft heads.

19. A method for generating line shading data for a line for use in producing a decorative line pattern, the method comprising: The thread coloring data is generated based on the digital representation to be produced as the decorative thread pattern by: Obtaining pattern data from the digital representation (10), the pattern data comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel being associated with a position (p) and a color value (cv) in the digital representation (10); generating resolution data by processing the pattern data, wherein processing the pattern data comprises determining a line arrangement comprising a plurality of consecutive line portions, wherein the entire line arrangement corresponds to the digital representation to be generated; and Line shading data for the line (20) is generated based at least on the resolution data.

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