CUTTING SYSTEM, CUTTING APPARATUS, AND CUTTING METHOD

Abstract

To provide a cutting system and a cutting device that allow a cutting device to take cutting actions in corporation with a sewing machine and an embroidery data generating device.SOLUTION: A cutting system comprises a sewing machine and a cutting device. The sewing machine comprises a communication unit and a sewing unit. The cutting device comprises a communication unit, and a cutting unit for cutting a cut object based on cutting data. A CPU of the sewing machine obtains embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern from a storage unit. The CPU of the sewing machine transmits embroidery data from the communication unit via a network line. The cutting device receives embroidery data transmitted from the sewing machine at the communication unit via the network line (S43). The cutting device generates cutting data on the basis of the received embroidery data (S55). The cutting device drives a cutting unit on the basis of the generated cutting data to cut the cut object (S57).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting system 、 cutting device and cutting method Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting device that cuts an object by moving a cutter held in a cartridge holder relative to a sheet-like object. In the cutting device, a cutting data creation program is executed to create cutting data based on image data. The cutting device performs a cutting operation on the object by driving various motors based on the created cutting data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-180714 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to efficiently perform the cutting operation by the cutting device, it is desirable for the cutting device to cooperate with other devices. As a specific method of cooperation, for example, a method in which the cutting device cuts the target object along the outline of an embroidery pattern to be embroidered by a sewing machine based on embroidery data acquired from a sewing machine or an embroidery data generation device can be mentioned. However, conventional cutting devices cannot perform cutting operations in cooperation with a sewing machine or an embroidery data generation device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting system in which a cutting device can perform cutting operations in cooperation with a sewing machine and an embroidery data generating device. , cut disconnection device and cutting method The purpose of this project is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cutting system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a cutting system including a sewing machine and a cutting device, wherein the sewing machine includes a sewing machine storage unit that stores embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, a sewing unit that sews the embroidery pattern onto a sewn workpiece based on the embroidery data stored in the sewing machine storage unit, and a sewing machine communication unit that communicates via a network line, and includes an acquisition means that acquires the embroidery data from the sewing machine storage unit, and a sewing machine transmission means that transmits the embroidery data acquired by the acquisition means via the network line by the sewing machine communication unit. The cutting device includes a cutting unit that cuts the workpiece based on the cutting data, and a cutter communication unit that communicates via the network line, and includes a cutter receiving means that receives the embroidery data transmitted by the sewing machine via the network line by the cutter communication unit, a generation means that generates the cutting data based on the embroidery data received by the cutter receiving means, and cutting means that drives the cutting unit to cut the workpiece based on the cutting data generated by the generation means.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the cutting device receives the embroidery data transmitted by the sewing machine via a network line and generates cutting data based on the received embroidery data. In this way, the cutting device cooperates with the sewing machine to obtain the embroidery data from the sewing machine and generate the cutting data required for cutting.

[0008] A cutting device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a cutting unit that cuts an object based on cutting data and a cutter communication unit that performs wireless communication, the cutting device further comprising: cutter receiving means that receives embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, the embroidery data being transmitted from an embroidery data generating device, via wireless communication by the cutter communication unit; generating means that generates the cutting data based on the embroidery data received by the cutter receiving means; and cutting means that drives the cutting unit based on the cutting data generated by the generating means to cut the object. The second aspect provides the same effects as the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system 1. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an embroidery pattern 5 and a plurality of partial patterns 50 (partial patterns 51 to 53). [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the process in which partial patterns 51 to 53 are sewn in order. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing embroidery data D1. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing the contour L of a partial pattern 52 and fragments 56A and 56B. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing embroidery data D2. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a sewing machine main process. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing a pattern image 60 and selection buttons 60B, 60R, and 60G displayed on the display unit 34. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a server main process. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart of a cutting device main process. [Figure 12] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a preview image 8A and an edited image 8B that are displayed based on embroidery data D2. [Figure 13] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a preview image 8C and an edited image 8D displayed based on the cutting data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that the present invention can employ, and the configurations of the devices described are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0011] <System 1 Overview> An overview of system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. System 1 includes a server device 2, a sewing machine 3, and a cutting device 4. Server device 2 is communicatively connected to access point 11 via network line 10. Sewing machine 3 and cutting device 4 are each communicatively connected to access point 11 wirelessly. Therefore, server device 2, sewing machine 3, and cutting device 4 can communicate with each other via network line 10 and access point 11.

[0012] The server device 2 has a CPU 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The CPU 21 is responsible for overall control of the server device 2. The storage unit 22 stores a server program to be executed by the CPU 21, embroidery data and cutting data (described later), etc. The communication unit 23 is a communication module for communicating with the sewing machine 3 and the cutting device 4 via the network line 10 and the access point 11.

[0013] The sewing machine 3 has a function of sewing an embroidery pattern onto a sewing object 30. The sewing machine 3 has a CPU 31, a memory unit 32, a sewing unit 33, a display unit 34, an input unit 35, and a communication unit 36. The memory unit 32 stores a sewing machine program executed by the CPU 31, embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, and the like. The sewing unit 33 has an upper shaft drive unit and an embroidery frame moving unit. The upper shaft drive unit moves a sewing needle connected to a needle bar (not shown) up and down in a reciprocating manner. The embroidery frame moving unit moves an embroidery frame 3A that holds the sewing object 30. The CPU 31 controls the sewing unit 33 based on the sewing data stored in the memory unit 32, and sews an embroidery pattern onto the sewing object 30 held by the embroidery frame 3A by synchronously driving the upper shaft drive unit and the embroidery frame moving unit.

[0014] The display unit 34 is a liquid crystal display. The input unit 35 is a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 34. The communication unit 36 ​​is a communication module for communicating with the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11.

[0015] The cutting device 4 cuts the workpiece 40 using the cutting blade of the cartridge 4A. The cutting device 4 has a CPU 41, a memory 42, a cutting unit 43, a display unit 44, an input unit 45, and a communication unit 46. The CPU 41 is responsible for the overall control of the cutting device 4. The memory 42 stores a cutting program to be executed by the CPU 41, embroidery data, cutting data for cutting the workpiece 40, and the like. The cutting unit 43 has a transport mechanism, a first moving mechanism, and a second moving mechanism. The transport mechanism transports the holding plate 4B, which holds the workpiece 40 on its upper surface, in the sub-scanning direction. The first moving mechanism moves the cartridge 4A in the main scanning direction. The second moving mechanism moves the cartridge 4A in the up-down direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The CPU 41 controls the cutting unit 43 as follows based on the cutting data stored in the memory 42. The CPU 41 controls the second movement mechanism to move the cartridge 4A downward, and brings the cutting blade into contact with the object 40. In this state, the CPU 41 controls the transport mechanism and the first movement mechanism to move the holding plate 4B and the cartridge 4A. As a result, the cutting blade moves relative to the object 40 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and cuts the object 40.

[0016] The display unit 44 is a liquid crystal display. The input unit 45 is a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 44. The communication unit 46 is a communication module for communicating with the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11.

[0017] <Embroidery pattern 5, embroidery data D1> An embroidery pattern sewn based on embroidery data will be described below with a specific example. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the embroidery pattern 5 is composed of partial patterns 51A-51D, 52A, 52B, 53A-53F (see FIG. 2(B)-(D)), which are divided according to the color of sewing thread (hereinafter referred to as "thread color") used when sewing. The partial patterns 51A-51D shown in FIG. 2(B) represent stems and are sewn using brown sewing thread. The partial patterns 52A and 52B shown in FIG. 2(C) represent petals and are sewn using red sewing thread. The partial patterns 53A-53F shown in FIG. 2(D) represent leaves and are sewn using green sewing thread. Hereinafter, when the partial patterns 51A-51D are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "partial pattern 51". When the partial patterns 52A and 52B are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "partial pattern 52". When the partial patterns 53A-53F are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "partial pattern 53". The partial patterns 51 to 53 are collectively referred to as "plural partial patterns 50."

[0018] The embroidery data defines coordinate data indicating the positions of needle points (hereinafter referred to as "needle point coordinate data"), and the sewing order and thread color for each of the multiple partial patterns 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, partial patterns 51, 52, and 53 are sewn in order while the thread color of the sewing thread is changed in the order of "brown → red → green", and finally, the embroidery pattern 5 is formed on the sewing workpiece 30. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of needle point coordinate data, thread color, and sewing order defined by embroidery data D1 for performing such sewing. In the embroidery data D1, for the needle point coordinate data for sewing the partial pattern 51, "brown" is set as the thread color, and "1" is set as the sewing order. For the needle point coordinate data for sewing the partial pattern 52, "red" is set as the thread color, and "2" is set as the sewing order. For the needle point coordinate data for sewing the partial pattern 53, "green" is set as the thread color, and "3" is set as the sewing order. In addition, "coordinate data" in the figure indicates "needle drop coordinate data."

[0019] <Overview of the operation of the sewing machine 3 and the cutting device 4> The sewing machine 3 has a function of replacing at least one of the multiple partial patterns 50 included in the embroidery pattern 5 with a cloth or the like other than the sewing object 30 and sewing the same. For example, a case where the partial pattern 52 in FIG. 2(C) is replaced with a different cloth or the like and sewn will be specifically described. In this case, the sewing machine 3 generates processing data (see FIG. 5(B)) from the needle drop coordinate data of the partial pattern 52 shown in FIG. 5(A). The processing data is data for the cutting device 4 to cut the cutting object 40 along the shapes of the partial patterns 52A and 52B based on the outlines La and Lb (see FIG. 5(A)) of the respective external shapes of the partial patterns 52A and 52B. The processing data is coordinate data indicating the outlines La and Lb of the respective external shapes of the partial patterns 52A and 52B. The processing data can also be used as data for sewing the sewing machine 3. For example, the sewing machine 3 identifies the needle drop position based on the processing data and performs sewing. The cutting device 4 is driven based on the processing data to cut a fragment 56A having the shape of the partial pattern 52A and a fragment 56B having the shape of the partial pattern 52B from the workpiece 40. Hereinafter, when the contours La and Lb are not distinguished from each other, they will be collectively referred to as "contour L."

[0020] After generating the edit data, the sewing machine 3 adds the generated edit data to the original embroidery data D1 to generate embroidery data D2 (see FIG. 6). FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the embroidery data D2.

[0021] An example of the operation of the sewing machine 3 and the cutting device 4 based on the embroidery data D2 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(A) to 7(E).

[0022] The sewing machine 3 transmits embroidery data D2 (see FIG. 6) to the server device 2 to cause the cutting device 4 to cut the fragments 56A and 56B. The server device 2 receives the embroidery data D2 from the sewing machine 3 and stores it in the storage unit 22. In addition, the server device 2 transmits the embroidery data D2 stored in the storage unit 22 to the cutting device 4 in response to a request from the cutting device 4. The cutting device 4 receives the embroidery data D2 transmitted from the server device 2. The cutting device 4 generates cutting data required to cut the workpiece 40 based on the processing data included in the embroidery data D2. The cutting data specifies the control parameters of the conveying mechanism, the first movement mechanism, and the second movement mechanism of the cutting unit 43 when cutting the workpiece 40. The cutting device 4 drives the cutting unit 43 based on the generated cutting data, and cuts the fragments 56A and 56B from the workpiece 40.

[0023] The sewing machine 3 starts sewing based on each data of the embroidery data D2. As shown in Fig. 7(A), first, the CPU 31 operates based on the processing data in the embroidery data D2 to sew positioning marks 57A and 57B for positioning the fragments 56A and 56B relative to the sewing workpiece 30 onto the sewing workpiece 30. Next, the user places the fragment 56A cut by the cutting device 4 at the position indicated by the sewn positioning mark 57A onto the sewing workpiece 30, as shown in Fig. 7(B). The user also places the fragment 56B cut by the cutting device 4 at the position indicated by the sewn positioning mark 57B onto the sewing workpiece 30.

[0024] 7(C), the sewing machine 3 is driven based on the processing data of the embroidery data D2 to sew stitches 58 for sewing the fragments 56A, 56B to the sewing workpiece 30. As a result, the fragments 56A, 56B are sewn to the sewing workpiece 30.

[0025] Next, as shown in Fig. 7(D), the sewing machine 3 is driven based on the needle drop coordinate data of the partial pattern 51 (see Fig. 6) of the embroidery data D2, and sews the partial pattern 51 onto the sewing workpiece 30 to which the fragments 56A and 56B have been sewn. Next, as shown in Fig. 7(E), the sewing machine 3 is driven based on the needle drop coordinate data of the partial pattern 53 (see Fig. 6) of the embroidery data D2, and sews the partial pattern 53 onto the sewing workpiece 30 to which the fragments 56A and 56B have been sewn and the partial pattern 51 has been sewn. Note that, although a detailed description will be omitted, in the process in which the processing data is added to the embroidery data D1 to become the embroidery data D2, driving based on the needle drop coordinate data of the partial pattern 52 of the embroidery data D2 is prohibited. For this reason, even when sewing based on the embroidery data D2 is performed, the partial pattern 52 is not sewn onto the sewing workpiece 30.

[0026] <Sewing machine main processing> The sewing machine main processing executed by the CPU 31 of the sewing machine 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The sewing machine main processing is started by the CPU 31 reading and executing a sewing machine program stored in the storage unit 32 when the user performs an operation via the input unit 35 to specify an embroidery pattern and transmit the embroidery data to the cutting device 4. The following description is based on the assumption that the user has specified the embroidery pattern 5 shown in Fig. 2(A).

[0027] The CPU 31 reads and acquires embroidery data D1 (see FIG. 4) for sewing an embroidery pattern 5 specified by a user from among the embroidery data stored in the memory unit 32 (S11). The CPU 31 causes the display unit 34 to display a pattern image 60 (see FIG. 9) that indicates the specified embroidery pattern 5 based on the acquired embroidery data D1. The CPU 31 also identifies thread colors (brown, red, green) defined in the acquired embroidery data D1. The CPU 31 further causes the display unit 34 to display selection buttons 60B, 60R, and 60G (see FIG. 9) that enable selection of each of the identified thread colors. FIG. 9 shows the pattern image 60 and selection buttons 60B, 60R, and 60G displayed on the display unit 34.

[0028] Now, suppose that the user selects selection button 60R to select red as the thread color. As shown in Fig. 8, CPU 31 accepts the selection of red via input unit 35. Based on the embroidery data D1 acquired by the process of S11, CPU 31 identifies the needle drop coordinate data that corresponds to the accepted thread color, red, and selects the corresponding sub-patterns 52A, 52B (see Fig. 2(C)) (S13).

[0029] The CPU 31 visualizes the partial pattern 52 based on the needle drop coordinate data of the partial pattern 52 in the embroidery data D1, and specifies the contour L of the external shape of the partial pattern 52 (S15). Since the partial patterns 52A and 52B, which have a common thread color of red, have been selected by the process of S13, the CPU 31 specifies the contour La of the partial pattern 52A (see FIG. 5B) and the contour Lb of the partial pattern 52B (see FIG. 5B). The CPU 31 generates processing data based on the contours La and Lb for the cutting device 4 to cut the workpiece 40 along the shapes of the partial patterns 52A and 52B (S17). The CPU 31 includes the generated processing data in the embroidery data D1 to generate the embroidery data D2. The CPU 31 transmits the embroidery data D2 to the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S19). The CPU 31 ends the sewing machine main process.

[0030] <Server main processing> 10, a description will be given of the server main processing executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2. When the power supply of the server device 2 is turned on, the server main processing is started by the CPU 21 reading and executing the server program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0031] The CPU 21 determines whether the embroidery data transmitted from the sewing machine 3 has been received via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S71). If the CPU 21 determines that the embroidery data has been received (S71: YES), the CPU 21 stores the received embroidery data in the storage unit 22 (S73). The CPU 21 proceeds to S75. If the CPU 21 determines that the embroidery data has not been received (S71: NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to S75.

[0032] The CPU 21 determines whether the disconnection data transmitted from the disconnection device 4 has been received via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S75). Although detailed description will be omitted, the disconnection device 4 may transmit the generated disconnection data to the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11. If the CPU 21 determines that the disconnection data has been received (S75: YES), the CPU 21 stores the received disconnection data in the storage unit 22 (S77). The CPU 21 advances the process to S79. If the CPU 21 determines that the disconnection data has not been received (S75: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S79.

[0033] The CPU 21 determines whether a data inquiry has been received from the cutting device 4, the data inquiry inquiring whether the embroidery data or the cutting data is stored in the storage unit 22 (S79). The data inquiry includes type data indicating the type of the embroidery data or the cutting data. When the CPU 21 determines that a data inquiry has been received (S79: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether the embroidery data or the cutting data indicated by the type data included in the data inquiry is stored in the storage unit 22 (S81). When the CPU 21 determines that the embroidery data or the cutting data indicated by the type data is stored in the storage unit 22 (S81: YES), the CPU 21 transmits to the cutting device 4 positive data indicating that the data is stored (S83). The CPU 21 proceeds to the process of S87. When the CPU 21 determines that the embroidery data or the cutting data indicated by the type data is not stored in the storage unit 22 (S81: NO), the CPU 21 transmits to the cutting device 4 negative data indicating that the data is not stored (S85). The CPU 21 proceeds to the process of S87. When the CPU 21 determines that a data inquiry has not been received (S79: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S87.

[0034] The CPU 21 determines whether a data request for sending embroidery data or cutting data has been received from the cutting device 4 (S87). The data request includes type data. If the CPU 21 has received a data request (S87: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether the type data included in the data request indicates embroidery data or cutting data. If the CPU 21 determines that the type data indicates embroidery data, the CPU 21 transmits the embroidery data stored in the storage unit 22 to the cutting device 4 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S89). If the CPU 21 determines that the type data indicates cutting data, the CPU 21 transmits the cutting data stored in the storage unit 22 to the cutting device 4 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S89). If the CPU 21 determines that the type data indicates cutting data, the CPU 21 returns the process to S71. If the CPU 21 determines that a data request has not been received (S87: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S71.

[0035] <Cutting device main processing> 11, a description will be given of a cutting device main process executed by the CPU 41 of the cutting device 4. The cutting device main process is started when the CPU 41 reads out and executes a cutting program stored in the storage unit 42 when the user performs an operation to select, via the input unit 45, embroidery data or cutting data as the type of data to be acquired from the server device 2.

[0036] The CPU 41 acquires the type of data (embroidery data or cutting data) selected by an operation performed via the input unit 45 (S31). The CPU 41 transmits a data inquiry including type data indicating the acquired type to the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S33). In response to the data inquiry, the server device 2 transmits positive data or negative data to the cutting device 4 (S83, S85, see FIG. 10). When the CPU 41 receives negative data transmitted by the server device 2, it determines that the data of the type selected by the user is not stored in the storage unit 22 of the server device 2 (S35: NO). In this case, the CPU 41 ends the cutting device main process. On the other hand, when the CPU 41 receives positive data transmitted by the server device 2, it determines that the data of the type selected by the user is stored in the storage unit 22 of the server device 2 (S35: YES). In this case, the CPU 41 advances the process to S37.

[0037] If the type of data selected by the user is embroidery data (S37: YES), the CPU 41 transmits a data request including type data indicating the embroidery data to the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S39). The CPU 41 receives the embroidery data transmitted from the server device 2 in response to the data request via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S43). The following description is based on the assumption that the embroidery data D2 shown in FIG. 6 has been received.

[0038] The CPU 41 displays a preview image 8A shown in Fig. 12(A) on the display unit 44 (S45). The preview image 8A includes windows 81 and 82. The window 81 displays a pattern image 60 that shows the embroidery pattern 5. The pattern image 60 is made up of pattern images 61, 62, and 63 that show the partial patterns 51, 52, and 53, respectively. The pattern images 61-63 are generated based on the needle drop coordinate data of each of the partial patterns 51-53 included in the embroidery data D2.

[0039] Cutting lines 66A and 66B are displayed in window 82. Cutting line 66A has the same shape as contour La of subpattern 52A (see FIG. 5(A)). Cutting line 66B has the same shape as contour Lb of subpattern 52B (see FIG. 5(A)). Cutting lines 66A and 66B are each generated based on the processing data included in embroidery data D2.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 41 displays a preview image 8A (see FIG. 12(A)) on the display unit 44, and then accepts a partial pattern selection operation performed via the input unit 45. Here, the user can select one of the partial patterns 52A, 52B (FIG. 2(C)) corresponding to the cutting lines 66A, 66B in the window 82 as the target for cutting by the cutting device 4. For example, when selecting partial pattern 52A, the user performs an operation of touching the pattern image 62A corresponding to partial pattern 52A, out of the pattern images 62A, 62B in the window 81. In this case, the CPU 41 accepts the user's operation and selects partial pattern 52A (S47).

[0041] Next, the CPU 41 displays an edited image 8B shown in FIG. 12B on the display unit 44 (S49). Edited image 8B differs from preview image 8A (FIG. 12A) in that only the cutting line 66A of the subpattern 52A selected by the process of S47 (see FIG. 11) is displayed in the window 82, and that a menu button 83 is additionally displayed. The menu button 83 includes a plurality of editing items 83A-83C for editing the cutting line 66A. Editing methods such as cutting line smoothing, seam allowance setting, line addition, and dot conversion are assigned to the editing items 83A-83C. When the CPU 41 detects an operation on the menu button 83 via the input unit 45, the CPU 41 updates the processing data included in the embroidery data in order to execute the corresponding editing operation on the cutting line 66A (S51).

[0042] The CPU 41 determines whether or not the embroidery data has been received by the process of S43 (S53). When the CPU 41 determines that the embroidery data has been received (S53: YES), the CPU 41 generates cutting data required to cut the workpiece 40 along the edited cutting line 66A based on the processing data of the embroidery data updated by the process of S51 (S55). The CPU 41 controls the transport mechanism, the first moving mechanism, and the second moving mechanism based on the generated cutting data, and cuts the workpiece 40 (S57). As a result, the piece 56A (see FIGS. 7B to 7E) is cut from the workpiece 40. The CPU 41 ends the cutting device main process.

[0043] On the other hand, if the type of data selected by the user is cut data (S37: NO), the CPU 41 transmits a data request including type data indicating the cut data to the server device 2 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S41). The CPU 41 receives the cut data transmitted from the server device 2 in response to the data request via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S43). The following description is based on the assumption that the cut data for cutting the workpiece 40 along the contours La, Lb of the partial patterns 52A, 52B has been received.

[0044] The CPU 41 displays a preview image 8C shown in Fig. 13(A) on the display unit 44 (S45). Preview image 8C differs from preview image 8A (see Fig. 12(A)) in that it does not include a window 82, and that cutting lines 66A, 66B having the same shapes as the contours La, Lb (see Fig. 5(A)) of partial patterns 52A, 52B are displayed in the window 81. The cutting lines 66A, 66B are each generated based on cutting data.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 41 displays a preview image 8C (see Fig. 13A) on the display unit 44, and then accepts a selection operation of a partial pattern performed via the input unit 45. Here, it is assumed that the user selects the cutting line 66B that corresponds to the partial pattern 52B (Fig. 2(C)) in the window 81. In this case, the CPU 41 accepts the user's operation and selects the cutting line 66B (S47).

[0046] Next, the CPU 41 displays an edited image 8D shown in FIG. 12B on the display unit 44 (S49). The edited image 8D differs from the preview image 8C (FIG. 13A) in that only the cutting line 66B selected by the process of S47 (see FIG. 11) is displayed in the window 81, and that a menu button 84 is additionally displayed. The menu button 84 includes edit items 83A and 83B. The edit items 83A and 83B of the menu button 84 differ from the edit items 83A to 83C of the menu button 83 of the edited image 8B (see FIG. 12B) that is displayed when the embroidery data is received. The menu button 84 of the edited image 8D includes only the edit items 83A and 83B that are editable for the cutting data, with the edit item 83C that is not editable for the cutting data deleted. A specific example of an editing method for the edit item 83C that is not editable for the cutting data is smoothing of the cutting line.

[0047] When the CPU 41 detects an operation on the menu button 84 via the input unit 45, the CPU 41 updates the cutting data to execute the corresponding editing operation on the cutting line 66B (S51). The CPU 41 determines that the embroidery data has not been received by the process of S43 (S53: NO). The process proceeds to S57. The CPU 41 controls the transport mechanism, the first moving mechanism, and the second moving mechanism based on the updated cutting data, and cuts the workpiece 40 (S57). As a result, the piece 56B (see FIGS. 7B to 7E) is cut from the workpiece 40. The CPU 41 ends the cutting device main process.

[0048] The fragments 56A and 56B cut by the cutting device 4 are sewn to the workpiece 30 by the sewing machine 3. Furthermore, the partial patterns 51 and 53 are sewn to the workpiece 30, whereby the embroidery pattern 5 in which the partial pattern 52 is replaced by the fragments 56A and 56B is sewn.

[0049] <Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment> The cutting device 4 receives the embroidery data received by the sewing machine 3 via the network line 10 and the access point 11 (S43), and generates cutting data based on the received embroidery data (S55). In this way, the cutting device 4 cooperates with the sewing machine 3 to obtain the embroidery data from the sewing machine 3, and can generate cutting data required when cutting the workpiece 40.

[0050] The cutting device 4 receives the embroidery data transmitted from the sewing machine 3 via the server device 2. In this case, since the server device 2 stores the embroidery data, the cutting device 4 does not need to communicate directly with the sewing machine 3 and can receive the embroidery data from the server device 2 at any time.

[0051] The sewing machine 3 selects partial patterns 52A and 52B from partial patterns 51 to 53 in response to a user operation (S13), and generates processing data based on the needle drop coordinate data of the partial patterns. The cutting device 4 generates cutting data for cutting along contours La and Lb of partial patterns 52A and 52B based on the processing data included in the received embroidery data (S55). In this case, the cutting device 4 can generate cutting data for cutting along the contours of partial patterns 52A and 52B selected by the user via the sewing machine 3 from among the multiple partial patterns 50 that make up the embroidery pattern 5. Therefore, the cutting device 4 can generate cutting data for cutting a portion of the embroidery pattern 5 based on the embroidery data received from the sewing machine 3.

[0052] When the user selects partial pattern 52A from partial patterns 52A, 52B whose contour can be identified based on the processing data included in the received embroidery data (S47), the cutting device 4 generates cutting data for cutting along contour La of the selected partial pattern 52A (S47). In this case, the user can select the desired partial pattern 52A from partial patterns 52A, 52B and cause the cutting device 4 to cut the corresponding fragment 56A.

[0053] The cutting device 4 displays the pattern image 60 and the cutting lines 66A, 66B as a preview image 8A on the display unit 44 (S45). This allows a user of the cutting device 4 to confirm the embroidery pattern 5 shown by the pattern image and the outlines of the pieces 56A, 56B shown by the cutting lines 66A, 66B.

[0054] When the user selects one of the thread colors for sewing the embroidery pattern 5, the sewing machine 3 selects the partial pattern 52 that corresponds to the selected thread color (red) (S13). This allows the sewing machine 3 to select the partial pattern 52 from the multiple partial patterns 50 in the embroidery pattern 5 that are divided by the thread color of the sewing thread, and to generate processing data based on the shape of the partial pattern 52. Note that the processing data in this embodiment is an example of the "selection information" of the present invention.

[0055] The server device 2 stores the cutting data in addition to the embroidery data in the storage unit 22. The server device 2 receives the data request transmitted from the cutting device 4 (S87: YES). The server device 2 transmits the embroidery data or the cutting data indicated by the type data included in the data request to the cutting device 4 (S89). Thus, the cutting device 4 can obtain the desired type of data from the server device 2, either the embroidery data or the cutting data.

[0056] In the cutting device 4, when embroidery data is received and when cutting data is received, the items that can be edited for each data are different. In response to this, the cutting device 4 changes the editing items of menu buttons 83, 84 shown in editing images 8B, 8D when embroidery data is received and when cutting data is received. For this reason, the cutting device 4 can display on display unit 44 different editing items suitable for editing the processing data or cutting data in the embroidery data for each data.

[0057] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The server device 2 receives the embroidery data from the sewing machine 3, stores it in the storage unit 22, and transmits the embroidery data to the cutting device 4 in response to a request. In response to this, the server device 2 may receive the embroidery data transmitted from an embroidery data generating device (not shown, such as a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone) via the network line 10 and the access point 11. Alternatively, the cutting device 4 may directly receive the embroidery data transmitted from the embroidery data generating device via the network line 10 and the access point 11 without going through the server device 2.

[0058] In the above, the sewing machine 3 transmits the embroidery data to the server device 2, and the cutting device 4 receives the embroidery data from the server device 2. In contrast, for example, if a local area network (LAN) is constructed by the sewing machine 3, the cutting device 4, and the access point 11, the sewing machine 3 may transmit the embroidery data directly to the cutting device 4 via the access point 11. Note that the LAN in this case corresponds to the "network line" of the present invention. Also, the sewing machine 3 and the cutting device 4 may be able to communicate directly without going through the access point 11, using various well-known wireless communication methods. In this case, the sewing machine 3 may transmit the embroidery data directly to the cutting device 4 via wireless communication.

[0059] The above-mentioned processing data is coordinate data indicating the contours La, Lb of the respective external shapes of the partial patterns 52A, 52B selected by the user of the sewing machine 3. Therefore, the cutting device 4 can specify, based on the processing data, that the partial patterns 52A, 52B have been selected by the user of the sewing machine 3. Meanwhile, the processing data may further include information for directly specifying the partial patterns 52A, 52B corresponding to the contours La, Lb indicated by the coordinate data, in other words, information directly indicating that the partial patterns 52A, 52B have been selected by the user.

[0060] The sewing machine 3 may transmit the embroidery data not including the processing data to the server device 2. The cutting device 4 may receive the embroidery data not including the processing data from the server device 2. In this case, the sewing machine 3 may add information indicating the thread color for sewing the partial pattern selected by the process of S13 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected partial pattern") to the embroidery data as selection information indicating the selected partial pattern. The thread color for sewing the selected partial pattern may be specified by the thread color set for the needle drop coordinate data for sewing the selected partial pattern in the embroidery data. The sewing machine 3 may also add information directly indicating the selected partial pattern selected by the user to the embroidery data as selection information. The cutting device 4 may display the preview image 8A and the edited image 8B on the display unit 44 based on the needle drop coordinate data of each of the partial patterns 51 to 53 included in the embroidery data. The cutting device 4 may also generate cutting data by specifying the contours of the partial patterns 51 to 53 based on the needle drop position data of the partial patterns 51 to 53 included in the embroidery data. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned selection information is added to the embroidery data, the cutting device 4 may identify a selected partial pattern from among the partial patterns 51 to 53 based on the selection information, and generate cutting data by identifying the contour of the identified selected partial pattern.

[0061] When generating cutting lines 66A, 66B corresponding to partial patterns 52A, 52B, the cutting device 4 may generate cutting data for cutting both cutting lines 66A, 66B at once. In this case, the cutting device 4 does not need to execute the process (see S45, S47) for prompting the user to select either of partial patterns 52A, 52B corresponding to cutting lines 66A, 66B.

[0062] The sewing machine 3 may accept an operation to directly select any portion of the embroidery pattern 5 displayed on the display unit 34. The sewing machine 3 may select a partial pattern that includes the accepted portion.

[0063] The server device 2 may transmit the embroidery data or the cutting data to the cutting device 4 regardless of whether or not a data request has been received from the cutting device 4. The cutting device 4 may determine the type of data received from the server device 2 (embroidery data / cutting data) and automatically switch between the preview images 8A, 8C and the edited images 8B, 8D depending on the determination result.

[0064] The menu buttons 83, 84 of the edited images 8B, 8D may include the same edit items 83A to 83C. In this case, for example, the edit item 83C included in the menu button 84 of the edited image 8D may be displayed semi-transparently, thereby prohibiting an operation on the edit item 83C.

[0065] <Other> The system 1 is an example of a "cutting system" of the present invention. The storage unit 32 is an example of a "sewing machine storage unit" of the present invention. The communication unit 36 ​​is an example of a "sewing machine communication unit" of the present invention. The communication unit 46 is an example of a "cutter communication unit" of the present invention. The processing data is an example of "selection information" of the present invention. The CPU 31 that performs the process of S11 is an example of an "acquisition means" of the present invention. The CPU 31 that performs the process of S19 is an example of a "sewing machine transmission means" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the process of S43 is an example of a "cutter receiving means" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the process of S55 is an example of a "generation means" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the process of S57 is an example of a "cutting means" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the process of S71 is an example of a "server first receiving means" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the process of S73 is an example of a "server storage means" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the process of S89 is an example of a "server transmission means" of the present invention. The CPU 31 that performs the processing of S13 is an example of the "sewing machine selection means" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the processing of S47 is an example of the "cutter selection means" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the processing of S39 and S41 is an example of the "cutter transmission means" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the processing of S87 is an example of the "server second receiving means" of the present invention. The display unit 44 is an example of the "display" of the present invention. The CPU 41 that performs the processing of S45 and S49 is an example of the "display means" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1: system, 2: server device, 3: sewing machine, 4: cutting device, 10: network line, 21, 31, 41: CPU, 22, 32, 42: storage unit, 34, 44: display unit, 23, 36, 46: communication unit, 33: sewing unit, 43: cutting unit

Claims

1. A cutting system including a sewing machine and a cutting device, The sewing machine includes: a sewing machine storage unit that stores embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of partial patterns; a sewing unit that sews the embroidery pattern onto a sewing object based on the embroidery data stored in the sewing machine storage unit; and a sewing machine communication unit that communicates via a network line, acquiring means for acquiring the embroidery data from the sewing machine storage unit; a sewing machine selection unit that selects, as a selected partial pattern, at least one partial pattern from among the plurality of partial patterns that constitute the embroidery pattern to be sewn using the embroidery data acquired by the acquisition unit; a sewing machine transmission means for transmitting the embroidery data including selection information indicating the selected partial pattern selected by the sewing machine selection means via the network line by the sewing machine communication unit; Equipped with The cutting device comprises: A cutting unit that cuts an object based on cutting data and a cutter communication unit that communicates via the network line, a cutter receiving means for receiving the embroidery data transmitted by the sewing machine via the network line by the cutter communication unit; a generation means for generating the cutting data for cutting along a contour of the selected partial pattern based on the selection information included in the embroidery data received by the cutter receiving means; cutting means for driving the cutting unit based on the cutting data generated by the generating means to cut the object; A cutting system comprising:

2. The cutting system comprises: A server including a server communication unit that communicates via the network line and a server storage unit, The sewing machine includes: The embroidery data is transmitted to the server by the sewing machine transmission means; The server, a server first receiving means for receiving the embroidery data transmitted by the sewing machine via the network line by the server communication unit; a server storage unit that stores the embroidery data received by the server first receiving unit in the server storage unit; a server transmission unit that transmits the embroidery data stored in the server storage unit to the cutting device via the network line by the server communication unit; Equipped with The cutting device comprises:

2. The cutting system according to claim 1, wherein the embroidery data transmitted from the server is received by the cutter receiving means.

3. The sewing machine includes: The sewing machine selection means selects two or more partial patterns as the selected partial patterns, The cutting device comprises: a cutter selecting unit that selects a target partial pattern that is a partial pattern to be cut from the two or more partial patterns that are the selected partial pattern indicated by the selection information included in the embroidery data received by the cutter receiving unit, 3. The cutting system according to claim 1, wherein the generating means generates the cutting data for cutting along a contour of the target part pattern selected by the cutter selecting means.

4. The cutting device comprises: A display and a display means for displaying, on the display, the embroidery pattern and a cutting line that follows the contour of the selected partial pattern based on the embroidery data and the selection information received by the cutter receiving means; 4. A cutting system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The sewing machine includes: the acquiring means acquires the embroidery data of the embroidery pattern composed of the plurality of partial patterns obtained by dividing the embroidery pattern by thread color, which is a color of thread used to sew the embroidery pattern; When the sewing machine selection means receives the selection of the thread color, the sewing machine selection means selects the partial pattern corresponding to the received thread color. A cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The server, The embroidery data and the cutting data are stored in the server storage unit; The cutting device comprises: a cutter transmission unit configured to transmit a data request including type data indicating the embroidery data or the cutting data to the server via the network line from the cutter communication unit; The server, A server second receiving means for receiving the data request transmitted from the disconnecting device, when the type data included in the data request received by the server second receiving means indicates the embroidery data, the server transmitting means transmits the embroidery data, and when the type data included in the data request received by the server second receiving means indicates the cutting data, the server transmitting means transmits the cutting data; The cutting device comprises: The embroidery data or the cutting data transmitted from the server is received by the cutter receiving means.

3. The cutting system of claim 2.

7. The cutting device comprises: A display and a display unit that displays a cutting line and editing items for editing the cutting line on the display based on the embroidery data or the cutting data received by the cutter receiving unit; Further comprising: The editing items displayed on the display by the display means are different depending on whether the embroidery data is received by the cutter receiving means or whether the cutting data is received.

7. The cutting system of claim 6.

8. A cutting device including a cutting unit that cuts an object based on cutting data and a cutter communication unit that performs wireless communication, a cutter receiving means for receiving, when an embroidery data generating device transmits embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, the embroidery data including selection information indicating a selected partial pattern which is at least one partial pattern among a plurality of partial patterns constituting the embroidery pattern, the transmitted embroidery data via wireless communication by the cutter communication unit; a generation means for generating the cutting data for cutting along a contour of the selected partial pattern based on the selection information included in the embroidery data received by the cutter receiving means; cutting means for driving the cutting unit based on the cutting data generated by the generating means to cut the object; A cutting device comprising:

9. A cutting method carried out by a sewing machine and a cutting device, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of partial patterns from a storage unit of the sewing machine; a selection step of selecting, as a selected partial pattern, at least one partial pattern from among the plurality of partial patterns that constitute the embroidery pattern to be sewn using the embroidery data acquired in the acquisition step; a generating step of generating cutting data for cutting along a contour of the selected partial pattern based on selection information indicating the selected partial pattern selected in the selecting step; a cutting step of driving a cutting unit of the cutting device based on the cutting data generated by the generating step, and cutting the object to be cut; A cutting method comprising:

Images