Coordinate data creation device, sewing machine and program

Abstract

To generate a seam capable of feeling pleasantness and warmth by giving appropriate variability to every stitch to express feeling of handwriting for a sewing pattern, and create a pattern without greatly damaging a pattern of an original figure.SOLUTION: A coordinate data creation apparatus includes: a coordinate data-storing part for storing coordinate data of a needle-locating position; and a coordinate data after addition-creating part for creating new coordinate data by adding an independent value to a value of X coordinate, or a value of Y coordinate for respective coordinate data stored in the coordinate data-storing part, where when a distance between coordinate data of one needle-locating position stored in the coordinate data-storing part and coordinate data of another needle-locating position is a predetermined distance or shorter, the coordinate data after addition-creating part puts each independent value for adding to a value of X coordinate or a value of Y coordinate of coordinate data of the one needle-locating position as same each independent value for adding to a value of X coordinate or a value of Y coordinate of coordinate data of the other needle-locating position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coordinate data creation device, a sewing machine, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, the position of a stitch in a sewing machine is determined by the amplitude position of the needle and the amount of feed of the fabric. Therefore, a pattern is created by connecting each needle point with a thread. Here, the positions at which the needles are dropped are determined stitch by stitch based on the pattern to be sewn, and the data is entered. In other words, basically, sewing data is often created so that the original shape can be faithfully reproduced in the stitches. Then, by connecting the needle points with straight lines in accordance with this sewing data, the original shape can be drawn with stitches. Therefore, by using a sewing machine, anyone can faithfully reproduce the pattern, and beautiful patterns can be formed on the fabric, appearing to have been sewn by an advanced seamstress. However, this actually gave the impression of being mechanical and cold.

[0003] To address these issues, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating stitches that have a comfortable, warm feel by providing appropriate variation for each stitch, giving the stitching a hand-drawn feel. Furthermore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, even if the needle drop positions are in different sewing orders, the variation in coordinate data that results in the same coordinates is made the same, making it possible to transform the pattern to look hand-drawn while maintaining the original shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-5797 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the original needle drop point is varied. However, for example, when processing a simple pattern, the intermediate points of the needle points are sewn with thread, resulting in a linear expression. In particular, when the distance between the needle points is large and there is variation, the linear expression becomes noticeable.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a coordinate data creation device, sewing machine and program that can give a moderate amount of variation to each stitch, giving the sewing pattern a handwritten feel, producing stitches that feel comfortable and warm, while creating patterns without compromising the original shape of the pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Form 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention are a coordinate data creation device for a sewing machine that creates coordinate data consisting of X and Y coordinate values ​​of needle drop positions of a pattern to be sewn, the device comprising: a data storage unit that associates and stores a sewing sequence with the coordinate data of the needle drop positions; and a coordinate data addition unit that, when the distance between the needle drop positions before and after the sewing sequence stored in the data storage unit is longer than a predetermined distance, creates the coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the previous and next needle drop positions; The coordinate data added by the coordinate data adding unit is included an added coordinate data generating unit that generates new coordinate data by adding a unique value to an X coordinate value or a Y coordinate value for each of the coordinate data stored in the data storage unit; A setting unit that allows a user to set the predetermined distance; The present invention proposes a coordinate data creation device comprising:

[0008] Mode 2: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a coordinate data creation device characterized in that the specified distance is determined based on the average value of the distances between the needle drop positions of other sewing sequences that come before and after the specified distance.

[0010] Mode 4: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a sewing machine including the coordinate data creation device according to any one of modes 1 to 3.

[0011] Mode 5: One or more embodiments of the present invention are a program for causing a computer to execute a coordinate data creation method in a coordinate data creation device for a sewing machine, the coordinate data creation device including a data storage unit that associates and stores sewing sequence and needle drop position coordinate data, a coordinate data addition unit, and an added coordinate data creation unit that creates the coordinate data consisting of X coordinate values ​​and Y coordinate values ​​of needle drop positions of a pattern to be sewn, A first step in which a user sets a predetermined distance; The coordinate data adding unit stores the distance between the needle drop positions in the sewing order stored in the data storage unit. The above if the distance is longer than a predetermined distance, the coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position is created between the coordinate data corresponding to the previous and next needle drop positions. 2 and the added coordinate data creating unit: The coordinate data added by the coordinate data adding unit is included generating new coordinate data by adding a unique value to the X-coordinate value or the Y-coordinate value for each of the coordinate data stored in the data storage unit; 3 The present invention proposes the steps and a program for causing a computer to execute the steps. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, by providing appropriate variation for each stitch, it is possible to give the sewing pattern a hand-drawn feel, producing stitches that feel comfortable and warm, while also creating a pattern that does not damage the original shape of the pattern. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is an electrical block diagram of a coordinate data creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram when operating a screen in the coordinate data creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen when operating the screen in a coordinate data creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram relating to handwritten stitch conversion in the coordinate data creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a pattern based on original data when needle drop points are automatically generated between two points according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a pattern after needle points are added when needle points are automatically generated between two points according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustratively comparing a sewing image when a needle drop point is added and when a needle drop point is not added according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams for illustrating and comparing sewing images when no needle drop points are added according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating exemplary comparisons of sewing images when needle points are added according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the original needle drop points of each pattern when a needle drop point is added between two different patterns according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the original needle drop points of each pattern when a needle drop point is added between two different patterns according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of coordinate adjustment using random numbers when a needle point is added between two different patterns according to a second embodiment of the present invention, when the final needle point of the previous pattern is different from the first needle point of the next pattern. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state after the addition process has been performed for coordinate adjustment using random numbers when adding a needle point between two different patterns in accordance with Example 2 of the present invention, when the final needle point of the previous pattern is different from the first needle point of the next pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] <Electrical configuration of the coordinate data creation device 10> The electrical configuration of a coordinate data creation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the coordinate data creation device 10 of this embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a ROM 102, a working memory (RAM) 103, a display control device 104, an LCD display 105, a touch panel 106, a tact switch 107, a USB controller 108, an external medium 109, a sewing machine motor control device 110, an amplitude / feed motor control device 111, a sewing machine motor 110A, an amplitude motor 111A, and a feed motor 111B.

[0017] A central processing unit (CPU) 101 controls the overall operation of the coordinate data creation device 10 in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM 102 . In addition, the computer is connected to various devices via external input / output devices.

[0018] In this embodiment, the ROM 102 mainly functions as a storage unit that stores stitch data and function modules.

[0019] In this embodiment, the RAM 103 mainly functions as a working memory for temporarily storing working data and the like.

[0020] The ROM 102 stores various functional modules and data, such as a handwritten-style mode selection module 102A, a pattern selection module 102B, an absolute feed format conversion module 102C, an adjustment value generation module 102D, an adjustment value addition module 102E, a mechanism limit restriction module 102F, an identical point processing module 102G, a combination pattern generation module 102H, a combination pattern editing module 102I, a save / read module 102J, a stitch data K storage area, and a needle drop point addition module 102L.

[0021] The handwritten-style mode selection module 102A is activated when the user presses the "handwritten-style" button on the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 shown in FIG. 3, and is a module that fine-tunes the stitch data 102K for the pattern selected thereafter using a handwritten-style stitch conversion function.

[0022] The pattern selection module 102B is a module that selects a pattern with pattern number 1 stored in the ROM 102 of the sewing machine when the user presses, for example, button 1 among the "Pattern Selection" buttons on the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 shown in FIG. 3, and reads in stitch data 102K for that one pattern.

[0023] The absolute feed format conversion module 102C is a module that accumulates the feed amounts of the relative feed amount stitch data 102K and converts it into a data format of absolute coordinates.

[0024] The adjustment value generation module 102D is a module that converts the random integer value generated when a pattern selection operation is performed by the user using the pattern selection module 102B into units of 0.1 mm, converts the random number value into a unit of length, and generates an adjustment value. Note that in a needle drop point addition module 102L, which will be described later, a corresponding adjustment value is also generated for the coordinate data of the generated new needle drop position (needle drop point).

[0025] The adjustment value addition module 102E is a module that adds the adjustment value generated by the adjustment value generation module 102D to each of the original amplitude value and absolute feed data. In addition, the corresponding adjustment value generated in the adjustment value generation module 102D is also added to the coordinate data for the new needle drop position generated in the needle drop point addition module 102L, which will be described later.

[0026] The mechanism limiting module 102F is a module that becomes effective when the processing result of the adjustment value adding module 102E exceeds the limit value of the amplitude / feed mechanism, and limits the execution of the processing result by the adjustment value adding module 102E.

[0027] The same point processing module 102G is a module that operates when there is other original data within the same or similar range of one original data, which is absolute coordinate data before adding an adjustment value, and performs processing so that the adjusted coordinates match the already adjusted coordinates.

[0028] The combination pattern generating module 102H is a module for temporarily storing in the working memory (RAM) 103 data that has been subjected to handwritten processing for data for one pattern. The combination pattern generation module 102H is a module that displays, via the display control device 104, one pattern of the pattern converted into a handwritten style on the “preview screen” of the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 shown in FIG. Moreover, the combination pattern generating module 102H is a module that, when the same pattern is selected again by the user, fine-tunes the stitch data 102K using new random numbers to create a combination pattern.

[0029] The combination pattern editing module 102I is a module for deleting or adding patterns and changing combinations. Furthermore, the combination pattern editing module 102I is a module that performs fine adjustments to the pattern using new random numbers when a pattern is added.

[0030] The save / read module 102J is a module that writes the combined pattern data to an external medium 109 or the like. The save / read module 102J is a module that executes reading of the combined pattern data from an external medium 109 or the like.

[0031] A needle drop point addition module 102L creates coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the previous and next needle drop positions when the distance between the previous and next needle drop positions in the sewing sequence is longer than a predetermined distance in the original stitch data 102K stored in a stitch data K storage area in the ROM 102 as a data storage unit. The coordinate data created in accordance with the new needle drop position is then stored in the stitch data K storage area in the ROM 102, which serves as a data storage section. The "predetermined distance" may be a distance that is determined in advance or that is set by the user. Here, the "predetermined distance" may be, for example, 3 mm or more. The predetermined distance may also be determined based on the average distance between adjacent needle drop positions in the pattern, i.e., the predetermined distance may be determined based on the interval between needle drop points in the entire pattern. For example, the predetermined distance may be a multiple of the average distance between adjacent needle drop positions in the same pattern, where the multiple is preferably an integer, but may be a decimal such as 1.5.

[0032] The RAM 103 temporarily stores various functional modules, such as the OS and basic libraries, that are read from the ROM 102 . The RAM 103 also temporarily stores and saves data used in operations by the central processing unit (CPU) 101.

[0033] The display control device 104 is a device that controls display data to be displayed on a liquid crystal display 105, which will be described later.

[0034] The liquid crystal display 105 is a device that displays an operation screen such as that shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display 105 is electrically connected to the central processing unit (CPU) 101 via an external input / output device. In addition, liquid crystal display 105 has a multi-layer structure in which touch panel 106, which will be described later, is disposed on the lower side of the display surface of liquid crystal display 105, and touch panel 106 and liquid crystal display 105 are unitized as a "display unit." The liquid crystal display 105 displays patterns, characters, buttons, and the like.

[0035] The touch panel 106 is configured as a panel of a capacitance type or a resistive film type, and is electrically connected to the central processing unit (CPU) 101 via an external input / output device. Further, in consideration of the convenience of operation by the user, the touch panel 106 is disposed outside the coordinate data generating device 10 so as to be exposed and operable. Therefore, by touching the touch panel 106 with a finger, the user can select a handwritten style mode, a pattern, etc. while checking the selection on the screen.

[0036] When pressed by a user, the tactile switch 107 transmits instructions to the central processing unit 101, such as to start or stop sewing, raise or lower the needle, or thread the needle (not shown).

[0037] A USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 108 connects the coordinate data creation device 10 to external devices such as an external medium 109 and executes control.

[0038] The external media 109 is, for example, a hard disk, a DVD recorder, etc., and pattern data and the like are written and stored under the control of the USB controller 108.

[0039] Based on instructions from a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a sewing machine motor control device 110 drives and controls a sewing machine motor 110A to move a needle bar up and down and control the process of forming stitches using a sewing needle, an upper thread, and a lower thread.

[0040] The amplitude / feed motor control device 111 controls the operation of the amplitude motor 111A and the feed motor 111B, thereby controlling the behavior of the needle bar of the sewing mechanism, the feed amount of the cloth by the feed dog, and the forward / rearward switching control. The amplitude / feed motor control device 111 controls the needle position and the feed amount of the fabric to change the stitch position and create stitches, thereby forming a pattern.

[0041] A central processing unit (CPU) 101 sequentially executes program modules stored in a ROM 102, and converts, for example, normal stitch data into handwritten-style stitch data. For example, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 moves each needle point of the normal stitch data by a small distance in the X and Y directions, and performs fine adjustments to different lengths and directions for all needle points, thereby creating a hand-drawn feel in the stitching pattern. More specifically, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 creates a coordinate sequence of needle drop points of a stitch image from the stitch data 102K. Then, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 generates random numbers, creates minute length adjustment values ​​(±1.0 mm), and adds the lengths to the coordinates of each needle drop point in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, if there are identical or similar coordinates for needle drop points in the original data, which is absolute coordinate data before adding the adjustment values, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 may perform processing via the identical point processing module 102G to match the adjusted coordinates with the already adjusted coordinates, and perform processing to create a combination pattern using stitch data 102K that has been converted to look handwritten. Here, the range of approximation refers to a predetermined range, and can be, for example, within ±0.2 mm. The range of approximation may be changed by the user as appropriate. The details of the process will be described later.

[0042] <Processing by the coordinate data creation device> The screen operation process and the handwritten-style stitch conversion process in the coordinate data creation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG.

[0043] <Screen operation processing> The creation of sewing data using the coordinate data creation device 10 according to this embodiment is performed by operating a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 as shown in FIG. Therefore, before describing the detailed processing of the coordinate data creation device 10, the screen operation processing in the coordinate data creation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] When a user selects a display mode in which an operation screen such as that shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 105, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 of the coordinate data creation device 10 first enters a standby mode in which it waits for the user to press an operation button, cursor button, pattern button, etc. by key input (step S101).

[0045] Next, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines whether or not a pattern has been selected by the user (step S102).

[0046] If the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines as a result of the determination that the user has selected a pattern, i.e., that the user has input a pattern number, etc. ("Pattern Selection" in step S102), it then determines whether processing is in combination mode or handwritten-style mode (step S113). Regardless of whether the processing is in the combination mode or the handwritten style mode, the processing is performed and the patterns are stored in the order in which they were selected.

[0047] Returning to step S102, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines that the user has not selected a pattern, i.e., that the user has not input a pattern number, etc. ("No" in step S102), when the combination button is pressed ("Yes" in step S103), the combination mode is set and the process returns to step S101 (step S104).

[0048] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S103 that the user has not pressed the combination button ("No" in step S103), it determines whether the user will press the handwriting-style button (step S105).

[0049] When central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S105 that the user has pressed the handwriting style button ("Yes" in step S105), it sets the handwriting style mode and returns the process to step S101 (step S106).

[0050] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S105 that the user has not pressed the handwriting-style button ("No" in step S105), it determines whether the user has pressed the cursor button (step S107).

[0051] If the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S107 that the user has pressed the cursor button ("Yes" in step S107), it moves the cursor forward or backward through the pattern sequence stored in the ROM 102, and returns the process to step S101 (step S108).

[0052] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S107 that the user has not pressed the cursor button ("No" in step S107), it determines whether or not the user has pressed the delete button (step S109).

[0053] If central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S109 that the user has pressed the delete button ("Yes" in step S109), it deletes the pattern at the position indicated by the cursor, moves the subsequent patterns to the beginning, and returns the process to step S101 (step S110).

[0054] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S109 that the user has not pressed the delete button ("No" in step S109), it determines whether or not the user has pressed the save button (step S111).

[0055] If the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S111 that the user has pressed the save button ("Yes" in step S111), the pattern or combination pattern converted to a handwritten style is saved in an external medium 109 or the like so that it can be reused, and the process returns to step S101 (step S112).

[0056] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S111 that the user has not pressed the save button ("No" in step S111), the process returns to step S101.

[0057] When the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S113 that the user has pressed the pattern button in the handwritten-style mode (step S113), the CPU 101 calls a handwritten-style stitch conversion process (step S114). The handwritten stitch conversion process will be described in detail later.

[0058] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines in step S113 that the user has pressed the combination mode button ("Yes" in step S113) and the handwritten-style stitch conversion process in step S114 is completed, the pattern data is combined in the same manner as in combining normal patterns (step S115).

[0059] Then, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 displays a preview screen on the liquid crystal display 105 in step S116. This allows the user to check the converted status.

[0060] In addition, patterns converted in the handwritten style mode are treated the same as normal patterns, so editing operations such as deletion and addition are possible.

[0061] <Handwritten stitch conversion processing> The handwritten stitch conversion process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0062] When the distance between two needle drop points that are out of sync in the sewing order exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 3 mm or more, or a value set by a user, etc., a new needle drop point is added until the distance becomes equal to or less than the desired distance. Furthermore, the intervals between the added needle points may be equal, such as the midpoint between the two points when adding one stitch, or a position that divides the distance between the two points into thirds when adding two stitches. Then, processing is performed on the stitch to which the new needle drop point has been added as described above. Specifically, the data on the feed direction, which is the amount of relative movement, is first converted from the stitch data into a data string of absolute coordinates that indicate the positions of the needle points. Next, a random number is generated and an adjustment amount of ±1 mm or less is prepared for each needle point in order to shift the X and Y coordinates of the needle point. It should be noted that instead of generating random numbers as needed, adjustment data generated in advance may be stored in the form of a table. An adjustment amount based on a random number generated within the range of ±1 mm (as an example) is added to the data string of absolute coordinates indicating the needle drop point. In other words, the needle drop point is shifted slightly from the original point. The adjusted coordinate data is restricted so that it fits within the width of the mechanism (e.g., 8.8 mm) in the amplitude direction, and is also restricted so that the distance to the previous stitch is within the mechanism limit (e.g., 5 mm) in the feed direction. Then, the feed direction is converted from the data string of the needle drop point in absolute coordinates into a relative movement amount, and the data is converted into a stitch data format for normal sewing. The details of the process will be explained below.

[0063] [Details on the handwritten stitch conversion process] To execute this process, as an initial operation, the user presses the "handwriting style" button on the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 as shown in FIG. 3, and sets the handwriting style combination mode. Next, the user presses the pattern selection button to select a pattern.

[0064] First, when the distance between needle drop positions that are previous or next in the sewing sequence in the original stitch data 102K stored in the ROM 102 is longer than a predetermined distance, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 of the coordinate data creation device 10 creates coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the previous or next needle drop positions (step S201).

[0065] The central processing unit (CPU) 101 of the coordinate data creation device 10 converts the stitch data 102K, to which the coordinate data was added in step S201 and in which the feed direction is a relative movement amount, into a data string of absolute coordinates by accumulating the relative feed amounts (step S202).

[0066] A central processing unit (CPU) 101 obtains two random numbers, one for amplitude and one for feed. Here, since the obtained random numbers are integers, they are converted into adjustment values ​​within ±1.0 mm (step S203).

[0067] The central processing unit (CPU) 101 adds adjustment values ​​to the coordinates in the amplitude direction and the feed direction to perform fine adjustment (step S204).

[0068] However, since fine adjustment cannot be made beyond the limits of the mechanism, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines whether the interval between the X-coordinate value of the finely adjusted coordinate data of a certain needle drop point and the X-coordinate value of the finely adjusted coordinate data of an adjacent needle drop point in the sewing sequence is within the limits of the feed mechanism (step S205). As for the amplitude, it is determined whether the value of the Y coordinate after fine adjustment is within the limit of the amplitude mechanism (step S205).

[0069] Here, based on the determination in step S205, if the mechanical limit in the feed (X coordinate) direction or the amplitude (Y coordinate) direction is exceeded, the fine adjustment process in step S204 is invalidated (step S206).

[0070] The limit value of the mechanism in the amplitude direction may be, for example, −4.4 mm or +4.4 mm, and the limit value of the mechanism in the feed direction may be, for example, a relative movement amount of −5.0 mm or +5.0 mm. The above relates to limitations in normal sewing, but in embroidery sewing, if the value of the coordinate data after fine adjustment exceeds the limit in the X-coordinate direction or Y-coordinate direction of the embroidery frame, the fine adjustment process in step S204 is invalidated (step S206). Although not shown, adjustment values ​​may be generated again and fine adjustment processing may be performed within the mechanical limitations.

[0071] On the other hand, if the amplitude direction and feed direction of the coordinates after fine adjustment have not reached the limit of the mechanism, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0072] The central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines whether one pattern of stitches has been completed (step S207). If the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines that stitches remain and one pattern is not completed, the process returns to step S203. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 generates a new random number for the next needle drop point and executes step S203.

[0073] On the other hand, if the central processing unit (CPU) 101 determines that one pattern has been completed ("YES" in step S207), it converts the feed data, which is absolute coordinates, into relative movement amounts and converts it into stitch data format (step S208). Then, all the processes are terminated.

[0074] <Example 1> Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a process for automatically generating a needle drop point between two points that are adjacent in the sewing order will be described.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, some patterns have widely spaced needle points. When such patterns are subjected to conventional hand-drawn stitch conversion, the amplitude can change more than expected, and the resulting design can be quite different from the image of the original pattern.

[0076] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, between two needle drop points whose sewing order is different and whose distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (for example, the fifth and sixth stitches in FIG. 5), a new needle drop point is added (for example, the sixth and seventh stitches in FIG. 6). By generating new random numbers and adding them to these automatically generated needle drop points (for example, the 6th and 7th stitches in Figure 6), it is possible to create a hand-drawn style pattern by adding fluctuations while preserving the "texture" of the pattern image of the original data. Here, the "new needle drop point" is located between two points that are originally in a different sewing order, and the number of stitches to be added may be increased or decreased depending on the distance between the two points and the settings of the user, etc. The fluctuation itself is provided within a predetermined range by automatically generated random numbers. For example, in this embodiment, the random number is ±1.0 mm.

[0077] Furthermore, even if the fluctuation is made small (for example, ±0.5 mm in amplitude), by adding new needle points, the number of stitches can be increased, making the pattern appear to fluctuate. Figures 7(a) and 8 show what happens when no new needle points are added to the original pattern, and random numbers are added only to the existing needle points, while Figures 7(b) and 9 show what happens when new needle points are added to the original pattern, and random numbers are added to the existing needle points and the newly added needle points.

[0078] <Example 2> Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] Depending on the shape of the sewing data, the worker may form a pattern by connecting different patterns. For example, in the case of the pattern shown in Figure 9, where the final needle point of the previous pattern (Figure 10) is different from the needle point of the first stitch of the next pattern (Figure 11), unless special processing is performed on the needle point of the end of the previous pattern and the needle point of the first stitch of the next pattern, the stitching image will become as shown in Figure 12, and the joint between the two points that are sewn one after the other will be linear, making the joint look unnatural.

[0080] Therefore, in order to improve the above-mentioned unnatural seam condition, if the distance between two points in the sewing order in the original stitch data exceeds a certain value (for example, 3 mm or more, or a value predetermined by the user, etc.), a new needle drop point is added between the two points in the sewing order. Here, the "new needle drop point" is located between two points that are adjacent in the sewing order, and the number of stitches to be added may be increased or decreased depending on the distance between the two points and the settings of the user, etc. The fluctuation of the added portion itself is caused to fluctuate within a predetermined range (for example, ±1.0 mm in this embodiment) by adding an automatically generated random number to the coordinate value of the new needle drop point. An example of such processing is shown in FIG.

[0081] As shown in Figure 13, by adding an automatically generated random number to the coordinate value of a new needle drop point and fluctuating the needle drop point, two different patterns can be connected naturally. Furthermore, even if the front and rear patterns are the same, there may be cases where the amplitude positions of the start and end positions of a pattern are different, and this is also effective for such patterns.

[0082] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to this embodiment and this example, the coordinate data creation device 10 is a coordinate data creation device for a sewing machine that creates coordinate data consisting of X coordinate values ​​and Y coordinate values ​​of needle drop positions of a pattern to be sewn, and is equipped with a data storage unit (ROM 102) that stores a sewing sequence and coordinate data of the needle drop positions in association with each other, a coordinate data addition unit (needle drop point addition module 102L) that creates coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the previous and next needle drop positions when the distance between the previous and next needle drop positions in the sewing sequence stored in the data storage unit (ROM 102) is longer than a predetermined distance, and a post-addition coordinate data creation unit (adjustment value addition module 102E) that creates new coordinate data by adding a unique value to the X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value for each coordinate data stored in the data storage unit (ROM 102). Here, the "predetermined distance" is a predetermined value, for example, 3.0 mm, but may be a distance set by the user. Also, the "individual value to be added" refers to the random number adjustment length or random number adjustment value for the amplitude or feed, which is generated for each stitch number. In other words, when the distance between adjacent needle drop positions in the sewing sequence stored in the data storage unit (ROM 102) is longer than a predetermined distance, coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position is created between the coordinate data corresponding to the adjacent needle drop positions. This makes it possible to create stitches that give the stitching a hand-drawn feel while maintaining the texture of the original pattern, creating a comfortable and warm feeling. In addition, for two consecutive needle points, an additional needle point is generated between the two points, and fluctuation is added, which increases the stitch movement and the fluctuation. Therefore, for example, if the distance between two points (A, B) is large and A fluctuates in the positive direction and B fluctuates in the negative direction, a needle drop point can be added between A and B to control the distance between the two points so that it does not become too large. The coordinate data includes coordinate data for either normal stitching or embroidery stitching. In addition, the process of adding a unique value to the X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value of the coordinate data refers to adding a unique value to the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value of the coordinate data, but it also includes a process of adding a unique value of zero to either the X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value or both of the coordinate data when the unique value for either the X coordinate value or the Y coordinate value or both of the coordinate data is zero.

[0083] The predetermined distance may also be determined based on the average distance between adjacent needle drop positions in other sewing sequences in the pattern. In other words, the predetermined distance may be determined based on the needle drop point intervals of the entire pattern. For example, the predetermined distance may be a multiple of the average distance between adjacent needle drop positions in the same pattern, where the multiple is preferably an integer, but may be a decimal such as 1.5. In other words, for example, by setting the specified distance to a multiple of the average value of the distance between other needle drop positions in the same pattern that are placed before and after the other needle drop positions in the sewing order, the balance of the entire pattern will not be significantly affected even if a new needle drop point is added. This makes it possible to create stitches that give the stitching a hand-drawn feel while maintaining the texture of the original pattern, creating a comfortable and warm feeling.

[0084] The level at which the balance of the original pattern is not compromised will vary depending on the sensitivity of each user. For this reason, the coordinate data creation device 10 according to this embodiment is provided with a setting section that enables the user to set a predetermined distance. The user can set a predetermined distance using the setting unit, and have the image after setting displayed on the liquid crystal display 105, thereby enabling the user to set the predetermined distance according to his / her own sensibility.

[0085] The coordinate data creation device 10 of the present invention can be realized by recording the processing of the coordinate data creation device 10 on a computer system or a computer-readable recording medium, and having the coordinate data creation device 10 read and execute the program recorded on this recording medium. The computer system or computer referred to here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

[0086] In addition, "computer system or computer" includes the homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW (World Wide Web) system is used. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system or computer in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system or computer via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0087] The program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system or computer, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0088] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, the coordinate data creation device 10 may be a separate device such as a personal computer, or may be a device built into a sewing machine or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10. Coordinate data creation device 101: Central Processing Unit (CPU) 102;ROM 102A; Handwriting style mode selection module 102B;Pattern selection module 102C; Absolute feed format conversion module 102D; Adjustment value generation module 102E; Adjustment value addition module 102F: Mechanism limit module 102G; Identical point processing module 102H: combination pattern generation module 102I;Combination pattern editing module 102J; Storage / Read Module 102L: Additional needle drop point module 103: Working memory (RAM) 104: Display control device 105;LCD display 106;Touch panel 107;Tact switch 108;USB controller 109;External Media 110: Sewing machine motor control device 110A; Sewing machine motor 111; Amplitude / feed motor control device 111A; Amplitude motor 111B; Feed motor

Claims

1. A coordinate data creating device for a sewing machine that creates coordinate data consisting of X and Y coordinate values ​​of a needle drop position of a pattern to be sewn, a data storage unit that stores a sewing sequence and the coordinate data of the needle drop positions in association with each other; a coordinate data adding unit that, when a distance between the adjacent needle drop positions in the sewing order stored in the data storage unit is longer than a predetermined distance, creates the coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the adjacent needle drop positions; an added coordinate data creating unit that creates new coordinate data by adding a unique value to an X-coordinate value or a Y-coordinate value for each of the coordinate data stored in the data storage unit including the coordinate data added by the coordinate data adding unit; A setting unit that allows a user to set the predetermined distance; A coordinate data creation device comprising:

2. 2. The coordinate data generating device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is determined based on an average value of distances between the needle drop positions of other sewing orders.

3. A sewing machine comprising the coordinate data creation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for causing a computer to execute a coordinate data creation method in a coordinate data creation device for a sewing machine, the coordinate data creation device including a data storage unit that associates and stores a sewing sequence with coordinate data of a needle drop position, a coordinate data addition unit, and an added coordinate data creation unit that creates the coordinate data consisting of an X coordinate value and a Y coordinate value of a needle drop position of a pattern to be sewn, the program comprising: A first step in which a user sets a predetermined distance; a second step in which the coordinate data adding unit creates, when a distance between the adjacent needle drop positions in the sewing order stored in the data storage unit is longer than the predetermined distance, the coordinate data corresponding to a new needle drop position between the coordinate data corresponding to the adjacent needle drop positions; a third step in which the added coordinate data creation unit creates new coordinate data by adding a unique value to an X coordinate value or a Y coordinate value for each of the coordinate data stored in the data storage unit including the coordinate data added by the coordinate data addition unit; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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