Embroidery-before-printing positioning process and method

Abstract

An embroidery-before-printing positioning process and method. The process comprises: using a white embroidery thread to embroider on a fabric; shaping the embroidery by means of hot pressing; scanning or photographing an embroidery sample, and importing an image into graphics software; on the basis of the embroidery image, performing, in the graphics software, pattern or color filling on a position where printing is needed, and filling a transparent color at a position where printing is not needed, so as to complete mask image manufacturing; performing positioning printing by using a digital direct-injection printing machine having a machine vision positioning function; and performing drying and color fixing processing. The method comprises: a machine vision camera is mounted above a digital direct-injection printing machine platen; an image collected by the camera is transmitted to a computer; an image needing to be printed is loaded into a platen image and moved to a particular position; a relative position relation between the image to be printed and the platen is calculated by means of software and sent to a printing machine; and the printing machine performs printing according to the set position. The surface of the fabric does not require an ink isolation rubber film, and the usage amount of ink is reduced.

Description

A positioning process and method for embroidering first and printing later Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of embroidery and printing, in particular to a positioning process and method of embroidering first and then printing. Background Art

[0002] Embroidery is a general term for various decorative patterns embroidered on fabrics with needles and threads. It is a process of using a needle to pierce silk threads or other fibers and yarns into embroidery materials in certain patterns and colors to form decorative fabrics with embroidery marks. In the existing embroidery technology, machines are used to embroider with silk threads of different colors, so that the embroidery can present rich and colorful colors. This machining method causes excess thread ends of silk threads of different colors to remain during the embroidery process, seriously affecting the quality of the embroidery. It is necessary to change more than 20 colors of embroidery threads to complete one piece of embroidery, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is often easy to confuse the colors of the embroidery threads. Technical issues

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the existing technology uses a single silk thread for embroidery by machine, and then dyes it after embroidery to present rich and colorful colors. However, the dyeing process is complicated and difficult to operate. The embroidery lacks processing, which will cause problems such as dye leakage and uneven dyeing during the dyeing process, seriously affecting the quality of embroidery dyeing.

[0004] The existing technical means to solve the above technical problems are: embroidery with white embroidery thread, covering the fabric with a layer of ink-isolating film during embroidery, after embroidery, the embroidery area can be printed with embroidery thread, and the remaining areas are covered with the film and do not absorb ink, and a large area of ​​color block is used to cover the embroidery area and the surrounding areas covered by the film for printing, and after the printing is fixed, the film is removed to retain the print in the embroidery area.

[0005] However, when embroidering, the fabric needs to be covered with a film to isolate the ink. The film needs to be removed through post-processing, which is labor-intensive and easily damages and contaminates the embroidery and fabric. When digitally printing on embroidery, due to the lack of precise positioning, a large area of ​​ink needs to be covered to cover the embroidery and non-embroidery areas, which consumes more ink. Digital printing cannot be precisely positioned with embroidery, and the superimposed printing can only print simple large-area colors or gradient colors, and cannot print more precise patterns with more details. Because the non-embroidery area is covered by the isolation film and cannot be exposed to and absorb ink, printing can only be done on the embroidery area. Technical Solutions

[0006] (1) Technical problems solved

[0007] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a positioning process and method of embroidery first and printing later, which has the advantages of not requiring an ink isolation film on the surface of the fabric, facilitating subsequent processing and reducing the complexity of the process flow. The fabric surface does not require an ink isolation film, and printing can be performed on the embroidery area and the non-embroidery area at the same time. Machine vision positioning is used for precise positioning printing, and the printing ink is limited to the embroidery area, reducing the amount of ink used. At the same time, it avoids the problem of ink contamination on the film in previous technologies, and solves the problems of the above-mentioned technologies.

[0008] (2) Technical solution

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a positioning process of embroidering first and then printing, comprising the following steps:

[0010] Step 1: Use white embroidery thread specially dyed with printing ink to embroider a specific pattern on the fabric;

[0011] Step 2: After the embroidery is completed, the embroidery is shaped by heat pressing;

[0012] Step 3: Mask image creation: After the embroidery is completed, scan or take a photo of the embroidery sample, then import the image into the drawing software. In the drawing software, fill the areas that need to be printed with patterns or colors according to the embroidery image, and fill the areas that do not need to be printed with transparent colors to complete the mask image creation;

[0013] Step 4: Use a digital direct-injection printer with machine vision positioning function to perform positioning printing;

[0014] Step 5: After printing is completed, perform conventional drying and color fixing treatment, remove the shaping auxiliary materials at the bottom of the embroidery, and complete the embroidery product.

[0015] Preferably, the embroidery thread in step one comprises polyester, pure cotton and rayon, and during embroidery in step one, a layer of auxiliary material is added to the bottom surface of the fabric to prevent deformation and facilitate subsequent cleaning, and the auxiliary material comprises embroidery three-dimensional glue of different thicknesses, embroidery backing paper and organza.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, by using three-dimensional glue as the padding material for the bottom layer of the fabric, after the embroidery is completed, the glue auxiliary material can be easily removed to show a clear embroidery pattern.

[0017] Preferably, the embroidery area after shaping in step 2 is flat, and the overall undulation is within ±4 mm, and the embroidery shaping method in step 2 further includes steam ironing.

[0018] Through the above technical solution, by heating the embroidery area and applying appropriate pressure, the embroidery thread is better combined with the fabric, and the entire embroidery area is kept flat, so that the embroidery pattern looks more neat and precise, and the durability of the embroidery is enhanced.

[0019] Preferably, the drawing software in step three includes Photoshop and AI.

[0020] A positioning method for embroidering first and then printing, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0021] S1. Install a machine vision camera above the digital direct inkjet printing machine platen. The camera format covers the entire printing format, or set a specific size of camera format according to the actual printing format and accuracy requirements;

[0022] S2. The image captured by the camera is transmitted to the computer, and the computer has special software for calculating the positional relationship between the captured image and the printing plate;

[0023] S4. Take the platen position image in the computer software, load the image to be printed (mask image) into the platen image and move it to a specific position.

[0024] S5. When the software calculates and outputs the image to the printer, the data of the relative position relationship between the image to be printed and the platen is sent to the printing machine.

[0025] S6. The printing machine will print according to the set position, and the printing result position is consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the position of the imported mask image, that is, a WYSIWYG printing position effect is obtained.

[0026] Preferably, when visually positioning the print, an image template positioning method is adopted, the print file is bound to the embroidery feature to make a template, and the embroidery feature is automatically identified by machine vision for position matching to complete the positioning of the print data on the embroidery.

[0027] Through the above technical solution, through the image template positioning method, combined with the automatic recognition and matching technology of machine vision, the accurate positioning of the printing data on the embroidery can be achieved, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of printing.

[0028] Preferably, the image template production includes the following steps:

[0029] S1.1. Template creation: First, create an image template to bind the image to be printed with the embroidery features;

[0030] S1.2. Capturing images: Before printing, use a machine vision camera to capture images of the product to be printed;

[0031] S1.3, Image Matching: Match the captured image with the prepared template. The machine vision system will automatically identify the embroidery features and compare them with the template to determine the location of the embroidery pattern on the product to be printed;

[0032] S1.4, Position Calculation: Based on the image matching results, the computer will calculate the relative position relationship between the image to be printed and the embroidery features;

[0033] S1.5. Print output: Based on the position calculation results, the image to be printed is moved to a specific position. The machine vision system outputs the accurately positioned print pattern to the printer to ensure that the print position is completely consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the imported mask image.

[0034] S1.6. Inspection and adjustment: Once printing is completed, use the machine vision system to inspect the printing results; if any positioning deviation is found, make adjustments immediately, such as calibrating the camera, remaking the template, or adjusting the parameters of the machine vision system.

[0035] Preferably, the template in S1.1 is created using a special software tool, which is Nord Print Visual Positioning Software V1.0.0. Nord Print Visual Positioning Software V1.0.0 is an existing software copyright registered with the China Copyright Office, with Software Copyright Registration No. 6900638. It is a publicly available technology and its specific functions will not be introduced here. The template contains a printing file and corresponding embroidery features, and the embroidery features in the template include shape, color and texture.

[0036] Through the above technical solution, by binding these embroidery features with the printing file and creating a template, they can be automatically identified and matched through machine vision technology in actual applications to achieve accurate positioning of the printing data on the embroidery.

[0037] Preferably, in said S1.3, by comparing the image with the prepared template, the system can obtain the correspondence between the embroidery features in the image and the embroidery features in the template.

[0038] Through the above technical solution, the corresponding relationship can be used to determine the position of the printing data on the embroidery.

[0039] Preferably, the positional relationship in S1.4 includes translation, rotation and scaling parameters, and the positional relationship is used to accurately locate the position of the printing pattern on the product to be printed.

[0040] Through the above technical solution, by determining these positional relationships, the printing pattern is accurately positioned so that it falls precisely on the designated position of the product to be printed. Beneficial effects

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a positioning process and method of embroidery first and printing later, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. The present invention scans or photographs the embroidery sample after the embroidery is completed, and then imports the picture into the mapping software. In the mapping software, the position where printing is required is filled with a pattern or color according to the embroidery image, and the position where printing is not required is filled with a transparent color to complete the mask image production, thereby achieving the beneficial effect of not requiring an ink isolation film on the surface of the fabric, facilitating subsequent processing, and reducing the complexity of the process flow.

[0043] 2. The present invention uses software calculation to output the image to the printer and sends the relative position relationship data of the image to be printed and the platen to the printing machine. The printing machine will print according to the set position, and the position of the printed result will be consistent with the position of the image taken by the visual camera and the imported mask image, that is, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get printing position effect is obtained. The use of machine vision positioning for precise positioning printing can achieve a more refined combination of printed patterns and embroidery. The use of machine vision for automatic recognition and positioning can allow the printed embroidery products to be placed more freely, reducing the difficulty of operation and achieving the beneficial effect of not requiring an ink isolation film on the surface of the fabric, and being able to print on the embroidery area and the non-embroidery area at the same time.

[0044] 3. The present invention installs a machine vision camera above the table of the digital direct injection printing machine, and the camera format covers the entire printing format. The image captured by the camera is transmitted to the computer, the table position image is captured in the computer software, and the image to be printed (mask image) is loaded into the table image and moved to a specific position. When the software calculates and outputs the image to the printer, the relative position relationship data of the image to be printed and the table is sent to the printing machine. The printing machine will print according to the set position, and the position of the printed result is consistent with the position of the image captured by the visual camera and the imported mask image, that is, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get printing position effect is obtained, achieving the goal of precise positioning of printing by machine vision positioning, and the printing ink is limited to the embroidery area, reducing the amount of ink used, while avoiding the beneficial effect of ink contamination on the film in the previous technology.

[0045] 4. The present invention uses an image template positioning method to bind the print file to the embroidery features to create a template. Machine vision automatically identifies the embroidery features and matches their positions, completing the positioning of the print data on the embroidery. Once the template is created, embroidery products can be positioned freely during mass production, achieving the beneficial effect of machine vision positioning using template positioning technology, allowing for the free placement of embroidery products during mass production. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1, a first embroidery and then printing positioning process, including the following steps:

[0049] Step 1: Use white embroidery thread specially dyed with printing ink to embroider a specific pattern on the fabric; the embroidery effect on the fabric with white embroidery thread is very clear, especially when using colorful patterns, the white thread can well highlight the details of the pattern.

[0050] Step 2: After the embroidery is completed, the embroidery is shaped by heat pressing. Heat pressing can eliminate the undulations and wrinkles in the embroidery area, making the embroidery pattern look neater and smoother. Heat pressing can also enhance the durability of the embroidery and ensure that the embroidery thread is firmly fixed to the fabric.

[0051] Step 3: Create a mask image: After the embroidery is completed, scan or take a photo of the embroidery sample, then import the image into the graphics software. In the graphics software, fill the areas that need to be printed with patterns or colors based on the embroidery image, and fill the areas that do not need to be printed with transparent colors to complete the mask image creation. Using graphics software to create a mask image provides greater flexibility and accuracy. You can freely create and edit patterns based on the embroidery image, and adjust parameters such as color, size, and transparency to meet your design needs.

[0052] Step 4: Use a digital direct-injection printer with machine vision positioning function to perform positioning printing; the digital direct-injection printer is equipped with a machine vision system and automatic positioning function, which can accurately position the embroidery pattern. By scanning the embroidery sample and comparing it with the pre-set pattern, the printer can automatically identify the position of the embroidery pattern and accurately position the print on the fabric.

[0053] Step 5: After printing is completed, perform conventional drying and color fixing treatment, remove the shaping auxiliary materials at the bottom of the embroidery, and complete the embroidery product.

[0054] Specifically, the embroidery thread in step one includes polyester, pure cotton and rayon. During step one embroidery, a layer of auxiliary material is added to the bottom surface of the fabric to prevent deformation and facilitate subsequent cleaning. The auxiliary material uses embroidery three-dimensional glue of different thicknesses. The auxiliary materials include three-dimensional glue, embroidery backing paper and organza.

[0055] The advantage is that by using three-dimensional glue as the backing material for the bottom layer of the fabric, after the embroidery is completed, the glue auxiliary material can be easily removed to show a clear embroidery pattern.

[0056] Specifically, the embroidery area after shaping in step 2 is flat, and the overall undulation is within ±4mm. The embroidery shaping method in step 2 also includes steam ironing.

[0057] The advantage is that by heating the embroidery area and applying appropriate pressure, the embroidery thread can be better combined with the fabric, and the entire embroidery area can be kept flat, so that the embroidery pattern looks more neat and precise, and the durability of the embroidery is enhanced.

[0058] Specifically, the drawing software in step three includes Photoshop and AI. Example 2

[0059] A positioning method for embroidering first and then printing includes the following steps:

[0060] S1. Install a machine vision camera above the digital direct inkjet printing machine platen. The camera format covers the entire printing format, or set a specific size of camera format according to the actual printing format and accuracy requirements;

[0061] S2. The image captured by the camera is transmitted to the computer, and the computer has special software for calculating the positional relationship between the captured image and the printing plate;

[0062] S4. Take a picture of the platen position in the computer software, load the image (mask image) to be printed into the platen image and move it to a specific position.

[0063] S5. When the software calculates and outputs the image to the printer, the data of the relative position relationship between the image to be printed and the platen is sent to the printing machine.

[0064] S6. The printing machine will print according to the set position, and the printing result position is consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the position of the imported mask image, that is, a WYSIWYG printing position effect is obtained.

[0065] Specifically, when visually positioning prints, an image template positioning method is used to bind the print file with the embroidery features to make a template. The embroidery features are automatically identified by machine vision for position matching, completing the positioning of the print data on the embroidery.

[0066] The advantage is that through the image template positioning method, combined with the automatic recognition and matching technology of machine vision, the printing data can be accurately positioned on the embroidery, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of printing. Example 3

[0067] Image template creation includes the following steps:

[0068] S1.1. Template creation: First, create an image template to bind the image to be printed with the embroidery features;

[0069] S1.2. Capturing images: Before printing, use a machine vision camera to capture images of the product to be printed;

[0070] S1.3, Image Matching: Match the captured image with the prepared template. The machine vision system will automatically identify the embroidery features and compare them with the template to determine the location of the embroidery pattern on the product to be printed;

[0071] S1.4, Position Calculation: Based on the image matching results, the computer will calculate the relative position relationship between the image to be printed and the embroidery features;

[0072] S1.5. Print output: Based on the position calculation results, the image to be printed is moved to a specific position. The machine vision system outputs the accurately positioned print pattern to the printer to ensure that the print position is completely consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the imported mask image.

[0073] S1.6. Inspection and adjustment: Once printing is completed, use the machine vision system to inspect the printing results; if any positioning deviation is found, make adjustments immediately, such as calibrating the camera, remaking the template, or adjusting the parameters of the machine vision system.

[0074] Specifically, the template in S1.1 is created using a special software tool, the Nord Print Vision Positioning Software V1.0.0. The Nord Print Vision Positioning Software V1.0.0 is an existing software copyright registered with the China Copyright Office, with Software Copyright Registration No. 6900638. It is a publicly available technology and its specific functions will not be introduced here. The template contains a printing file and corresponding embroidery features. The embroidery features in the template include shape, color, and texture.

[0075] The advantage is that by binding these embroidery features with the printing file and creating a template, they can be automatically identified and matched through machine vision technology in actual applications to achieve accurate positioning of the printing data on the embroidery.

[0076] Specifically, in S1.3, by comparing the image with the prepared template, the system can obtain the corresponding relationship between the embroidery features in the image and the embroidery features in the template.

[0077] The advantage is that the corresponding relationship can be used to determine the position of the printing data on the embroidery.

[0078] Specifically, the positional relationship in S1.4 includes translation, rotation, and scaling parameters, and the positional relationship is used to accurately locate the position of the printing pattern on the product to be printed.

[0079] The advantage is that, by determining these positional relationships, the printed pattern can be accurately positioned so that it falls precisely on the designated position of the product to be printed.

[0080] When used, this method can achieve precise positioning of the printed image on the product to be printed. When visually positioning the print, the image template positioning method can be used to bind the print file with the embroidery feature to make a template, and the embroidery feature is automatically identified by machine vision for position matching to complete the positioning of the print data on the embroidery. Using the template method, after the template is completed, the embroidery products can be placed at will during mass production, and the embroidery is automatically identified and matched by machine vision to complete the precise positioning of the print.

[0081] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A positioning process of embroidering first and then printing, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Use white embroidery thread dyed with printing ink to embroider a specific pattern on the fabric; Step 2: After the embroidery is completed, the embroidery is shaped by heat pressing; Step 3: Mask image production: After the embroidery is completed, scan or take a photo of the embroidery sample, and then import the picture into the mapping software. In the mapping software, fill the position that needs to be printed with patterns or colors according to the embroidery image, and fill the position that does not need to be printed with transparent colors to complete the mask image production; Step 4: Use a digital direct-injection printer with machine vision positioning function for positioning printing; Step 5: After printing is completed, perform regular drying and color fixing treatment, remove the shaping auxiliary materials at the bottom of the embroidery, and complete the embroidery product.

2. The embroidery-before-printing positioning process and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embroidery thread in step one includes polyester, pure cotton and rayon. During embroidery in step one, a layer of auxiliary material is added to the bottom surface of the fabric to prevent deformation and facilitate subsequent cleaning. The auxiliary material includes embroidery three-dimensional glue of different thicknesses, embroidery backing paper and organza.

3. The embroidery-before-printing positioning process and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embroidery area after shaping in step 2 is flat, and the overall undulation is within ±4mm. The embroidery shaping method in step 2 also includes steam ironing.

4. The embroidery-before-printing positioning process and method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drawing software in step 3 includes Photoshop and AI.

5. A positioning method for embroidering first and then printing, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Install a machine vision camera above the digital direct-injection printing machine platen. The camera format covers the entire printing format, or sets a specific size of the camera format according to the actual printing format and accuracy requirements; S2, the image collected by the camera is transmitted to the computer, and the computer has a special software for calculating the positional relationship between the captured image and the printing platen; S4. Take a picture of the platen position in the computer software, load the image to be printed (mask image) into the platen image and move it to a specific position. S5, when the image is output to the printer through software calculation, the relative position relationship data between the image to be printed and the platen is sent to the printing machine, S6. The printing machine will print according to the set position, and the printing result position is consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the imported mask image position, that is, a WYSIWYG printing position effect is obtained.

6. The embroidery-before-printing positioning method according to claim 5, characterized in that: When visually positioning the print, an image template positioning method is used, the print file is bound to the embroidery feature to make a template, and the embroidery feature is automatically identified by machine vision for position matching to complete the positioning of the print data on the embroidery.

7. The embroidery-before-printing positioning method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The image template production comprises the following steps: S1.

1. Template making: First, make an image template to bind the image to be printed with the embroidery features; S1.2, image capture: before printing, use a machine vision camera to capture images of the product to be printed; S1.3, Image matching: Match the captured image with the produced template. The machine vision system will automatically identify the embroidery features and compare them with the template to determine the location of the embroidery pattern on the product to be printed; S1.4, position calculation: based on the image matching results, the computer will calculate the relative position relationship between the image to be printed and the embroidery feature; S1.5, Print output: according to the result of position calculation, the image to be printed is moved to a specific position. The machine vision system will output the accurately positioned printing pattern to the printing machine to ensure that the printing position is completely consistent with the image captured by the visual camera and the imported mask image position; S1.6, Inspection and Adjustment: Once the printing is completed, use the machine vision system to inspect the printing results; If positioning deviations are found, adjustments are made immediately, such as calibrating the camera, remaking the template, or adjusting the parameters of the machine vision system.

8. The embroidery-before-printing positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The template in S1.1 is created using a special software tool, which is Nord Printing Vision Positioning Software V1.0.

0. The template contains a printing file and corresponding embroidery features. The embroidery features in the template include shape, color and texture.

9. The embroidery-before-printing positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that: In S1.3, by comparing the image with the prepared template, the system can obtain the corresponding relationship between the embroidery features in the image and the embroidery features in the template.

10. The embroidery-before-printing positioning method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positional relationship in S1.4 includes translation, rotation and scaling parameters, and the positional relationship is used to accurately locate the position of the printing pattern on the product to be printed.

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