Knit Designing Device for Asymmetrical 3D Fabric Pattern Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing designs for 3D knitted fabrics, such as gloves, face challenges in clearly displaying the input range for pattern data and accurately representing the shapes of asymmetrical front and back parts, leading to potential errors in the design due to unclear stitch shifts during knitting.

Innovation Solution

A knit designing device and method that includes storing part-based and bed-based images, allowing for display switching between these images, and accepting pattern data input on the bed-based image to apply it to both images, thereby clarifying the input range and stitch relationships, reducing errors in the design process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If only part-based image display is used to show shapes of parts, then the shapes of front and back parts can be displayed, but the range for pattern data input and stitch shift relationships become unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape displayVSAvoidinput range clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into two distinct modes: part-based image display for showing shapes of front and back parts, and bed-based image display for showing stitch shift relationships and input ranges. This segmentation allows each display mode to specialize in its strength without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the display system by introducing bed-based images that show the knitted fabric from a bed perspective, complementing the traditional part-based view. This additional dimensional perspective reveals stitch shift relationships and input ranges that are invisible in part-based views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If pattern data input range is not clearly displayed, then the design process can be simplified, but erroneous pattern input occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign process simplicityVSAvoidpattern input accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying the valid pattern data input range on the bed-based image before the user actually inputs pattern data. This advance indication prevents erroneous input by clearly showing where patterns can be applied, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bed-based image provides visual feedback about the valid input range and stitch shift relationships. This feedback mechanism guides users to input patterns correctly without requiring complex validation rules, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring input accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If stitch shift is not displayed in the design interface, then the interface remains simple, but the relationship between stitches and 3D shape becomes unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface complexityVSAvoidstitch relationship information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is made dynamic by allowing switching between part-based and bed-based image views. The bed-based view dynamically reveals stitch shift relationships when activated, providing necessary information without permanently complicating the interface. Users can access detailed stitch information on-demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2492383B1Knit designing device, designing method, and designing program
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 SHIMA SEIKI MFG LTD
  • EP2492383B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2492383B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2492383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A knitted fabric is designed in which knitting widths of a part for a front knitted fabric and a part for a rear knitted fabric become different from each other by stitch shift from a point during knitting. Display in which pattern data has been applied to the shape of a part and display in which the shape of a part has been modified according to stitch shift and pattern data has been applied thereto can be freely switched. The area where a pattern can be designed can be clearly displayed.