Sewing Machine Image Capture Excluding Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of sewing machine components within the image capture range of a sewing machine's image capture device complicates image processing, especially when detecting markers on a work cloth, particularly as the embroidery frame size increases, leading to longer detection times.
Innovation Solution
The sewing machine incorporates an embroidery frame moving mechanism and an image capture device that captures images under various conditions, allowing for the specification of a specific image capture range and positioning conditions to exclude machine components from the image, thereby simplifying image processing and reducing detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image capture device captures images under multiple image capture conditions to cover the entire specific range, then the completeness of image acquisition is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes machine components (presser foot, needle-threading member, etc.) from the image capture range by positioning the embroidery frame at specific positions. This extraction eliminates the harmful factors caused by these components appearing in the captured images, allowing for cleaner image processing and marker detection without the complexity of processing additional components in the images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the embroidery frame to predetermined positions before image capture. By pre-positioning the frame at positions where machine components are excluded from the capture range, the system prepares the optimal imaging conditions in advance, avoiding the need for complex post-processing or multiple retry captures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the embroidery frame size is increased to hold larger sewing objects, then the versatility and capability are improved, but the detection time for markers increases due to larger image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image capture process by dividing the specific range into areas that are captured and areas that are excluded. By positioning the embroidery frame to segment out machine components from the capture range while maintaining capture of the entire work cloth, the system processes only relevant image data, reducing processing time despite the large frame size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the work cloth area from the overall image capture by positioning the frame to exclude unnecessary machine components. This extraction focuses the image processing on only the relevant areas containing the marker and work cloth, reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to handle large embroidery frames
3Ease of operation
If machine components are positioned within the image capture range for operational purposes, then the functionality is improved, but the image processing complexity increases due to the presence of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict by changing the spatial dimension of the problem. Instead of trying to exclude machine components from a fixed capture range, the system moves the embroidery frame to different positions, effectively changing the dimensional relationship between the capture device and the work area. This allows machine components to remain in their operational positions while being excluded from the capture range through frame positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine that includes a body, an embroidery frame moving mechanism, an image capture device, a specifying device, a determining device, a setting device, a positioning device, and an acquiring device. The image capture device is provided with a function to capture a plurality of images of the sewing object under a plurality of image capture conditions, respectively. The plurality of the image capture conditions correspond to different effective image capture ranges. The specifying device specifies, as a specific range, a range on the sewing object. The determining device determines a combination of a specific image capture condition and a positioning condition. The setting device sets the specific image capture condition as an actual image capture condition. The positioning device positions the embroidery frame in accordance with the positioning condition. The acquiring device acquires image data that corresponds to a specific effective image capture range.