Sewing Machine Embroidery Frame Angle Adjustment via Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in accurately adjusting the angle of an embroidery frame on a sewing machine due to the triangular mark and scale marks being obscured by the work cloth, leading to reduced precision in alignment.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine equipped with a mounting portion, an image capturing device, and a processor that captures images of the embroidery frame, identifies marks, determines the rotation angle, and provides rotation information for precise adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user adjusts the embroidery frame angle by visually checking the triangular mark and scale marks, then the adjustment can be made manually, but the accuracy of angle adjustment is reduced because the marks may be covered by the work cloth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment capabilityVSAvoidangle adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated image recognition system. The image capturing device captures images of the embroidery frame and work cloth, and the processor automatically identifies marks and calculates rotation angles, substituting the mechanical visual checking process with an optical-digital system that eliminates the problem of obscured marks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the image capturing device and processor that mediates between the embroidery frame and the user. Instead of directly observing marks that may be obscured, the user receives processed rotation angle information generated by the intermediary system, which has already performed the task of identifying marks and calculating angles even when marks are covered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the triangular mark and scale marks are placed on the embroidery frame for angle adjustment reference, then the user can visually align the frame, but the marks become obscured by the work cloth making them difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual alignment capabilityVSAvoidvisibility of alignment marks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual observation of physical marks with an automated image processing system. The image capturing device captures the marks even when partially obscured, and the processor identifies the mark positions and calculates rotation angles digitally, substituting the need for clear visual visibility with computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the visual information through image capture and processing. Instead of relying on the physical visibility of marks, the system captures an image copy, processes it to identify mark positions, and generates rotation angle information, effectively creating a redundant digital representation that compensates for the obscuration of physical marks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If the user manually adjusts the embroidery frame angle by observing marks, then no additional devices are needed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidspeed of angle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the slow manual visual adjustment process with an automated system that rapidly captures images, processes them to identify marks, calculates rotation angles, and provides guidance information. This substitution dramatically increases the speed of angle adjustment while maintaining simplicity through automated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying marks, calculating rotation angles, and providing adjustment guidance without requiring the user to manually measure or calculate angles. The embroidery frame adjustment process becomes self-guided through automated information provision, increasing productivity while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8738171B2Sewing machine and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A sewing machine may comprise a mounting portion configured to be mounted with an embroidery frame comprising a frame and an outer frame. The sewing machine may also comprise an image capturing device configured to capture an image including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting portion. The sewing machine may further comprise a processor configured to execute instructions, and a memory. The memory may be configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising identifying a mark from the captured image, wherein the mark is provided on the embroidery frame or on a work cloth held by the embroidery frame, determining a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the identified mark, and notifying rotation information based on the determined rotation angle. The rotation information may be information for adjusting the rotation angle to a specified rotation angle.