Sewing Machine Embroidery Pattern Recognition via Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in identifying embroidery patterns and editing parameters stored in a sewing machine's memory, especially when the number of patterns and parameters becomes large.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine equipped with an image capturing portion, processor, and memory that captures images of sewn patterns, extracts feature information, identifies patterns and corresponding editing parameters, and recreates the pattern using the identified parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of embroidery patterns and editing parameters stored in memory is increased, then the versatility and functionality of the sewing machine is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily identify the stored patterns and parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of embroidery patterns and editing parametersVSAvoididentification of embroidery patterns and editing parameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies (images) of the embroidery patterns stored in memory and displays them on a screen. This allows users to visually identify patterns without manually searching through large numbers of stored items, thus maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image generation and display system as an intermediary between the stored embroidery data and the user. This mediator converts abstract digital patterns into visual representations, making it easier for users to identify and select patterns from large collections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual identification and selection of embroidery patterns is used, then the device complexity is kept simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming pattern identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern identification speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical searching and identification with an automated image processing system. The system automatically generates images from stored pattern data, displays them, and can automatically select patterns based on image recognition, substituting manual operations with automated electronic processes to improve productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9249533B2Sewing machine

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, an image capturing portion, a first memory, a processor, and a second memory. The sewing portion is configured to sew an embroidery pattern on a sewing workpiece. The image capturing portion is configured to capture an image. The first memory is configured to store embroidery pattern data, editing parameters, and first feature information. The second memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include causing the image capturing portion to capture an image including the sewn embroidery pattern, extracting second feature information from a captured image, identifying the sewn embroidery pattern, based on the first feature information and the second feature information, identifying an editing parameter corresponding to the identified embroidery pattern, and causing the sewing portion to sew the identified embroidery pattern using the identified editing parameter.