Sewing Machine Pattern Selection Interface Using Dynamic Display Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines face challenges in operability when selecting desired sewing patterns, especially with smaller displays, as users struggle to find patterns among numerous options, leading to errors and increased time spent searching.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine design that classifies patterns into groups, using a display control device to show pattern group indication marks in enlarged size initially, then switching to normal size, allowing users to easily select patterns with a smaller display by displaying pattern numbers and group marks in enlarged size after input, enhancing visual clarity and reducing operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a small-sized display is used in a sewing machine, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the operability and visibility of pattern selection are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pattern selection process into two stages: first selecting a pattern group (displayed as an icon), then selecting a specific pattern within that group (displayed as text). This segmentation allows the small display to present information in manageable portions, improving operability without requiring a large display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically changes its content based on the selection state. When a pattern group is selected, the display shows the group icon in a large font. When a specific pattern is selected, the display shows the pattern number and name in a large font. This dynamic adaptation allows the small display to maximize visibility of critical information at each stage of selection.
2Ease of operation
If a large-sized display with touch panel is used, then the visibility and operability of pattern selection are improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential selection function from the complex touch panel interface. Instead of using a full touch panel with multiple buttons and icons, the invention uses a simple numeric keypad and a single large display that shows pattern group icons and pattern numbers. This extraction of the core function achieves operability with significantly reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual representations (icons for pattern groups, text for pattern numbers) as copies of the actual patterns. These visual copies allow users to identify and select patterns without needing to see the actual sewing patterns, reducing the information density required on the display and enabling simpler interface design.
3Area of stationary object
If users manually search through a list of patterns using a keypad, then the display size can be kept small, but the time required for pattern selection and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of patterns into groups (e.g., utility patterns, decorative patterns, character patterns) and displays these groups as icons on the screen. Users can first select the desired group, which pre-narrows down the search space. This preliminary action reduces the time and effort required to find a specific pattern within the entire list.
Solution Approach 2:
The display provides immediate visual feedback to the user during the selection process. When a pattern group is selected, the corresponding icon is highlighted. When a pattern number is entered, the corresponding pattern name and number are displayed in large font. This feedback mechanism confirms user actions and helps prevent errors, reducing the time needed for selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine includes a display device, a display data storage device storing pattern display data for displaying each sewing pattern on the display device and pattern group display data for displaying on the display device a pattern group indication mark indicative of each of a plurality of pattern groups obtained by classifying the sewing patterns, a selecting operation device selecting one of the sewing groups and further either or any one of the sewing patterns contained in the selected pattern group, and a display control device which, when one of the pattern groups has been selected, causes the display device to display the pattern group indication mark indicative of the selected sewing pattern group on the display device firstly in an enlarged size and subsequently in a reduced normal size, based on the pattern group display data of the selected pattern group.