Sewing Machine Stitch Positioning via Feature Point Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines configured to sew embroidery patterns lack the ability to accurately set stitch positions as desired by the user, requiring manual adjustment of the image focus position to align stitches with intended locations.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine equipped with a processor, memory, and display that determines and displays feature points indicating stitch positions based on embroidery data, allowing users to select and align these points on the workpiece, thereby adjusting the stitch positions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the center point position is computed and set based on embroidery data, then the embroidery pattern can be sewn automatically, but the user cannot change the position to their desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic switching between automatic center-point-based positioning and manual user-specified positioning. The system transitions from a fixed automated approach to a flexible approach where users can intervene to specify their desired stitch positions, combining automation with user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image focus position as an intermediary element between the embroidery data and the actual stitch positioning. Users can adjust the image focus position to indirectly control where stitches are placed, providing a mediator that bridges automated computation and user intent.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image focus position is adjusted manually to align stitches with desired positions, then stitch placement accuracy improves, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computation of the center point position based on embroidery data before the user needs to specify a position. This pre-computation provides a starting reference point that users can then adjust if needed, reducing the overall time and effort required for position specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (image) of the embroidery pattern with the computed center point marked as an image focus position. This visual copy allows users to see and adjust the position intuitively, making the adjustment process faster and more accurate than working with raw coordinate data.
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a display, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The 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 determining a plurality of first positions based on embroidery data, causing the display to display an image showing an embroidery pattern and a plurality of feature points superimposed on the image, identifying one of the plurality of first positions indicated by one of the plurality of feature points displayed on the display, identifying, as a second position, an arbitrary position on the sewing workpiece, changing positions of a plurality of stitches identified by the embroidery data, and causing the sewing portion to sew the plurality of stitches based on the changed positions of the plurality of stitches.