Sewing Machine Marker Detection via Image Capture and Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sewing machines struggle to accurately detect the position of a marker on a sewing object due to factors like feed efficiency and cloth inclination, leading to incorrect changes in sewing conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine equipped with a bed portion, conveyance portion, sewing portion, image capture portion, projector, processor, and memory, which captures images during conveyance, identifies markers, and projects a corresponding projection image to notify the user of the marker's position, adjusting for movement and conveyance speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the sewing machine detects the marker position from a captured image, then the sewing condition can be changed at the identified position, but the detected position may differ from the actual marker position due to feed efficiency and cloth inclination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic marker detectionVSAvoidmarker position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously captures images during conveyance and compares the detected marker position with the actual position, using this feedback to correct detection errors and improve positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical position detection methods with image capture and processing, allowing for non-contact, high-speed detection while enabling software-based correction of positioning errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the sewing machine stops sewing based on detected marker position, then automated sewing condition changes can be performed, but the sewing may stop at an incorrect position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated sewing controlVSAvoidsewing stop position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses continuous image capture and position verification to provide feedback on the actual marker location, ensuring that sewing stop commands are executed at the correct position rather than relying on potentially erroneous single-point detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary position verification and correction before executing the sewing stop command, ensuring that the stop position is accurately determined in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11680347B2Sewing machine

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A sewing machine includes a bed portion, a conveyance portion, a sewing portion, an image capture portion, a projector, a processor, and a memory. The conveyance portion is configured to convey a sewing object placed on the bed portion. The memory is configured to store marker information and computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include causing the image capture portion to perform the image capture at a predetermined timing, during a conveyance period, identifying the marker in a captured image, using the marker information stored in the memory, identifying a projection position corresponding to the identified marker, when the marker is identified, and causing the projector to project the projection image indicating the identified projection position, while following a movement of the marker on the sewing object being conveyed.