Sewing Machine Marker Detection for Pattern Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sewing machines face difficulties in setting the position of subsequent patterns when sewing multiple patterns larger than the sewable area, as they lack a systematic method to determine the relative layout of patterns with respect to a reference pattern.

Innovation Solution

The sewing machine incorporates an image capturing device to detect markers on the sewing target object, determining the relative position and angle of subsequent patterns based on the layout of a reference pattern, allowing for accurate registration and updating of layout information to set the position of next patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple patterns larger than the sewable area are sewn, then the sewing machine can handle complex designs, but it becomes difficult to set the position of subsequent patterns relative to the reference pattern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to sew multiple patternsVSAvoiddifficulty in setting pattern position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces markers as intermediary elements arranged on the sewing target object to establish reference points. These markers serve as mediators between the user's design intentions and the machine's automated positioning system, enabling accurate pattern placement without manual measurement or complex user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an automated image processing system. The image capturing device captures markers, and the control unit automatically calculates pattern positions based on captured image data, eliminating the need for manual measurement and alignment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning methods are used for patterns larger than the sewable area, then the user has control over pattern placement, but the process is time-consuming and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over pattern placementVSAvoidtime consumption in positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting markers and calculating pattern positions without requiring continuous user intervention. The control unit autonomously processes captured image data to determine precise pattern locations, significantly reducing the time and effort previously required for manual positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual mechanical positioning with automated image processing and computational geometry. The control unit uses captured images of markers to automatically calculate and determine pattern positions, replacing time-consuming manual measurement and alignment operations with rapid digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the sewing machine automatically positions patterns based on markers, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity for marker detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential positioning function from the complex overall system by using simple, easily attachable markers. These markers contain minimal information (positional and orientational) that is sufficient for accurate pattern placement, separating the simple marker elements from the more complex image processing and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The markers act as simple intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the user's design requirements and the machine's automated positioning capability. They provide just enough information (position and orientation) for accurate pattern placement without requiring complex user input or sophisticated positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8594829B2Sewing machine and computer program product stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2013.11.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A sewing machine includes an image capturing device capturing a marker on a sewing target object; a layout determination portion determining a relative layout of the next pattern, if a reference pattern is a pattern that is sewn when a holding position of the sewing target object is a first holding position and a next pattern is a pattern that is sewn subsequently to the reference pattern and that is sewn when the holding position is a second holding position; a layout detection portion detecting a layout of the marker; a registration portion registering information as storage information relating to the layout of the marker; an update portion updating the storage information when the layout of the marker is newly detected; and a setting portion setting a layout of the next pattern when the storage information relating to the marker captured in the second holding position.