Abstract: The disclosure provides an embroidery data group for each character of a predetermined font, the consequent set of embroidery data groups being for use by an embroidery machine for inclusion in an embroidery design. The embroidery data groups are provided in such a way that each data group is individually selectable by the embroidery machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of converting a bitmap to an object-based embroidery pattern by generating a skeleton from the bitmap and traversing paths and nodes identified in the skeleton, the embroidery pattern objects being generated during the traversal. The outline of the bitmap is used to define parts of the boundaries of the generated objects, which are laid down using a linear stitch type on the first traversal of a skeleton path and a fill stitch type on the second traversal of the skeleton path.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an embroidery data group for each character of a predetermined font, the consequent set of embroidery data groups being for use by an embroidery machine for inclusion in an embroidery design. The embroidery data groups are provided in such a way that each data group is individually selectable by the embroidery machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of converting a bitmap to an object-based embroidery pattern by generating a skeleton from the bitmap and traversing paths and nodes identified in the skeleton, the embroidery pattern objects being generated during the traversal. The outline of the bitmap is used to define parts of the boundaries of the generated objects, which are laid down using a linear stitch type on the first traversal of a skeleton path and a fill stitch type on the second traversal of the skeleton path.

Abstract: A computer is operated to produce an object-based design description file for an embroidery pattern from a vector-based stitch file describing the pattern as a sequence of stitches. The stitch file is analyzed to identify the stitch points qualifying as embroidery edge points at which the stitch direction substantially reverses. A list of these edge points is produced and the stitch file is further analyzed to identify groups of successive edge points in the list wherein the edge points of each group define an embroidery region of area filling type stitches. An object describing the respective embroidery region is then generated from the co-ordinate positions of edge points in a group.

Abstract: A computer is operated to generate stitch data relating to an embroidery design. In the method of the invention, parameters of elements of the design are entered in the memory of the computer, said parameters being standard parameters for embroidering the design on a first type of material. First stitch data is then created in the memory of the computer for embroidering the design on the first type of material. Modified stitch data is then created in the memory of the computer for embroidering the design on a second type of material. The first stitch data or the modified stitch data, depending upon whether the design is to be embroidered onto the first type of material or onto the second type of material, is then written onto a storage medium.