Abstract: A sewing machine and the system thereof is disclosed, wherein a sewing machine is connected to an external environment means having a display such that additional pattern information transmitted to the external environment means may be confirmed at the display irrespectively of internal and external information, the sewing machine having a memory for storing data which may be rewritten therein and an information input/output means for inputting and outputting external information into and from the memory such that the sewing machine may be operated under control of the external information while machine control information is outputted through the information input/output means.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a plurality of needle bars. One of the needle bars can be selected and reciprocally driven so as to stitch a desired embroidery pattern. The sewing machine has a common setting mode and an individual setting mode, which permits various operating conditions to be either commonly set for all the needle bars or individually set for one or more of the needle bars. If the common setting mode has been selected, the same operating conditions can be commonly set for all the needle bars. If the individual setting mode has been selected, the operating conditions can be set individually for each needle bar.

Abstract: The invention has been made to provide an embroidery sewing machine which may be automatically operated to withdraw the embroidering frame to a predetermined inoperative position. More particularly, in case the power source switch is turned off, the power happens to be in failure, the power cord happens to be disconnected, the sewing operation is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, or the instruction is given to withdraw the embroidering frame to a predetermined inoperative position, the CPU 50 is responsive to these situations to control the X-Y moving mechanism 67 to withdraw the embroidering frame to the predetermined inoperative position.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a movable holder portion which holds a material to be sewn, a holder drive portion which transfers the holder portion during sewing, a needle drive portion which drives a sewing needle to sew, and a controller which intelligently regulates the holder drive portion and the needle drive portion. The controller includes a) an initial motion device which initially transfers the material to be sewn before sewing or during an initial stage of sewing, and b) an estimating device which finds the mass of the material to be sewn depending on a physical value such as at least one of a moving velocity of the material to be sewn at a predetermined period of time and a moving distance of the material within the amount of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The embroidery machine for reducing vibration and noise comprises a table 2; an embroidery frame 4 placed on the table 2; a head 12 located above the embroidery frame 4, the head having a plurality of needles; a hook 14 installed below the table 2, the hook being opposite to the head 12; an X-axis driver unit 17 for providing power to move the embroidery frame 4 forward and backward in X direction; an Y-axis driver unit 39 for providing power to move the embroidery frame 4 forward and backward in Y direction; and a control unit 28 for being connected to the X-axis and Y-axis driver units 17, 139.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine is disclosed, the sewing machine having a stitch forming device including a needle 71 vertically reciprocated to form stitches on a work to be stitched, an embroidering frame 21 for holding the work and being moved relative to the needle in synchronism with the needle, and the stitch forming device being operated to decide a maximum speed of the vertically reciprocating needle 71 in dependence upon the type and weight of the work and the size and weight of the embroidering frame 21 and being further operated to reduce the speed of the vertically reciprocating needle 71 as the weight of the work and embroidering frame 21 increases and as the embroidering frame 21 is partly moved away from the body of sewing machine in the Y-direction

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a plurality of patterns are displayed on a pattern selection area of a display. Then, when one of the patterns displayed on the pattern selection area is selected, the selected pattern is displayed in a realistic manner on a pattern display area on the display. At this time, at least a part of the pattern display area is displayed while the pattern selection area is displayed. Therefore, the operator can see and grasp the pattern with a realistic image through the pattern display area while selecting the pattern.

Abstract: In a display apparatus used for a sewing machine, a liquid crystal display, LCD, shows a pattern edit screen in which a pattern is edited. The pattern edit screen has a standard display area for displaying the pattern for editing. The standard display area has a vertical long rectangular shape and is smaller than a half of the screen. When the image key is pressed on the pattern edit screen, the LCD is switched from the standard display area to a magnification display area, and the pattern is magnified and displayed thereon. The magnification display area is substantially as large as the whole of the display area of the LCD. Thus, the pattern can be displayed in greater detail. Furthermore, shading can be added to the pattern displayed. Therefore, each piece of thread can be presented, which makes the image of the formed pattern more realistic.

Abstract: Image data is converted into a mosaic image formed from blocks that are elongated in a stitching direction. In the mosaic image, blocks adjacent in the direction perpendicular to the stitching direction, that is, vertically adjacent blocks, are shifted out of alignment in the stitching direction. A thread color is set for each of the blocks, and embroidery data is produced accordingly. When embroidery patterns are sewn using this embroidery data, lines in the perpendicular direction will not stand out because blocks adjacent in the perpendicular direction are shifted out of alignment in the stitching direction. Also, because the blocks are shortened in the perpendicular direction, the resolution is enhanced and lines in the stitch direction will also not stand out.

Abstract: An embroidery stitch data producing device with two-way data transmission function is disclosed, wherein a first embroidery stitch data producing part A comprises a connecting means 6, a control means 7, an image data memory 2, a stitch data producing means 3 and a stitch data memory 4, while a second embroidery stitch data producing part B comprises a second image data memory 51, a stitch data producing/compiling means 52 and a second stitch data memory 53. The image data memory 2, the stitch data producing means 3 and the stitch data memory 4 may be connected through the connecting means 6 to the second image data memory 51, the stitch data producing/compiling means 52 and the second stitch data memory 53 so that the data may be exchanged therebetween so as to be variously converted for optional embroider stitching.

Abstract: In a display device, a language switching key is operated so that a language in which a character string is displayed on an LCD is set. Upon operation of an information key, information in the set language is displayed on the LCD. When a character size is “16×16,” the character string is displayed in one line on the screen of the LCD and the screen is scrolled horizontally. When the character size is “8×8,” the character string is displayed in two lines on the screen of the LCD and the screen is scrolled vertically.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fault of a embroidery machine, includes the steps of: (a) indicating that an embroidery operation is stopped by the fault of the embroidery machine and displaying a web-browser drive guide message; (b) displaying a fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page in response to a web-browser drive signal inputted by an operator; (c) transmitting fault-related information, inputted into the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page by the operator, from an embroidery system to a server computer system; and (d) transmitting the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page from a server computer system to the embroidery system, diagnosing the fault of the embroidery machine by employing the fault-related information inputted into the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page in order to generate fault diagnosis information, and transmitting the fault diagnosis information to the embroidery system.

Abstract: A memory 36 previously stores therein a plurality of sets of color combination data indicative of a plurality of desirable combinations of colors. Color of a cloth to be sewn is read by a scanner 28. With referring to the memory 36, an embroidery data editing device selects one combination of colors suited for the color of the cloth. The device displays the selected color combination so that a user can confirm the selected color combination. When color of some sewing region is limited to a certain color as stored in the memory 37, hemming embroidery data is added to the embroidery data at an outer rim of the embroidery pattern if needed.

Abstract: When a trace mode is started, a needle and a presser foot are moved relative to an embroidery frame. When a STOP key is pressed, moving is temporarily stopped, and the operator can visually check a positional relationship between the needle and the embroidery frame. When it is necessary to check the positional relationship in detail, a DOWN key is pressed and the presser foot is lowered independently of the needle, so that the operator can visually check the positional relationship between the presser foot and the embroidery frame.

Abstract: When a trace mode is started, a needle and a presser foot are moved relative to an embroidery frame. When a STOP key is pressed, moving is temporarily stopped, and the operator can visually check a positional relationship between the needle and the embroidery frame. When it is necessary to check the positional relationship in detail, a DOWN key is pressed and the presser foot is lowered independently of the needle, so that the operator can visually check the positional relationship between the presser foot and the embroidery frame.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an fault of an embroidery machine, includes the steps of: (a) indicating that an embroidery operation is stopped by the fault of the embroidery machine and displaying a web-browser drive guide message; (b) displaying a fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page in response to a web-browser drive signal inputted by an operator; (c) transmitting fault-related information, inputted into the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page by the operator, from an embroidery system to a server computer system; and (d) transmitting the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page from a server computer system to the embroidery system, diagnosing the fault of the embroidery machine by employing the fault-related information inputted into the fault diagnosis-dedicated web-page in order to generate fault diagnosis information, and transmitting the fault diagnosis information to the embroidery system.

Abstract: While reading and analyzing embroidery data for sewing, when an X-direction moving amount and a Y-direction moving amount are at most predetermined small amounts and seam stop data indicating a finish stitch-concentrated portion where embroidery operation is repeated over three stitches for a seam stop, is detected, an X-direction moving amount of a second one of finish stitch data is changed, the X-direction moving amount of a third one of the finish stitch data is changed, and finish stitch concentration of the seam stop is resolved by dispersing finish stitch positions. As a result, not only cutting of thread and swelling of a seam can be prevented but also a thread tightening operation can sufficiently be carried out by reducing moving distance of embroidery thread during thread tightening.

Abstract: A method for transferring an embroidery frame backward in case of thread breakage, includes the steps of: a) detecting the thread breakage to generate a thread breakage signal if the thread breakage occurs at a needle contained in needle holders; b) generating the control signal to control an embroidery-frame driver in response to the thread breakage signal; and c) transferring the embroidery frame backward in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of tracing an embroidery area by relatively moving a needle bar as a sewing device and an embroidery frame which holds a work cloth on which an embroidery pattern is embroidered based on embroidery data, comprises a calculating device that calculates a convex polygon in multiples of eight covering the pattern inside from the embroidery data, and positions of a plurality of vertexes comprised of the convex polygon, and a trace device that traces the embroidery area based on the vertexes found by the calculating device.

Abstract: In an embroidery data display apparatus, four pattern names “A01”, “A05”, “A10” and “A17”, for example, from which an embroidery pattern actually used for embroidering may be selected, are designated from a plurality of pattern names displayed on a CRT display, and pattern display data for the designated pattern names are generated in a time-sharing manner with background processing that is effected for minute time intervals &agr; parallel with main processing. The pattern display data thus generated are successively displayed on a display upon completion of each set of data. When it is confirmed that the displayed pattern is the embroidery pattern to be actually used for embroidering, a stop key provided in a keyboard is operated to generate a stop command, which is accepted by the main processing even during generation of pattern display data, so that the pattern display data generating operations can be immediately terminated.

Abstract: A large embroidery pattern is divided into a plurality of sewing regions so that each sewing region does not exceed the maximum sewing size of an embroidery sewing machine. An embroidery data processor prepares a piece of embroidery data for each divided embroidery pattern. The embroidery sewing machine separately sews a plurality of partial embroideries corresponding to partial embroidery patterns in separate pieces of cloth. The separate pieces of cloth can be arranged and sewn together to reproduce embroidery in the original size of the original overall embroidery pattern.

Abstract: In a sewing machine having a display, a data reading device reads sewing data of partial patterns which, when combined, form an entire pattern and attaching position data representing a predetermined attaching position of the work cloth holder to the moving device corresponding to each partial pattern, a display controller also displays attaching position information, representing each attaching position corresponding to each partial pattern based on the attaching position data read by the data reading device, on the display.

Abstract: In the sewing machine, a sewing device forms an embroidery pattern on a work cloth in cooperation with a moving mechanism. A display switching device switches the display between a first display mode and a second display mode. Therefore, the sewing machine can selectively display the size value representing a size of the embroidery pattern or the position value representing a position of the embroidery pattern on the work cloth using the display as desired. Further the display is necessary to secure a space for displaying both the size value and the position value at once. Accordingly, the sewing machine display can be downsized without sacrificing the convenience of the display.

Abstract: An embroidery system having an embroidery machine for automatically stitching embroidery stitch patterns on a garment and a machine controller for selectably controlling the operation of the embroidery machine in response to user provided selections, the improvement involves the use of a Windows CE based graphical user interface, such as a PDA, which is located between the user and the machine controller to provide user selections through the graphical user interface for directing the machine controller. The embroidery system has an associated embroidery functionality and the graphical user interface has a defined system architecture which may selectably enhance the embroidery system functionality by selectably adding software modules to the graphical user interface, such as to control the creation of embroidery lettering, to provide maintenance monitoring either locally or over the Internet, or to enable communication with the embroidery machine over a network.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a reading device reads embroidery or pattern data provided from outside of the apparatus and writes the read data into a memory, and a cancel device cancels the reading of the data during the reading of the data. Therefore, even if the reading of the data is mistakenly started, the reading process can be canceled when an operator notices the mistake. Thus, as the operator does not need to wait until the reading is completed, the operability and workability can be greatly improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embroidery data creating device for creating embroidery stitch data representative of cyclically repeated embroidery patterns to be formed on an embroidery area. The embroidery data creating device includes a first memory in which data related to the embroidery area is stored. The embroidery area has at least one embroidery block. Further, the embroidery data creating device is provided with a second memory in which reference pattern data indicative of a unit pattern of the cyclically repeated embroidery patterns is stored. A data generating device which is also included in the embroidery data creating device, creates the embroidery stitch data for the embroidery area stored in the first memory in accordance with the reference pattern stored in the second memory. In particular, the data generating device generates the embroidery stitch data by arranging the reference pattern data repeatedly within the embroidery area.

Abstract: A web based embroidery system capable of creating an automatically fulfilling a user customized embroidery order for a selectable garment over the internet. The system includes the ability to select the garment to be customized over the internet, to selectably locate an embroidery area on that garment, to select a customized embroidery pattern over the internet to be located in the user selected embroidery area, the ability to display an embroided simulation of the user located customized embroidery pattern on the selected garment, and the ability to provide embroidery pattern controlled signals over the internet to a remotely located embroidery machine for automatically stitching the user located customized embroidery pattern on an actual garment corresponding to the selected garment based on the displayed embroided simulation, which maybe a three dimensional simulation. In addition, customized embroidery lettering can be created and may be combined with a preexisting embroidery pattern.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a CPU reads a color display data of an embroidery pattern selected by a user from a ROM and generates a subtractive color data by subtracting colors included in the color display data. The CPU then writes the subtractive color data into a non-volatile storing medium, such as a flash memory. Therefore, the non-volatile storing medium can store more pattern data of the embroidery patterns, compared with the case where it stores the color display data whose data amount is large. That is, the storage capacity of the non-volatile storing medium can be smaller, so that the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Abstract: An embroidery data processor includes: a thinning unit that reduces thickness of lines in image data to produce thin-line image data including at least one thin-line outline defining a bounded region corresponding to a region of the embroidery pattern; a thin-line following unit that follows the at least one thin-line outline to search for branch lines connected to the at least one thin-line outline and extending into the bounded region; and a branch deleting unit that deletes any branch lines discovered by the thin-line following unit.

Abstract: A sewing machine that can set the sewing conditions for each stitch pattern and can store the set sewing conditions in a non-volatile memory in correspondence with each stitch pattern. The sewing conditions previously set for a certain stitch pattern can be used when the same stitch pattern is selected later.

Abstract: In an embroidery sewing machine, a value setting screen on a display indicates parametrical items about the movement of an embroidering frame, i.e., “sewable area” and “stand-by position”, as well as parametrical items about the sewing operation, i.e., “thread-breakage sensitivity” and “number of stitch-back stitches”. An operator enters or designates optimum values for those parametrical items by operating numerical keys and cursor moving keys on a keyboard, and registers a name to be assigned to a set of values for those parametrical items. The set of values for those parametrical items are stored in a floppy disk in relation to the registered name. By simply designating one of the registered names correspondingly to a material to be sewn, the optimum values for the parametrical items are retrieved simultaneously and set for the sewing operation.

Abstract: A quilting apparatus is provided with a computer controlled presser plate adjusting mechanism. A presser plate rocker shaft is separate from and mechanically connected to a needle rocker shaft and imparts a reciprocating motion to the presser plate. The presser plate rocker shaft is adjustable to vary the range of its output link to the presser plate, thereby changing the endpoints of its reciprocating path of travel. Certain embodiments have an output end of the presser plate rocker shaft adjustable relative to the input end through a coupling to different angular positions relative to an input end in order to change the upper and lower ends of the range of reciprocation of the pressure plate relative to the needle plate. Alternatively, the length of a link between the needle and pressure plate rocker shafts is variable to make the presser plate adjustment.

Abstract: A correction apparatus is designed to correct sewing data used on a sewing machine that forms an embroidery pattern on a cap by moving a needle bar upward and downward and a frame holding the cap in the X- and Y-axis directions. In the correction apparatus for correcting sewing data, the correction apparatus first reads sewing data as an original data, then finds the coordinates of a stitch point for each stitch from the read original data. The correction apparatus corrects the X coordinate of the stitch point based on a correction value that varies according to the Y coordinate, to create an execution data different from that in the original data. The correction value is calculated using the coordinate data of the Y-axis direction as a variable and a correction parameter that can be changed as a constant.

Abstract: A sewing machine calculates a standard sewing speed N to the Pth stitch, and a position of the Pth stitch. When the Pth stitch point is in a first area within a work holder, the sewing speed is determined to be N rpm. In a second area, it is determined to be N-100 rpm. In a third area, it is determined to be N-200 rpm. The distance from the first area to the connecting part of a work holder driving mechanism is the shortest. The distance for the second area is the next. The distance for the third area is the longest. Therefore, the larger the damping by the movement of the work holder is, the slower the sewing speed is set to. The sewing speed for each stitch created by the stitch formation mechanism can be set as fast as possible so that the damping is substantially settled. Thus, the quality of sewing can be secured and the entire sewing speed can be increased, thereby reducing the sewing time.

Abstract: A method and system using a novel user display. The user interface device includes a display for an embroidery design. The display is coupled to a micro processing device such as a microprocessor, microcomputer, or the like. The display also has a representation a stitch on a first axis of the display. The display also shows a property of the stitch on a second axis of the display, where the second axis intersects the first axis. Other features can also be included depending upon the application.

Abstract: A pattern sewing machine which recognizes a reference point of a cloth in a cloth holding frame 2 by recognition means 11, can space stitch point data of the current sewing pattern to be sewn in the cloth holding frame 2 at a predetermined pattern distance apart from the already formed embroidered pattern in X and Y directions by correction means 13i based on the reference point, detects a rotation direction shift of the cloth set in the cloth holding frame 2 by rotation direction shift detection means 13g, and corrects the stitch point data spaced at the predetermined pattern distance apart from the already formed embroidered pattern in the X and Y directions in the rotation direction with the reference point as the center by the correction means 13i based on the reference point and the cloth rotation direction shift, thereby finely matching the relative positions of the already formed sewing pattern and the subsequent sewing pattern to be sewn.