Abstract: A flexible, fabric-based circuit comprises a non-conductive flexible layer of fabric and a conductive flexible layer of fabric adjacent thereto. A non-conductive thread, an adhesive, and/or other means may be used for attaching the conductive layer to the non-conductive layer. In some embodiments, the layers are attached by a computer-driven embroidery machine at pre-determined portions or locations in accordance with a pre-determined attachment layout before automated cutting. In some other embodiments, an automated milling machine or a computer-driven laser using a pre-designed circuit trace as a template cuts the conductive layer so as to separate an undesired portion of the conductive layer from a desired portion of the conductive layer. Additional layers of conductive fabric may be attached in some embodiments to form a multi-layer construct.

Abstract: A software distribution system for sewing machine includes a server and a sewing machine. The server generates authentication key data dedicated for a sewing machine only upon initial transmission of medium identification data and sewing machine identification data from a terminal and stores the authentication key data in mapping with the medium identification data. If a valid medium identification data and an invalid sewing machine identification data are thereafter transmitted to the server, the stored data is not updated and the authentication key data is transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: A sewing machine provided with a needle bar having a sewing needle interchangeably attached to its lower end including an imaging element that captures images of the sewing needle; an extractor that extracts a shape of the sewing needle from the images of the sewing needle captured by the imaging element; an abnormality determiner that determines presence/absence of abnormalities in measurements of the sewing needle based on the shape of the sewing needle extracted by the extractor; and an abnormality alerter that alerts the presence of abnormalities determined by the determiner.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image pickup device that picks up over a sewing machine bed; a feature point coordinates calculation device that extracts feature points from the picked up image and calculates two-dimensional coordinates of the extracted feature points; a reference coordinates storage device that stores reference coordinates, which are previously measured three-dimensional coordinates of the feature points; a correlation device that correlates the reference coordinates stored in the reference coordinates storage device with the feature point coordinates, which are the two-dimensional coordinates of the feature points calculated by the feature point coordinates calculation device; and a parameter calculation device that calculates a parameter about the image pickup device based on a result of correlation by the correlation device.

Abstract: In a method of wirelessly controlling a sewing machine, a wireless receiver module receives an initial signal transmitted wirelessly and continuously from a speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and stores a preset security code portion of the received initial signal therein. Thereafter, the wireless receiver module receives an incoming control signal transmitted wirelessly from the speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and controls operation of a motor unit in accordance with a speed control code portion of the received incoming control signal upon detecting that an identification code portion of the received incoming control signal matches the security code portion stored therein.

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: A programmable electronic sewing machine includes input means for supplying input data when operated by a user, and sewing program composing means for composing a sewing program for the sewing machine on the basis of the input data supplied from the input means. The sewing program composing means composes the same sewing program on the basis of the input data supplied from the input means when the input means is operated in two or more different operating procedures.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine is equipped with interfaces (6, 7, 8, 9) by which additional stitch or stitch pattern data can be introduced into a changeable memory of the sewing machine. This conception makes possible that the user of the sewing machine is able to store afterwards, i.e. after having acquired the sewing machine, a selection of preferred stitch types or stitch patterns according to individual wishes, and then to fetch such data without need for any external auxiliary means.

Abstract: A sewing machine that permits selection of an outer profile for a frame pattern on an outer profile selection screen displayed on a pattern display, selection of a line shape for the frame pattern on a line shape selection screen displayed on the pattern display, and sewing of the frame pattern in accordance with a combination of the selected outer profile and line shape. Accordingly, since an outer profile and a line shape for a frame pattern are selected in combination, a large number of patterns can be selected using a small number of pattern selection screens and a frame pattern can be selected simply on the sewing machine.

Abstract: The present invention stores the image data of an original image pattern read by an image reader in processed data storage means, and stores the calculation formulas for producing designs such as checkers and strip patterns in calculation formula storage means. And, the needle location data of a selected design is generated by substituting the line and column numbers of the image data in the calculation formulas stored in the calculation formula storage means. By this construction, within the image data, embroidering data of the design which is not affected by the visible outline thereof can be formed. In addition, by carrying out the logical AND between the data of the needle locations corresponding to a design and the image data of an original data, embroidering data of the design which is not affected by the visible outline of the image data is formed within the image data.

Abstract: The present invention is an embroidering data production system for reading image data from an original image pattern by means of an image input device and producing embroidering data from the image data, and characterized by comprising an image reader for optically reading the original image pattern to convert it to image data of electrical signals, image data storage means for storing said image data, data processing means for processing said image data, embroidering data conversion means for converting the processed image data to embroidering data, and a RAM card for storing the converted embroidering data. Also, incorporated into the embroidering data conversion means of the embroidering data production system is means for allowing crossover lines occurring between image blocks after the sewing to easily be cut off or to be made unnoticeable, thereby enabling the production of sewing data which causes no degradation in the embroidery pattern quality.

Abstract: A pattern data processing device processes a pattern data adapted for controlling a sewing machine to attain a relative movement between a cloth to be stitched and a sewing needle of the sewing machine thereby forming a desired stitch pattern on the cloth.

Abstract: Contour data representing the contour of an embroidering area to be covered up with stitches formed by an embroidery machine is read from a contour data storage means and the contour of the embroidering area is displayed on a display on the basis of the contour data. A desired stitching direction for at least one point in the embroidering area is specified by the operator. The embroidering area is divided into a plurality of embroidering sections by dividing line segments parallel to the specified desired stitching direction. A reference point is set for each embroidering section. Each embroidering section is divided into blocks so that the respective contours of all the blocks are convex, and then embroidery data is produced.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a needle and a work fabric are relatively moved in X and Y directions according to driving data indicative of a needle location. An external ROM, which functions as an external memory, preliminarily stores compressed stitch data or compressed display data, and also preliminarily stores a program for converting the compressed stitch data into the driving data indicative of the needle location or a program for converting the compressed display data into dot pattern data. The manner of compression of the stitch data and the display data is not limited, thereby improving the flexibility of the external memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing embroidery data which are used by a sewing machine to move a sewing needle and a work cloth relative to each other so as to form stitches filling a desired original pattern on the cloth, the embroidery data including sets of coordinate data each representing a stitch position where the needle penetrates the cloth, the apparatus including a first device specifying a plurality of first defining points defining a first curve including at least one first adjustable curve segment in series, and a plurality of second defining points defining a second curve including at least one second adjustable curve segment in series and cooperating with the first curve to approximate an outline of the original pattern; a second device establishing an embroidery area by connecting between each of both ends of the first curve and a corresponding one of both ends of the second curve, and producing first sets of coordinate data representing a plurality of first stitch positions including at least one posi

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for converting low-level stitch-by-stitch numerical control code embroidery design programs into an outline format which can be edited and modified to generate new design patterns which may be converted back to either stitch-by-stitch numerical control codes or a condensed data format.

Abstract: Embroidery data for an embroidery machine is prepared by storing original outline data defining an embroidery area to be filled with stitches as a set of a plurality of closed outlines. The original outline data is modified into a single closed outline. Needle position relating data is then produced from the modified outline data to enable the embroidery area to be filled with stitches.

Abstract: A sewing machine for and a method of stitching a mark of a predetermined shape onto a fabric, in which the mark is stitched onto the fabric by selective employment of stitch patterns stored in a memory device of the sewing machine and wherein selected patterns form a single pattern of stitches corresponding to the predetermined shape of the mark.

Abstract: An original picture pattern to be produced with an embroidering machine may be seen through a transparent touch panel of an input device detachably connected to the embroidering machine. By simply tracing the coutour lines of the pattern with a stylus pen, the coordinates of substantially continuous points of the pattern may be inputted. A series of the coordinate data thus inputted is converted to another series of the coordinate data representing actual stitch points of a pattern to be produced on the fabric as a boldfaced duplicate of the original picture. Each line of the pattern may be boldfaced with zigzag stitches extending over a selectable amplitude or with multiplicated straightaway stitches formed by a repeated straight line producing operation.

Abstract: The outline of a pattern is read out by an input device of a digitizing image scanner where embroidering data for a zigzag embroidering, a lower thread embroidering, or a cross-stitch embroidering are selectively and automatically prepared. The embroidering data and the embroidering sequence for different patterns can be made very easily and rapidly. In cooperation with a computerized sewing machine, the device makes it possible to carry out a wide range of embroidering.

Abstract: An embroidery data processing system controls an automatic sewing machine to produce an embroidery design having a blurred side or blurred boundary line between adjacent blocks which make up the embroidery design.

Abstract: Processor arrangement for sewing apparatus for the operational control of at least one sewing device, including accessories, and for regulating the rotational speed of a positioning drive mechanism which drives the sewing device. The operating control characteristics as well as the rotational speed control characteristics are predeterminable and modifiable by digital programming signals of a programmer.

Abstract: In a computer-controlled sewing machine including a standard machine frame and exchangeable electronic control circuit plates inclusive of an operation board, a case for receiving a control circuit plate is attached to the machine frame. The circuit plates and the case are provided with coded keying means in the form of pins and holes to guarantee the fastening of a control plate matching a particular model of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine including a control device and a plurality of driving devices adapted to be controlled by the control device, in which one of a plurality of operating panels is selectably connectable to the control device. When one of the operating panels is connected to the control device, the control device controls the driving devices according to a selected additional control program. When none of the operating panels is connected to the control device, the control device controls the driving devices according to a basic control program. The operating panels are adapted to output discrimination signals peculiar to each of the operating panels so that the control device discriminates the operating panel selected and connected.

Abstract: An embroidering machine includes RAM which stores temporally the embroidering data read out from a memory card; a device which detects attaching or detaching of the memory card; a buffer circuit which makes and breaks a power source and buses for the memory card; an indicator or warning device which indicates the circuit making and breaking; a device for double checking the data sent from the memory card to RAM; and a device which indicates to the operator the presence of a required card. In the detector of the memory card, determined detecting edge terminals of the memory card are made shorter, and when the card is detached the circuits of the detecting terminals are disconnected earlier than the remaining circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data input device for an embroidering sewing machine, and more particularly to an input device having an editing function for an input pattern.

Abstract: A sewing maching having associated modules which can be inserted at will and which are interchangeable in a guide of the housing of the machine. The front side of the plate-shaped modules is visible in the inserted condition of the module and is provided with stitch symbols to which are assigned numbers. On the inside of the modules are arranged memories, preferably in connection with a microprocessor, which are in connection with the microprocessor of the sewing machine when the modules are inserted. By means of keys and a display, the number corresponding to the desired stitch sort can be selected and the control data from the memories of the module will be recalled in the microprocessor of the sewing machine and then used for controlling operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A system and method for stitching characters along a curve is disclosed. The alphabetic characters, numerals, symbols, designs, etc. to be sewn or embroidered, along with various other parameters, such as the initial radius and angular displacement of the curve on which the selected characters, etc. are to be stitched, are entered into the system by the operator. The system transforms the stitch points within each selected character, etc. into a new set of stitch points such that the selected characters, etc. are projected into a curve having the desired initial radius and initial angular displacement.

Abstract: Multiple sewing data which are required for a sewing operation based on a desired pattern and are prepared by a programming device are stored in a card equipped with an integrated circuit capable of reading and writing such data. A stitch forming device and a work fabric feeding device are actuated on the basis of the data, thereby forming stitches on a work fabric.

Abstract: An automatic embroidery machine operated according to stitch data stored in a memory device provides a secondary central processing unit, a secondary random access memory, and a secondary code input means such that subsequent stitch data may be input during current stitch work thereby increasing the work efficiency of the embroidery machine.

Abstract: An electronic control device for industrial sewing machines, which includes a microprocessor, a programmable fixed value memory, a read/write memory, a display and an entry keyboard. In order to be able to quickly and easily change the program according to which the sewing machine operates, the non-volatile read/write memory is arranged in a cassette provided with plug connector elements. The control device is provided with a cassette receptacle which includes plug receptacle elements which are formed and arranged to correspond to the plug connector elements.

Abstract: A control device for sewing machines includes an input device adapted to permit the input of different categories of information including program relative commands, unit sewing pattern relative commands, and numeric data and a discriminator capable of discrimination between a command for programming and one for program execution. The former commands are stored in a memory as program data and the latter commands are read out by means of a program read-out. In a comparitor, the read-out program data are compared with the actual data detected by a detector such as the number of stitches and the lock position of a needle arm. On the basis of this data, a fabric feed mechanism and a thread cut mechanism are ON/OFF controlled. Thus, a variety of sewing patterns can be programmed as required for subsequent readily effected and efficient execution so that operation can be optimal.

Abstract: An input device for sewing machines comprising a means for making visible the sewing pattern up to the inflection point immediately followed by the inflection point to be modified to facilitate the modification of the sewing pattern, a means for inputting the coordinate data of the inflection point to be modified, a means for indicating the contents of the modification, and a means for operating the contents of the modification thus indicated under a predetermined control.

Abstract: An automatic embroidery machine capable of switching to stitch urgently required patterns although the machine is scheduled to stitch patterns previously input through a central processing unit from random access memory. The urgently required patterns are given priority by input of a priority code, a discrimination code corresponding to the required pattern, a stop code, etc., during current stitch work.

Abstract: In a sewing machine which has a conventional needle amplitude adjusting device and a conventional fabric feed adjusting device are used as a detector for receiving an input of an information of a stitch coordinate, and an connector member is provided which is adapted to move said devices vertically and laterally. The operating member is attached to the sewing machine. When the operating connector member is moved and this movement is designated to be stored, a value of each of vertically and laterally crossing components of said member is detected, respectively, in said devices, and each of said values is stored in a random-access-memory. If the operating connector member traces a desired pattern sample and the memory designation is operated, the data of a continuously stitching coordinate of said desired pattern are stored.

Abstract: When a cassette is attached to or detached from a memory sewing machine, a switch provided on the sewing machine is actuated in association with the attaching or detaching so as to stop the operation of the circuit of the computer. During the actuation of said switch, an opening or closing is made between the connecting pin of the memory cassette and the circuit of the computer, and in the position where the attaching or detaching of the cassette is completed, the switch is returned to its initial position so as to position the circuit of the computer at the initial resetting condition so that a new stitching control is started.

Abstract: Stitch patterns are converted into coordinate data by an optical scanner employing a charge coupled device (CCD) which provides multiple PN diodes internally (providing X-direction coordinates), and a pulse motor driven by a predetermined pulse (providing Y-direction coordinates). The coordinate data are stored in random access memory (RAM) via a central processing unit (CPU), thereby eliminating the conventional manual work of inputting data for each stitch point.

Abstract: An electronic pattern stitch sewing machine is disclosed in which stitch control letter pattern data is stored to produce letters in a laterally or vertically readable first orientation and in which stitch coordinate mode changing data is stored to modify the letter pattern data to change the stitch coordinates of the letter patterns thereby orienting the letters in a direction perpendicular to said first orientation.

Abstract: Desired letters or other patterns to be drawn are traced with a finger on a pattern input part provided in a sewing machine frame, and patterns are selected by recognizing said letters or other patterns. The machine operator only inputs by sensitively tracing the said letter or other pattern without requiring observations to the input part.

Abstract: A sewing machine having associated modules which can be inserted .[.at will.]. and which are interchangeable in a guide of the housing of the machine. The front side of the plate-shaped modules is visible in the inserted condition of the module and is provided with stitch symbols to which are assigned numbers. On the inside of the modules are arranged memories, preferably in connection with .[.a microprocessor, which are in connection with.]. the microprocessor of the sewing machine when the modules are inserted. By means of keys and a display, the number corresponding to the desired stitch sort can be selected and the control data from the memories of the module will be recalled in the microprocessor of the sewing machine and then used for operation of the sewing machine. .[.