Embroidering Patents (Class 700/138)
  • Patent number: 8793009
    Abstract: A data generator includes a memory and a processor. The memory may store a plurality of predetermined colors. The processor may control the data generator to determine a characteristic of a color-based pattern portion, and to assign a color for each of the plurality of color-based pattern portions based on the characteristic. The plurality of the color-based pattern portions may be included in an embroidery pattern. The assigned color may be selected randomly from the plurality of predetermined colors stored in the memory and used as thread color data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuki Ihira
  • Patent number: 8774957
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating device is disclosed. The embroidery data generating device generates embroidery data that is used for sewing an embroidery pattern including multiple color-wise pattern sections with a sewing machine and that includes thread color data specifying a color of each of the color-wise pattern sections. The embroidery data generating device includes a first storage device that stores multiple entries of preset color information; an extractor that randomly extracts color data used as the thread color data from each entry of the color information stored in the first storage device; and an allocator that randomly allocates the color data extracted by the extractor to each of the thread color data associated with each of the color-wise pattern sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryutaro Maki, Takashi Hirata, Takafumi Naka, Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8763541
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image capture portion that captures an image of a sewing object that is held by an embroidery frame, a data acquisition portion that acquires embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, an area setting portion that sets a sewing area that is an area within which the embroidery pattern can be sewn on the sewing object, a setting acquisition portion that acquires, as a reference setting, a setting of at least one of a position and an angle of the embroidery pattern in relation to a marker that is disposed on the sewing object, and an area specification portion that specifies an image capture object area for the image capture portion, based on conditions that include the sewing area, the embroidery data, and the reference setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8763542
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing device, a processor, and a memory. The sewing device is configured to form stitches on a sewing workpiece. The memory is to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring embroidery data, generating stitched marker data, causing the sewing device to sew the at least one stitched marker, causing the sewing device to start sewing an embroidery pattern, identifying a pattern to be sewn when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, detecting at least one of a second sewing position and a second sewing angle when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, setting at least one of a third sewing position and a third sewing angle, correcting data to be used to sew the pattern to be sewn, and causing the sewing device to restart sewing the embroidery pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Abe, Yoshio Nishimura, Yoshinori Nakamura, Satoru Ichiyanagi, Yutaka Nomura, Akie Shimizu, Yuki Ihira
  • Publication number: 20140156054
    Abstract: Printer driver systems and methods for automatic generation of embroidery designs are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a print command associated with print data representative of a design to be embroidered, and generating embroidery data using a printer driver and based on the print data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventors: David A. Goldman, Nirav Patel, Mingkui Song
  • Patent number: 8739712
    Abstract: A punch data generating device is disclosed that generates punch data for execution with an embroiderable sewing machine including a needle bar allowing attachment of a punch needle for forming a plurality of small holes on a sheet of workpiece by piercing the workpiece in dot-by-dot strokes of the punch needle, a transfer mechanism that transfers the workpiece in two predetermined directions in coordination with an up and down movement of the punch needle to execute a holing operation for forming the small holes on the workpiece. The punch data generating device includes a cut data generator that generates cut data constituting the punch data, the cut data being configured to instruct consecutive formation of the small holes at least along an outline of a pattern section of the workpiece in which a predetermined pattern is drawn to allow cutting of the outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kawaguchi, Yukiyoshi Muto
  • Publication number: 20140144359
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring pattern data, specifying an outline of the embroidery pattern based on the pattern data, creating hole data for causing the sewing machine to form a plurality of holes including one or more first holes and one or more second holes, creating first stitch data for causing the sewing machine to sew one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and creating embroidery data for causing the sewing machine to form one or more first holes, and sew the one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and causing the sewing machine to form the one or more second holes, before causing the sewing machine to sew an outline pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoko YAMANASHI
  • Patent number: 8738171
    Abstract: A sewing machine may comprise a mounting portion configured to be mounted with an embroidery frame comprising a frame and an outer frame. The sewing machine may also comprise an image capturing device configured to capture an image including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting portion. The sewing machine may further comprise a processor configured to execute instructions, and a memory. The memory may be configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising identifying a mark from the captured image, wherein the mark is provided on the embroidery frame or on a work cloth held by the embroidery frame, determining a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the identified mark, and notifying rotation information based on the determined rotation angle. The rotation information may be information for adjusting the rotation angle to a specified rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harumi Kato, Midori Magara, Katsuhisa Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8738172
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to execute steps comprising acquiring pattern data, identifying needle drop points on a pattern line, identifying, as a corresponding cutting needle for each of the plurality of needle drop points, one of cutting needles configured to be attachable to needle bars of a multi-needle sewing machine in a state in which directions of cutting edges are different from each other, storing needle drop point data and cutting needle data in association with each other in the memory, identifying an extending direction of fibers of the work cloth, replacing the cutting needle data in which an angle between the extending direction and the direction of the cutting edge does not satisfy a predetermined relationship, with other data indicating another cutting needle in which the angle satisfies the predetermined relationship, and generating cut data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Muto, Tomotaka Katano
  • Patent number: 8738170
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a mounting adaptor, a memory, an imager, and a processor. The mounting adaptor may be mounted with an embroidery frame. The memory may store frame rotation data. The frame rotation data indicate a setting angle which is a predetermined rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame. The imager may image an area including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting adaptor. The processor may control the sewing machine to detect a marker provided on at least one of the embroidery frame and the work cloth based on the image, determine a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the detected marker, and control the driver to adjust a rotation of the frame based on the determined rotation angle and the frame rotation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harumi Kato, Katsuhisa Hasegawa, Midori Magara
  • Patent number: 8738173
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an imaging device that captures an image of a sewing target object, a notification device, a processor and a memory. The processor acquires settings related to a layout of a second pattern with respect to a first pattern, and identifies a marker layout position. The processor causes the notification device to notify the identified marker layout position. The processor acquires first image data indicating an image in a first holding position. The image includes a marker arranged on the sewing target object. The processor acquires second image data indicating an image in a second holding position after the first image data has been acquired. The image includes the marker. The processor determines a layout of the second pattern with respect to the sewing target object in the second holding position, based on the acquired settings, the first image data and the second image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8731705
    Abstract: A data generator includes a memory and a processor. The memory may store a plurality of predetermined colors. The processor may control the data generator to assign a color, to display an embroidery pattern, to designate a color of the thread color data, and to allocate the designated color. The color, which is extracted randomly from the plurality of predetermined colors, may be assigned as a thread color data of each of a plurality of color-based pattern portions. The embroidery pattern may be displayed to a screen with the color assigned to each of the plurality of color-based pattern portions. The color of the thread color data designated from each of the plurality of color-based pattern portions may be included in the displayed embroidery pattern. The designated color may be allocated with priority over the plurality of predetermined colors for each of the plurality of color-based pattern portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryutaro Maki
  • Publication number: 20140116308
    Abstract: A device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store a plurality of group information pieces, the number of thread colors to be used in embroidery sewing and computer-readable instructions. Each of the group information pieces is associated with one more thread colors among a plurality of thread colors. The computer-readable instructions cause the processor, when executed, to perform processes that includes acquiring image data including pixels, replacing a color of each of the pixels with a thread color from the thread colors, calculating a frequency of using each of the thread colors, selecting, until the number of thread colors selected from the thread colors is equal the number of thread colors to be used stored in the memory, one thread color from each of the group information pieces sequentially, based on the group information pieces stored in the memory and on the calculated frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8706286
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for determining the suitability of an original image to embroidery based on analysis of the image and calculation of various metrics indicative of embroidery suitability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventor: Vyacheslav Nykyforov
  • Patent number: 8694147
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating device includes an embroidery data storage unit storing data of a plurality of embroidery data, an embroidery data selection unit selecting a desired one of the embroidery data stored on the embroidery data storage unit, a color data storage unit storing data of a plurality of defined colors, and an assignment unit randomly extracting colors from the color data storage unit, the extracted colors being used as thread color data for specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions composing the selected embroidery pattern. When the embroidery data selected by the embroidery data selection unit includes thread color data of two or more color-based pattern portions having a same color, a randomly extracted color is assigned to the color-based pattern portions so that the color-based pattern portions have the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuneo Okuyama
  • Patent number: 8694146
    Abstract: A method of creating embroidery designs with the use of embroidery software to weave overlapping graphemes to imitate monogramming by hand. A user-specified template for letter layout is designed so that letters overlap. Software reads the letters from a True-Type/Open-Type font file in vector form. Each individual letter is distorted to the template using 3rd degree Bezier Surfaces, 2nd degree Bezier curves and line segments are converted to 3rd degree Bezier curves. Software calculates the intersecting areas using 2-Dimensional Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) to determine which letter will be on-top at each letter intersection, and sorts the intersecting areas into zones, wherein the top letter for each zone is toggled, letters within a zone are alternated, and only the top letter segment is shown. Software cuts out letter segments that will be below another letter at each intersection, and fills the weaved letter or grapheme areas with embroidery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Ioannis Doukakis, Miltiadis Vasileiadis, Konstantinos Angelakis
  • Publication number: 20140094952
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatically generating embroidery designs. A described method includes identifying vertices in a set of chain-code points defining an edge of a first object to be embroidered; filtering the vertices by: determining whether a height of a first triangle defined by a first one of the vertices and ones of the vertices that neighbor the first one of the vertices is at least a threshold; and when the height is less than the threshold, eliminating the first one of the vertices from the vertices; and generating embroidery data based on the filtered vertices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Goldman
  • Patent number: 8682467
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating device generates embroidery data usable to sew by a sewing machine an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of color-based pattern portions. The device includes a color data storage unit storing data of a plurality of defined colors, an assignment unit randomly extracting a color from the color data stored on the color data storage unit, the extracted color being used as thread color data for specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions and a sewing sequence data storage unit storing data of set sewing sequence of the color-based pattern portions. The device generates embroidery data in which an order of contrasting density of the colors assigned to the respective color-based pattern portions by the assignment unit as the thread color data corresponds to a sewing sequence of the color-based pattern portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Ihira, Ryutaro Maki
  • Publication number: 20140074278
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manipulate embroidery designs via a communication network are disclosed. An example apparatus includes An apparatus for manipulating an embroidery design via a communication network, comprising a client computer to: receive a communication from a server, the communication including embroidery data; display, via a user interface of the client computer, a first image based on the embroidery data; edit the embroidery data stored in a memory of the client computer to create modified embroidery data in response to receiving a command via the user interface of the client computer; and display, via the user interface of the client computer, a second image based on the modified embroidery data in the memory of the client computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventors: David A. Goldman, Nirav B. Patel
  • Publication number: 20140069308
    Abstract: An embroidery data processor processes embroidery data on which an embroidery pattern is sewn by a sewing machine. The processor includes a color information acquiring unit which is configured to acquire color information of a workpiece cloth on which the embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of color-based pattern portions is sewn, a color storage unit which is configured to store data of a plurality of defined colors, an assignment unit which is configured to randomly extract colors from the colors stored by the color storage unit for every one of the color-based pattern portions, based on the color information acquired by the color information acquiring unit, said extracted colors being used as thread color data specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masashi TOKURA
  • Publication number: 20140060407
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing device, a processor, and a memory. The sewing device is configured to form stitches on a sewing workpiece. The memory is to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring embroidery data, generating stitched marker data, causing the sewing device to sew the at least one stitched marker, causing the sewing device to start sewing an embroidery pattern, identifying a pattern to be sewn when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, detecting at least one of a second sewing position and a second sewing angle when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, setting at least one of a third sewing position and a third sewing angle, correcting data to be used to sew the pattern to be sewn, and causing the sewing device to restart sewing the embroidery pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke ABE, Yoshio NISHIMURA, Yoshinori NAKAMURA, Satoru ICHIYANAGI, Yutaka NOMURA, Akie SHIMIZU, Yuki IHIRA
  • Patent number: 8660683
    Abstract: Printer driver systems and methods for automatic generation of embroidery designs are disclosed. An example method includes identifying intersections of line segments from different ones of first polygonal objects, determining relationships between the line segments based on the intersections, removing a redundancy between at least two of the line segments, generating, using a computer, second polygonal objects based on the intersections and the line segments, and outputting, from the computer, embroidery data representative of the second polygonal objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventors: David A. Goldman, Nirav Patel, Mingkui Song
  • Patent number: 8655474
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating apparatus that includes a pattern data acquisition device that acquires pattern data, an area identification device that identifies a base area in which a plurality of base stitches including a plurality of intersecting portions are to be formed, each of the intersecting portions being a portion at which two base stitches extending in different directions intersect, a first generating device that generates first sewing data to be used to sew the base stitches in the base area, a sewing data acquisition device that acquires second sewing data to be used to sew a pattern represented by the pattern data in an area including at least a part of the base area, and an embroidery data generating device that generates embroidery data including the first sewing data and the second sewing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomotaka Katano, Takashi Hirata, Chiyo Koga
  • Publication number: 20140000498
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a position acquisition device, a projection device, a processor, and a memory. The position acquisition device is configured to acquire information describing at least one designated position, each of the at least one designated position being a position on a sewing workpiece. The projection device is configured to project an image onto the sewing workpiece. The memory is configured to store non-transitory computer-readable instructions that instruct the processor to execute a step that includes specifying the at least one designated position on the sewing workpiece described by the information acquired by the position acquisition device. The memory is also configured to store non-transitory computer-readable instructions that instruct the processor to execute a step that includes causing the projection device to project a visually recognizable marker onto the sewing workpiece, based on the specified at least one designated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoko YAMANASHI, Mika MATSUSHIMA, Masayuki HORI
  • Publication number: 20130340660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a tufting machine configured for forming tufted carpet. The tufting machine can have a system controller in communication with the tufting machine and with a plurality of yarn feed controllers for controlling operation of yarn feed motors that are configured to supply yarn from a source of yarn to the tufting machine. The system controller is programmable to enable input of a plurality of predetermined yarn feed profiles for selected stitches of a programmed pattern to be tufted such that, although at least two of the predetermined yarn feed profiles can be different, substantially the same feed length of yarn is used from each of the plurality of yarns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Shaw Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: NEIL VAUGHAN, MARK HONEYCUTT
  • Patent number: 8612046
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an imaging device capturing an image and a processor. The processor identifies a first layout of a marker with respect to a layout of a first pattern in a first holding position based on an image including the marker arranged on a sewing target object. The processor identifies a second layout of the marker with respect to the first pattern in a temporary holding position, and stores the identified second layout as storage information. Then, the processor newly identifies the second layout based on the storage information and an image including the marker captured in the temporary holding position. The processor identifies a third layout of the marker with respect to the first pattern in a second holding position, and determines a layout of a second pattern with respect to the sewing target object in the second holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8606390
    Abstract: A sewing machine (1) has access to a memory (M) for stitch data and a processor (C) for reading said stitch data and for operating the sewing machine (1) to execute stitches according to stitch data, wherein the sewing machine (1) has a hoop (20) for framing a pattern of the sewing material (2), and for moving the framed pattern in a direction comprising a component of at least one of a first coordinate (x) and a second coordinate (y) and wherein further the processor (C) controls movements of the hoop (20) according to said direction in relation to the position of a needle (5) of the sewing machine and synchronously with the movement of the needle for executing stitches, wherein: —the stretched sewing material (2) is clamped to the hoop (20) for forming a framed pattern in the hoop, —the framed pattern of the sewing material (2) is scanned by means of a camera (10) mounted in the sewing machine (1) and directed towards the sewing material (2) for the purpose of taking pictures of part views of said framed pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: VSM Group AB
    Inventors: Anders Hjalmarsson, Christian Bondesson, Anders Flygare, Bjorn Crona
  • Patent number: 8594830
    Abstract: A sewing machine that includes a first reference setting portion setting, as a first reference, a reference for a first pattern sewn in a first holding position, a first layout identification portion identifying, as a first marker layout, a marker for the first reference, a first reference change portion changing the first reference after the first marker layout is identified, a second layout identification portion identifying, as a second marker layout, a marker for the changed first reference, a second reference setting portion setting, as a second reference, a reference for a second pattern sewn in a second holding position, a third layout identification portion identifying, as a third marker layout, a marker for the first reference in the second holding position or the changed first reference, and a setting portion setting the second pattern for the sewing target object in the second holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8588954
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manipulate embroidery designs via a communication network are disclosed. The method includes receiving at a server, via the communication network, a request from a client computer, the request including first data associated with the embroidery design, processing at least some of the first data at the server to generate at least one of image data or embroidery data, and transmitting, via the communication network, a response to the client computer, the response to be received by a user interface for manipulating embroidery design information at the client computer and including at least one of the image data or the embroidery data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventors: David A. Goldman, Nirav B. Patel
  • Patent number: 8584607
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image capturing portion configured to capture an image of a sewing object, a setting acquisition portion configured to acquire individual settings relating to a layout relationship between two patterns, a first image data acquisition portion configured to acquire first image data, a second image data acquiring portion configured to acquire second image data in a case where there is a non-continuous adjacent pattern in a position adjacent to a reference pattern, a third image data acquisition portion configured to acquire third image data, a fourth image data acquisition portion configured to acquire fourth image data in a case where the continuous pattern is also a non-continuous adjacent pattern, a first layout determination portion configured to determine a first layout, a second layout determination portion configured to determine a second layout, and a sewing data correction portion configured to correct sewing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8561559
    Abstract: A sewing system that forms an embroidery pattern on the workpiece cloth by co-operating a sewing mechanism and a transfer mechanism using a count of thread colors determined by a count of thread color data found to match thread color data by a verifier. By removing a storage device attached to one of the plurality of multi-needle sewing machines and attaching the removed storage device to other one or more multi-needle sewing machines, unsewn portions of the embroidery pattern at each of the other one or more multi-needle sewing machines are sewn by reading the progress information by a data reader, verifying whether or not the thread color data contained in the progress information read by the data reader matches thread spool color data of other one or more multi-needle sewing machines and executing a sewing operation based on the verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuneo Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20130239858
    Abstract: An information processing device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The instructions instruct the information processing device to execute steps including randomly arranging a plurality of embroidery patterns within a coordinate area set in an embroidery frame that is moved in two directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Yuki IHIRA, Daisuke ABE, Akie SHIMIZU, Satoru MAKINO, Satoru ICHIYANAGI, Yoshio NISHIMURA, Yutaka NOMURA, Yoshinori NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8534209
    Abstract: A sewing machine comprises a transport portion that moves an embroidery frame, a contact detection portion that detects contact with the embroidery frame, a first position identification portion that identifies a first position, a second position identification portion that identifies a second position, a direction determination portion that determines a direction of a diagonal line of a virtual rectangle, a third position identification portion that identifies a third position, and an area setting portion that sets a sewable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Hirata
  • Publication number: 20130233220
    Abstract: A sewing machine that includes a sewing device that includes a needle bar configured to attach a sewing needle, and a transport device configured to move a work cloth, a processor, a plurality of detection devices that are configured to detect ultrasonic waves, and a memory that is configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising specifying, when an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a transmission source of the ultrasonic wave is detected by the detection devices, a position of the transmission source of the ultrasonic waves, based on the detected ultrasonic waves, specifying a sewing position on the work cloth based on the specified position of the transmission source, and moving the work cloth by the transport device in accordance with the specified sewing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka NOMURA, Satoru MAKINO, Yuki IHIRA, Daisuke ABE, Yoshio NISHIMURA, Yoshinori NAKAMURA, Satoru ICHIYANAGI
  • Publication number: 20130233217
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes at least one detecting portion, a processor, and a memory. The at least one detecting portion is configured to detect an ultrasonic wave that has been transmitted from a transmission source. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps including identifying a position of the transmission source of the ultrasonic wave based on information pertaining to the ultrasonic wave that has been detected by the at least one detecting portion, and controlling sewing based on the position of the transmission source that has been identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Akie SHIMIZU, Satoru MAKINO, Yuki IHIRA, Daisuke ABE, Yoshinori NAKAMURA, Satoru ICHIYANAGI, Yutaka NOMURA
  • Patent number: 8532810
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatically generating embroidery designs. A described method includes segmenting image data into a plurality of objects including a first object, recursively generating fragments from the first object to generate an order in which the fragments are to be sewn, the order to reduce thread cuts or increase path connectivity between the fragments, and generating an image output file representative of an embroidery design based on the fragments and the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: VistaPrint Technologies Limited
    Inventor: David A. Goldman
  • Patent number: 8527083
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a moving portion that moves a sewing object having a pattern to a first position and to a second position, an image capture portion that creates an image by image capture of the sewing object, a first acquiring portion that acquires a first image created by image capture of a first area by the image capture portion, a second acquiring portion that acquires a second image created by image capture of a second area by the image capture portion, and a computing portion that computes, as position information, at least one of a thickness of the sewing object at a portion where the pattern is located and a position of the pattern on a surface of the sewing object, based on the first position, the second position, a position of the pattern in the first image, and a position of the pattern in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Tokura
  • Patent number: 8521321
    Abstract: A sewing machine system includes a sewing machine and a storage device. The storage device includes an embroidery information storage portion, a conditions information storage portion, and a use history storage portion. The sewing machine includes a mounting portion to and from which the storage device can be mounted and removed, a first individual unit information storage portion that stores the first individual unit information, a use conditions determination portion that determines whether the sewing machine corresponds to the use conditions information, a usability determination portion that determines whether the embroidery information that is stored in the embroidery information storage portion can be used, a first decryption portion that decrypts the embroidery information, an individual unit information storage control portion that stores in the use history storage portion the first individual unit information, and an embroidery portion that performs embroidery sewing on a cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriharu Tashiro, Tsuneo Okuyama, Satomi Suzuki, Masahiro Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8515572
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for embroidery thread color management are disclosed. An example method comprises determining a first number of thread colors to be used by first designs assigned to a first embroidery machine, determining a second number of thread colors to be used by second designs assigned to a second embroidery machine, determining a difference between a first production time for the first embroidery machine and a second production time for the second embroidery machine, identifying which one of the first designs would increase the second number of thread colors by the smallest number when that one of the first designs is added to the second designs, and moving the identified one of the first designs to the second designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Vistaprint Technologies Limited
    Inventors: David A. Goldman, Nirav B. Patel
  • Patent number: 8504187
    Abstract: An embroidery data creation apparatus includes an outline data acquisition portion, a thread density data acquisition portion, a needle drop point setting portion that sets a plurality of first needle drop points, a plurality of second needle drop points, and a sewing order to alternately connect the plurality of first needle drop points and the plurality of second needle drop points using the stitches, a needle drop point change portion that, in a case where one of a value of a length ratio and a length difference is equal to or more than a specified threshold value, changes positions of some of the plurality of second needle drop points, respectively, to positions each of which will be covered by a stitch formed by connecting a first stitch end point and a second stitch end point, and an embroidery data creation portion that creates embroidery data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Sekine
  • Publication number: 20130186316
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data of an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch connecting at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Masahiro MIZUNO, Yin Hsuan HUANG
  • Patent number: 8473090
    Abstract: An embroidery data creation apparatus includes a first dividing portion that divides an entire area of an image into a first area and a second area based on one of frequency components and angle characteristics, a first data creation portion including a number of partitions setting portion, a second dividing portion that divides the first area into color areas, a representative angle computing portion that computes representative angles for the color areas, a first line segment arranging portion that arranges first line segments in each of the color areas, a first line segment color setting portion that sets first line segment colors, and a first line segment connecting portion that creates first data by connecting the first line segments, a second data creation portion that creates second data, and an embroidery data creation portion that creates embroidery data by combining the first data and the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130133561
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of embroidery data which respectively corresponds to a plurality of embroidery patterns and computer-readable instructions. The instructions instruct the sewing machine to execute steps of selecting one of the plurality of embroidery data and sewing the embroidery pattern corresponding to the selected embroidery data. The instructions further instruct the sewing machine to execute steps of extracting, from the plurality of embroidery data, specific embroidery data, wherein the specific embroidery data is usable in combination with the selected embroidery data, and sewing the specific embroidery pattern based on the extracted specific embroidery data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Masae IKEBA, Masahiro MIZUNO
  • Publication number: 20130112127
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an imaging device capturing an image and a processor. The processor identifies a first layout of a marker with respect to a layout of a first pattern in a first holding position based on an image including the marker arranged on a sewing target object. The processor identifies a second layout of the marker with respect to the first pattern in a temporary holding position, and stores the identified second layout as storage information. Then, the processor newly identifies the second layout based on the storage information and an image including the marker captured in the temporary holding position. The processor identifies a third layout of the marker with respect to the first pattern in a second holding position, and determines a layout of a second pattern with respect to the sewing target object in the second holding position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Masashi TOKURA
  • Publication number: 20130112126
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an imaging device that captures an image of a sewing target object, a notification device, a processor and a memory. The processor acquires settings related to a layout of a second pattern with respect to a first pattern, and identifies a marker layout position. The processor causes the notification device to notify the identified marker layout position. The processor acquires first image data indicating an image in a first holding position. The image includes a marker arranged on the sewing target object. The processor acquires second image data indicating an image in a second holding position after the first image data has been acquired. The image includes the marker. The processor determines a layout of the second pattern with respect to the sewing target object in the second holding position, based on the acquired settings, the first image data and the second image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Masashi TOKURA
  • Patent number: 8428764
    Abstract: A multi-needle sewing machine includes a plurality of needle bars having lower ends to which needles are attached, respectively, a needle bar selecting unit selectively switching one of the needle bars to a needle location, a stitch number obtaining unit and an allotting unit. An embroidery pattern including a plurality of partial patterns is sewn by the use of needle threads of colors differing per partial pattern, while the needle bars are selectively switched. The stitch number obtaining unit obtains the number of stitches necessary for sewing the partial patterns for every partial pattern. The allotting unit allots the needle threads to the needle bars so that the needle bars are prevented from being one-sided in the number of stitches, based on the obtained number of stitches, in order that one of the needle bars to be used for the sewing of each partial pattern may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Nagai, Atsuya Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20130074749
    Abstract: A sewing machine may comprise a mounting portion configured to be mounted with an embroidery frame comprising a frame and an outer frame. The sewing machine may also comprise an image capturing device configured to capture an image including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting portion. The sewing machine may further comprise a processor configured to execute instructions, and a memory. The memory may be configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising identifying a mark from the captured image, wherein the mark is provided on the embroidery frame or on a work cloth held by the embroidery frame, determining a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the identified mark, and notifying rotation information based on the determined rotation angle. The rotation information may be information for adjusting the rotation angle to a specified rotation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Harumi KATO, Midori MAGARA, Katsuhisa HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20130074748
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a mounting adaptor, a memory, an imager, and a processor. The mounting adaptor may be mounted with an embroidery frame. The memory may store frame rotation data. The frame rotation data indicate a setting angle which is a predetermined rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame. The imager may image an area including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting adaptor. The processor may control the sewing machine to detect a marker provided on at least one of the embroidery frame and the work cloth based on the image, determine a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the detected marker, and control the driver to adjust a rotation of the frame based on the determined rotation angle and the frame rotation data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Harumi KATO, Katsuhisa HASEGAWA, Midori MAGARA
  • Publication number: 20130079915
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating device generates embroidery data usable to sew by a sewing machine an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of color-based pattern portions. The device includes a color data storage unit storing data of a plurality of defined colors, an assignment unit randomly extracting a color from the color data stored on the color data storage unit, the extracted color being used as thread color data for specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions and a sewing sequence data storage unit storing data of set sewing sequence of the color-based pattern portions. The device generates embroidery data in which an order of contrasting density of the colors assigned to the respective color-based pattern portions by the assignment unit as the thread color data corresponds to a sewing sequence of the color-based pattern portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki IHIRA, Ryutaro MAKI
  • Publication number: 20130079916
    Abstract: An embroidery data generating device includes an embroidery data storage unit storing data of a plurality of embroidery data, an embroidery data selection unit selecting a desired one of the embroidery data stored on the embroidery data storage unit, a color data storage unit storing data of a plurality of defined colors, and an assignment unit randomly extracting colors from the color data storage unit, the extracted colors being used as thread color data for specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions composing the selected embroidery pattern. When the embroidery data selected by the embroidery data selection unit includes thread color data of two or more color-based pattern portions having a same color, a randomly extracted color is assigned to the color-based pattern portions so that the color-based pattern portions have the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuneo OKUYAMA