JP2004329580A - System, method, and program for line drawing embroidery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system, method and program for line drawing embroidery for providing a new way to enjoy embroidering an optional embroidery object based on information about an image transmitted from a user terminal through a network. <P>SOLUTION: The line drawing embroidery system provides a service of embroidering the optional embroidery object based on the information about the image received from the user terminal 5 through the network 3. The system is provided with: a line drawing information generation means 33 for generating line drawing information based on the information about the image; an embroidery information generation means 45 for generating embroidery information based on the line drawing information; and a transmission/reception control part 13 for transmitting the embroidery information through the network 3 to an embroidery sewing machine controller 7 for controlling an embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a line drawing embroidery system, method, and program for providing a service for performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information about an image transmitted from a user terminal via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A print creation device called a print club (trademark), which captures a subject image of a person or the like in a predetermined background and seals the background, has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among girls and high school girls. I have. Also, recently, the print creating apparatus itself has predetermined image data in the apparatus, and synthesizes an image of an idle talent or the like with an object image, or a business card or a card which captures the image of the object captured in this way. Products that have been imported and provided to the public have been developed, and the printing materials themselves have become rich in variations.
[0003]
However, since the prints supplied in the print club apparatus are of a sticker type, they are limited to applications such as sticking to personal goods, for example, sticker notebooks and stationery, and exchanging prints. I was Therefore, by using a heat transferable material as a print target of the print making apparatus, the print purchaser can enjoy the transfer of the print pattern discharged from the apparatus to, for example, a T-shirt or a cup. There has been proposed a print creation apparatus in which an object to be pasted is enlarged as compared with a mold print and a different way of enjoying can be provided (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Further, in a home sewing machine or an embroidery sewing machine using a computer, graphic data read by a scanner is converted into pattern sewing data, and an embroidery frame attached to the sewing machine is moved using the pattern sewing data to read a graphic. A similar stitch shape was formed. However, in order to use the scanner, it is necessary to prepare paper on which figures for scanning are drawn in advance, or individual patterns, and the preparation work is troublesome. Therefore, sewing data is created based on the data captured by the digital camera, and the sewing machine can perform pattern stitching.There is no need to prepare paper on which patterns are drawn or prepare individual patterns, and use There has been proposed a pattern stitch sewing machine that can easily form a desired pattern stitch using a sewing machine (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-280565 (page 4, paragraph 36, FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-78992 (page 3, paragraph 26, FIG. 2)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described print making apparatus, the print pattern is transferred to, for example, a T-shirt or a cup using a heat transferable material as a print target of the print making apparatus. Therefore, the transferred T-shirt or cup is washed or washed. The washing may cause deterioration such as fading or peeling of the print pattern. For this reason, even if the sticking target is enlarged as compared with the sticker type print, the enjoyment of the user may be lacking.
[0008]
In the above-described pattern stitch sewing machine, even if sewing data is created based on data captured by a digital camera and the sewing machine can perform pattern stitching, if the function and performance of the pattern stitch sewing machine are not good, the user is required to perform pattern stitching. In some cases, it is difficult to perform pattern sewing according to preference. In addition, a pattern sewing machine with a function or performance that can perform pattern sewing according to the user's preference may be expensive to own by the user, and the user can easily obtain such a pattern sewing machine until it is owned. In some cases, a desired pattern stitch cannot be formed using a pattern stitch sewing machine. In addition, if the function and performance are good, the user needs to understand the operation method according to the function, and the pattern sewing machine may not be used casually.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and performs embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information about an image transmitted from a user terminal via a network, thereby providing a new way of enjoying embroidery. It aims to provide systems and methods and programs.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a line drawing embroidery system of the present invention provides information (for example, an image to be described later) on an image received from a user terminal (for example, a user terminal 5 to be described later) via a network (for example, a network 3 to be described later) A line drawing information generating means for generating line drawing information (for example, line drawing data to be described later) based on the information on the image, and An embroidery information generating unit that generates embroidery information (for example, embroidery data described later) based on the line drawing information, and an embroidery sewing machine control device (for example, an embroidery sewing machine 11 described later) that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information For example, a transmission unit (for example, described later) that transmits the embroidery information to an embroidery sewing machine control device 7 described below via a network. And summarized in that with a transmission and reception control unit 13).
[0011]
Further, the line drawing embroidery method of the present invention is a line drawing embroidery method for providing a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information on an image received from a user terminal via a network, and based on the information on the image. Generating linework information, generating embroidery information based on the linework information, and transmitting the embroidery information via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information. And the step of performing
[0012]
Further, the line drawing embroidery program of the present invention is a line drawing embroidery program for providing a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information on an image received from a user terminal via a network, and based on the information on the image. Transmitting the embroidery information via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information. And causing the computer device to execute the procedure.
[0013]
That is, the present invention generates line drawing information based on information about an image received from a user terminal via a network, and generates embroidery information based on the line drawing information. Then, the embroidery information is transmitted via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information.
[0014]
As described above, according to the present invention, the embroidery sewing machine can be controlled based on the information regarding the image received from the user terminal via the network. Therefore, when an arbitrary embroidery target is set on the embroidery sewing machine and the user transmits information regarding the image from the user terminal using the network, the image represented by the information regarding the image is embroidered as a line drawing on the arbitrary embroidery target by the embroidery sewing machine. . Thereby, the user can embroider an image taken by a digital camera, for example, an image created in advance by so-called CG (computer graphics) as a line drawing on an arbitrary embroidery target (for example, a T-shirt, a Y-shirt, a polo shirt, a tie, etc.). can do. That is, it is possible to provide the user with embroidery that matches the user's taste, and the user can easily perform desired embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target.
[0015]
In the present invention, when a first information storage unit (for example, a user line drawing database 19 described later) for storing at least one of the information on the image, the line drawing information, and the embroidery information is provided, Can be stored. Therefore, the user can perform desired embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on the stored information as described above.
[0016]
In the present invention, an authentication unit (for example, an authentication unit 31 described later) for performing authentication in accordance with identification information (for example, an ID number described later) received from a user terminal, and information stored in a first information storage unit are managed. Information management means (for example, a database management means 35 to be described later), wherein the information management means extracts information stored in the first information storage means according to the identification result of the authentication means. By inputting the identification information to the user terminal, the user can extract information according to the identification result of the authentication unit. Therefore, desired embroidery can be easily performed on an arbitrary embroidery target without transmitting information on the image from the user terminal.
[0017]
In the present invention, a second information storage unit (for example, a server line drawing database 21 described later) for storing predetermined information (for example, digital content described later) is provided, and the embroidery information is stored in the second information storage unit. When the stored embroidery information includes the predetermined information, embroidery including the predetermined information can be performed on an arbitrary embroidery target. That is, for example, when the image data represents an image of the user's face and the predetermined information represents an image of eyeglasses or the like, a line drawing in which eyeglasses are combined with the image of the user's face can be embroidered on any embroidery target. it can. As a result, embroidery to which an image that did not exist in the original image is added can be performed, and the embroidery performed by the user becomes more interesting.
[0018]
In the present invention, a correction unit (for example, a correction unit 43 described later) that corrects at least one of the information related to the image, the line drawing information, and the embroidery information according to an operation input received from the user terminal is provided. In this case, the user can correct the information on the image, the line drawing information, and the embroidery information by operating the user terminal. Therefore, when the user corrects the line drawing information, for example, the user can erase an unnecessary portion (area) of the line drawing represented by the line drawing information. Thereby, even if unnecessary lines are included in the line drawing generated by the line drawing information generating means, by eliminating them, a neat line drawing can be obtained and beautiful embroidery without unnecessary lines can be performed.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the system of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image information (hereinafter described) which is connected to a network 3 such as a LAN or the Internet via a path control device and a communication line such as a telephone line, and is received from a user terminal 5 via the network 3 by the present system. It is a server that provides a service for performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on image data.
[0021]
Although the server 1 is shown as one device in the figure, a plurality of servers may be used. The server 1 also includes various software and hardware such as hardware resources and software required for realizing various functions such as a WWW server function, a mail server function, and a database server function. Wear is equipped. Specifically, a central processing unit (CPU) that performs program processing as hardware, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse for operating by a user or a clerk, and display means such as a CRT display for displaying various images. Storage means such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, a flexible disk drive, and a CD-ROM drive; and communication means for connecting to a computer network such as a modem or a router.
[0022]
5 is a user terminal (shop terminal) that can be connected to the server 1 via the network 3; 7 is an embroidery sewing machine control device for controlling an embroidery sewing machine 11 described later; This is an embroidery sewing machine that performs embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target such as a shirt or a Y-shirt. Here, the image information (image data) is, for example, data representing an image taken by a digital camera, a movie camera, or the like, data representing an image read by a so-called scanner, or so-called CG (computer graphics). The data represents an image. The line drawing information (line drawing data) is data representing a line drawing of the image. The embroidery information (embroidery data) is data (including control commands for controlling the embroidery sewing machine 11) for embroidering the line drawing.
[0023]
The image may be obtained by photographing a three-dimensional object such as a human or an animal from one direction. The object may be a cloth, nonwoven fabric, felt, paper, or the like, and the fibers may be a natural material or a synthetic fiber. Further, the object may be made of a thin leaf-like chemical substance such as a resin film. The arbitrary embroidery target may be a facing or curved object.
[0024]
The user terminal 5 reads a recording medium such as an HDD (hard disk drive), an IC memory card, a flexible disk, or a flash memory in which the image data is stored and transmits the image data. An image data reading means (for example, a CD-ROM drive or the like) for reading image data from a recording medium may be provided.
[0025]
A user using the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention connects a user terminal (for example, a personal computer, a PDA (personal information terminal), a mobile phone (a so-called camera-equipped mobile phone terminal)) 5 to the server 1 and, if necessary, After inputting the ID number, by transmitting / receiving information to / from the activated server 1, operations on a screen displayed on the display of the user terminal 5, data confirmation, and other operations can be performed.
[0026]
The user terminal 5 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that performs program processing, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, display means such as a CRT display, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, flexible disk drive, and CD-ROM drive. A general computer provided with storage means such as the above and communication means for connecting to a computer network such as a modem or a router can be used. In addition, as each of the user terminals 5, a mobile phone terminal having an information browsing function such as i-mode (registered trademark) can be used.
[0027]
The user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 in the same manner as the server 1, and a WWW browser for browsing web pages existing on various WWW servers existing on the network 3, and receives a user's operation input of the user terminal 5 from the server. 1 and is connected to the server 1 via the network 3 to perform communication.
[0028]
The server 1 that configures the system of the present invention can be installed at any location. For example, when the completed embroidery is sold in stores, the user terminal 5, the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 and the embroidery sewing machine 11 may be installed in a store that provides the completed embroidery to the user, and the server 1 may be installed outside the store. Further, the server 1, the user terminal 5, the embroidery sewing machine control device 7, and the embroidery sewing machine 11 may be installed in the store. Further, the server 1, the user terminal 5, the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 and the embroidery sewing machine 11 may be integrated and installed in a store (so-called stand-alone). The user terminal 5 may not be installed in the store (in this case, the user terminal 5 such as a mobile phone terminal is used by connecting to the server 1). That is, the server 1 can be installed in any location as long as it can receive image data and can connect to the embroidery sewing machine 11.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing the server 1. In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a transmission / reception control unit which controls communication including transmission / reception of image data with the user terminal 5 via the network 3, and controls communication with the embroidery sewing machine control device 7 via the network 3. It controls communication including transmission and reception of embroidery data and the like (including a control command of the embroidery sewing machine control device 7), receives operation input from the user terminal 5, and the like. That is, the transmission / reception control unit 13 has a function as a transmission unit that transmits the embroidery data via the network 3 to the embroidery sewing machine control device 7 that controls the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data. A storage unit 16 includes a user database 17, a user line drawing database 19, a server line drawing database 21, a web page storage unit 23, a program storage unit 25, and various data necessary for realizing the present invention. The program is stored.
[0030]
The user database 17 stores at least information of members who are registered users. The user information stored in the user database 17 includes, for example, a user's e-mail address, authentication information such as a member ID and a password assigned to each member, a member's name, address, telephone number, fax number, and date of birth. Data such as date, age, gender, area of residence, school name, occupation, etc. can be given.
[0031]
The user line drawing database 19 stores (stores) line drawing data. The stored line drawing data is extracted from the user line drawing database 19 by a later-described database management unit 35 in accordance with an identification result of an after-mentioned authentication unit 31. That is, the line drawing data is stored in the user line drawing database 19 in association with the ID number. Thus, every time the user specifies an ID number at the time of authentication described later, line drawing data corresponding to the ID number is read from the user line drawing database 19. In the embodiment, the line drawing data for the user is stored in the user line drawing database 19 as described above. However, image data, embroidery data, and the like may be stored. Thus, the user can extract the image data and the embroidery data corresponding to the ID number in the same manner as the line drawing data.
[0032]
The server line drawing database 21 stores digital contents. The digital content is predetermined information (line drawing data that can be combined with image data), and is, for example, line drawing data representing characters, numerals, glasses, whiskers, hairpieces, and the like (see FIG. 7).
[0033]
The web page storage unit 23 stores files of web pages constituting a website that provides a service. With this web page, embroidery can be performed based on image data via a network 3 such as the Internet.
[0034]
The program storage unit 25 stores a main program. This main program is used in the data processing unit 27 described later, and is composed of a program that controls various operations described later.
[0035]
A data processing unit 27 realizes various functions of the system of the present invention, which will be described later, such as data search and data creation. Specifically, the data processing unit 27 includes an authentication unit 31, a line drawing information generation unit 33, a database management unit 35, a line drawing synthesis unit 37, a charge calculation unit 39, a confirmation unit 41, a correction unit 43, an embroidery information generation unit 45, and the like. First, various means for performing data processing for realizing the present invention are provided.
[0036]
The authentication means 31 authenticates whether the user who accessed from the ID number input to the user terminal 5 is a registered person, and also performs initial registration by issuing an ID number for an unregistered user. That is, the authentication unit 31 performs authentication according to the identification information (ID number) received from the user terminal 5. The line drawing information generating means 33 performs a line drawing process for generating line drawing data based on the input image data. Specifically, the line drawing information generating unit 33 generates line drawing data by extracting mainly the outline of the image represented by the image data. Specifically, by recognizing a boundary portion where the color tone or brightness has changed abruptly and arranging a line there, a contour or a shadow can be represented as a line image. Thus, embroidery can be performed with a line image having a clear outline.
[0037]
The database management means 35 performs database operations such as writing new data, extracting, reading, and updating data stored in the user database 17, the user line drawing database 19, and the server line drawing database 21 in the storage unit 16. To manage That is, the information stored in the user line drawing database is extracted according to the identification result of the authentication unit 31. Specifically, when authentication is established by the ID number input by the user (when the ID number matches the information stored in the database), data corresponding to the ID number is extracted. On the other hand, when the authentication is not established (when the ID number does not match the information stored in the database), the stored data cannot be extracted.
[0038]
The line drawing synthesizing means 37 performs a line drawing synthesizing process for synthesizing line drawing data and digital contents. The fee calculating means 39 calculates a fee based on at least one of image data, line drawing data, and embroidery data, an embroidery target, and the like. The checking means 41 checks whether embroidery can be performed with the content set by the user. The correcting means 43 corrects the line drawing data according to the operation of the user. That is, the correcting unit 43 corrects at least one of the image data, the line drawing data, and the embroidery data according to the operation input received from the user terminal 5. The embroidery information generating means 45 generates embroidery data based on the line drawing data.
[0039]
That is, the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention is a line drawing embroidery system that provides a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on image data received from the user terminal 5 via the network 3, and based on the image data. Line information generating means 33 for generating line image data, embroidery information generating means 45 for generating embroidery data based on the line image data, and embroidery sewing machine control device 7 for controlling embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data. And a transmission / reception control unit 13 for transmitting the embroidery data via the network 3.
[0040]
More specifically, in the present invention, the embroidery sewing machine 11 can be controlled based on image data received from the user terminal 5 via the network 3. Therefore, when an arbitrary embroidery target is set on the embroidery sewing machine 11 and the user transmits image data from the user terminal 5 using the network 3, the image represented by the image data is embroidered as a line drawing on the arbitrary embroidery target by the embroidery sewing machine 11. Is done. Thereby, the user can embroider an image taken by a digital camera, for example, an image created in advance by so-called CG (computer graphics) as a line drawing on an arbitrary embroidery target (for example, a T-shirt, a Y-shirt, a polo shirt, a tie, etc.). can do. That is, it is possible to provide the user with embroidery that matches the user's taste, and the user can easily perform desired embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target.
[0041]
In addition, since a user line drawing database 19 that stores at least one of the image data, the line drawing data, and the embroidery data is provided, these pieces of information can be stored. Therefore, the user can perform desired embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on the stored data as described above.
[0042]
An authentication unit 31 that performs authentication in accordance with the ID number received from the user terminal 5 and a database management unit 35 that manages information stored in the user line drawing database 19 are provided. To extract the information stored in the first information storage means according to the identification result of the means, the user inputs the ID number to the user terminal 5 to extract the information corresponding to the identification result of the authentication means 31. can do. Therefore, desired embroidery can be easily performed on an arbitrary embroidery object without transmitting the image data from the user terminal 5.
[0043]
The embroidery data includes a server line drawing database 21 for storing digital contents. Since the embroidery data includes digital contents stored in the server line drawing database 21, it is possible to perform embroidery including digital contents on any embroidery target. Can be. That is, for example, when the image data represents an image of the user's face and the predetermined information represents an image of eyeglasses or the like, a line drawing in which eyeglasses are combined with the image of the user's face can be embroidered on any embroidery target. it can. As a result, embroidery to which an image that did not exist in the original image is added can be performed, and the embroidery performed by the user becomes more interesting.
[0044]
In addition, a user operates the user terminal 5 because it includes the correction unit 43 that corrects at least one of the image data, the line drawing data, and the embroidery data according to the operation input received from the user terminal 5. Thus, the image data, the line drawing data, and the embroidery data can be corrected. Therefore, for example, when correcting the line drawing data, the user can erase an unnecessary portion (area) of the line drawing represented by the line drawing data. Thus, even if unnecessary lines are included in the line drawing generated by the line drawing information generating means, by eliminating them, a clear line drawing can be obtained and beautiful embroidery without unnecessary lines can be performed.
[0045]
Next, a first example of the basic operation of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows a case where an unregistered user uses the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention. In the following description, “S” means “step”.
[0046]
First, the user connects the user terminal 5 to the server 1 via the network 3 and logs in to a state where communication is possible in an authentication image described later with reference to FIG. 5 (S1). Next, the user inputs image data to the server 1 in an image read image described later with reference to FIG. 6 (S2). Here, when the user clicks an image effect operation area 101 described later, the effect processing described later is performed on the image data, and the display mode of the image displayed in the image display area 58 changes.
[0047]
Next, when the image data is input, the server 1 performs a line drawing process (generation of line drawing information) based on the image data (S3). Next, when the user selects digital content in a digital content selection image to be described later with reference to FIG. 7 (S4), the server 1 performs a line drawing synthesis process for synthesizing the image data and the digital content by the line drawing synthesis means 37. Performing (S5), the combined line drawing is displayed on the user terminal 5 (S6).
[0048]
Next, a line drawing correction image described later with reference to FIG. 8 is displayed, and the user corrects the synthesized line drawing as necessary (S7), and an embroidery setting image described later with reference to FIG. Then, embroidery setting described later is performed (S8), and the contents set by the user are confirmed (S9). The server 1 generates embroidery data based on the line drawing data (S10). Next, the server 1 calculates a fee (S11), and the user confirms the fee (S12). Then, when the user pays the fee (S13), the server 1 registers (stores) information about the user (user information) in the user database 17 (S14), and the user is registered. Next, the server 1 issues an ID number to the user (S15), and transmits the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 (S16). That is, the embroidery data is transmitted via the network 3 to the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 that controls the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data. Next, the embroidery sewing machine control device 7 starts controlling the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data, so that the embroidery sewing machine 11 starts embroidery (S17).
[0049]
Next, a second example of the basic operation of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
FIG. 4 shows a case where a registered user (registered user) uses the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention. First, the user connects the user terminal 5 to the server 1 via the network 3 and logs in to a communicable state (S21). Next, the user inputs an ID number in an authentication image described later with reference to FIG. 5 (S22). The server 1 performs authentication based on the input ID number (S23). If the authentication is successful, the line drawing data corresponding to the ID number is read out from the line drawing data stored in the user line drawing database 19 and displayed (S24).
[0051]
Next, a line drawing correction image to be described later with reference to FIG. 8 is displayed on the user terminal 5, and the user corrects the combined line drawing (the line drawing data read out in S24) as necessary (S25). Then, embroidery setting described later is performed using an embroidery setting image described later with reference to FIG. 9 (S26), and the set contents are confirmed (S27). The server 1 generates embroidery data based on the line drawing data (S28). Next, the server 1 calculates the fee (S29), and the user confirms the fee (S30). When the fee is paid by the user (S31), the server 1 transmits the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 (S32). The embroidery sewing machine 11 starts embroidery when the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 starts controlling the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data (S33).
[0052]
Next, the authentication image will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication image is displayed when the user accesses the server (connects to the server 1 via the network 3 or the like), and is an ID number for selecting when the user does not have an ID number issued from the server 1 A non-selection area 50, an ID number selection area 51 for selecting when the user has an ID number issued from the server 1, an ID number input area 53 for inputting the issued ID number, The system includes a login button 55 for logging in (starting use of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention from the user terminal 5) and a pointer 52 for the user to indicate these areas and buttons by input means such as a mouse.
[0053]
In the figure, the selection area 51 having an ID number is indicated by the pointer 52 by the user, and is clicked and selected. In the figure, an ID number is input to the ID number input area 53 by an input means such as a keyboard by a user. Here, the click is an operation of pressing a predetermined button such as the keyboard and the mouse. When a mobile phone is used as the user terminal 5, the operation input may be realized by operating a predetermined operation button or the like of the mobile phone. The selection area without ID number 50 and the selection area with ID number 51 are formed by so-called radio buttons.
[0054]
Next, an image read image will be described with reference to FIG. The image reading image is displayed in an image reading step described later, and an image display area 58 for displaying the read image data as an image, and the progress of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention, that is, the embroidery data transmission from the image reading of the server 1 A process display area 59 showing the steps (processes) of the processing up to, a read image editing operation area 61 for editing the read image data, a return button 63 for returning one editing operation procedure, and a return button 63 An advance button 65 for advancing the editing operation by one step, a decision button 67 for ending the read image editing and proceeding to the next step, and an end button 69 for ending the use of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention. And the pointer 52.
[0055]
The process display area 59 includes an image reading step display area 71 indicating a step of receiving image data, that is, capturing image data (image reading step), and read image data (image data on which effect processing described later has been performed). Are included, and a selection process display region 75 indicating a process (selection process) of selecting digital content to be synthesized (a selection process), and a process of generating line image data (line image processing process) based on the A correction process display area 77 indicating a process (correction process) for correcting the line drawing data, and a line type, a stitch (a stitch, a stitch, a stitch, etc.), a color (specifically, Embroidery setting process display indicating a process (embroidery setting process) for setting which line of the displayed line drawing is to be embroidered with which color thread) An area 79, a confirmation step display area 81 showing a step (confirmation step) of confirming whether or not embroidery can be performed with the content set by the user, and a step of issuing an ID number (ID issue step). It comprises an ID issuing step display area 83 and an embroidery data transmission step display area 85 indicating the step of transmitting the generated embroidery data.
[0056]
This allows the user to be notified of the progress, so that the user can grasp what can be performed in the next step, for example, and can use the device smoothly even when using it for the first time. Note that each display area displayed in the step display area 59 may be changed in accordance with the above steps. For example, if the current step is an image reading step, the image reading step display area 71 may be turned on or off. As the change, a change in color, shape, pattern, or the like may be adopted. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the notification by sound as said notification.
[0057]
The read image editing operation area 61 includes a movement operation area 91 for moving the read image data in the image display area 58 by the user, a selection confirmation area 93 indicating that the pointer 52 is selected by the pointer 52, and a read image area. A size operation area 95 for the user to operate the size (size) of the data, a rotation operation area 97 for the user to rotate the read image data, and a brightness of the read image data (color shading, light and darkness). , Brightness, etc.) and an image effect operation area 101 for the user to convert the read image data into predetermined data, that is, effect processing. And an edit operation scroll button 103 for displaying an operation area different from the above-mentioned operation area. When the image effect operation area 101 is selected, an effect process is performed on the image displayed in the image display area 58. That is, line drawing data is generated based on the image data on which the effect processing has been performed.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the operation input of the user terminal 5 is an operation input from a keyboard, and a mouse operation is a so-called click, drag (mouse operation to move the mouse while pressing a button), drop (mouse operation). , And release the mouse button after dragging).
[0059]
Next, the digital content selection image will be described with reference to FIG. The digital content selection image is displayed in the selection step, and the image display area 58, the step display area 59, the return button 63, the advance button 65, the decision button 67, the end button 69, the digital The content is represented by an image, and includes a digital content selection operation area 111 for the user to select, and the pointer 52 described above. In the image display area 58 shown in FIG. 7, an image subjected to line drawing processing is displayed.
[0060]
The digital content selection operation area 111 includes a character display area 113 representing characters, a number display area 115 representing numbers, a first content display area 117 representing glasses, a second content display area 119 representing whiskers, and a hairpiece. A third content display area 121 to be displayed and a digital content scroll button 123 for displaying other digital content. The user arbitrarily selects digital contents from these display areas, and combines the digital contents with an arbitrary position of an image (line-processed image) displayed in the image display area 58 by an operation input with a mouse or the like. can do. In the present embodiment, the digital content is synthesized after the line drawing process is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the line drawing process is performed after the digital content is synthesized. It may be. In this case, the digital content may be stored as image data.
[0061]
Next, the line drawing correction image will be described with reference to FIG. The line drawing correction image is displayed in a correction step, and the image display area 58, the step display area 59, the return button 63, the forward button 65, the determination button 67, the end button 69, the line drawing correction It comprises an area 131 and the pointer 52 described above. In the image display area 58 shown in FIG. 8, an image in which digital contents are combined is displayed.
[0062]
The line drawing correction area 131 includes a selection operation area 133 for the user to select part or all of the synthesized image, an erasing operation area 135 for the user to delete part or all of the synthesized image, A writing operation area 137 for the user to write predetermined characters, numbers, figures, symbols, and the like on the synthesized image, and an enlarged operation area 139 for the user to enlarge and display the synthesized image are synthesized. It comprises a reduction operation area 141 for the user to display a reduced image and a correction operation scroll button 143 for displaying other operation areas.
[0063]
In the correction step, for example, when there is an unnecessary line in the image displayed in the image display area 58, the user selects the erasing operation area 135, and points the area where the unnecessary line is displayed with the pointer 52. By pointing while clicking, the unnecessary lines can be deleted.
[0064]
Next, the embroidery setting image will be described with reference to FIG. The embroidery setting image is displayed in the embroidery setting process. The image display area 58, the process display area 59, the return button 63, the forward button 65, the enter button 67, the end button 69, the embroidery It comprises a setting area 151 and the pointer 52 described above. In the image display area 58 shown in FIG. 9, an image corrected as necessary is displayed.
[0065]
The embroidery setting area 151 includes a thread setting area 153 for the user to set the type of the embroidery thread, a stitch setting area 155 for the user to set the stitch, and an embroidery of which area in the line drawing is which. A color setting area 157 for designating (setting) whether to embroider with a thread. Twenty kinds of images representing embroidery threads are displayed in the thread setting area 153, twenty kinds of images showing stitches are displayed in the stitch setting area 155, and twenty kinds of images showing colors are displayed in the color setting area 157. ing. By selecting an arbitrary image in each area, embroidery data corresponding to the selected image is generated.
[0066]
This step is conveniently changed depending on the performance and function of the embroidery sewing machine 11. For example, when the embroidery sewing machine 11 can embroider only with one type of thread, can embroider only with one type of stitch, or can embroider only with one type of thread color, the thread setting area 153 and the stitch setting area 155 can be used. The selection of the color setting area 157 is restricted or cannot be selected.
[0067]
Next, a T-shirt 161 completed using the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When the generated embroidery data is transmitted to the embroidery sewing machine control device 7, the embroidery sewing machine control device 7 controls the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data. The embroidery sewing machine 11 performs embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target under the control of the embroidery sewing machine control device 7. As a result, when the embroidery is completed, a T-shirt 161 as shown in FIG. When a predetermined image in the stitch setting area 155 is selected in the embroidery setting step, the embroidery is completed with a predetermined stitch corresponding to the predetermined image. That is, it is possible to provide a T-shirt, a Y-shirt, or the like embroidered with threads, stitches, and colors according to the user's preference.
[0068]
Next, a third example of the basic operation of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This example shows a case where the line drawing embroidery system is used using only the WWW browser of the user terminal 5. FIG. 11 shows a case where an unregistered user uses the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention.
[0069]
First, the user connects the user terminal 5 to the server 1 via the network 3 and logs in to a state where communication with an authentication image is possible (S51). Next, the user inputs image data in the image read image to the server 1 (S52).
[0070]
Next, when the image data is input, the server 1 performs a line drawing process based on the image data (S53). Next, when the user selects the digital content (S54), the server 1 performs a line drawing synthesizing process for synthesizing the image data and the digital content by the line image synthesizing means 37 (S55), and sends the synthesized line image to the user terminal 5. It is displayed (S56). Next, the user checks the displayed line drawing (S57), and the server 1 generates embroidery data based on the line drawing data (S58). Next, the server 1 calculates a fee (S59), and the user confirms the fee (S60). When the user pays the fee (S61), the server 1 registers information on the user in the user database 17 (S62), and the user is registered. Next, the server 1 issues an ID number (including a password) to the user (S63). Next, the server transmits the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 (S64). The embroidery sewing machine 11 starts embroidery when the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 starts controlling the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data (S65).
[0071]
Next, a fourth example of the basic operation of the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows a case where a registered user uses the line drawing embroidery system of the present invention.
[0072]
First, an Internet authentication image described later with reference to FIG. 13 is displayed on the user terminal 5, and the user connects the user terminal 5 to the server 1 via the network 3 and logs in to a communicable state (S71). ). Next, the user inputs an ID number in the authentication image (S72). The server 1 performs authentication based on the input of the ID number (S73). When the authentication is established, the line drawing data corresponding to the ID number is read out from the line drawing data stored (stored) in the user line drawing database 19 and displayed (S74).
[0073]
Next, an embroidery target selection image, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, is displayed on the user terminal 5, and the user selects an embroidery target or the like as necessary (S75). Next, a receiving method selection image, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, is displayed on the user terminal 5, and the user selects whether to go to the store to pick up the embroidered product or to receive it by home delivery (S76). ). Next, a payment method selection image, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, is displayed on the user terminal 5, and the user selects a payment method (S77). Next, a content confirmation image described later with reference to FIG. 17 is displayed on the user terminal 5 (S78), and when the user clicks a send button 197 shown in FIG. 17 described later, the server 1 generates embroidery data. (S79). Next, the server 1 calculates a fee (S80), and the user confirms the fee (S81). When the fee is paid by the user (S82), the server 1 transmits the embroidery data to the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 (S83). The embroidery sewing machine 11 starts embroidery when the embroidery sewing machine controller 7 starts controlling the embroidery sewing machine 11 based on the embroidery data (S84).
[0074]
Next, the Internet authentication image will be described with reference to FIG. The Internet authentication image is displayed when the user accesses the server 1, and is basically the same as the authentication image shown in FIG. 5, but is displayed by a WWW browser.
[0075]
Next, the embroidery target selection image will be described with reference to FIG. The embroidery target selection image includes an embroidery target selection region 181 for the user to select an embroidery target, and an embroidery target selection region 183 for the user to select whether or not the embroidery target is a product in a store. And a transmission selection area 185 for the user to select whether or not the embroidery target is to be transmitted by the user by delivery or the like, and to select whether or not the embroidery target is to be brought by the user. The user selects a product number when the embroidery target is a ready-made product, a size selection region 191 for selecting the size of the ready-made product, A delivery date selection area 193 for selecting a delivery date when the delivery is to be made, a delivery company selection area 195 for selecting a delivery company to be used for the delivery, A transmission button 197 for determining in serial and selection, a clear button 199 to clear (erase) the contents of the above selected, and a said pointer 52. The embroidery target selection area 181, the product number selection area 189, the size selection area 191, the sending date selection area 193, and the home delivery company selection area 195 are configured by so-called pull-down menus.
[0076]
Next, the receiving method selection image will be described with reference to FIG. The receiving method selection image selects a pick-up selection area 200 for selecting whether to pick up the embroidered embroidery target at the store or not, and selects whether to receive the embroidered embroidery target by home delivery. And a transmission button 197 for deciding on the selected content, a clear button 199 for clearing (erasing) the selected content, and the pointer 52.
[0077]
Next, the payment method selection image will be described with reference to FIG. The payment method selection image includes a registered mail selection area 202 for the user to select whether or not to pay the fee by registered mail, and a bank transfer selection for the user to select whether or not to pay the fee by bank transfer. An area 203, a COD selection area 205 for the user to select whether or not to pay the fee by cash on delivery, and a credit card selection area 207 for the user to select whether or not to pay the fee by credit card. A card number input area 209 for a user to input a credit card number, a password input area 211 for a user to input a password of a credit card, the send button 197, the clear button 199, And the pointer 52.
[0078]
Next, the content confirmation image will be described with reference to FIG. The content confirmation image is an image for confirming the content selected by the user, and includes a selection content display area 221 for displaying the embroidery object, the method for receiving the product, and the method for paying the fee, the transmission button 197, and the like. , The clear button 199, and the pointer 52.
[0079]
The above system and method can be realized by a program executed on a computer device, and the program can be supplied via a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication line.
[0080]
In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the databases 17, 19, 21, 25 and the web page storage unit 23 are provided in one server 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. A database server in which a database is stored and a web page server in which web pages are stored may be provided separately. In this case, the web page server does not need to be provided in the server 1, but only needs to exist in any place on the network 3.
[0081]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the web page storage unit 23 and the program storage unit 25 are separated from each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The unit 23 and the program storage unit 25 may be the same.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an embroidery sewing machine can be controlled based on information about an image received from a user terminal via a network. Therefore, when an arbitrary embroidery target is set on the embroidery sewing machine and the user transmits information regarding the image from the user terminal using the network, the image represented by the information regarding the image is embroidered as a line drawing on the arbitrary embroidery target by the embroidery sewing machine. . Thereby, the user can embroider an image taken by a digital camera, for example, an image created in advance by so-called CG (computer graphics) as a line drawing on an arbitrary embroidery target (for example, a T-shirt, a Y-shirt, a polo shirt, a tie, etc.). can do. That is, it is possible to provide the user with embroidery that matches the user's taste, and the user can easily perform desired embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a peripheral structure of a system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a server.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of the method of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second example of the method of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an authentication image displayed on the user terminal.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image read image displayed on the user terminal.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a selection image displayed on the user terminal.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a line drawing correction image displayed on the user terminal.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embroidery setting image displayed on the user terminal.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a T-shirt embroidered by the system of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third example of the method of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the method of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an Internet authentication image displayed on a user terminal using a WWW browser.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embroidery target selection image displayed on a user terminal using a WWW browser.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a receiving method selection image displayed on a user terminal using a WWW browser.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a payment method selection image displayed on a user terminal using a WWW browser.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a content confirmation image displayed on a user terminal using a WWW browser.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 server
3 network
5. User terminal (shop terminal)
7 Embroidery sewing machine controller
11 Embroidery sewing machine
13 Transmission / reception control unit
16 Storage
17 User database
19 User Line Drawing Database
21 Line drawing database for server
23 Web page storage
25 Program storage
27 Data processing unit
31 Authentication means
33 line drawing information generating means
35 Database management means
37 Line drawing synthesis means
39 Fee calculation means
41 Confirmation means
43 Correction Means
45 Embroidery information generating means
50 Selection area without ID number
51 Selection area with ID number
52 pointer
53 ID number input area
55 Login button
58 Image display area
59 Process display area
61 Read image editing operation area
63 Back button
65 Forward button
67 Enter button
69 Exit button
71 Image reading process display area
73 Line drawing process display area
75 Selection process display area
77 Correction process display area
79 Embroidery setting process display area
81 Confirmation process display area
83 ID issue process display area
85 Embroidery data transmission process display area
91 Movement operation area
93 Selection confirmation area
95 size operation area
97 Rotation operation area
99 Brightness control area
101 Image effect operation area
103 Edit operation scroll button
111 Digital content selection operation area
113 character display area
115 Number display area
117 1st content display area
119 second content display area
121 third content display area
123 Digital Content Scroll Button
131 Line drawing correction area
133 Selection operation area
135 Erase operation area
137 Write operation area
139 Enlarged operation area
141 Reduction operation area
143 Correction operation scroll button
151 Embroidery setting area
153 Thread setting area
155 Stitch setting area
157 color setting area
161 T-shirt
181 Embroidery target selection area
183 Ready-made product selection area
185 Send selection area
187 Bring selection area
189 part number selection area
191 Size selection area
193 Sending date selection area
195 Courier selection area
197 submit button
199 Clear button
200 Pickup selection area
201 Reception selection area
202 Cash Registered Selection Area
203 Bank transfer selection area
205 COD selection area
207 Credit card selection area
209 Card number input area
211 PIN input area
221 Selection display area

Claims (7)

A line drawing embroidery system that provides a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information about an image received from a user terminal via a network,
Line drawing information generating means for generating line drawing information based on the information about the image,
Embroidery information generating means for generating embroidery information based on the line drawing information;
A line drawing embroidery system, comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the embroidery information via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information. 2. The line drawing embroidery system according to claim 1, further comprising a first information storage unit that stores at least one of the information on the image, the line drawing information, and the embroidery information. An authentication unit that performs authentication in accordance with the identification information received from the user terminal; and an information management unit that manages information stored in the first information storage unit. 3. The line drawing embroidery system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the first information storage means is extracted according to the information. The line drawing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising second information storage means for storing predetermined information, wherein the embroidery information includes predetermined information stored in the second information storage means. Embroidery system. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a correction unit configured to correct at least one of the information on the image, the line drawing information, and the embroidery information according to an operation input received from the user terminal. Line drawing embroidery system. A line drawing embroidery method for providing a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information about an image received from a user terminal via a network,
Generating line drawing information based on the information about the image;
Generating embroidery information based on the line drawing information;
Transmitting the embroidery information via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information. A line drawing embroidery program that provides a service of performing embroidery on an arbitrary embroidery target based on information about an image received from a user terminal via a network,
A step of generating line drawing information based on the information about the image,
A procedure for generating embroidery information based on the line drawing information;
A line drawing embroidery program for causing a computer device to execute a procedure for transmitting the embroidery information via a network to an embroidery sewing machine control device that controls the embroidery sewing machine based on the embroidery information.

Images