DE2232684A1 - DEVICE FOR PATTERN CONTROL OF KNITTING MACHINES - Google Patents

Description

Dlpl.-Ing. KAHLER Dr.-lng. STARK Dlpl.-lng. BONSMANN PATENT LAWYERS D-4-15O Krefeld 1 Moerser Straße 14O Fernruf (O 21 51) 2 O4 69

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WILDT MELLOR BROMLEY LIMITED, AyIestone Road, Leicester (Great Britain)

Device for pattern control of knitting machines

The invention relates to pattern preparation for knitting machines and also to the direct control of knitting machines by computer.

When preparing pattern control information for knitting machines, the pattern data needs to be put into a form that the knitting machine can accommodate. This can be that the ideas of a pattern artist on a Pattern drawing can be transferred from the subsequently a made of plastic perforated tape or sample disks are made. The process is tedious and time consuming. Considerable care must be taken at each stage of the procedure care should be taken to ensure that the draftsman's ideas are accurately reflected in the final product. By

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Deutsche Bank AO 1O3 / 1525 Krefeld · Stadt-Sparkasse Krefeld 3O5722 · Postal check Essen

The use of computers has made this difficult work largely obsolete. The possibility of being more human Errors have been reduced considerably, but are still present. In any case, the need remains to provide a way of improving the data entered.

To solve this problem, the invention provides a device for pattern control of a knitting machine, by means of of which a knitted fabric can be produced according to a predetermined pattern, which the device as a sketch, Pattern, pattern drawing or the like is supplied. the The device is also suitable for generating pattern control information in such a form that it is used for Control of any type of knitting machine can be converted. The device has a computer arrangement, which is programmed for the control of a knitting machine and is suitable to use the pattern information to create a punched tape, to produce magnetic tape or similar large-scale storage output. Furthermore, facilities are provided by means of whose input variables of the computer can be provided with sample data that originate from the sample. Farther at least one visual display device is provided which displays at least a selected area of the pattern data in the computer memory. In addition, devices are provided with which the shown in the display device Area can be improved and with which the necessary information can be fed to the computer input,

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to improve the pattern data in the memory.

The improvement device preferably consists of a setting mechanism, which can also be used to adjust the to supplement sample data evaluated from the sample.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the pattern data via an image scanning device or can be supplemented by a paper tape recorder.

The large storage output can be printed on a paper tape to produce a plastic perforated tape or sample disks be applied for the subsequent control of a knitting machine. Alternatively it can be provided that the Large storage output the shape of a magnetic tape or Disc and is used as an input variable for a computer with one or a number of knitting machines being controlled.

The digital representation of a specific area of a sketch of a pattern, a pattern drawing or the like can be done in the way that the coordinates are shown at opposite ends of a row of stitches and the other similar meshes between these coordinates will be automatically recorded.

An individual area of a sketch, a pattern, a Pattern drawing or the like can be digitally in series style are represented by the outer circumference of an individual area by means of a tracking device of the digital

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talum converter is traversed and the traversed area with brightness signals with random access (random shading) is filled out.

According to this last-mentioned method, a pattern area can also be created be shaded without the extent of this area being covered.

The digitally represented, either funky and / or shaded Pattern area can be in a known manner on a. Screen.

The areas that are displayed on a screen when they are digitally converted can be related to their Corners can be adapted by adding them to the representation of an associated corner area of the last circumnavigated or shaded area Area.

Omissions or stitch defects that appear in the pattern area shown can be caused in a known manner Shading by means of the tracking device, via the corresponding meshes in the pattern drawing or the similar matrix can be eliminated. The bulk storage output can also be used to produce a sample drawing, which can either be printed out directly, or which is produced by using a paper tape which feeds a suitable printer.

Provided the pattern areas with small pattern repetitions

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contains, it is useful to name them symbolically, for example by means of a green color in the pattern drawing and using the computer to create a detail pattern information area to create, with the entire areas made up of repetitions of the small patterns will.

When performing the sample preparation technique, a sample drawing is first placed on the take-up roll of a Image scanning device placed. The image scanning device, which in a known manner consists of a light source and a filter arrangement is operated in accordance with the advance of the pattern drawing on the take-up reel, whereby the pattern drawing is scanned row by row and stitch by stitch in each row.

The pattern drawing is usually colored with light-reflecting media in many areas, for example Colors or inks of different colors, each area being identified by only one color.

Signals with different waveforms are received from the differently colored areas Coupling device are supplied to a computer, where they correspond to information contained in the computer are processed.

With the device according to the invention it is accordingly possible to create pattern control information, a

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Make trial samples and also make improvements to the information that emerges as a result of the Inspection when inspecting the specimen prove necessary. It is also possible to use the machine run again to create a modified specimen and pattern information. If that When the pattern is satisfactory, the production of knitted fabrics can begin. The pattern information can then be used in order to produce the knitted fabric on a suitable machine, which is controlled by a pattern belt or perforated disks will. These tapes or disks are either made in accordance with the present invention or by controlled by a computer with the interposition of a suitable link.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 shows the overall arrangement of the device according to the invention in the form of a block diagram;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the computer arrangement itself;

3a and 3b show a diagram of the digitally converted Impulses and the relationships of the meshes, if according to type of position (position mode) or according to Type of row (line mode) is being worked;

4b
Figures 4a, 4c and 4d illustrate various methods of using a digitizer to scan individual pattern areas in the row fashion, also in diagrammatic representation;

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5 shows part of a pattern drawing with "mesh for mesh information"; in a representation in such a way that small patterns are repeated in one area;

5a shows the expansion of a small pattern in said area;

FIG. 5b shows an alternative pattern to the pattern shown in FIG. 5a; FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration according to FIG. 5, in which, however, the area of the small pattern repetitions in a single Color is shown.

In Fig. 1 the original pattern is shown as block 1 «, Block 2 represents the input information into the buffer memory of a computer C. The information can be via any be guided by several different information channels, for example:

a) the information is encrypted in a computer and displayed directly on a luminescent screen 3, with a Setting mechanism 4 is used and the pattern is evaluated;

b) a color scanner 5, which is either a paper tape punching unit or another recording device for producing a Paper tape 6 or another recording device controls, these receiving devices are fed to the computer C, or entered directly into the computer as shown with the dashed line;

c) by pattern scanning using a setting mechanism tape punch 7 a paper tape 6 is produced, which

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is supplied to the computer C;

d) by means of a D-Mac digital converter 8 with random access (random digitiser) the signal is directly on guided the screen 3, the pattern being filled in by means of the setting mechanism 4, or

e) the signal is transmitted by means of a D-Mac digital converter in connection with a computer (reference number 9), which produces a paper tape 6 which is input to the process control computer C.

The D-Mac digitizer is a specific example of a commercially available digitizer with an optional Access. In this machine, a follow-up device is provided which can be moved over a table. The position of the downstream device is determined by the digitizer in X and Y coordinates with distances of at most 0.1 mm defined in each direction. When a switch is operated, the digitizer draws these coordinates either on paper tape or some other suitable material, or he enters these values directly into the computer « The downstream device is only connected to the table via an electrical line and can therefore be moved freely will"

The D-Mac digitizer can be used in the following two ways:

a) position

b) row.

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Only the coordinates are used in the position mode recorded by the successor facility at the time the switch was operated. No further coordinates are recorded until the switch is operated again. In the line mode, the coordinates of the successor device recorded at set time intervals, as long as the switch is operated. The time interval can be set by the operator, which enables adaptation to the respective application will. The row type also allows the operator to record the color boundaries of the larger parts of the pattern, adding the input information for the computer is obtained without the need to record each mesh point. Because the coordinates are in constant time segments are recorded, the spacing of the positions of the follower depends on how the follower is is moved. For this reason, a smooth outline will be quickly followed and the coordinates appear at wide intervals. In the case of a more complicated outline, the operator will follow it more slowly and the positions are closer together. Thus, the different shapes can be within one Pattern can be defined by coordinate points along the outline.

In addition to digitally converting the outlines of the various Form designs within a pattern area, it is also necessary that the type or color of the

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Mesh is defined and registered. The digitizer has a switchboard which, in conjunction with the Successor device is operated, whereby this additional information is registered. The switchboard has different Control devices, which in turn have a series of switches, each of which has a number of different ones Can take switch positions. When the switchboard has taken a certain position and then a control device is operated, then certain information is recorded. This is in connection with the recorded coordinate information used.

In this way, the color of an outline and of the machines on either side of the outline can be registered before the outline is followed. In the most common case, the three colors are different. If the Colors are the same on either side of the outline, but are different from those of the line, the effect is that a line of meshes of one color is created on a background of another color certain switching position can be achieved on the switchboard, so that when the pattern is followed, the registered information not only indicates the position of the coordinates, but also the color constellation in this particular zone.

If the outline is the same color as the stitches on one side, this means that an area of a certain Color is adjacent to an area of a different color. If such a pattern zone is traveled, the

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Switch on the switchboard set accordingly, whereby it is ensured that this particular color constellation is registered at the same time as the coordinates traveled.

In addition to lines (rows) and areas, the patterns contain individual stitches. The location of these meshes will be registered by positioning the follow-up device and depressing the switch. The color (or type) of the Mesh is registered at the same time by a corresponding switch position of the switchboard, so that the appropriate Mesh information is registered in connection with the mesh coordinates.

It often happens that an area has not just a single color, but an even, regular mixture of colors having. The term "regular mixture" is intended to define a mesh pattern which consists of a repetition of a number consists of identical small stitch patterns. The number of mixes in a pattern can be very large. Everyone mix an identification number or code is assigned to each switch position on the switchboard of the digital converter is equivalent to. The entire specifics of the repetition of each mixture are recorded in a form such that this information can be picked up by a computer. One stitch of the mix repeat is called a Data mesh used. When the actual outline of the pattern area is traced, the position of the data mesh becomes in an area by the digitizer as a code

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which is converted into the correct mixture during the analysis in the computer, corresponding to that in the computer memory included program. The computer also registers that this mixture is within the limits of the Area is included. If a pattern contains several discrete areas, each with the same pattern mixture, and if only one date is specific to this mix, the computer registers all areas in such a way as to be assured that the mix is in the correct register in the different area.

It has been found that when using the digital converter. setzers in the position mode (position mode) an individual Area of a pattern can be reproduced on a display screen and registered in a computer core memory can, in a simple manner in that the coordinates A1 A2 (see. Fig. 3a) of a pattern drawing or the like can be implemented digitally and the computer control is programmed to create similar meshes along one another the two coordinates extending line to be filled or provided. Other coordinates are with B1-2 to G1-2 designated.

The possibility of digital conversion to generate visual representations according to the type of row (line mode) can also can be produced using various techniques. The data of the patterned product to be created are processed and registered by the computer. In Fig. 3b an indi-

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Vidual area of a pattern is shown, which in the fol- has been implemented digitally;

I) The outline of the individual area has been traced by means of the follow-up device and

II) the area bounded by the traced outline has been filled in (i.e. shaded) by moving the successor facility quickly to and fro.

According to the second measure of the above-mentioned technique for using the digital converter, it is provided that the period of oscillation of the pulses generated by the digital converter is such that the coordinates of any points (random points) of the area delimited by the traced outline are registered. If, after such a "fill-in ^{11" has been carried out,} the screen indicates that the desired information has been completely recorded, the operator can turn to further individual areas of the pattern. the operator can correct this by inserting or filling such stitches in the area in the same way.

Further application techniques of the row type (line mode) are shown below with reference to FIGS. 4a, b, c and d Clover leaf pattern described,

I) In the illustration according to Figo 4a, the clover leaf pattern is

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only with essentially horizontal shading lines filled out.

II) In the illustration according to FIG. 4b, the clover leaf pattern is only essentially vertical Lines filled in;

III) in the illustration according to FIG. 4c, the clover leaf pattern is filled in that the outline is first traced and was then filled with shading lines running essentially vertically.

IV) In the representation according to FIG _e 4d is merely filled in the clover pattern with inclined Ausschattungslinien.

As with the one described with reference to Fig. 3b Series type operation is the period of oscillation of the pulses in turn so that arbitrary points (random points) within of the pattern area of the clover leaf pattern can be registered.

It is desirable that while the digital conversion is being performed a visual representation of the sample information is possible. This is preferably done using a pattern block in a pattern block system. This arrangement is of an acceptably large scale for the screen, i.e. the blocks of a pattern can be 72 stitches wide and 72 stitches deep, while the pattern width and Width can be 216 meshes.

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In the "pattern block by pattern block ¹¹ system, provision can be made for the screen to display edge parts or corner parts of pattern blocks which are close to the pattern block to be scanned, in order to ensure that an exact corner match between the pattern block just traversed and the adjacent, already traversed It has been found that corner portions on the order of 4 to 6 stitches are sufficient to produce the effect of corner matching in the representation.

In some cases where a pattern consisting of repeating small patterns occurs, a technique The creation of repetitions can be used, taking from a pattern drawing (or a sketch in which a simple Color or a symbol is used to identify this area).

Pattern drawings were previously recorded on squared paper or cardboard, with the "stitch by stitch" information was marked by different colors at the corresponding mesh points. In Fig. 5, part is a Sample drawing shown in which areas 1, 2 and a single color have meshes in red, orange or yellow, while in an area 4 a regularly recurring formation of red, orange and yellow meshes is shown.

In Fig. 5a a small part of the area 4 is shown,

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which includes the part outlined with thick lines. This is to illustrate a typical pattern repetition. In Fig. 5b Another typical larger pattern repeat is shown.

The production of a pattern drawing with such repetitive Areas as outlined in Area 4 is tedious, time consuming, and an expensive endeavor.

In order to carry out the pattern preparation, a pattern drawing is created (Fig. 6), in which the areas 1 ¹ , 2 * and 3 ^f correspond to the areas of the pattern drawing P _a G.-1 (Fig. 5), which correspond to the red, orange and yellow areas. However, the area 4 'of the pattern drawing is represented by a single color, black, white and transparent. The preparation time for such a pattern drawing with pattern repetitions is thus considerably reduced.

A scanning device is provided with devices for completing a pattern drawing. These bodies show a roll as well as devices for the advancement of a pattern located on this roll on * the advancement means are arranged to operate between successive scanning periods and scanning devices. The scanning means have a light source and a filter arrangement, whereby colored areas scanned by the scanning device reflect the light with different intensities depending on the light source. The one from it generated electrical signals have a waveform that of

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depends on the color of the scanned area. Furthermore, facilities are provided with which the generated in this way Signal can be fed to a computer.

The computer has devices by means of which the "Stitch for Wasche ¹¹ " details of a large number of different patterns can be coded and stored in a suitable memory comprising magnetic tape or magnetic disks or drum assemblies.

When using the facilities, a sample drawing of the type shown in Fig. 6 is made by the operator inserted into the scanning device. Energy is then supplied to the arrangement so that the various light and filter arrangements action and details of the plane, the planes and the small repeating patterns all in one The control panel of the central computer can be encrypted

After switching on the scanning device, the pattern writer is operated horizontally line by line and stitch by stitch in a manner corresponding to the manner in which the selector of a knitting machine needs the information. When the pattern drawing is scanned, the light incident on the successive meshes becomes different Intensity reflects ^ according to the color of the drawing at these points. From the reflected

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Light generates electrical signals with each waveform matching, each waveform being the sampled Color matches. The signals generated in this way with this method are dem Central computer entered, where the signal is encoded and stored as described.

When scanning areas such as 1 ", 2 * and 3 ¹ , the information stored in the random access memory or in the core memory of the computer has a direct relation to the color of the meshes in those areas; in this way the color of the meshes are displayed directly, so the meshes in the area 1 are ^f, all of which are red, denoted by R. However, there may be a case where the color displayed on the pattern drawing Dasse only an indication representing that the area of a mesh is filled in with a single color, the color of which does not necessarily have to match the color on the sample drawing.

When the area 4 ¹ is scanned, the information contained in the random access memory is processed with the information encrypted in the central computer, in accordance with the small pattern repetitions to be generated ^{in the area 4 1.} Such small areas of pattern repetition can be designed in a conventional manner, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Thus νου a single color, which can be any conventional color, including black and white, becomes a memory

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whose information corresponds to the knitting sequence that is used to create the small pattern repetitions in one The product to be knitted is required that is to be produced on a knitting machine that is programmed to that it is controlled via this memory.

It can be seen that using the pattern preparation technique of the present invention in creating a pattern drawing there is a great time saving with a simultaneous reduction of the effort.

Visual (optical) data as supplied to the computer are stored in a memory 10 (FIG. 2) on a magnetic tape or discs saved «

The optical data are processed in the computer C to produce data in the correct order for controlling a Knitting machine 13 (machine order data) to generate. These data are also stored on magnetic tape or disks saved at eleven.

Between the computer C and the knitting machine 13 is one matching coupling electronics 12 are provided.

If an error is to be corrected either on the screen or on the knitted fabric, the assigned pattern area is used is displayed on the screen and the correct symbol is entered into the line control panel. Then 'will actuates a control device of the improvement device, with which a spot (äpot) is generated on the screen, with

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on which the erroneously contained symbol is superimposed on the screen. Subsequently, an "improvement ^{key 11" is} operated.

As a result, the symbol shown is overwritten with the newly entered symbol and the corresponding one Symbol stored in the information memory of the computer arrangement will.

Sometimes it happens that a pattern in the finished knitted fabric is not aesthetically pleasing and that it it is therefore necessary to improve some areas of the display. This can be done in that the Mesh boundaries and the mesh formations contained therein can be converted digitally again.

If the pattern data is determined to be correct, the machine can operate under the control of the computer and it For example, a sample of the knitted fabric 14 can be made.

Each of the following activities can be carried out while the machine is running, as shown by the block will:

a) A paper tape can be punched, which is used for control a machine is used to break out pattern disks, the pattern control disks for a mechanically operating one Pattern setup created on a knitting machine;

b) a paper tape can be punched, which is used to generate

a permanent pattern drawing in the belt punching unit of the

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Setting mechanism (keyboard tape punch) is entered.

c) A paper band can be punched, which can be used to operate a band punching unit with which a perforated Plastic tape is produced for the subsequent control of a knitting machine or the like,

d) The output variable of the visual data can be recorded on a magnetic tape or on a perforated tape made of paper (the latter can be the same as described under b))

e) An output variable of the machine order information can be held on a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk.

f) The preparation of another sample can begin will.

Various modifications are within the scope of the present invention possible without leaving the inventive idea.

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Claims (1)

Claims / Ί., Device for pattern control of knitting machines zyr Production of a knitted fabric according to a predetermined pattern, which the device as a sketch, Pattern, pattern drawing or the like. Is inputted, wherein the device is suitable at the same time, a pattern control information in such a form that it can be used for control after appropriate implementation any type of knitting machine is suitable, characterized in that a computer arrangement is provided which is programmed to control a knitting machine and by means of which a punched tape or a magnetic tape or similar large-scale storage output of the pattern information can be produced and that devices are provided by means of which an input variable (2) for the computer (C) with your pattern evaluated pattern data can be created and a visual display device for the display at least a certain selection section of the pattern data in the Computer memory is provided and that further means (15) for improving the visual Display device (3) shown failure section is provided and by means of which the information necessary for the improvement of the pattern data in the memory can be fed to the computer input (2). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that 209884/0911 the improvement device is a setting mechanism (4). ' 3 · Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting mechanism (4) can be used to adjust the to supplement the sample evaluated sample data. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 »characterized in that that an image scanning device is provided to supplement the pattern data. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that a paper tape recorder is provided to supplement the pattern data. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that to supplement the pattern data, a direct digital converter with random access is provided. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the computer (C) is designed so that a digital conversion of a certain area of a Sketch, a pattern, a pattern drawing or the like according to the position mode of the digitizer this allows information to be picked up on the opposite ends of a row and corresponding information about the stitches between these ends is automatically registered, 2Ö9884 / 0911 8, device according to claim 6, characterized in that the digital converter for digital conversion of a range according to the method of random access (radom digitizing) is used and that the computer is a program contains, with which a mesh information can be entered in such areas, 9. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the scanning device can be used to scan a sketch, a pattern or a pattern drawing, where areas with small pattern repetitions are symbolically recorded digitally and that the computer is programmed, a "stitch by stitch" information for the small pattern repetitions in such areas to create. 10. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the device for digital conversion has a manually operated input by means of its information can be entered into the computer in connection with sample data with regard to regular color mixtures and that the computer is programmed to do so, based on the data supplied to it and instructions entered by hand To generate pattern information "stitch by stitch". 20988 U / 0911 ι ^lS ■ Blank page