TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to an improved quilting method or process of making a quilt and a computer application for aiding a quilter in making a quilt.
BACKGROUND
This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure.
The process of creating a quilt is a very time and labor intensive process. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and a method that accurately superimposes an image of a quilt pattern over an image of the quilt in order to preview what the completed quilt will look like before sewing. This allows a quilter or a quilt machine operator to choose their pantograms, arrange the pantograms, and nest the pantograms, all while observing the effects superimposed on the quilt. If the quilter is not satisfied, they are able to change any or all parameters to their desire before the quilt is quilted. Thus, a process is disclosed for aiding a quilter to design and visualize in advance what a final quilted product would look like before a sewing machine starts the sewing process.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for making a quilt in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a top view of a quilt showing pieces of fabric sewn together in a pattern;
FIG. 3 is another top view of quilt showing pieces of fabric sewn together in a pattern;
FIG. 4 is top view of a quilt showing batting material sandwiched between the sewn fabric and a backing material;
FIG. 5 is an example of a long arm quilting machine;
FIG. 6 is an example of a pantogram that can be used with quilting;
FIG. 7 is the pantogram shown in FIG. 6 that has been combined in rows and columns using a computer application;
FIG. 8 illustrates a frame that can be used to mount the quilt for the picture taking step of the quilting process;
FIG. 9 illustrates an actual quilt that has been clipped to the frame of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 illustrates a screen shot of the computer application that is used in the quilt making process, showing entry of the quilt dimensions;
FIG. 11 illustrates a screen shot of the photograph of the quilt of FIG. 9, but now the photograph has been uploaded to the computer application;
FIG. 12 illustrates a screen shot of the next step of the quilting process where the photo of the quilt is sized;
FIG. 13 illustrates a screen shot of the computer software which allows a quilter to click on the pantogram button to gain access to a library of pantograms one can chose from;
FIG. 14 illustrates a screen shot of a sample library of pantograms for a quilter to choose from;
FIG. 15 illustrates a screen shot of the computer software and the step of automatically filling in around the perimeter of the quilt with rows and columns of the pantogram based on the original size of the pantogram;
FIG. 16 illustrates a screen shot of an alternative arrangement where a single pantogram can be loaded into the computer application and rows and columns (patterns) can be manually controlled;
FIG. 17 illustrates a screen shot where the scaling of the pattern can be manually changed by the quilter;
FIG. 18 illustrates a screen shot of the options menu of the computer application;
FIG. 19 illustrates a screen shot of the thread menu of the computer application;
FIG. 20 illustrates a screen shot of the thread library that a quilter could choose from;
FIG. 21 illustrates a screen shot of the chosen thread color and details about that thread;
FIG. 22 illustrates a screen shot of the chosen thread color, and the pantogram, superimposed on a display along with the quilt, thus providing a quilter an advance visual of what a completed quilt could look like; and
FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a method for making a quilt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Systems and methods for making a quilt and superimposing an image of a quilt pattern over an image of a quilt to preview what a completed quilt will look like before the quilt pattern is sewn onto the quilt are disclosed. One method may include selecting an image of a quilt, inputting a first and a second quilt dimension into a controller, selecting a quilt pattern including a thread color to be used over at least a portion of the quilt, selecting the thread color, superimposing the quilt pattern over the at least a portion of the quilt, selectively altering the quilt pattern, and outputting a completed image displaying a final quilt pattern superimposed over the quilt and parameters for a quilting machine to sew the final quilt pattern onto the quilt.
With reference to FIG. 1, a system 10 for making a quilt 12 is shown. The system 10 may include a controller 14, a network 16, a quilting machine 18, a quilting machine controller 20, a quilt support frame 22, a camera 24, a quilt pattern library 26, and a thread library 28.
With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the quilt 12 may include a first layer 30, a second layer 32, and a third layer 34. In some configurations, the second layer 32 may be disposed between the first and third layers 30, 34, the first layer 30 may be the frontmost layer, and the third layer 34 may be the rearmost layer. In some implementations, the first layer 30 is made from various pieces of fabric together in a pattern (FIG. 2). The second layer 32 is a soft material commonly referred to as batting, and the third layer 34 is a fabric layer referred to as the backing. An example of these layers is illustrated in FIG. 4. The sandwiched layers are typically put into a machine 18 called a long arm quilting machine as shown in FIG. 5 to sew these layers together with the sewing typically done in decorative patterns.
With reference to FIG. 1, the controller 14 includes a display 36 and is connected to the network 16 (e.g., the internet). The network 16 is a communications network that may be wired and/or wireless. In some implementations, the controller 14 is configured to execute a plurality of applications stored on computer readable media (not depicted). In some configurations, the controller 14 is a traditional PC, tablet, server, or specialized application. The controller 14 may be configured with one or more processors, volatile memory, and non-volatile memory such as flash storage or internal or external hard disk (e.g., network attached storage). The applications executed by the controller 14 are preferably implemented in software (e.g., instructions stored on a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk, flash drive, or DVD-ROM), but hardware implementations are possible. In some examples, the software implementations of the applications may be written in one or more programming languages or combinations thereof, including low-level or high-level languages, with examples including Java, Ruby, JavaScript, Python, C, C++, C#, or Rust. The program code may execute entirely on the controller 14 as a stand-alone software package, partly on the controller 14, partly on a remote computer or computing device, or entirely on a remote computer or computing device.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the camera 24 may be any suitable camera or device capable of taking pictures (e.g., cell phone, tablet, etc.) The camera 24 may be connected to the controller 14 and/or the network 16. For example, the camera 24 may be connected to the controller 14 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ethernet, or ports within the controller 14 (e.g., USB). The camera 14 is configured to capture images that are transferrable to the controller 14 and displayable by the display 36.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, in some configurations a quilting or sewing machine 18 is used to sew certain user selected patterns or panotgrams onto the quilt 12. The system 10 may include any suitable quilting or sewing machine, such as a long arm quilting machine (FIG. 5). In some examples, the quilting machine 18 may include a quilting machine controller 20 configured to receive inputs, commands, or instructions from a user or a remote computing device.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example pantogram 38 is shown. The pantogram 38 may be any suitable pantogram or pattern that a user (e.g., a quilter, a quilt machine operator, or a customer) desires to have sewn onto a quilt. In this regard, the design of a pantogram is formed from thread defining thread lines 39. The thread lines 39 may illustrate the size and spacing of stitching, and a color of the selected thread. There are hundreds of available pantograms for purchase or for free. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a singular pantogram 38 is shown. The singular pantogram covers only a portion of the quilt or a singular region of the quilt 12. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pantogram 38 is replicated to cover an entire surface area A of the quilt 12.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 14, in some implementations, a digital quilt pattern library 26 is implemented to store a plurality of pantograms 38. The library 26 may be connected to the network 16 and/or the controller 14. In some examples, a user may select certain pantograms 38 to include in the library 26, and/or the library 26 may include certain pantograms or patterns that are available on the internet. In some configurations, the library 26 may be stored within the controller 14. In operation, a user may access the library 26 via the controller 14 to select which pantogram 38 to sew onto the quilt 12.
With reference to FIG. 8, a quilt support frame 22 having a length and a width is illustrated. The frame 22 may be used in a photographing setup portion of the quilt making process. For example, the frame 22 is configured to support a quilt 12 that a user desires to have pantograms 38 sewn onto, so that the camera 24 can capture an image of the quilt 12. The frame 22 is configured to support the quilt in a manner such that the camera 24 captures an image of the quilt with minimal distortions.
In some configurations, the frame 22 includes a cross bar 40 that is operable to be raised and lowered to accommodate different sizes of quilts. In some examples, one or more clips 42 are used to detachably connect the quilt 12 to the frame 22. In some configurations, the camera 24 is disposed adjacent or opposite the frame 22. The camera 24 may be mounted on a tripod (not depicted) so that the camera remains fixed relative to the frame 22. In some examples, the frame 22 is squared to a wall. In operation, the camera 24 must be trued up so that the lens of the camera 24 is aligned parallel to the quilt. The foregoing alignment avoids distortion which can negatively impact the quilting processes.
With reference to FIG. 9, an image captured by the camera 24 of the quilt 12 clipped to the cross bar 40 of the frame 22 via clips 22 is shown. The quilt 12 is disposed square to the camera for perfect alignment. It will be preferred to use a high-resolution camera that is capable of capturing minuscule details such as colors, thread position, and patterns. Further, lighting control is important so that proper colors in the quilt and thread are captured. Thus, a lighting system, not shown, may be provided as part of the system 10.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, in operation, a computer application 44 executed by the controller 14 is used by a user to aid in the quilt making process. In this regard, the application 44 is used to accurately superimpose an image IP of a quilt pattern (e.g., a pantogram) over an image of a quilt IQ to preview what a completed quilt will look like before sewing is commenced. In some examples, after the image of the quilt is captured in the foregoing manner, the image is transferred to the controller 14, and opened via the application 44.
A user may enter one or more quilt dimensions 46 into the application 44. For example, the one or more quilt dimension 46 may include a length (i.e., height) and width of the quilt 12. In this regard, the user may manually measure the quilt 12 to obtain the quilt dimensions 46. FIG. 10 illustrates a screen shot of the application 44 where the user enters the quilt dimension 46. In some implementations, inputting the dimensions 46 aids in an initial scaling so that the quilt 12 can be displayed more accurately.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, a screen shot of the application 44 displaying the initial image IQ of the quilt 12 captured by the camera 24 is shown. This is the raw image where no alteration has occurred. In some examples, the application is configured to clip this initial image to reflect the quilt dimensions 46 entered by the user. In one example, the user may manually clip the image. In this regard, the user may point a cursor (not shown) at a top left-hand corner of the image, the user may click and drag the cursor to a different location (e.g., a lower right-hand corner of the image), resulting in the clipping of the image. As the user drags the cursor, a selection box is created whose width to length ratio is substantially similar to that of the quilt dimensions 46. In some examples, the selection box serves to be a check to ensure that the quilt dimension 46 were entered correctly. For example, in some configurations, a perimeter of the selection box should substantially match an outer border of the quilt 12. The foregoing results in an image size that reflects the previously inputted quilt dimensions 46. In another example, the application 44 will automatically clip the image to match the quilt dimension 46. After the image is clipped, a new image will be generated.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, a screen shot of the application 44 displaying the newly clipped image IC is shown. The new image now matches exactly the scale that was input in the step shown in FIG. 10. The new image IC is a clean, resized, trimmed image that will be referred to as a working image hereinafter.
With reference to FIG. 13, a screen shot of the application 44 illustrating how the user can access and select a pantogram 38 is shown. This is accomplished by clicking on the Get Pantogram tab 48 which in turn takes the user to the pantogram library 26 that is shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 illustrates a library 26 having at least 20 default or preferred pantogram 38 patterns that a quilt operator may desire to employ. It will be appreciated that other patterns of pantograms 38 are contemplated. The library 26 may be updated, including being connected to the internet 16 to locate other patterns that may be uploaded and saved into the library 26.
With reference to FIG. 15, a screen shot of the application 44 displaying a user selected pantogram 38 is shown. In some examples, this is the preview step. In other examples, this is a sizing step to show the working image with respect to the selected pantogram 38. In some examples, the application 44 is configured to automatically duplicate the pantogram 38 such that the entire quilt 12 is covered. In some implementations, the user can change the pantogram 38 repeatedly until they arrive at their desired selection. The application 44 is configured to allow the user to go back and forth from the screens of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 so as to pick an image combination between the quilt 12 and the pantogram 38 that the consumer desires. Thus, this is the flexible part of the invention as it allows quilter to see instantly, in advance, to customize the design to their liking. Thus, this preview feature in FIG. 15 is a valuable aspect of the disclosure that has not been done by others.
With continued reference to FIG. 15, in some implementations, the application 44 automatically duplicates the selected pantogram 38 into a plurality of panotgrams 50 to cover the entire surface area of the quilt 12. In this regard, the plurality of pantograms 50 are arranged into a predetermined number of rows R and columns C. In this regard, the initial size of the pantogram 38 determines the number of rows and columns required to cover the entire quilt 12. For example, as depicted in FIG. 15, the selected pantogram 38 requires the plurality of pantograms 50 to have 6 rows and 5 columns to cover the quilt 12.
With reference to FIG. 16, a screen shot of the application 44 having the ability to change the size of the pantogram 38 is shown. In some examples, the user can add or subject rows and/or columns to change the size of the pantogram 38. For example, if the user adds a row and/or columns the plurality of pantograms 50 will have more pantograms 38 to cover the quilt 12 and, therefore, the size of the pantogram 50 will decrease. In other words, by adding a row and/or column, there will be more pantograms 38 available to cover the quilt 12. The opposite is required to increase the size of the pantogram 38. For example, decreasing the number of initial rows and/or columns will increase the size of pantograms 38, since there will be less pantograms 38 available to cover the quilt 12. In some examples, the user can also select the vertical row spacing in increments such that the rows overlap (vertical row spacing selection 52).
With reference to FIG. 17, a screen shot of the application 44 having the ability to increase or decrease the scale S of the pantogram 38 is shown. In this step, the user has three selections for direction (e.g., WL, W, or L). This step allows for flexibility of the scaling process to provide greater design selection. The user also has a tab to increase the scale increment in different increments (10%, 1% or 0.1%) so as to provide yet greater flexibility. This helps the user better position the pantogram 38. In some implementations, the application 44 may include a horizontal Row Offset feature tab 54 to accommodate nesting of the pantograms. This step allows the user to configure the working image to accommodate the nesting of pantograms.
With reference to FIG. 18, illustrates a screen shot that shows other options for visualization that a user can select to aid in the image visualization part of the process. In this step the user can turn off the quilt image and will only see the plurality of pantograms 50. This may be helpful if the user desires to see how the pantograms 38 line up (would look like FIG. 7.). Then, when the user is sure they like the pantogram pattern as selected, the user can turn back on the Show Quilt button 56 and the quilt 12 will re-appear. The auto scale button 58 allows the user to scale the pantogram 38 to an image on the quilt 12. The grid lines button 60 allows the user to show a set of grid lines which will show on a quilt just like graph paper. This helps the user look at proportionality of the images. Circle Ends and Connect Ends tabs 62, 64 are markers for the user to help set up the quilting machine 18. The Fill Sides tab 66 allows the user to fill in the blank spaces on the quilt edge such that quilt edge is filled out more evenly. The Trim to Quilt Edge tab 68 allows the user to better understand if the quilting machine 18 is going out bounds. This is a feature used by a machine operator. The Title bar tab 70 provides the parameters about the quilt machine 18 set up. This allows an operator to print out the completed image of the quilt and put the title on same.
With reference to FIG. 19, a screen shot of the application 44 showing the thread color selection 72. The thread color is the color of the thread 39 used to create the pantogram 38. The thread color selection 72 allows the user the opportunity to pick and then visualize what that thread color will look like when viewing the potential completed quilt 12. In some examples, when a user selects the Get Thread tab 74, the application 44 is configured to access the thread library 28.
With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the thread library 28 is shown. Like the quilt pattern library 26, the thread library 28 may be connected to the network 16 and/or the controller 14. In some examples, the user may select certain spoils of thread 76 to include in the library 28. In other examples, the library 28 may include commercially available spoils of thread 76 and purchasing information for each of the spoils of thread 76, so that the user can purchase the selected spoil. In some configurations, the library 28 may be stored within the controller 14. It will be appreciated that the thread color can be tailored by the user to select a design of their own choice in thread color and input a new thread of their own choosing.
With reference to FIG. 22, a screen shot showing the quilt 12 with the user selected thread 39 is shown. Thus, this is another preview feature of the system 10. If the user and/or a customer of the user's does not like the color they chose, they can go back and forth to the library 28 to pick the color of their liking. It will be appreciated that the user can pick a thread color for one portion of the quilt 12, then can go back to the library 28 and pick a different thread color that can be used on another portion of the quilt 12. Thus, a multi-thread color process is provided which provides greater color flexibility for the quilter. Thus, the system provides a pantogram, and thread color, that may be selected in a “region” of the quilt. Thus, each region of a quilt may have a preselected pantogram and color scheme. A quilt may have one, or multiple regions. Within a region you can scale it and stitch it with whatever color thread and pantogram so desired. Thus, the present system provides for “block” quilting” with substantial design flexibility for the advanced quilter.
With reference to FIG. 23, a method 100 for making a quilt 12 is illustrated. At block 102, the method 100 includes positioning a quilt 12 onto a support frame 22. At block 104, the method 100 includes positioning a camera 24 adjacent to the frame 22. At block 106, the method 100 includes capturing an image of the quilt 12. At block 108, the method 100 includes inputting the image into a controller 14. At block 110, the method includes inputting a first 46-1 and a second 46-2 quilt dimension into the controller 14. At block 112, the method 100 includes clipping the image to reflect the first and second quilt dimensions 46-1, 46-2. At block 114, the method 100 includes selecting the quilt pattern (e.g., the pantogram 38). At block 116, the method 100 includes selecting a thread color 76. At block 118, the method 100 includes superimposing the quilt pattern 38 over at least a portion of the quilt 12. At block 120, the method 100 includes selectively altering the quilt pattern 38. At block 122, the method 100 includes outputting a completed image including the quilt superimposed with the user selected pantogram and thread color, and the parameters required for the quilting machine 18 to sew the pantogram 38 onto the quilt 12. For example, the parameters may include quilt dimensions, final pantogram selection and dimensions, number of rows and columns of the pantogram, final thread selection, thread details such as stitching details, etc.
The system 10, the method 100 of making a quilt, and the computer application 44, are comprised of several features and quilt processing steps. The following steps are contemplated but are not an exhaustive list. It will be appreciated that other steps may be provided, and they may be performed in an arrangement that is different than that set forth herein.
1. A process of positioning the actual quilt such that there is minimal distortion to the quilt in geometric shape and size. Hanging or placing a large flexible piece of fabric can be a bit of a challenge. Some distortion is acceptable.
2. A process of positioning a suitably featured camera such that the resulting photo image of the quilt will have minimal distortion.
3. A process of altering the resulting image, particularly with respect to shades of light, dark and contrast such that the resulting image on a printed sheet, displays on a computer monitor or any other visualizing device the quilter will use is as close to the actual quilt as possible.
4. A process of acquiring the color of commercially available thread with the ability to alter the color to match visualizing means, matching as close as possible the lighting conditions for both the quilt and thread.
5. A process of digitally clipping the quilt image from the photograph and matching the actual scaled quilt dimensions to the image dimensions.
6. A process of dividing the image into regions with at minimum one region being the entire quilt.
7. A process of selecting patterns from a digital library of patterns to be used in a given region or all regions.
8. A process of scaling, moving, replicating, rotating, connecting patterns for each region and superimposing over the image.
9. A process of selecting a thread color for each region or for all regions as a conglomerate.
10. A process of producing a replica of the resulting image to be sent via photo, email, text or other visual media to a quilter not on site.
11. A process of capturing the resulting parameters in a form that can be used by the machine operator to duplicate the results on the machine.
12. A process in which the time and cost of doing the quilting operation can be reasonably estimated. This information may or may not be presented to the quilter but is valuable information for scheduling and costing.
13. A process that preferably but not necessarily provides information in a format that can be read directly by the host quilting machine operating system. One embodiment of this system is in the instance of a quilt machine operator who is given a quilt to finish, but little further information (as in “well, whatever you think is best) to not only visualize for themselves but to be able to send a viewable document to the quilter for their perusal.
Another embodiment for this system is for the quilter to provide several options to the quilt operator. The quilt operator then uses the system to generate several documents illustrating the results of the options. The quilter then either chooses one of the options or requests additional options.
Another embodiment of the system is for the quilter to send the quilt to the operator. The photographic work is done by the operator and the operator uses various desktop sharing systems such as Screenleap or other similar systems to observe the operator using the system and making selections or changes in real time. This alleviates the need for a quilter to learn how to use a system they may only periodically use. Many of the sharing systems allow the remote user to operate the system, which could easily be done with the operator assisting until the quilter can do many things themselves.
Another embodiment of the system is for the necessary equipment, typically a suitable camera and suitable portable computer, to be taken to a quilt/fabric/craft store which has facilities for hanging a quilt, and scheduling appointments for quilters ready for quilting their quilts. This would be someone trained in the system so that no expertise is needed in the operation of the system. Many quilt stores have adequate facility to do this as they conduct training classes in their facilities.
Another embodiment of the system is for the equipment to be installed as a kiosk in stores such as the above mentioned who have personnel capable of assisting walk in customers. Final criteria could be electronically sent to the quilt operator and a shipping label generated if needed.
Another embodiment of the system is to take it to locations where quilters gather together to quilt in a social environment. This could first be done with a trained operator present, eventually becoming a kiosk situation.
Another embodiment of the system is to franchise the system to various operators around the world who would pay a franchise to use the system.
Another embodiment is to establish a central processing center where trained operators who use various methods outlined above to assist in the design decisions, then electronically provide mailing labels to the quilters for shipping the quilt to network of operators and sending the required parameters to the operator. Personnel highly skilled in the art of creative design could be used at the center to assist quilters in their selection of patterns, placements, threads, etc.
The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” and “for example” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example, and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.
While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.
It should be understood that a computer, a system, and/or a processor as described herein may include a conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performing in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and/or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that any software may be stored and yet allow storage and processing of dynamically produced data and/or signals.
It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, such as multiple processors that are integrated into a single system or are distributed over and connected together through a communications network, and the communications network may be wired and/or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and/or code.
Patent Application
20210381147
