Method for stitching a work piece using a computer controlled, vision-aided sewing machine
AssigneeOtabo LLC
InventorsRichard G. Musco, Howard L. Shaffer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for stitching one work piece to another or for stitching a decorative stitch line along a work piece. In one embodiment, the method includes first arranging a stencil over at least a portion of a work piece to be stitched where the stencil is cut from a material having a color selected to contrast with a color of the work piece. Next, a computer-controlled sewing apparatus having a machine-vision capability is used to stitch along a path that corresponds generally to an outer edge of the stencil. If necessary, the computer-controlled sewing apparatus can adjust its stitching path in response to detecting the stencil. Then, after stitching is completed, the stencil is removed from the work piece.
Claims21
A method of stitching a work piece, said method comprising:
- arranging a stencil over at least a portion of said work piece, wherein said stencil is cut from a material having a color selected to contrast with a color of said work piece;
- using a computer-controlled sewing apparatus having a machine-vision capability to stitch along a path that corresponds generally to an outer edge of said stencil, wherein said computer-controlled sewing apparatus can adjust its stitching path in response to detecting said stencil;
- and
- removing said stencil from said work piece.
A method for attaching a first work piece to a second work piece, the method comprising:
- arranging said first work piece so at least a portion of the piece overlies at least a portion of said second work piece;
- arranging a stencil over either said first or second work piece, wherein said stencil is made from a material having a color that contrasts a color of said first work piece;
- thereafter, stitching said first work piece to said second work piece using a computer-controlled sewing apparatus having a machine-vision system to facilitate stitching along or with reference to a stitching path that corresponds generally to an outer edge of said stencil;
- and
- thereafter, removing said stencil.
A process for manufacturing shoes, the process comprising:
- using a computer-controlled apparatus to cut a work piece from a first piece of material of a first color according to a predetermined pattern stored in computer-readable medium;
- using a computer-controlled apparatus to cut a stencil from a second piece of material of a second color according to a predetermined pattern stored in computer-readable medium, wherein said second color is selected to contrast with said first color;
- arranging said stencil over at least a portion of said work piece;
- and
- using a computer-controlled sewing apparatus to stitch said work piece along a programmed sewing path that corresponds generally to an outer edge of said stencil, wherein said computerized sewing apparatus includes a machine vision capability enabling it to adjust its sewing path in response to detecting said stencil;
- and
- removing said stencil from said work piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.