Embroidery data processing method

An apparatus for processing embroidery data to control a sewing machine to form an embroidery on a work sheet, the apparatus including an image reader which reads, from an original having an original image including one or more outline-bounded regions each having one or more outlines and an inside area bounded by the outline(s), the original image so as to produce image data defining one or both of the outline(s) and the inside area of the outline-bounded region; a first device which produces, based on the image data, outline sewing data to form stitches along the outline of the outline-bounded region; and a second device which produces, based on the image data, area sewing data to form stitches filling the inside area of the outline-bounded region, the embroidery data including the outline sewing data and the area sewing data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing 
embroidery data to control a sewing machine to form, on a work sheet, an 
embroidery corresponding to an original image comprising one or more 
outline-bounded regions. 
2. Related Art Statement 
In the field of industrial embroidery sewing machines, there is known an 
embroidery-data processing apparatus including a microcomputer capable of 
processing highly accurate embroidery data in a short time. The processing 
apparatus is provided by a wide-use personal computer which additionally 
includes an image scanner and a hard-disk drive. The prior apparatus 
produces, from an original image, embroidery data to form a multiple-color 
embroidery corresponding to the original image. 
Recently, in the field of domestic or home-use embroidery sewing machines, 
there has been a demand for an embroidery-data processing apparatus which 
processes embroidery data to form an embroidery corresponding to user's 
desirable original image and which costs low and is easy to use. This 
demand results from various reasons such as the diversification and/or 
sophistication of favorites of users, or the improvements of performance 
of embroidery sewing machines. That is, the users are not satisfied with 
the conventional sewing machines that can only form an embroidery 
according to embroidery data pre-stored in the machines. In particular, 
there is a strong demand for a home-use apparatus which processes 
embroidery data to form a multiple-color embroidery with a plurality of 
embroidery threads having different colors, respectively. 
In the background, non-examined Japanese patent application (JP) laid open 
under publication No. 4(1992)-174699 discloses an embroidery-data 
processing apparatus to meet the above-mentioned demand. This apparatus 
includes (a) a main device having an incorporated microcomputer, a 
small-sized display, and several operable keys, and (b) an 
achromatic-image scanner which produces binary bit-map data representing 
the white or black color of each picture element of an achromatic original 
image. When the prior apparatus is operated to process embroidery data to 
form a multiple-color embroidery with color-different threads, the image 
scanner is used to pick up or read an achromatic original image and 
produce image data (i.e., binary bit-map data) defining the original 
image, as follows: 
In the case of embroidering, for example, an original "plant" image, A, 
shown in FIG. 5, the original image A includes five outline-bounded 
regions, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. The region A1 is the center of the flower 
of the plant; the region A2 is the petal of the flower; the region A3 is 
the stem of the plant; and the two regions A4 and A5 are the left-hand and 
right-hand leaves of the plant, respectively. Each of the outline-bounded 
regions A1 to A5 has one or more outlines and an inside area bounded by 
the outline(s). Here, it is assumed that a user has his or her intention 
that different regions indicated at different hatchings in FIG. 5 are 
embroidered with different threads having different colors, respectively. 
Specifically described, since the two regions A4 and A5 are indicated at a 
common hatching, those regions are sewn using a common thread, i.e., in a 
common color. Each of the remaining regions A1, A2, A3 is illustrated at a 
hatching different from those for the other regions, and is sewn with a 
thread having a color different from the other colors. After all, four 
sorts of threads, i.e., four colors in total are used to produce a 
multiple-color embroidery corresponding to the achromatic original image 
A. To this end, the user is required to prepare four part-original sheets, 
B1, B2, B3, and B4, as shown in FIGS. 11(A), 11(B), 11(C), and 11(D), 
which have four part-original images, A1; A2; A3; A4, A5, to be 
embroidered in the first to fourth colors, respectively. The achromatic 
image scanner is operated to stepwise read each of the four part-original 
sheets B1 to B4. Each of the part-original sheets B1 to B4 is prepared by 
drawing, using, e.g., a black-ink pen, a corresponding part-original image 
A1, A2, A3, and A4, A5 on a white sheet. Each time the image scanner reads 
each part-original image A1, A2, A3, and A4, A5 from a corresponding 
part-original sheet B1, B2, B3, and B4, the microcomputer processes a 
batch of embroidery data to form stitches filling the inside area(s) of 
the region(s) of each part-original image. In this case, four batches of 
embroidery data are processed. 
More specifically described, first, the user makes a copy of the outline of 
the region A1, onto an initial white sheet B1, by using an original B 
having the original image A shown in FIG. 5 and, e.g., a red carbon paper 
(red color is not readable or detectable by the achromatic image scanner). 
Then, the inside area of the outline of the region A1 copied on the sheet 
B1 is colored in with a black-ink pen (black color is readable by the 
achromatic image scanner). Thus, the first part-original sheet B1 shown in 
FIG. 11(A) is prepared. In FIG. 11(A) and each of FIGS. 11(B) to 11(D), 
the colored-in region(s) is/are indicated at a hatching as a matter of 
convenience. The same steps are made for each of the regions A2 and A3, so 
that the second and third part-original sheets B2 and B3 shown in FIGS. 
11(B) and 11(C) are prepared. Finally, the two regions A4 and A5 to be 
embroidered in a common color are copied and colored in on the single 
sheet B4, so that the fourth part-original sheet B4 shown in FIG. 11(D) is 
obtained. 
Generally, the inside area of an outline-bounded region is embroidered by 
being filled with stitches such as satin stitches, seed stitches, or 
multiple-pattern stitches. The multiple-pattern sewing is carried out by 
forming a multiplicity of prescribed patterns (e.g., circles, stars, etc.) 
in the inside area of an outline-bounded region and thereby filling the 
region with the thus formed multiple-pattern stitches. Meanwhile, in the 
case of embroidering, on a work sheet, a particular sort of original image 
such as an animation character, the embroidery formed on the work sheet 
can enjoy a better appearance when stitches are formed along the 
outline(s) of the original image in zigzag-stitch sewing, triple-, 
double-, or single-stitch sewing, or E-stitch sewing, in addition to the 
sewing of the inside area of the original image in satin-stitch sewing, 
seed-stitch sewing, or multiple-pattern sewing. The E-stitch sewing is 
carried out by forming main stitches along the straight or curved 
outline(s) while forming lateral stitches perpendicular to the main 
stitches. Owing to the trimming provided by the stitches formed along the 
outline(s), the embroidery shows up in the background of the work sheet. 
However, the processing apparatus disclosed in JP 4-174699 cannot produce, 
only with the four part-original sheets B1 to B4, outline sewing data to 
form stitches along the outlines of the regions A1 to A5. If a user 
desires to form stitches around the outline(s) of an outline-bounded 
region in addition to forming stitches to fill the inside area of the 
same, the user is required to prepare a separate part-original sheet on 
which a peripheral area or areas is/are defined in the neighborhood of the 
outline(s) of the region. The separate part-original sheet or image is 
read by the image scanner. In the latter case, the peripheral area(s) 
defined around the outline(s) is/are handled as an outline-bounded region 
or regions, and accordingly the additional part-original sheet is needed. 
However, the embroidery data to embroider the peripheral area(s) defined 
around the outline(s) are just area sewing data to form stitches filling 
the peripheral area(s), but not outline sewing data to form stitches along 
the outline(s). In addition, the amount of working of the user to produce 
the embroidery data necessary to form the trimmed embroidery is much 
increased. 
In the prior embroidery-data processing apparatus for the home-use 
embroidery sewing machines, the achromatic image scanner is employed for 
economic and other reasons. Therefore, for producing embroidery data to 
form a multiple-color embroidery, a user is required to prepare the same 
number of part-original sheets as the number of colors used. Accordingly, 
even though the user may choose not to embroider any peripheral area 
around the outlines, the amount of working of the user is very large. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and 
an apparatus for easily producing embroidery data to form an embroidery 
corresponding to an original image, the embroidery data including outline 
sewing data to form stitches along the outline(s) of the original image. 
The above object has been achieved by the present invention. According to a 
first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for 
processing embroidery data to control a sewing machine to form an 
embroidery on a work sheet, the apparatus comprising: an image reader 
which reads, from an original having an original image comprising at least 
one outline-bounded region having at least one outline and an inside area 
bounded by the outline, the original image so as to produce image data 
defining at least one of the outline and the inside area of the 
outline-bounded region; a first device which produces, based on the image 
data, outline sewing data to form stitches along the outline of the 
outline-bounded region; and a second device which produces, based on the 
image data, area sewing data to form stitches filling the inside area of 
the outline-bounded region, the embroidery data including the outline 
sewing data and the area sewing data. 
In the embroidery-data processing apparatus constructed as described above, 
the first device produces, based on the image data, outline sewing data to 
form stitches along the outline of the outline-bounded region of the 
original image, and the second device produces, based on the image data, 
area sewing data to form stitches filling the inside area of the 
outline-bounded region. Thus, the present apparatus easily produces, based 
on the image data, embroidery data including both the outline sewing data 
and the area sewing data. 
In a preferred embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, at 
least one of the first and second devices comprises a first 
sewing-manner-specifying device which specifies a first sewing manner. The 
first sewing manner may be one and only sewing manner pre-stored in a 
memory such as a read only memory (ROM) of a microcomputer, or a sewing 
manner selected automatically or by a user from a plurality of sewing 
manners pre-stored in a memory. 
In another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, at least 
one of the first and second devices further comprises first producing 
means for producing at least one of the outline sewing data and the area 
sewing data to form stitches in the first sewing manner. 
In yet another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, at 
least one of the first and second devices further comprises an input 
device which is operable for selecting a mode in which the first producing 
means does not produce at least one of the outline sewing data and the 
area sewing data. In this case, the apparatus can prevent producing 
unnecessary outline or area sewing data. 
In another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, at least 
one of the first and second devices further comprises: a second 
sewing-manner-specifying device which specifies a second sewing manner 
different from the first sewing manner; and second producing means for 
producing at least one of the outline sewing data and the area sewing data 
to form stitches in the second sewing manner. The second 
sewing-manner-specifying device may be operated for specifying the second 
sewing manner, before or after the first producing means produces the 
outline sewing data and/or the area sewing data. In the latter case where 
the second sewing-manner-specifying device specifies the second sewing 
manner after the first producing means produces the outline sewing data 
and/or the area sewing data, the outline sewing data and/or the area 
sewing data produced by the first producing means are replaced by the 
outline sewing data and/or the area sewing data produced by the first 
producing means. In this case, the apparatus can produce various sorts of 
embroidery data corresponding to a single original image. 
In another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, the 
first sewing-manner-specifying device comprises means for selecting, as 
the first sewing manner, one of a plurality of sewing manners, based on a 
characteristic of the outline-bounded region. The characteristic of the 
region may be a magnitude such as an area, a maximum length, or a length 
of the outline thereof. Otherwise, the characteristic may be a degree of 
complexity of shape of the outline thereof. In this case, the apparatus 
can produce various sorts of embroidery data corresponding to a single 
original image. In addition, the thus selected sewing manner is suitable 
for the characteristic of the region. 
In another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, the 
first sewing-manner-specifying device comprises an input device which is 
operable for selecting, as the first sewing manner, one of a plurality of 
sewing manners. In this case, the apparatus can produce various sorts of 
embroidery data corresponding to a single original image. 
In another embodiment according the first aspect of the invention, the 
image reader comprises means for producing the image data comprising at 
least one of (a) outline-defining data defining the outline of the 
outline-bounded region and (b) area-defining data defining the inside area 
of the outline-bounded region. The outline-defining data defining the 
outline of the region may be used as data defining the inside area of the 
region, and the area-defining data defining the inside area of the region 
may be used as data defining the outline of the region. 
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 
method of processing embroidery data to control a sewing machine to form 
an embroidery on a work sheet, the method comprising the steps of: (a) 
reading, from an original having an original image comprising at least one 
outline-bounded region having at least one outline and an inside area 
bounded by the outline, the original image so as to produce image data 
defining at least one of the outline and the inside area of the 
outline-bounded region, (b) producing, based on the image data, outline 
sewing data to form stitches along the outline of the outline-bounded 
region, and (c) producing, based on the image data, area sewing data to 
form stitches filling the inside area of the outline-bounded region, the 
embroidery data including the outline sewing data and the area sewing 
data. 
The embroidery-data processing method arranged as described above enjoys 
the same advantages as those of the embroidery-data processing apparatus 
in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
First, by reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 6(A) to 6(E), there will be 
described an embroidery-data processing apparatus 1 to which the present 
invention is applied. The present apparatus 1 produces or processes 
embroidery data to control a domestic or home embroidery sewing machine 15 
(FIG. 10) to form an embroidery on a work sheet such as a fabric, cloth, 
or leather. The following description relates to the operation of the 
apparatus 1 for processing embroidery data to form a color embroidery 
corresponding to an original "plant" image, A, shown in FIG. 5. The 
original image A is drawn, using a black-ink pen, on a white sheet, B, to 
be used as an original. 
As shown in FIG. 5, the original "plant" image A includes five 
outline-bounded regions, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. The region A1 is the 
center of the flower of the plant; the region A2 is the petal of the 
flower; the region A3 is the stem of the plant; and the regions A4, A5 are 
the left-hand and right-hand leaves of the plant, respectively. Each of 
the outline-bounded regions A1 to A5 has one or more outlines and an 
inside area bounded by the outline(s). For example, the region A1 is 
bounded by a single outline, whereas the region A2 is bounded by two 
outlines an inner one of which is also the outline of the region A1. In 
the following description, it is assumed that different regions indicated 
at different hatchings in FIG. 5 are embroidered with different needle 
threads having different colors, respectively. Since the regions A4 and A5 
are indicated at a common hatching, those regions are embroidered using a 
common thread, i.e., in a common color. Since each of the regions A1, A2, 
A3 is illustrated at a hatching different from those for the other regions 
and accordingly is embroidered using a needle thread having a color 
different from the other colors, four sorts of needle threads, i.e., four 
colors in total are used to produce a multiple-color embroidery 
corresponding to the original image A. 
FIG. 10 shows the home embroidery sewing machine 15 which forms the color 
embroidery corresponding to the original image A, according to the 
embroidery data processed by the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The sewing machine 
15 includes a bed 16; a frame 18 for supporting a work sheet; an X-Y feed 
mechanism 20 for displacing the frame 18 or the work sheet to any position 
in a horizontal plane defined by the X-Y coordinate system prescribed for 
the sewing machine 15; a sewing needle 22 for conveying a color embroidery 
thread (not shown) that is changeable with a different needle thread 
having a different color, by a user; a loop catcher (not shown) disposed 
under the bed 16 for catching a loop of the thread conveyed by the needle 
22; a drive mechanism (not shown) for vertically reciprocating the needle 
22, and rotating the loop catcher, in synchronism with each other; and a 
control device (not shown) which includes a microcomputer and operates for 
controlling the feed and drive mechanisms to form the color embroidery 
corresponding to the original image A, on the work sheet, according to the 
embroidery data processed by the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. 
The embroidery data processed by the apparatus 1 include sets of 
stitch-position data (e.g., X and Y coordinate data) which represent 
respective stitch positions where the sewing needle 22 penetrates the work 
sheet to form corresponding stitches. Each set of stitch-position data 
represents respective amounts of movement of the work sheet or the 
embroidery frame 18 along the X and Y axes to form a corresponding stitch. 
As shown in FIG. 10, the sewing machine 15 has a data reading device 24 for 
reading embroidery data from a flash-memory card 10. A flash memory is an 
EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory). The 
present apparatus 1 processes embroidery data and stores or records the 
processed embroidery data in the flash-memory card 10. Alternatively, the 
apparatus 1 may directly be connected via a data cable to the sewing 
machine 15, so that the embroidery data produced by the apparatus 1 can 
directly be transferred to the control device of the sewing machine 15. 
Otherwise, the apparatus 1 as a whole may be incorporated into the sewing 
machine 15 of FIG. 10. 
The sewing machine 15 has a display device 26 for displaying various 
messages directed to the user, for example, a message requesting the user 
to change the current needle thread with a new thread having a different 
color from that of the current thread. 
Next, the electric arrangement of the embroidery data processing apparatus 
1 will be described in detail by reference to FIG. 2. The apparatus 1 
includes a control device 13 which is essentially constituted by a 
microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU) 2, a read only 
memory (ROM) 3, and a random access memory (RAM) 4. The control device 13 
controls various operations of the present apparatus 1. A control program 
represented by the flow chart of FIG. 4 is pre-stored in the ROM 3. The 
apparatus 1 additionally includes a flash-memory device (FMD) 5 and an 
input and output (I/O) interface 6 each of which is connected via bus 14 
to the control device 13. The FMD 5 holds the flash-memory card 10 as an 
external memory. The flash-memory card 10 can be removed from the FMD 5 of 
the apparatus 1, so that the card 10 may be inserted into the data reading 
device 24 of the sewing machine 15 of FIG. 10. 
As shown in FIG. 1, the present apparatus 1 has, on the top thereof, a 
liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 having a screen 7a for providing a 
representation of the original image A taken by an image scanner 4 from 
the original sheet B. The LCD 7 is controlled by a display control device 
(LCDC) 8 connected to the control device 13. A display-data memory such as 
a video RAM 9 is connected to the LCDC 8 and the control device 13. 
Additionally, the apparatus 1 has two keys 11 (11a, 11b) which are 
manually operable by the user for inputting his or her "YES" and "NO" 
answers, respectively, to each of various questions displayed on the 
screen 7a of the LCD 7. The keys 11a, 11b are connected via the I/O 
interface 6 to the control device 13. 
The image scanner 12 picks up the original image A from the original sheet 
B. The image scanner 12 is connected to the control device 13 via the I/O 
interface 6. In the present embodiment, the image scanner 12 is a 
hand-operable scanner which reads, from the original sheet B, the 
achromatic original image A provided in white and black colors only. With 
the upper portion of the scanner 12 being held by the palm of the user, 
the lower portion (i.e., reading head) of the scanner 12 is rolled over 
the original sheet B. With a button (not shown) of the scanner 12 being 
pushed by a finger of the user, the scanner 12 is moved slowly in one 
direction over the original image A. Thus, the original image A is 
obtained as raster-type digital image data or bit-map data containing sets 
of picture-element data corresponding to a number of picture elements of 
the original image A. Each set of picture-element data is a set of one-bit 
data representing a value of "0" or "1" defining the white or black color 
of a corresponding picture element. The image scanner 12 serves as an 
image reader which reads the original image A from the original sheet B 
and produces image data defining the original image A. The thus obtained 
image data are temporarily stored in the RAM 4. 
According to the software program pre-stored in the ROM 3 and represented 
by the flow chart of FIG. 4, the present apparatus 1 automatically 
produces, from the original image A taken from the original sheet B, 
embroidery data to form an embroidery corresponding to the original image 
A. As described in detail later, the apparatus 1 carries out the following 
steps: the step of producing, from the original sheet B having the 
original image A including the outline-bounded regions A1 to A5, image 
data including (a) outline data defining an outline of each region A1 to 
A5 and (b) area data defining an inside area of each region A1 to A5; the 
step of selecting an outline-sewing-data processing mode in which outline 
sewing data to sew the outline of each region A1 to A5 are processed based 
on the outline data; the step of producing, in the selected 
outline-sewing-data processing mode, the outline sewing data to form 
stitches along the outline of each region A1 to A5, based on the outline 
data; and the step of producing, based on the area data, area sewing data 
to form stitches filling the inside area of each region A1 to A5. Thus, 
the embroidery data include the outline sewing data and the area sewing 
data. The step of selecting the outline-sewing-data processing mode is 
carried out in response to user's operation of the "YES" key 11a, in a 
manner described later. 
Moreover, as described in detail later, the step of producing the image 
data is carried out in the following substeps: the first substep at which 
the image scanner 12 is used to read the outline of each region A1 to A5 
from the original sheet B having the outline of each region A1 to A5, so 
as to produce the outline data defining the outline of each region A1 to 
A5; the second substep at which user's first processing of the original 
image A is carried out by forming, using an image-forming material such as 
a black ink, a readable image or images in the inside area or areas of one 
or more first regions selected by the user from the regions A1 to A5 of 
the original image A, so as to read, using the image scanner 12, the thus 
obtained first processed original image and produce first processed-image 
data defining the first processed original image; the third substep at 
which user's second processing of the original image A is effected by 
forming a readable image or images in the inside area or areas of one or 
more second regions selected by the user from the regions A1 to A5 of the 
original image A, so as to read, using the image scanner 12, the thus 
obtained second processed original image and produce second 
processed-image data defining the second processed original image; and the 
fourth substep at which the first region(s) is/are identified based on a 
difference between the first processed-image data and the outline data, so 
as to produce first region data defining the first region(s), and the 
second region(s) is/are identified and distinguished from the first 
region(s), based on a difference between the second processed-image data 
and the first processed-image data, so as to produce second region data 
defining the second region(s). Thus, the image data include the first and 
second region data defining the first and second regions distinguished 
from each other and from the other regions. The first group of region(s) 
is/are selected by the user from the regions A1 to A5, so as to embroider 
with a first needle thread having a first color, whereas the second 
region(s) is/are selected by the user from the regions A1 to A5, so as to 
embroider with a second needle thread having a second color different from 
the first color. The third and fourth substeps may be repeated to produce 
third region data defining one or more third regions selected by the user 
from the regions A1 to A5. In the latter case, the image data include the 
first, second, and third region data defining the first, second, and third 
groups of regions distinguished from one another. The third region(s) 
is/are selected by the user from the regions A1 to A5, so as to embroider 
with a third needle thread having a third color different from the first 
and second colors. In the present embodiment, in addition to the region A 
as the first region(s), the region A2 as the second region(s), and the 
region A3 as the third region(s), the two regions A4 and A5 are selected 
as fourth regions by the user from the regions A1 to A5, so as to 
embroider with a fourth needle thread having a fourth color different from 
the first to third colors. 
Next, there will be described the operation of the embroidery data 
processing apparatus 1 constructed as described above, by reference to the 
flow chart of FIG. 4 as well as FIG. 3 and FIGS. 6(A), 6(B), 6(C), 6(D). 
The following description relates to the operation of the apparatus 1 for 
processing embroidery data for, e.g., the original image A shown in FIG. 
5. 
Before starting the operation of the apparatus 1, the user prepares the 
original sheet B having an initial original image, C, consisting of 
outlines and boundary lines of the original image A, as shown in FIG. 
6(A). The initial original image C is obtained by drawing, using a 
black-ink pen, respective outlines D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, of the five 
outline-bounded regions A1 to A5, on the white base sheet B. The outlines 
D1 to D5 include boundary lines at which two regions (regions D1 and D2; 
D2 and D3; D3 and D4; and D3 and D5) are contiguous with each other. The 
black ink or black color coming out of the pen being used is readable or 
detectable by the achromatic-image scanner 12. 
More specifically described, the initial original image C includes the 
outline D1 of the region A1 as the center of the flower of the plant; the 
two outlines D1, D2 of the region A2 as the petal of the flower; the 
outline D3 of the region A3 as the stem of the plant; the outline D4 of 
the region A4 as the left-hand leaf of the plant; and the outline D5 of 
the region A5 as the right-hand leaf of the plant. The outline D1 is not 
only the outline of the region A1 but also one of the two outlines of the 
region A2, therefore the outline D1 is the boundary line of the two 
regions A1 and A2. 
Upon application of electric power to the present apparatus 1, the CPU 2 of 
the control device 13 accesses the embroidery-data processing program 
pre-stored in the ROM 3 and represented by the flow chart of FIG. 4. 
First, at Step S1 of FIG. 4, the CPU 2 operates for controlling the LCD 7 
to display, on the display screen 7a, a message requesting the user to 
start reading the initial original image C from the original sheet B, 
e.g., "START READING INITIAL ORIGINAL IMAGE". In response to this message, 
the user starts the image scanner 12 in the above-described manner to read 
the initial original image C from the original sheet B that has been 
prepared in advance. Before this operation is started, negative judgments 
are made at Step S1, so that the CPU 2 repeats Step S1. Meanwhile, if the 
image-reading operation is started, a positive judgment is made at Step 
S1, so that the control of the CPU 2 proceeds with Step S2 to start 
reading the initial original image C from the original sheet B, and start 
producing outline data representing the outlines D1 to D5 of the initial 
image C. The thus produced outline data include bit-matrix or bit-map data 
representing the white or black color of each of the picture elements of 
the initial image C taken from the original sheet B. Step S2 is followed 
by Step S3 to provide, on the LCD 7 (i.e., screen 7a), a visual 
representation of the read initial image C, based on the produced outline 
data or bit-map data. The displaying of the initial image C on the LCD 7 
is carried out concurrently with the reading of the same C by the image 
scanner 12 from the original sheet B. At the following Step S4, the CPU 2 
judges whether the reading of the initial image C, i.e., the production of 
the outline data has been completed. Before the image scanner 12 has been 
moved by a prescribed distance, negative judgments are made at Step S4, so 
that the control of the CPU 2 goes back to Step S2. On the other hand, 
when the image scanner 12 has been moved by the prescribed distance, a 
positive judgment is made at Step S4. At this time, the entire initial 
image C should have already been displayed on the LCD 7. Hence, at the 
following Step S5, the CPU 2 operates for controlling the LCD 7 to 
provide, together with the initial image C, a message requesting the user 
to judge whether the initial image C has been read correctly. If the user 
judges that the initial image C has been read correctly, he or she pushes 
the "YES" key 11a, so that the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step S6. Thus, 
the production of the outline data is ended. On the other hand, if the 
user does not judge that the initial image C has been read correctly, he 
or she pushes the "NO" key 11b, so that the control of the CPU 2 goes back 
to Step S1. 
At Step S6, the CPU 2 operates for controlling the LCD 7 to display a 
message requesting the user to decide whether or not to select the 
outline-sewing-data processing mode, e.g., message "OUTLINE SEWING IS 
NEEDED ?". At this step, the user can select, or not select, the operation 
mode in which outline sewing data to form stitches along the outlines D1 
to D5 of the original image A are processed based on the outline data. 
When the user selects this mode, he or she pushes the "YES" key 11a. On 
the other hand, when not, the user pushes the "NO" key 11b. In the former 
case, a positive judgment is made at Step S6, and the control of the CPU 2 
goes to Step S7 to produce outline sewing data based on the outline data 
obtained at Step S2. The outline data are so modified as to define the 
center line of each "thick" outline D1 to D5 (having a width corresponding 
to a plurality of picture elements), according to a known bit-map data 
processing technique. Otherwise, the outline data may be so modified as to 
define an outer or inner peripheral line of each "thick" outline D1 to D5, 
according to a known technique. Based on the thus modified outline data, 
the control device 13 produces sets of vector data defining short straight 
segments connected to one another at points located on each outline D1 to 
D5, according to another known bit-map data processing technique. The 
short straight segments cooperate with one another to define each outline 
D1 to D5. The thus produced outline sewing data may be sewing data to form 
zigzag stitches along the outlines D1 to D5 of the regions A1 to A5. The 
outline sewing data may include sets of stitch-position data representing 
stitch positions located on both sides of the outlines D1 to D5, so that 
the zigzag stitches are formed along the outlines D1 to D5 as reference 
lines. Other than zigzag-stitch sewing, single-, double-, or triple-stitch 
sewing, or E-stitch sewing may be employed to embroider the outlines D1 to 
D5. The produced outline sewing data are stored or recorded in the 
flash-memory card 10 being inserted in the FMD 5. Step S6 may be so 
modified as to enable the user to choose whether or not to produce outline 
sewing data, with respect to the outline(s) of each of the regions A1 to 
A5. In this modified manner, outline sewing data are produced for a 
boundary line such as the outline D1, if the user chooses to sew the 
outline(a) of at least one of the two regions contiguous with each other 
at that boundary line. On the other hand, if the user pushes the "NO" key 
11b and a negative judgment is made at Step S6, the control of the CPU 2 
skips Step S7 and goes to Step S8. 
At Step S8, the CPU 2 operates for identifying the inside area of each of 
the five outline-bounded regions A1 to A5 of the original image A of FIG. 
5, based on the outline data representing the outlines D1 to D5 of FIG. 
6(A), and producing area data (bit-map data) representing the inside area 
of each region A1 to A5, according to known bit-map data processing 
techniques. Only with the thus produced area data, however, the CPU 2 or 
the control device 13 cannot automatically judge whether the inside area 
of a region (e.g., A1) completely contained inside the outline of another 
region (e.g., A2) is to be embroidered, or, cannot judge, if the former 
region is to be embroidered, whether the former region is to be 
embroidered with the same needle thread, i.e., in the same color, as that 
for the latter region. Additionally, the CPU 2 cannot judge whether the 
respective inside areas of a plurality of regions are to be embroidered 
with a common thread, i.e. in a common color, or with different threads 
having different colors. For example, the CPU 2 cannot judge whether the 
inside area of the region A1 completely contained inside the outline D2 of 
the region A2 is an area to be embroidered, or an area not to be 
embroidered and just to define the inner periphery of the region A2. It 
goes without saying that the CPU 2 cannot know the user's intention 
assumed in the present embodiment that the regions A1, A2, A3 are 
embroidered in different colors, respectively, and the regions A4, A5 are 
embroidered in a common color which is different from the three colors for 
the three regions A1 to A3. 
Hence, at Step S9 and the following steps, the present apparatus 1 produces 
two or more sets of processed-image data (described later), and 
distinguishes one or more first regions each to be embroidered in a first 
color, from one or more second regions to be embroidered in a second color 
different from the first color, and, if appropriate, from other regions to 
be embroidered in other colors different from the first and second colors. 
At Step S9, the CPU 2 operates for controlling the LCD 7 to display a 
message requesting the user to color in one or more first regions to be 
embroidered with a needle thread having a first color, i.e., message 
"COLOR IN REGION(S) TO BE SEWN IN FIRST COLOR". In response to this 
message, the user colors in one or more regions selected from the regions 
A1 to A5, using a black-ink pen, for example. Other sorts of image-forming 
materials may be used. For example, a color tape may be employed in place 
of a color-ink pen. This coloring-in or blacking-out need not be carried 
out in a complete manner, that is, only an almost or major portion of the 
selected region or each of the selected regions needs to be colored in or 
blacked out. In addition, the user is allowed to erroneously color in a 
small portion of another region or other regions adjacent to the selected 
region or regions but not to be selected, for the reasons described later. 
When the user colors in the inside area of the outline D1 of the region 
A1, the initial original image C is initially processed into a first 
processed original image, C1, as shown in FIG. 6(B). Step S9 is followed 
by Step S10 to set a counter, N, to N=1. The state of N=1 indicates that 
the first processed original image C1 including the processed region A1 as 
the first region(s) to be embroidered in the first color, is read in the 
current control cycle of Steps S11 to S15. 
At Steps S11 to S15, the present apparatus 1 operates for producing an N-st 
set of processed-image data from the first processed original C1 (N=1) or 
each of second to fourth processed originals C2, C3, C4 (N=2, 3, 4) shown 
in FIGS. 6(C), 6(D), 6(E). Steps S11 to S15 are carried out in 
substantially the same manner as Steps S1 to S5. In short, the CPU 2 
operates for controlling the LCD 7 to display a message "START READING 
N-ST PROCESSED ORIGINAL IMAGE". In response to this message, the user 
operates the image scanner 12 to read the N-st processed original image 
(for the first time, the first processed original C1) and produce the N-st 
set of processed-image data based on the read N-st processed original 
image. The N-st processed-image data are bit-map data. The read N-st 
processed original image is displayed on the LCD 7 based on the N-st 
processed-image data. When the user judges on the screen 7a of the LCD 7 
that the N-st processed original image has been read correctly, he or she 
pushes the "YES" key 11a, so that the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step 
S16. 
At Step S16, the CPU 2 operates for controlling the LCD 7 to display, on 
the screen 7a, a message requesting the user to color in region(s) to be 
embroidered in a different color, e.g., message "COLOR IN REGION(S) TO BE 
SEWN IN DIFFERENT COLOR", as shown in FIG. 3. This message is not deleted 
during the duration in which the following Steps S17 and S18 are carried 
out. 
At Step S17, the CPU 2 identifies and distinguishes the N-st processed 
region(s) to be embroidered in the N-st color, from the other regions to 
be embroidered in the other colors. Specifically described, at Step S17, 
the CPU 2 identifies which region(s) out of the regions A1 to A5 has/have 
been read as the N-st processed region(s), based on the area data obtained 
at Step S8 and the N-st set of processed-image data obtained at Step S12, 
and produces an N-st set of region data defining the N-st processed 
region(s) based on the difference between the N-st set of processed-image 
data obtained at Step S12 in the current control loop of Steps S11 to S20 
and an (N-1)-st set of processed-image data obtained at Step S12 in the 
preceding control loop of the same steps. However, the CPU 2 produces a 
first set of region data defining the first processed region(s), based on 
the difference between the area data obtained at Step S8 and the first set 
of processed-image data obtained at Step S12. Regarding the original image 
A, the present apparatus 1 produces the first set of region data defining 
the region A1, based on the first set of processed-image data. 
The CPU 2 judges whether each region A1 to A5 is colored in, or covered, 
with the black ink of the pen, by identifying whether a percentage of the 
area (i.e., number of picture elements) of the colored-in portion of each 
region to the total area of the same is greater than a threshold value. 
Different threshold values are employed for large, medium, and small 
regions, respectively. For example, for the large regions, 50% is used as 
the threshold value; for the medium regions, 75% is used; and for the 
small regions, 90% is used. Therefore, even though the coloring-in or 
blacking-out may not be carried out in a complete fashion, the control 
device 13 or CPU 2 reliably identifies the region or regions colored in by 
the user with the black pen. 
Step S17 is followed by Step S18 to produce area sewing data to form 
stitches filling the inside area(s) of the N-st processed region(s), based 
on the N-st set of region data obtained at Step S17. In the present 
embodiment, an N-set of region data include region-area data defining the 
inside area(s) of the N-st region(s). Otherwise, region-outline data 
defining the outline(s) of the N-st region(s) may be produced in place of 
the region-area data. The region-outline data may be produced based on the 
region-area data, and vice versa. There are known various techniques for 
producing, directly from region-area data as bit-map data, sets of 
stitch-position data representing stitch positions where the needle 22 of 
the sewing machine 15 penetrates a work sheet, and there are also known 
various techniques for producing, based on region-outline data, sets of 
stitch-position data representing stitch positions. Therefore, detailed 
description of the manner of production of the area sewing data is 
omitted. The thus produced area sewing data to be used to embroider the 
N-st region(s) in the N-st color, are recorded together with the outline 
sewing data obtained at Step S7, in the flash-memory card 10. 
During the time duration in which the apparatus 1 carries out Steps S17 and 
S18, the user can further process the previously processed original image 
from which the N-st processed region(s) has/have been read, i.e., color in 
one or more (N+1)-st region(s) to be embroidered in the (N+1)-st color, 
using the black pen, in response to the message provided on the LCD 7 at 
Step S16. Thus, for example, the first processed original image C1 is 
further processed into the second processed original image C2 shown in 
FIG. 6(C), by coloring in the region A2 as the second processed region(s) 
to be embroidered in the second color. 
Step S18 is followed by Step S19 at which the CPU 2 operates for 
controlling the LCD 7 to display a message asking the user whether to end 
the current embroidery-data processing operation, e.g., message "THE 
CURRENT OPERATION IS ENDED ?" The user pushes the "YES" key 11a or the 
"NO" key 11b. In the case where the user ends the current operation by 
pushing the "YES" key 11a, the current control cycle in accordance with 
the flow chart of FIG. 4 is finished. On the other hand, in the case where 
the user continues to read another or other processed original image(s) 
and produce another or other set(s) of area sewing data, he or she pushes 
the "NO" key 11b, so that a negative judgment is made at Step S19 and so 
that the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step S20 to add one to the counter 
N, and subsequently goes back to Step S11 and the following steps. 
The second processed original image C2 has the two regions A1 and A2 
colored in with the black ink. Therefore, the apparatus 1 produces, at 
Step S12, a second set of processed-image data defining the regions A1 and 
A2. At Step S17, however, the control device 13 or CPU 2 distinguishes the 
second processed region A2 newly colored in and to be embroidered in the 
second color, from the first processed region A1 previously colored in and 
to be embroidered in the first color, based on the difference between the 
second set of processed-image data defining the regions A1 and A2 and the 
first set of processed-image data defining the region A1. In the same 
manner, the third and fourth processed original images C3, C4 shown in 
FIGS. 6(D) and 6(E) are prepared by the user and read by the image scanner 
12 so as to produce a third and a fourth set of processed-image data, 
identify the third processed region A3 and the fourth processed regions A4 
and A5, and produce a third and a fourth set of area sewing data. 
Regarding the fourth processed original image C4, the two regions A4 and 
A5 are colored in at the same time, so that the apparatus 1 distinguishes, 
from the first to third processed regions, the fourth processed regions 
A4, A5 to be embroidered in the fourth color. 
The flash-memory card 10 storing the thus produced embroidery data 
including the outline sewing data and the first to fourth sets of area 
sewing data, is removed from the FMD 5 of the apparatus 1, and is inserted 
into the data reading device 24 of the embroidery sewing machine 15 of 
FIG. 10. According to the embroidery data stored in the flash-memory card 
10, the sewing machine 15 automatically forms, on the work sheet held by 
the frame 18, an embroidery corresponding to the original image A. In the 
embroidery-forming operation, first, the sewing machine 15 forms stitches 
to fill the inside area of the region A1, with a thread having a first 
color selected by the user. Following this sewing operation, the sewing 
machine 15 stops the needle 22 and displays, on the screen 26, a message 
requesting the user to change needle threads. In response to this message, 
the user changes the current thread to a different thread having a second 
color different from the first color. Subsequently, the user re-starts the 
sewing machine 15 to form stitches filling the region A2 with the new 
thread having the second color. Finally, according to the outline sewing 
data, the sewing machine 15 forms stitches along the outline(s) of each of 
the regions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, with a common needle thread having a color 
identical with, or different from, the four colors of the four threads. 
Otherwise, the sewing machine 15 may be modified such that, each time the 
sewing of each of the outlines D1 to D5 is started, the screen 26 displays 
a message requesting the user to change a current needle thread to a 
corresponding one of the four threads used to embroider the first to 
fourth processed regions A1; A2; A3; and A4, A5. The fourth processed 
original image C4 is prepared by simultaneously coloring in the regions A4 
and A5 to embroider with a common thread, so that the two regions A4, A5 
are continuously sewn without changing threads. 
It emerges from the foregoing description that, in the present embodiment, 
outline embroidery data to form stitches along the outlines and boundary 
lines D1 to D5 of the original image A (A1 to A5), are easily produced 
based on the image data obtained from the initial original image C. In 
contrast to the conventional method in which a peripheral portion or area 
of an outline-bounded region is handled as if it were also an 
outline-bounded region and therefore the total number of part-original 
sheets to be prepared are increased, the present apparatus 1 easily 
processes the outline embroidery data directly based on the outline data 
obtained by reading the initial original image C. 
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user can select the 
outline-sewing-data processing mode at Step S6 of FIG. 4. Since the 
present apparatus 1 can produce, for the original image A, (a) first 
embroidery data including outline sewing data and (b) second embroidery 
data not including outline sewing data, the user can enjoy a variety of 
embroidery data for the original image A. In the modified control manner 
of Step S6 in which the apparatus 1 permits the user to choose whether to 
sew an outline or outlines, with respect to each of the regions A1 to A5, 
the degree of variety of embroidery data for the original image A is much 
increased. In addition, when the user does not select this mode because he 
or she judges that outline sewing data are not necessary, the production 
of embroidery data for the original image A is simplified as compared with 
the case where outline sewing data are processed whenever embroidery data 
are processed. 
In the present embodiment, the user first prepares the original B having 
the initial original image C consisting of the outlines and boundary lines 
D of the original image A, i.e., outlines D1 to D5 of the regions A1 to 
A5, and then stepwise processes the initial original image C by coloring 
in the first to fourth region(s) A1, A2, A3, and A4, A5 and thereby 
providing the first to fourth processed original images C1 to C4. Only 
with the original images C, C1 to C4 prepared and processed on the single 
sheet B, the image scanner 12 can stepwise read each of the first to 
fourth processed original images and produce the first to fourth sets of 
processed-image data necessary to process embroider data to form an 
embroidery in multiple colors. Thus, in the present embodiment, the single 
sheet B suffices in contrast to the conventional method in which the user 
is required to prepare the four sheets B1 to B4 shown in FIGS. 11(A) to 
11(D). Thus, the amount of working of the user is much reduced as compared 
with the conventional method. 
Moreover, the present apparatus 1 employs the achromatic image scanner 12 
that costs lower than a chromatic image scanner. Because of the employment 
of the achromatic image scanner 12, the hardware and software 
configurations of the apparatus 1 are much simplified. 
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control device 13 or CPU 2 
identifies whether each region A1 to A5 has been colored in with the black 
pen, by judging whether the percentage of the area of the colored-in 
portion of each region to the total area of the same is greater than a 
threshold value. Thus, even if the coloring-in or blacking-out of the 
inside area of each region may not be carried out in a complete or strict 
manner, the CPU 2 reliably identifies which region or regions has/have 
been colored in by the user with the black pen. Therefore, the user can 
perform the coloring-in of regions, with ease and with efficiency. In 
addition, since the apparatus 1 provides various helpful messages on the 
LCD 7, the user can easily use the apparatus 1 for processing embroidery 
data for a desired original image. 
Next, there will be described a second embodiment of the present invention 
by reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7. The second embodiment also 
relates to an embroidery data processing apparatus having the same 
hardware construction as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, the same 
reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1 to 3 are used to designate the 
corresponding elements or parts of the second apparatus in accordance with 
the second embodiment. However, the second apparatus operates according to 
a different control program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 7 and 
pre-stored in a ROM 2 of a control device 13. The different control 
program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 7 is obtained by modifying 
the control program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 4. That is, the 
flow chart of FIG. 7 includes additional Steps S21, S22, S23, and S24 in 
place of Step S7 of the flow chart of FIG. 4. Step S9 and the following 
steps are not shown in FIG. 7. The following description is focused on 
Steps S21 to S24. 
After a user has selected the outline-sewing-data processing mode at Step 
S6, he or she can select, at Step S21, one of three sewing manners, i.e., 
zigzag-stitch sewing, triple-stitch sewing, and single-stitch sewing, to 
form stitches along the outlines D1 to D5 of the regions A1 to A5 of the 
original image A. The selection of a desired sewing manner is carried out 
by pushing a screen 7a of an LCD 7. The user pushes or touches one of 
three imaged keys displayed on the LCD 7 which correspond to the three 
sewing manners. In the case where the zigzag sewing is selected at Step 
S21, the control of a CPU 2 goes to Step S22 to produce outline sewing 
data to form zigzag stitches along the outlines D1 to D5. The width and 
pitch of the zigzag stitches can be changed on the screen 7a of the LCD 7. 
The zigzag stitches are formed at (a) stitch positions located on both 
sides of each outline D1 to D5; (b) stitch positions all located on an 
outer side of each outline; or (c) stitch positions all located on an 
inner side of each outline. In the case where the triple sewing is 
selected at Step S21, the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step S23 to produce 
outline sewing data to form triple stitches along the outlines D1 to D5. 
The pitch of the triple stitches can be changed on the screen 7a of the 
LCD 7. The triple stitches are formed at stitch positions substantially on 
each outline. In the case where the single sewing is selected at Step S21, 
the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step S24 to produce outline sewing data 
to form common, single stitches along each outline D1 to D5. The pitch of 
the single stitches can be changed on the screen 7a of the LCD 7. The 
single stitches are formed at stitch positions on each outline. 
In the second embodiment, too, outline sewing data are easily produced if 
the user wishes to form stitches along the outlines and/or boundary lines 
of an original image. Additionally, since the user can select, at Step 
S21, a desired sewing manner from the various sewing manners pre-set in 
the apparatus, he or she can obtain a variety of sorts of outline sewing 
data which can be used to form a variety of sorts of outline stitches 
along the outlines of an original image. 
Next, there will be described a third embodiment of the present invention 
by reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8. The third embodiment also 
relates to an embroidery data processing apparatus having the same 
hardware construction as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, the same 
reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1 to 3 are used to designate the 
corresponding elements or parts of the third apparatus in accordance with 
the third embodiment. However, the third apparatus operates according to a 
different control program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 8 and 
pre-stored in a ROM 2 of a control device 13. The different control 
program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 8 is obtained by modifying 
the control program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 4. That is, the 
flow chart of FIG. 8 includes, following Step S6 of FIG. 4, Step S31 
corresponding to Step S8 of FIG. 4, and includes additional Steps S32, 
S33, S34, and S35 in place of Step S7 of FIG. 4. Step S10 and the 
following steps are not shown in FIG. 9. The following description is 
focused on Steps S32 to S35. 
When a user has selected the outline-sewing-data processing mode at Step 
S6, the control of a CPU 2 goes to Step S31 corresponding to Step S8 of 
FIG. 4. At Step S31, the CPU 2 operates for identifying the inside area of 
each of the five outline-bounded regions A1 to A5 of the original image A 
of FIG. 5, based on the outline data representing the outlines D1 to D5 of 
FIG. 6(A), and producing area data defining the inside area of each region 
A1 to A5. The area data include five sets of bit-map data each of which 
defines the inside area of a corresponding one of the five regions A1 to 
A5. Step S31 is followed by Step S32 to calculate the number of the 
picture elements corresponding to the inside area of each of the regions 
A1 to A5, based on the sets of bit-map data, i.e., calculates the area of 
each region A1 to A5. Subsequently, the CPU 2 classifies the regions A1 to 
A5 into three groups, i.e., large region(s), medium region(s), and small 
region(s), based on the calculated areas of the regions A1 to A5 and two 
reference values one of which is the criterion between the large and 
medium regions and the other of which is the criterion between the medium 
and small regions. In the case of the large region(s), the control of the 
CPU 2 goes to Step S33 to produce outline sewing data to form zigzag 
stitches along the outlines of the large region(s). In the case of the 
medium region(s), the control of the CPU 2 goes to Step S34 to produce 
outline sewing data to form triple stitches along the outlines of the 
medium region(s). In the case of the small region(s), the control of the 
CPU 2 goes to Step S35 to produce outline sewing data to form single 
stitches along the outlines of the small region(s). 
A larger region enjoys a better appearance with thicker stitches formed 
along the outline(s) thereof, whereas a smaller region enjoys a better 
appearance with thinner stitches formed along the outline(s) thereof. 
Since triple stitches are thinner than zigzag stitches and thicker than 
single stitches, sets of outline sewing data suitable for various sizes of 
outline-bounded regions are automatically produced in the third 
embodiment, without any help or intervention of the user. 
While the present invention has been described in its preferred 
embodiments, the invention may otherwise be embodied. 
For example, while in the illustrated embodiments outline sewing data are 
produced according to a prescribed sewing manner, or an user or 
automatically selected one of prescribed sewing manners, when the 
outline-sewing-data processing mode is selected by a user, it is possible 
to omit the step of selecting this mode and automatically process, without 
any conditions, outline sewing data to form stitches in a prescribed 
sewing manner, e.g., triple-stitch sewing. The user can make a final 
decision as to whether to adopt or discard the thus processed outline 
sewing data. In addition, it is possible that the outline sewing data 
processed according to the triple-stitch sewing be replaced with outline 
sewing data processed according to a user's desired one of zigzag-stitch 
sewing or single-stitch sewing. This modified manner is carried out 
according to the flow chart of FIG. 9. In this case, it is possible to 
modify the flow chart of FIG. 9 in such a manner that a user can choose 
whether to adopt or discard each portion of the processed outline sewing 
data, with respect to a corresponding one of the regions A1 to A5, and 
replace each portion of the outline sewing data processed according to a 
prescribed sewing manner, with outline sewing data processed according to 
a user's desired one of different prescribed sewing manners. 
Furthermore, Step S41 of FIG. 9 may be modified such that the control 
device 13 or CPU 2 specifies the triple-stitch sewing as the sewing manner 
to be used to form stitches along the outlines of the regions A1 to A5. In 
this case, Step S42 is modified to provide, on the LCD 7, a message asking 
the user whether to select the triple-stitch sewing. If the user pushes 
the "YES" key 11a, the control goes to Step S47 modified to produce 
outline sewing data to form stitches in the triple sewing. If the user 
pushes the "NO" key 11b, the control goes to Step S43 modified to provide, 
on the LCD 7, another message asking the user whether to produce outline 
sewing data to form stitches along the outlines of the regions A1 to A5. 
If the "YES" key 11a is pushed, no outline sewing data is processed. On 
the other hand, if the "YES" key 11b is pushed, the control goes to Step 
S44 not modified. 
Although in the third embodiment a sewing manner according to which outline 
sewing data are processed is automatically selected from a plurality of 
prescribed sewing manners, based on the calculated area of each region A1 
to A5, it is possible to automatically choose whether or not to produce 
outline sewing data, or select a suitable one of prescribed sewing 
manners, based on the thickness (i.e., number of picture elements) of each 
outline D1 to D5 of the initial original image C, or the position of each 
outline D1 to D5 of the same C in the original sheet B. 
While in the illustrated embodiments outline sewing data are processed 
after outline data are produced from the outlines D of the initial 
original image C, and a set of area sewing data is processed each time an 
N-st processed region(s) to be embroidered in an N-st color is/are 
distinguished from the other regions, it is possible to carry out, after 
the outlines are read and all the processed regions are distinguished, the 
step of selecting the outline-sewing-data processing mode, the step of 
producing the outline sewing data, and the step of producing the sets of 
area sewing data. It is also possible to distinguish each processed 
region(s) from the other processed regions after all the processed 
original images C1 to C4 have been read and all the sets of 
processed-image data have been produced. In the last case, the CPU 2 
temporarily stores the outline data and the sets of processed-image data 
in different memory areas of the RAM 3, respectively. 
While in the illustrated embodiments different threshold values are 
employed for judging whether each of the regions A1 to A5 is colored in 
with the black-ink pen, it is possible to use a single, constant threshold 
value or use four or more threshold values. Additionally, in place of the 
percentage of the area of the colored-in portion of each region to the 
total area of the same, it is possible to compare the "raw" number of the 
picture elements of the colored-in portion of each region A1 to A5, with a 
threshold value. In the latter case, if a very small value is used as the 
threshold, a user can complete the coloring-in of region(s), by just 
writing a small black circle or mark in the inside area of each region. A 
small, cut black tape may be used to add to the selected region(s) and 
thereby form an achromatic image readable by the image scanner 12. 
The principle of the present invention is also applicable to the processing 
of embroidery data to control a multiple-needle embroidery sewing machine 
having a plurality of sewing needles. The sewing machine automatically 
selects and uses one of color-different threads conveyed by the sewing 
needles, according to the embroidery data. The embroidery-data processing 
apparatus 1 may be provided by a wide-use personal computer. The 
hand-operable image scanner 12 may be replaced a wide-use installed-type 
image reader. 
It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied with 
other changes, improvements, and modifications that may occur to those 
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the 
invention defined in the appended claims.