EP0732674A2 - Garment pattern vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The automatic sales machine includes a memory (2) (e.g. CD ROM) which stores the sewing patterns and can be easily exchanged. The customer uses an electronic playback device (4) to call up the required design for display on a monitor. The design can be shown in full and from various angles, or parts of the design can be enlarged and modifications chosen. The customer uses a manual selection table (3) to enter specific individual details (including figure size) into a processor (5). A pattern preparation, printing and folding or rolling device (6) produces the finished pattern, which is specific to the size required by the customer.

Description

The sale of patterns and similar templates to "do it yourself" is relatively unwieldy, complex and quite cumbersome and complicated in terms of the type of storage and the up-to-the-minute keeping of the selection difficult and unclear. Even the sale of patterns in the known folded packages, for example by a vending machine that ejects a selected, schematically compiled pattern package upon insertion of money into the machines, would not solve the problems.

On the one hand, in the known sewing patterns, the cutting lines of different (clothing) sizes are drawn together on a sewing pattern sheet in a manner which is not very clear, so that they are only used by experienced users Are easy to use. In addition, the visual representation of the finished model is limited and often not very attractive.

The task of the innovation is to create a device as a vending machine that avoids these disadvantages.

The new vending machine according to the invention has a storage device (for example as a CD-ROM) and an electronic playback device to be operated by the customer, with which the model can be displayed on a monitor when it is called up, preferably by means of additional data in a selectable, modified form and from a wide variety of different types View, including enlargeable or selective partial image display as well as a selection panel to be operated by the customer by hand with which all customer-specific data (including the figure size) can be entered into a coordinating processor and also a pattern production or printing device with which the pattern can be reproduced the selected storage data can be printed out and output in finished form in the required size or desired size.

From the memory device 2, several fashion topics (e.g. trend, basic, ...) can first be called up on the monitor 4 by means of the actuating device 3. The models stored within these fashion areas are transferred individually by the user on the monitor and can be viewed there from various sides and also focussively, including the addition of possible combinations using multimedia, interactive systematics. At the same time, information can be displayed as fabric recommendations, fabric consumption, sewing ingredients (also recommended accessories).

The panel 5 of the actuating device 3 can be combined with the monitor 4 in a user-friendly PC surface, for example as a touch screen monitor. The possibility of retrieval and variation from the memory 2 leads to a playful application of the system for the customers and to the revitalization and expansion of the "do-it-yourself principle". Cutting and sewing instructions are printed out on site within a very short time (5 to 8 minutes) depending on the amount of paper required for the respective cut.

When a cutting pattern is finally selected, it is printed out on the printer 6 by the processor and memory at the individual request and - if necessary after a folding or rolling process - is output for this by means of a device, arrow 7.

The device and functional arrangement according to the innovation, among others Intended playful handling of new models and sewing patterns can be rationalized and reinforced by, for example, in a department of a department store several user panels e.g. can be combined in a bar-like arrangement with one monitor each but a central storage device, in which customers can still talk freely and exchange views.

In addition, for demonstration purposes, a central (larger) monitor can be provided, which can be viewed by all user positions, especially since the system has an automatic memory and
Text aids can be supported in a time-saving manner, which is basically guaranteed by the clarity and particularly easy handling.

Special programs such as "for close beginners" and "for advanced" are also conceivable.

Ultimately, the system described is projected into the future for automatic cutting machines, for which customers can take the program or software for their model home with them on a floppy in order to use controlled cutting devices.

Claims (3)

Pattern vending machine with a storage device (2) (for example as a CD-ROM) and an electronic playback device 4 to be operated by the customer, with which the model can be displayed on a monitor while being called up, preferably by means of additional data in selectable, modified form and from different views, among others also enlargeable or selective partial image display, as well as a selection panel (3) to be operated by the customer by hand, with which all customer-specific data (including the figure size) can be entered into a coordinating processor (5) and also a pattern production or printing device ( 6) with which the sewing pattern can be printed out and output ad hoc in finished form in the required size or desired size. Vending machine according to claim 1 combined with a printer. Vending machine according to claim 2, characterized by combining the printer with a folding or rolling device.

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