WO2020254935A1

WO2020254935A1 - Systems and methods for automatic fabric inspection

Info

Publication number: WO2020254935A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/055563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shmuel Cohen; Yaron MENASHE
Original assignee: Uster Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-06-19
Filing date: 2020-06-15
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: WO2020254935A4

Abstract

Systems and Methods for automatic inspection of fabric comprise an imaging device for collecting images of the fabric covering a straight line on the fabric, image processing means for processing the images to detect faults. Devices include position indicating means for optically indicating positions of faults along the straight line. Position indicating means display a one-dimensional map of the straight line, having a 1:1 scale, arranged in parallel to the straight line and flush with the fabric, for indicating the position of the fault.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC FABRIC INSPECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/863,338, filed June 19, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/863,381 , filed June 19, 2019 the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention lies in the field of textile quality monitoring and relates to a device and a method for automatic fabric inspection, according to the preambles of the independent claims.

BACKGROUND

A number of faults occur in fabric during the weaving process. Woven fabric faults include cut yarn, double yarn, hole, float, stain, etc. The quality of woven fabric depends upon the number of faults left in the fabric after the manufacturing process. Typically, the finished fabric is inspected for faults according to industry standards. For example, in the standard four-point system of fabric inspection, penalty points are given for detected faults. Other systems may be used to measure the quality of cloth, be it woven or knitted .

Conventionally, the finished fabric is inspected manually for faults. Such manual fabric inspection has the disadvantages of high costs, incompleteness and subjectivity. The use of technology has improved the way of fault detection during various stages of a fabric manufacture. The highly efficient techniques of image capturing and image analysis enable the automatic inspection of a fabric, hence overcoming the disadvantages of the manual inspection.

By way of example, WO-2012/137129 A1 describes systems and methods for providing on-loom inspection of woven fabrics in order to identify weaving faults during manufacture. In one aspect, an on- loom fabric inspection system is disclosed comprising at least one imaging device configured to collect images of at least one section of a weaving area of a loom and to detect at least one fault in the weaving area; wherein the section of the weaving area comprises a shed region, a woven fabric region and a fell region. The system further comprises at least one image processor configured to receive data pertaining to the images and to identify irregularities in the data.

The fabric quality monitoring system USTER® EVS Q-BAR is described in the brochure "USTER® EVS Fabric Inspection”, Uster Technologies AG, 2018. It comprises an elongated, slim housing that can be installed on existing weaving or warp-knitting machines. The housing extends over the width of the fabric. A plurality of digital cameras inside the housing take images of the fabric that, when stringed together, cover the entire width of the fabric. The images are automatically processed to recognize faults in the fabric. Upon recognition of a fabric fault, the fabric is stopped. The images and positions of the faults are displayed to the operator in real time on a touchscreen. An alarm and stop signal enables the operator to react to correct the problem on the loom immediately. This early detection reduces second quality and material loss.

The brochure "USTER® EVS Fabric Inspection”, mentioned above, also describes a laser pointer that automatically indicates the exact position of defects on the fabric during the cutting table process. This supports the operator to see defects immediately and allows for more efficient mending and marking during the final inspection. However, the laser pointer is expensive and prone to breakdowns in the harsh environment of a weaving mill.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic fabric inspection device and method that support the operator to see defects quickly, and are cost-efficient, simple and robust. These and other objects are achieved by the device and the method in accordance with the invention, as defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of displaying in a direct vicinity of the fabric a one-dimensional map of the inspected width of the fabric. The map has a 1 :1 scale, is parallel to the inspected width and flush with the fabric, and indicates the position of a detected fault. The map thus leads the operator quickly and simply to the fault on the fabric. It can be displayed by cheap, simple and robust means such as a one dimensional LED array. In this document, the term "one-dimensional map” designates a schematic depiction of a thin stripe of the fabric that mainly shows the position of one or several fabric faults on the same positions as they appear on the stripe of the fabric. If the map were laid on the stripe of the fabric, the faults on the fabric and their representations on the map would coincide.

The device according to the invention serves for automatic inspection of a fabric. The device comprises at least one imaging device configured to collect at least one image of the fabric, the at least one image covering a first straight line on the fabric. The device further comprises image processing means connected to the at least one imaging device and configured to process the at least one image so as to detect a fault in the fabric based on the processed at least one image. The device further comprises position indicating means connected to the image processing means and configured to optically indicate a position of the detected fault on the first straight line. The position indicating means are configured to display on a second straight line a one-dimensional map of the first straight line. The map has a 1 :1 scale, is arranged in a direct vicinity of the fabric, is parallel to the first straight line, and indicates the position of the detected fault.

In one embodiment, the fabric has a fabric width, the first straight line on the fabric extends over the entire fabric width, and the map is flush with the fabric.

In one embodiment, the map is divided into a plurality of segments, each segment representing a segment of the fabric on the first straight line, the position indicating means comprise illumination means for illuminating the segments independently of each other, and the illumination means are controllable such that the illumination of the segments indicates on the second straight line the position of the detected fault. The segments are preferably equidistant and have a pitch between 1 mm and 20 mm, and preferably 5 mm. The illumination means comprise for example a one-dimensional array of light emitting diodes, one light emitting diode or several light emitting diodes being assigned to each segment of the map. The illumination means can further comprise at least one cylinder lens, a longitudinal axis of which is arranged parallel to the one dimensional array of light emitting diodes, for shaping the light emitted by the light emitting diodes.

In one embodiment, the at least one imaging device and the position indicating means are accommodated in a common housing extending over the entire fabric width. The housing can accommodate more than one position indicating means, each of which are configured to display on a second straight line a one-dimensional map of the first straight line such that the maps are distinct from each other and visible from different directions. The housing preferably accommodates two position indicating means, and the two different directions lie essentially in the same plane comprising the two second straight lines, are opposed to each other and are essentially perpendicular to the two second straight lines.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one status indicator configured to optically indicate the status of the device, the inspected fabric and/or a machine on which the fabric is being inspected. The at least one status indicator can be a lamp configured to indicate several different status by being turned on or off, by blinking, by the color and/or by the brightness of the emitted light.

The method according to the invention serves for automatic inspection of a fabric. The method comprise the steps of collecting at least one image of the fabric, the at least one image covering a first straight line on the fabric, processing the at least one image so as to detect a fault in the fabric based on the processed at least one image, and optically indicating a position of the detected fault on the first straight line. A one-dimensional map of the first straight line is displayed on a second straight line. The map has a 1 :1 scale, is arranged in a direct vicinity of the fabric, is parallel to the first straight line, and indicates the position of the detected fault.

Another object of the current disclosure is to introduce a loom mounted fabric inspection system comprising a housing and at least one loom-mount. The housing may comprise a cross-bar section configured to extend across the width of a loom and further configured to support at least one imaging device therewithin, a first terminal wing section arranged at a first end of the cross-bar, and a second terminal wing section arranged at a second end of the cross-bar. The at least one loom-mount configured to support the cross-bar above the loom.

Where appropriate the cross-bar section may comprise a body unit, a door unit, and a transparent underside window. The body unit coupled to the loom-mount for providing an upperside closing and a rearside closing. The door unit extending along the length of the body unit for providing a frontside closing and rotatably coupled to the body unit. The transparent underside window.

In some embodiments, the body unit further comprises at least one rear-facing visual position indication chamber extending along the length of the cross-bar. Optionally, the at least one visual position indication chamber comprises a LED array socket, a reflective facing wall and a cylinder lens socket.

It is noted that where appropriate, the door unit further may comprise at least one front-facing visual position indication chamber extending along the length of the cross-bar. Accordingly, the at least one visual position indication chamber comprises a LED array socket, a reflective facing wall and a cylinder lens socket.

Further, where required, the body unit comprises at least one imaging device mounting means configured to support the at least one imaging device above the loom such that a clear line of sight is provided between the imaging device and the fabric upon the loom via the transparent underside window. Accordingly, the at least one imaging device mounting means may include: a first linear snap fit coupling rail, a second linear snap fit coupling rail, an imaging device casing, and an imaging device fastening unit .

The first and second linear snap fit coupling rails may extend along the length of the cross-bar. The imaging device casing having a coupling flange and configured to house the imaging device .

The imaging device fastening unit comprising a first snap fit socket configured to engage the first linear snap fit coupling rail, and a second snap fit socket configured to engage the second linear snap fit coupling rail, the fastening unit configured to encompass the coupling flange of the imaging device casing thereby securing the imaging device in place.

Additionally or alternatively, the body may include a downward biased snap-fit fastener and the door unit comprises a corresponding upward biased snap-fit fastener configured to engage the downward biased snap-fit fastener when the door is closed.

Where required, a printed circuit board mount may be coupled to the cross-bar section and extending into at least one the terminal wing section.

Typically, at least one the terminal wing section comprises a lower portion configured to couple with an upper portion thereby forming a chamber therewithin. Further at least one the terminal wing section comprises a side mounted visual status indicator. The side mounted visual status indicator comprises a chassis, a cover and a window.

It is another object of the current disclosure to teach a method for loom mounted fabric inspection comprising: providing a housing comprising a cross-bar section having a transparent underside window, a first terminal wing section, and a second terminal wing section; mounting within the housing at least one imaging device; and providing a loom-mount; and mounting the housing above a loom such that the cross bar section extends across the across the width of the loom; such that a clear line of sight is provided between the imaging device and the fabric upon the loom via the transparent underside window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the various selected embodiments may be put into practice. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows cross sections of the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a) in a closed state and (b) in an open state;

Figs. 4A-C schematically represent the main components of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 5A-C schematically represent an isometric projection, a rear-view and a section through a body unit of an embodiment of a crossbar section of an on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 6A-C schematically represent an isometric projection, a front-view and a section through a door unit of an embodiment of a crossbar section of an on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 7A-D are a series of sections through the crossbar section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system illustrating how the door is closed;

Figs. 8A-E are various views of a right side panel of the crossbar section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 9A-E are various views of a left side panel of the crossbar section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 10A-D are various views of an upper cover for the terminal wing section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 11 A-D are various views of a lower cover for the terminal wing section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system;

Figs. 12A-E are various views of a possible imaging device casing for supporting an imaging device within an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system; and

Figs. 13A-C are various views of a possible imaging device fastening unit means for securing an imaging device casing within an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for on-loom fabric inspection. In particular, embodiments relate to devices for automatic inspection of a fabric which may include an imaging device configured to collect images of the fabric, an imaging processing means configured and operable to process the collected image so as to defect a fault and a position indicating means for indicating the position of a detected fault.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more tasks as described herein may be performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform or distributed computing system for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes or accesses a volatile memory for storing instructions, data or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the data processor may access a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk, flash-drive, removable media or the like, for storing instructions and/or data.

It is particularly noted that the systems and methods of the disclosure herein may not be limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings and examples. The systems and methods of the disclosure may be capable of other embodiments, or of being practiced and carried out in various ways and technologies.

Alternative methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosure. Nevertheless, particular methods and materials are described herein for illustrative purposes only. The materials, methods, and examples are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Description of the Embodiments:

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which schematically shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention for automatic inspection of a fabric 9. The fabric inspection device 1 can be located on a loom (not shown) or in any other position in a fabric-producing mill. The fabric 9 can be woven, knitted or produced in any other way. In Fig. 1, it lies in the xy plane, is moved along its longitudinal direction x (the movement being indicated by an arrow 91) and has a certain width w (measured along the y direction). A typical width w is, e.g., 2 m. The fabric 9 may have faults of various origins. A fabric fault 92 is schematically drawn in Fig. 1.

The fabric inspection device 1 comprises at least one imaging device (not shown in Fig. 1) configured to collect at least one image of the fabric 9. Such imaging devices are known from the prior art and need not be further explained here. The at least one imaging device is accommodated in a housing 4 of the fabric inspection device 1. The housing 4 is mounted at some distance (in the z direction) from the fabric 9, or can alternatively directly contact the fabric 9. It extends over the entire width w of the fabric 9. A wall of the housing facing the fabric 9 is transparent or has a transparent window through which the at least one imaging device can take images of the fabric 9. The at least one imaging device can be for instance a line scanning camera with an array of picture elements (pixels) arranged on a straight line. As an example, ten line scanning cameras can be accommodated in the housing 4. The at least one image covers a first straight line 51 on the fabric 9 extending over the entire fabric width w. The first straight line 51 lies preferably in a direction y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the fabric 9. The at least one scanning camera takes subsequent line images covering the first straight line 1 on the fabric 9. Due to the movement 91 of the fabric 9 along its longitudinal direction x, the successively taken images cover adjacent stripes of the fabric 9 and can be framed to build up a two-dimensional image of the fabric 9. Alternatively, the at least one imaging device can be a camera with a two-dimensional matrix of pixels.

The fabric inspection device 1 further comprises image processing means (not shown in Fig. 1) connected to the at least one imaging device. The image processing means are configured to process the at least one image so as to detect a fault 92 in the fabric 9 based on the processed at least one image. Such image-processing means are known from the prior art and need not be further explained here. The image processing means can be accommodated in the housing 4 or outside of it.

The fabric inspection device 1 further comprises position indicating means 3 connected to the image processing means. The position indicating means 3 are configured to optically indicate a position of the detected fault 92 on the first straight line 51. For this purpose, they are configured to display on a second straight line 52 a one-dimensional map of the first straight line 51. The map has a 1 :1 scale, is arranged in the direct vicinity of the fabric 9, is parallel to the first straight line 51 and flush with the fabric 9, and indicates the position of the fault 92.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the map is an elongated window arranged in a front wall of the housing 4. The elongated window lies on the second straight line 52 and extends over the entire width w of the fabric 9. It is divided into a plurality of segments 31. Each segment 31 of the map represents a segment of the fabric 9 on the first straight line 51. The segments 31 can be illuminated independently of each other, e.g., by means of an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) accommodated in the housing 4. One LED or several LEDs can be assigned to each segment 31 of the map.

In order to indicate the position of the fabric fault 92, the segment 31* lying directly above the fabric fault 92 is illuminated, whereas the illuminations of all other segments 31 are turned off. The distance d from the right (looking in the +x direction) border of the fabric 9 to the fabric fault 92 is the same as the distance from the right border of the elongated window to the illuminated segment 31*. Thus, the entirety of all segments 31 , 31* constitutes a map of the first straight line 51. The illumination of the segment 31* lying directly above the fabric fault 92 allows the operator to localize the fabric fault 92 quickly and easily, and to inspect it visually.

More than one segment 31 can be illuminated for indicating the position of one fabric fault 92, according to the width (in y direction) of the fabric fault 92. If several distinct fabric faults 92 are simultaneously detected on the same first straight line 51 , their respective positions are indicated by illuminating the corresponding several segments 31.

The segments 31 are schematically delineated in Figure 1 for didactic purposes. In other embodiments of the invention (of. Figure 2), the segments 31 are not visible when their illumination is turned off. Preferably only the illuminated segments 31* are visible.

In addition to the position indicating means 3, the fabric inspection device 1 can comprise further output means such as a touchscreen (not shown) for outputting images and/or positions of the detected faults 92. Such output means are known from the prior art.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which shows another embodiment of the fabric inspection device 1 according to the invention. Its essential elements have already been discussed with reference to Figure 1; hence, they are designated by the same reference signs and need not be further discussed here. In the example of Figure 2, two fabric faults have been detected simultaneously, so that two distinct segments 31 * are illuminated to indicate their respective positions.

In addition to the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the fabric inspection device 1 of Fig. 2 has two status indicators 61 , 62 positioned at both ends of the elongated housing 4. The status indicators 61, 62 are configured to optically indicate the status of the fabric inspection device 1 , the inspected fabric 9 and/or a machine on which the fabric 9 is being inspected. They can be designed as lamps that can indicate several different status by being turned on or off, by blinking, by the color and/or by the brightness of the emitted light. In a preferred embodiment, each status indicator 61 , 62 comprises one or several LEDs tunable in color. A green light indicates that the fabric 9 is running and the fabric inspection device 1 is working without any extraordinary event. A yellow light indicates that the fabric inspection device 1 is booting and/or calibrating and not yet ready for operation. A red light indicates a stop of the fabric 9 not caused by the fabric inspection device 1. Finally, a blinking red light means that the fabric inspection device 1 detected a fabric fault 92 and stopped the fabric 9. In the latter case, the position indicating means 3 will spring into action and indicate the position of the detected fault 92.

Thanks to the status indicators 61 , 62, an operator in a weaving mill with a plurality of looms can easily and quickly identify the loom on which a problem has occurred. When the operator sees a blinking red light, he/she seeks out the corresponding loom, quickly finds the fabric fault 92 with the help of the position indicating means 3 and takes an appropriate measure.

The housing contains an array of imaging devices and has a transparent underside such that the imaging devices have a clear line of sight towards the freshly woven fabric upon the loom. A crossbar section extends across the entire width of the loom and a pair of terminal wings are provided at each end.

The terminal wings include side status indicator lights for indicating when a fault has been detected and front facing and rear facing (not shown) fault indication lights are provided along the length of the crossbar for indicating the position of the fault.

The housing is mounted above the fabric on the loom by two loom-mount arms bracketed to each side of the loom

Reference is now made to Figs 3A and 3B (collectively Fig. 3) which shows cross sections of the embodiment of Fig. 2. The housing 4 can be opened for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Fig. 3(a) shows the housing 4 in a closed state and Fig. 3(b) in an open state.

The housing 4 is essentially made up of a metal profile into which a pivotable wall 42 is inserted. It accommodates a plurality, e.g., ten, line scanning cameras 2. A wall 43 of the housing 4 facing the fabric 9 is transparent so that the cameras 2 can take images of the fabric 9.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the fabric inspection device 1 has two position indicating means 3.1, 3.2. The two one-dimensional maps of the two position indicating means 3.1 , 3.2 are distinct from each other and visible from different directions. A first position indicating means 3.1 is accommodated in a fixed first wall 41 of the housing 4 and can be seen from the back, i.e., looking into the +x direction. A second position indicating means 3.2 is accommodated in the pivotable front wall 42 of the housing 4 and can be seen from the front, i.e., looking into the -x direction. Each position indicating means 3.1 , 3.2 comprises a one-dimensional array of LEDs 32.1 , 32.2. The LEDs 32.1 , 32.2 are individually controlled. Light emitted by the LEDs 32.1 , 32.2 is reflected by a reflective inner surface 44.1 , 44.2 of the metal profile onto a cylinder lens 33.1 , 33.2 that bundles it in the z direction. The cylinder lens 33.1 , 33.2 forms the map indicating the position of the detected fault 92. The two position indicating means 3.1 , 3.2 display two respective maps that indicate the same fault 92 or faults.

The cross section further indicates a possible arrangement of an imaging device 2 and two visual position indicators 3.1 , 3.2.

A rear facing position indicating means 3.1 is arranged in a visual position indication chamber within the fixed wall 41 of the body unit 4. A second front facing position indicating means 3.2 is arranged in a second visual position indication chamber within the pivotable wall of the door unit 41.

Each position indicating means 3.1 , 3.2 is arranged in a chamber formed by a LED array socket, a reflective facing wall and a cylinder lens socket. A one-dimensional array of LEDs 32.1 , 32.2 may be docked within a LED array socket and directed towards the reflective facing wall such that light emitted by the LEDs 32.1 , 32.2 reflects off the reflective surface, possibly off the metal profile itself, and onto a cylinder lens 33.1 , 33.2 secured within the cylinder lens socket such that the light is directed outwards and orthogonally to the line of the crossbar section. It is further noted that the body unit further includes an imaging device mounting means configured to support the array of imaging devices 2 above the loom such that a clear line of sight is provided between the imaging device 2 and the fabric upon the loom via the transparent underside window 43.

The imaging device mounting means includes two linear snap fit coupling rails extending from the body unit along the along the length of the foreward and backward sides of the chamber within the crossbar section. The imaging device is housed within a flanged casing which is configured to be secured into place by a fastening unit configured to couple with the coupling rails.

With particular reference to Fig. 4A, the crossbar section of the housing includes support rails for securing a series of imaging devices therewithin. Right side and Left side panels are provided which couple the side wings to the crossbar section and support the transparent underside window.

Supporting brackets for printed circuit boards (PCB) may be mounted to the side panels such that PCBs may be housed within the side wings. Typically there may be two PCBs for example one may be operable to control the imaging devices and the other to control the position indication means. It will be appreciated that the necessary electrical wiring may be passed through the side panels as required.

With reference now to Fig. 4B an exploded view of the first side wing is presented indicating the upper cover, the lower cover and the PCB supporting bracket contained within.

It is noted that the lower cover includes a dock socket into which a side indicator unit may be fitted before the upper cover is closed thereupon. The side indicator unit may include a side indicator LED, a circuit board, a chassis, a cover and a window as required.

Similarly Fig. 4C shows an exploded view of the second side wing which again includes an upper cover a lower cover which together form a chamber for containing a different PCT supporting bracket. Again the lower cover includes a dock socket into which a side indicator may be fitted.

Referring now to Figs. 5A-C, an isometric projection, an external rear-view and a section through a body unit are schematically represented of an embodiment of a crossbar section of an on-loom fabric inspection system.

The body unit is coupled directly to the loom-mount and provides an upperside closing and a rearside closing of a chamber within which the array of imaging devices is supported.

It is noted that along the length of the body unit of the crossbar section an external rear-facing visual position indication chamber is provided within which the array of fault indication lights may be housed.

Similarly Figs. 6A-C schematically represent an isometric projection, a front-view and a section through a corresponding door unit of an embodiment of the crossbar section of an on-loom fabric inspection system.

The door unit itself extends along the length of the body unit and provides a frontside closing of the chamber. Where appropriate, embodiments of the door unit may include a front-facing visual position indication chamber within which a second array of fault indication lights may be housed.

Reference is now made to the series of sections shown in Figs. 7A-D. Sections through the crossbar section of the housing are shown in various configurations illustrating how the door unit may be closed.

A cylindrical pin element is provided at the top edge of the door section and is configured to interlock with a corresponding cylindrical socket of the body section such that the pin is free to rotate within the socket. Accordingly, the door unit is rotatably coupled to the body. When closed as indicated in Fig. 7D the door unit and the body unit will form a chamber in which the imaging device is supported. Where required the chamber may be closed alont its underside with a transparent window.

In various embodiments, when closed, the door unit may be held in place by a fastening means. For example, an upwardly biased fastening element on the door unit may be configured to engage a corresponding downwardly biased fastening element of the body unit such that the door unit will not move without a force being exerted thereupon. Other fastening means will occur to those skilled in the art.

Reference is now made to Figs. 8A-E and Figs 9A-E which show various views of a right side panel and a left side panel of the crossbar section of an embodiment of the on-loom fabric inspection system.

The side panels provide support for the PCT mounts (see Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C). and also provide a shelf for supporting the underside transparent window at either side of the housing. It is noted that openings are provided through the side panels through which electrical connection cables may be passed.

Figs. 10A-D and Figs 11A-D are various views of the upper and lower covers of the terminal wing sections of embodiments of the on-loom fabric inspection system. When closed the upper and lower covers together form the walls of a chamber within which the electronics boards and side status indicators may be housed.

Referring now to Figs. 11 A-E various views are shown of a possible flanged imaging device casing for supporting the imaging device. It is noted that the imaging device casing includes a camera box and a coupling flange extending therefrom.

With reference to Figs. 12A-C various views of a possible imaging device fastening unit means are shown. The imaging device fastening means includes two snap fit sockets configured to engage the linear snap fit coupling rails along the forward and backward sides of the chamber. The fastening unit is further configured to encompass the coupling flange of the imaging device casing thereby securing the imaging device in place.

Technical Notes

Technical and scientific terms used herein should have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Nevertheless, it is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems and methods will be developed. Accordingly, the scope of the terms such as computing unit, network, display, memory, server and the like are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term "about” refers to at least ± 10 %.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to" and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word "exemplary” is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as "exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally” is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of "optional” features unless such features conflict.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number "to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. It should be understood, therefore, that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as well as non-integral intermediate values. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

The scope of the disclosed subject matter is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A device (1) for automatic inspection of a fabric (9), the device (1) comprising

at least one imaging device (2) configured to collect at least one image of the fabric (9), the at least one image covering a first straight line (51 ) on the fabric (9),

image processing means connected to the at least one imaging device (2) and configured to process the at least one image so as to detect a fault (92) in the fabric (9) based on the processed at least one image, and

position indicating means (3) connected to the image processing means and configured to optically indicate a position of the detected fault (92) on the first straight line (51 ),

characterized in that

the position indicating means (3) are configured to display on a second straight line (52) a one dimensional map of the first straight line (51), the map

having a 1 :1 scale,

being arranged in a direct vicinity of the fabric (9),

being parallel to the first straight line (51 ), and

indicating the position of the detected fault (92).

2. The device (1 ) according to claim 0, wherein

the fabric (9) has a fabric width (w),

the first straight line (51) on the fabric (9) extends over the entire fabric width (w), and

the map is flush with the fabric (9).

3. The device (1 ) according to claim 0 or 0, wherein

the map is divided into a plurality of segments (31), each segment (31) representing a segment of the fabric (9) on the first straight line (51),

the position indicating means (3) comprise illumination means for illuminating the segments (31) independently of each other, and

the illumination means are controllable such that the illumination of the segments (31) indicates on the second straight line (52) the position of the detected fault (92).

4. The device (1) according to claim 0, wherein the segments (31) are equidistant and have a pitch between 1 mm and 20 mm, and preferably 5 mm.

5. The device (1) according to claim 0 or 0, wherein the illumination means comprise a one-dimensional array of light emitting diodes (32), one light emitting diode or several light emitting diodes being assigned to each segment (31) of the map.

6. The device (1) according to claim 0, wherein the illumination means further comprise at least one cylinder lens (33), a longitudinal axis of which is arranged parallel to the one-dimensional array of light emitting diodes (32), for shaping the light emitted by the light emitting diodes (32).

7. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one imaging device (2) and the position indicating means (3) are accommodated in a common housing (4) extending over the entire fabric width (w).

8. The device (1) according to claim 0, wherein the housing (4) accommodates more than one position indicating means (3.1 , 3.2), each of which are configured to display on a second straight line a one dimensional map of the first straight line (51) such that the maps are distinct from each other and visible from different directions.

9. The device (1) according to claim 0, wherein the housing (4) accommodates two position indicating means (3.1 , 3.2), and the two different directions (+x, -x) lie essentially in the same plane (xy) comprising the two second straight lines, are opposed to each other and are essentially perpendicular to the two second straight lines.

10. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one status indicator (61, 62) configured to optically indicate the status of the device (1), the inspected fabric (9) and/or a machine on which the fabric (9) is being inspected.

11. The device (1) according to claim 0, wherein the at least one status indicator is a lamp configured to indicate several different status by being turned on or off, by blinking, by the color and/or by the brightness of the emitted light.

12. A method for automatic inspection of a fabric (9), the method comprising the steps of

collecting at least one image of the fabric (9), the at least one image covering a first straight line (51) on the fabric (9),

processing the at least one image so as to detect a fault (92) in the fabric (9) based on the processed at least one image, and

optically indicating a position of the detected fault (92) on the first straight line (51),

characterized in that

a one-dimensional map of the first straight line (51) is displayed on a second straight line (52), the map

having a 1 :1 scale,

being arranged in a direct vicinity of the fabric (9),

being parallel to the first straight line (51), and

indicating the position of the detected fault (92).