Abstract: Pixel-level monitoring and reconfiguring of both text inter-word spacing and individual character widths minimizes undesirable moire′ channels and moire′-glyphs, and more particularly relates to operator-selected automatic intra-word space manipulation and automatic intra-character width manipulation to achieve a pleasing overall page effect with maximized freedom from moire′-maze and moire′-glyph visual effects, both in proportional spaced fonts and fixed-character-width fonts. Selective scrolling may be by black-spot instead of actual characters, to make the white moire′-effects stand out more clearly. The typesetter may alternate positive and negative, which is another way to emphasize the moire′-effects. A further sub-variant, called “blush,” causes graying of spaces which are so surrounded by characters that they cannot participate in moire′-effects. This emphasizes the actual moiré-effects.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method and system inspecting cotton web homogeneity by a digital image processing technique, in particular, for an on-line cotton web homogeneity test. It uses optical principles in conjunction with a charge coupled device type camera to find a theoretical equation indicating the correlation between the transmittance of cotton webs and basic weights (weights per unit area). Next, the invention makes use of a numerical analysis method to find the optimal approximation equation representing a relationship between measured transmittance and basic weights of cotton webs. When executing an on-line inspection, a system according to the invention detects the transmittance of cotton webs by means of the computer controlled visual device and then calculates correlated data of cotton web homogeneity variations according to the approximation equation acquired previously.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting articles, such as training pants, by use of multiple zones of irradiation sources whose intensity can be varied from one zone to another to adjust for different thicknesses of materials and the like to provide a clearer image of the various edges and seams.

Abstract: An image processing method by which image information of a variety of artifacts can be easily searched through in accordance with attributes of the artifacts and the image information combined to easily produce a realistic image close to reality, comprising the steps of generating an artifact information object of clothing or another artifact by using element information object data indicating attributes of an element forming a component of the artifact and artifact generating processing object data indicating a processing procedure for generating the artifact by using the same, then combining the artifact and base artifact information object data of a base artifact such as a doll to generate image data of a scene of for example a doll with clothes on.

Abstract: A light-and-shade inspection apparatus and method therefor include an image pick-up device for picking up an image of an object across a dimension (e.g., width) thereof to produce an image data, a projection operational portion for calculating a projection data by adding together a predetermined number of the image data, the image data being produced at each scan of the image pick-up device at a predetermined position along the width of the object, a background lightness operational portion for calculating, based on the projection data produced by the projection operational portion, a background lightness of the object across its width, and a difference operational portion for subtracting the background lightness produced by the background lightness operational portion from the image data produced by the image pick-up device, thereby substantially eliminating variations of the background lightness across the width of the object from the image data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus enable cutting out shapes (S) preset in moving sheet material (10) by locating coordinates of one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) in the sheet material (10) with a vision system (12). The fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) correspond to a pattern (P) for the preset shape (S). A cutting system (11) superimposes the pattern (P) relative to the located one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) for cutting out the preset shape (S) while the vision system (12) is concurrently locating subsequent one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) in the moving sheet material (10). The concurrent processes of cutting and locating subsequent fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) are repeated substantially continuously. Preferably, using two or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ), distortion is detected and the pattern (P) can be remapped before cutting for accurate superposition of the pattern (P) and distorted preset shape (S).

Abstract: In the method for monitoring a paper web or the like, the properties and state of the paper web (W) or the like, travelling in a paper machine or in a finishing machine for paper are monitored by observing the travelling paper web with one or more image-forming systems based on camera technique, and the properties of the web are measured with a system comprising one or more physical on-line measurement methods. The systems use different observation devices for monitoring the web. At least two different systems, which use different observation devices, are integrated at least partly by placing the web observation devices in the same machine part, by using software of different systems on the same substation (8), and/or by using the same user interface software for both systems in the workstation (9) in the user interface. The observation devices of different systems can be cameras (2) and sensors, which are placed in the same measurement beam or frame (1) extending across the web (W).

Abstract: An absorbent article including one or more graphics disposed thereon and a method and system for making the same are provided according to the present invention. A picture is taken of the graphic. Based on the picture, a centroid position of the graphic is determined. The centroid position is compared with a target position. Based on the variation of the centroid position with the target position, the processing is adjusted so as to apply the graphic as desired.

Abstract: In a method for aligning a spatial array of pattern pieces comprising a marker, a work material processing apparatus defining a support surface adapted to carry work material is provided and at least one layer of work is spread thereon. Images of said work material at a reference point and match point are captured and superimposed over one another these superimposed images being projected onto a display. One of said images of said work material at said reference point in said image of said work material at said match point is moved relative to the other to substantially align the images. The position of a matching pattern piece contained within the marker is then moved in accordance with the amount of relative movement to align the pattern of the sheet material within a boundary defined by the matching pattern piece with that defined by the reference pattern piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting residual yarn on spinning cop tubes, wherein a spinning cop tube is exposed to a suitable light source; the light reflected by the spinning cop tube is detected by a suitable means, e.g., via a camera or other picture-taking device, and two-dimensional picture signals of the spinning cop tube are generated thereby on the basis of the reflected light detected in order to generate a picture matrix comprising picture data in digital form; and the picture signals thusly generated are evaluated by means of performing an edge filtering of the digital picture data in order to segment image edges corresponding to brightness transitions in the picture matrix, from which the presence of residual yarn on the spinning cop tube can be assessed based on the edge filtering.

Abstract: A clean garment is provided with inherent identification data. A measuring part measures the cleanliness of the clean garment and outputs the obtained measurement data. An identification data input part reads the identification data of the clean garment and outputs it as an identification data. At least the previous measurement data is stored in a data base in association with the identification data. A signal processing part receives the measurement data and identification data. In the signal processing part, the previous measurement data of the clean garment is read from the data base based on the received identification data C, to calculate the difference (increment) between the now obtained measurement data and the previous measurement data, and the obtained difference is referenced to a predetermined criterion, to judge the cleanliness of the clean garment. The cleanliness of clean garments can be managed per clean garment by a clean garment managing system.

Abstract: A process of utilizing machine vision for processing in a cotton gin monitors a flow of lint and trash anywhere throughout the cotton gin without impeding or detaining product flow, the measurement being made in real time. A video camera or other electronic photography device takes a multi-spectral image of the trash and lint passing through the cotton gin. The multi-spectral image of the trash and lint is partitioned using spectral values into a trash portion, a lint portion, and at least a third image. In turn, at least the image of trash and lint are themselves formed into a binary image from each of the partitioned images. Thereafter, the binary images of the trash portion and the lint portion to determine the ratio of trash to total lint in the flow of lint and trash. The binary image of the trash can be separately processed to determine the relative amounts of sticks, leaves and burrs present in the trash.

Abstract: A system and method for merging carpet design image patterns in order to create a custom-designed patterned carpet image. A customized carpet image is defined by identifying a plurality of carpet design fields within a carpet and selecting a distinct design pattern from a plurality of selection options for each identified carpet design field in order to define a customized design field pattern. The customized design field pattern comprises the selected design pattern. Merging the customized design field patterns together defines an image of a custom-designed carpet. Further, a strike-off of the image of the custom-designed carpet image can be produced from the system and method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of 3D measurement, evaluation and grading system for fabric/textile structure/garment appearance, based on values P and Q, is carried out using a fixed digital camera positioned above a piece of the fabric, shining at least two different parallel light beams from inclined directions on to the surface and capturing different reflected images of the surface with the camera. The captured images are analysed to derive certain parameters relevent to the appearance. In particular, values of P+Q may be used in a grading evaluation, where P and Q are summations of the surface gradients for a plurality of evenly distributed points in an x direction and in a y direction of the surface respectively.

Abstract: Interlaced or twisted yarn is passed between an optical transmitter and receiver to produce an original signal which varies in response to the changes in dimension of the yarn. Such original signal is compared using cross-correlation with an expected signal as produced by an ideally processed yarn to produce a processed signal indicating by its value the degree of matching of the original signal with the expected signal. The amplitude of the processed signal is noted relative to a predetermined threshold value representing an acceptably processed yarn. The expected signal is devised by performing a frequency analysis on the original signal to establish a peak frequency which is used to determine the distance between nodes in an ideally processed yarn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting patterned sheet material to provide a predetermined relationship between a pattern characteristic and the part to be cut. An estimated position of a pattern characteristic is projected onto the sheet material and a distance between the estimated position and an actual position of the pattern characteristic is identified. A transforming program calculates a position for other pattern characteristic positions and cutting instructions are then created and executed.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding consumers through a sophisticated evaluation process for selecting a product that satisfies desired aesthetic and physical objectives. An embodiment of the method and system enables a consumer from his/her home to select a fabric by systematically and efficiently evaluating a multitude of colors, as well as, other criteria, such as, design and material construction. From a virtual showroom of swatches, the system presents the consumer an image of the swatches that best satisfy the selected criteria.

Abstract: This invention defines a system and method of generating and reporting a fabric analysis to a customer. Information is generated from various tests performed on the fabric. The information gathered from the tests is then digitized in a computer readable format. The digitized information is compiled into an electronic form. The information organized in the electronic form is the fabric analysis report which is delivered to the customer. The amount of time in which this report allows information to be distributed to the customer is greatly reduced and allow providing an additional advantage over the traditional means of reporting.

Abstract: A method for fitting shoes comprises maintaining an inventory of shoes of different styles and sizes, wherein each shoe has a flat inner foot receiving surface and measuring the size, width and arch height of feet of a customer to be fitted for shoes. The proper size shoes of at least one style selected by the customer is selected and an orthotic is inserted onto the flat inner foot receiving surface of each of the selected shoes. The combination of the orthotic and the shoe is fitted on the feet of the customer.

Abstract: A method for reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics is provided. The method produces photographs which depict one or more characteristics of each fabric. Such characteristics include the texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, each of which characteristics can be reliably understood and compared. The method comprises the steps of folding each fabric in the same way, placing the folded fabric on a background surface in order to provide the fabric with a standardized draped shape and then photographing each draped and folded fabric in the same way. Further, by utilizing digital photography the photographs for each fabric can be suitably viewed via an internet web site. Additionally, the photograph of each fabric can also be computer generated in a photo-realistic image depicting a likely or intended use of the fabric, for example, as drapery or a covering for furniture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which analyzes an image of an object to detect and identify defects in the object utilizing multi-dimensional wavelet neural networks.

Abstract: An embroidery data processor includes: a thinning unit that reduces thickness of lines in the image data to produce thin-line image data including at least one thin-line outline defining a bounded region corresponding to a region of the embroidery pattern; and a bounded region extractor that extracts the bounded region defined by the thin-line outline. Because the bounded region is extracted from data that has been subjected to the thinning processes, no gaps through which the workpiece cloth is exposed will form between outlines and bounded regions sewn based on the data even when outlines are sewn in an extremely narrow width.

Abstract: An apparatus reading out a pattern formed on a cloth, includes a detector configured to detect amounts of vertical movements of a probe, the probe held movable in the vertical direction and held to be in contact with the cloth and the pattern, and a processor unit configured to process signals of the amounts of vertical movements and obtain pattern data. Another reading apparatus reading out a pattern formed on a cloth, includes an image sensor configured to detect data on brightness corresponding to two-dimensional positions on the cloth pattern, and a processor unit configured to process to select data on one-dimensional brightness in the width direction of the pattern from two-dimensional brightness data and to decode the pattern data based on the selected data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting patterned sheet material to provide a predetermined relationship between a pattern characteristic and the part to be cut. An estimated position of a pattern characteristic is projected onto the sheet material and a distance between the estimated position and an actual position of the pattern characteristic is identified. A transforming program calculates a position for other pattern characteristic positions and cutting instructions are then created and executed.

Abstract: A machine for cutting stacked sheets of stock. The machine has a counter for accommodating the stock. The rear of the counter accommodates the stock to be cut and the front of the counter the cut stock. The rear of the counter also accommodates a mechanism for advancing the stack and a baffle for one side of the stack to rest against. A bent is positioned above the counter and accommodates a blade for cutting the stock and a holdfast that can be lowered onto the top of the stack. A control panel and a display panel are positioned on the front side.

Abstract: A method for electronically evaluating yarn or fabric samples by delineating a given sample into one or more cells and comparing the cells to each other or to one or more reference cells.

Abstract: A part identification system for non-intrusively identifying a subset of parts cut from a sheet material. The part identification system includes a visual signal generator for projecting an identifying image associated with a given subset of cut parts. A labelling program accesses a database, generates a control signal including the part location and identifying image and sends the signal to a controller. The controller directs the identifying image from the visual signal generator to identify the cut parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pattern editing system which extracts a unit pattern from repeatedly arranged patterns, arranges a plurality of unit patterns to form another repeated patterns consisting of only the unit pattern. Degree of matching of adjacent patterns are adjustable by correcting a distortion of the extracted unit pattern.

Abstract: In a vision-based on-loom fabric inspection system, high quality images of the fabric under construction are processed using a line-scan camera and PC platform with an algorithm based on the wavelet transformation and the correlation dimension to detect and map defects in the fabric.

Abstract: Controlling processes comprising detecting and measuring a parameter, for example presence and location of an element of a good, with at least two determinations as representations of the target parameter, transmitting signals to the computer, and processing the signals to compare the parameter to acceptable conditions. The detection can include three or more replications, optionally each for at least two parameters, optionally using at least two different methods to analyze the signals. The invention contemplates detecting and analyzing the target parameters using two or more analytical tools within the respective image to detect a given component of the product, namely two or more measurements of the parameter on a single visual image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing apparatus which has a coding function of image data and inputs and outputs an image and a method for such an apparatus, and has an object to simultaneously perform coding of the image data in parallel in both a CPU and a coder/decoder. A system bus bridge (SBB) is a multichannel bidirectional bus bridge and provides a mutual connection between a B bus (I/O bus), a G bus (graphic bus), an SC bus (processor bus), and an MC bus (local bus) by using a crossbar switch. The connections of two systems can be simultaneously established by the crossbar switch. A high speed data transfer of high parallel performance can be realized among a CPU core, a CODEC, and a DRAM.

Abstract: For making a nest of cuts (N) for cutting blanks out of flat, irregular workpieces (W), the contour (U) and the flaws (F) of the spread workpieces (W) together with a workpiece characteristic are detected by means of a digitizing unit (3), and the corresponding data are read into a computer (5), which on the basis of these data and the data stored in the computer (5) concerning number, shape and quality requirements of the blanks calculates and stores a nest of cuts and utilizes the detected workpiece characteristics of the workpieces (W) as a workpiece code for allocating the nests of cuts (N) to the respective workpieces (W).

Abstract: This invention relates to an image processing method whereby large scale patterning artifacts in a pattern comprised of a large number of pattern repeats can be detected by processing a single pattern repeat and, if desired, the method can be used to modify the pattern repeat to render such artifacts less visually obtrusive.

Abstract: A visual inspection system particularly designed for imaging relatively non-rigid materials. In order to identify defects and the position of defects and the position of defects on the material. The arrangement is particularly designed for handling leather hide. Defects in leather hide are presently identified by manual inspection. The present invention provides a visual inspection system for non-rigid materials comprising a mounting means for mounting a sample of the material, tensioning means for tensioning at least an area of the sample, an imaging means (3) for obtaining an image of the area of the sample under tension and processing means for processing the image to provide information on any defects which may exist.

Abstract: A system and method of marking goods for authentication and tracking purposes is described. The system and method include a central control which enables the system. The method and system are accomplished in real time affording manufacturers the ability to eliminate problems associated with counterfeiting and diversion which begin at the manufacturing site. A central control unit enables the system by providing an allotment of goods to a host unit. The host unit directs marking terminals to mark particular goods with specific information encoding symbols. Goods are either marked directly, or are identified by means of affixed fixtures which are marked with encoding symbols either prior to, or subsequent to, affixing to the goods. Following marking, goods of fixtures are scanned to insure proper marking and then packaged for shipment.

Abstract: Methods and system according to the present invention enable a highly streamlined and efficient fabric or textile sampling and design process particularly valuable in the design and selection of floor coverings, wall coverings and other interior design treatments. A digital library of fabric models is created, preferably including digitized full-color images and having associated a digital representation of positions that are located within and which characterize the models. Via an application implemented according to conventional software methods and running on conventional hardware having high resolution graphics processing capabilities, a user may navigate among the set of alternative models, and may modify the positions of the selected models to test out desired combinations of characteristics--such as poms or yarn ends, for models of floor coverings--and view the results in high resolution.

Abstract: A method of cutting out blanks from workpieces of a sheet material comprises the steps of spreading the workpieces on a supporting surface of an imaging apparatus, manually marking the characteristic features of the workpieces to obtain markings, assigning a workpiece identifier to each spread workpiece, photographing the contour of the workpieces, the markings and the workpiece identifiers to obtain corresponding data, entering the obtained data into a computer having a memory having stored therein data as to number, contour and quality requirements of the blanks, the computer computing a pattern on the basis of the entered and stored data, storing the computed pattern and allocating the stored pattern to the workpieces identified by the workpiece identifiers, placing a respective workpiece on a working surface of a cutting apparatus in a determined position, photographing the one workpiece and the determined position thereof to obtain corresponding data, entering the obtained data into the computer, the com

Abstract: An automated system and associated method of counting pillings in textile fabrics. Images of consecutive sections of a fabric sample are captured by a CCD camera. A system processor then processes the images to enhance image quality. Pillings on the processed, captured fabric sample images are counted, and the resulting data is fuzzified to determine the membership of the data in one or more of a plurality of fabric classes. The present invention provides an objective rating system and method with repeatable accuracy for fabric samples that eliminates the inherent subjectivity associated with conventional manual visual fabric inspection methods.

Abstract: The image composition system includes a display device coupled to a central processing device for displaying a user selected image. A camera coupled to the central processing device enables a real subject to be incorporated into the user selected image. Accessory items are stored in a memory device coupled to the central processing unit for combining with the subject in the user selected image.

Abstract: A method for representing optically a fabric consisting of warp and weft threads and with a pattern. To optically represent the fabric, the pattern is acquired by scanning from a model, or from an existing data carrier, or represented directly on a computer display. A crossing scheme is then assigned to the warp and weft threads. The course of the warp and weft threads is then determined by varying at least one of any parameters specific for the thread, such as the number of color components of a single thread and their distribution, the construction of the thread's surface or the material of the thread and by varying at least one of any parameter specific for the fabric, such as the closeness of the warp and weft threads, the advance of material in weaving, the sequence of the warp threads or the control functions for a weaving machine.

Abstract: In order to measure in a non-contact manner a clothing amount of a human being in a state in which the human body is clothed, a camera captures a subject including the human being. An image processing section recognizes a human body from images captured by the camera, and detects an area of the human body in the human body image. A radiation sensor detects a radiation heat quantity of an environment and a radiation heat quantity of a human body plus environment. A clothing amount calculating section obtains a position and an area of the human being in the real space, a surface temperature of the clothes on the human being, a skin temperature of the human being, an environmental temperature and so forth based on information from the image processing section and information from the radiation sensor, and calculates the clothing amount of the human being from the obtained values.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for optical determination of the orientation of a garment workpiece by locating a seam on a stationary workpiece formed from at least two sub-pieces sewn together along that seam. The device consists of a light emitting surface on which the workpiece is placed, so that light is transmitted at a first intensity through the surface, at a second, lower intensity through a single layer of the fabric of the workpiece, and at a third, very low or no intensity through the seam, to provide a contrast in light intensities that highlight the shape of the workpiece and the location of the seam, which appears as a dark or black line. A CCD Vision System Camera can be mounted above the lighted surface to capture an image of the workpiece which is transmitted to a controller. The controller compares the image of the workpiece to a stored image of a like workpiece of known orientation, to determine the actual orientation of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correctively guiding an item on a desired path along a material is provided wherein a guide path matching a desired path for an item to be guided along a material and a plurality of templates containing images of the material are inputted into a computer. The item is guided along the material in a path following the inputted guide path, and a need for correction of the actual path of the item along the material is checked and, where necessary, correction is made at predetermined, inputted intervals. Self-correction of the path the item follows along material is accomplished by visual recognition of templates containing images of the material matching previously inputted templates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting textile fabric which automatically detects defects within the field of view of a video camera. A frame of video information is captured and a digital image array is generated. A mask or operator is then used to generate a gradient image from the digital image array. The gradient image is then thresholded, dilated, optionally eroded, and then subjected to a blob analysis. A special operator is utilized in order to generate a gradient image which slow grey level transitions (e.g., oil spots) are identifiable.

Abstract: A process for cutting or stamping individual parts from an animal skin in which the contours of the individual parts are stored in a computer and can be assembled to form a cutting pattern, and, for optimizing the cutting, the cutting pattern is established individually as a function of the quality of the skin and is projected by a projection device onto the skin, with which the advantages of large-area nesting can be combined with the advantages of small-area cutting or stamping.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for quickly and accurately obtaining surface contour information from an object without the need for precisely aligning and calibrating mechanical structures or optics elements, and without moving parts. In various embodiments, the invention includes steps of projecting a plurality of parallel planes of laser light through a transparent plate onto a surface of the object, receiving a reflection from the object in a digital camera, and performing image processing on the reflected image to reconstruct the three-dimensional surface of the object therefrom. The image processing includes steps of subtracting an image of the object in its non-illuminated state from an image of the object illuminated by the plurality of parallel planes of light, performing a thresholding operation on the subtracted image, and generating a line array containing lines having curvature deformations due to surface deviations on the object.

Abstract: Image analysis method for determining pigment levels in fabric and yarn material. A sample fabric or yarn is illuminated by a source of visible light and a selected field area of the material is recorded then digitalized and stored in a video memory device. The digitalized field area is resolved into discrete segments or pixels having different intensity or gray level values. A frequency distribution in the form of a histogram of gray level values is plotted, and the resulting histogram is interpreted to determine pigment levels in the material sample.

Abstract: A fast process for two-dimensional nesting of cut patterns to be cut from a sheet material such as natural and artificial leather or hide, or fabric is proposed. The proposed process of nesting incorporates heuristic rules for the initial placement of cut patterns represented at the lowest resolution. After the initialization process, the process exhaustively finds the best solution at the initial resolution. The final stage involves a multi-agent method that is hierarchical in nature. The hierarchical steps involve obtaining a feasible solution at the current resolution in which local information is used from each cut pattern to minimize a locally defined penalty function. This procedure is terminated when the desired/goal resolution is reached. This allows for a general method for parallel implementation of the multi-agent optimization scheme in which achievement of a solution occurs in a very rapid and efficient manner.

Abstract: A method and system for making a baby-plate for use in printing abstract patterns on architectural materials wherein glitches are easily confirmed and removed. A unit material is read by an input scanner (1) and the image digitized into pixels of given density. The image data of the unit material is dissolve-composited repetitively M times vertically (M being a positive integer) and N times horizontally (N being a positive integer) in an endless processor (9) to construct pattern data of given size. Some pixels are culled from the pattern data by a glitch-checking processor (10) for creating reduced pattern data for display on the screen of a monitor (14) for determining the presence of an undesired pattern, i.e., a glitch, by viewing the screen of monitor (14). If there is a glitch, then the glitch is removed by a glitch removal processor (11).