Abstract: Dye transfer in a dying machine or washing machine is controlled via a user display by showing a dialog having with color level indicators for setting a threshold to trigger a dye transfer control action, and with threshold adjustment controls; responsive to the threshold adjustment controls, changing transfer control parameters for initiation of control actions; responsive to the threshold being triggered, performing a control action by opening an abatement valve communicative to a reservoir holding a substantially liquid or gel form of a dye scavenger or inhibitor substance; and continuing to monitor the triggering of the threshold, and responsive to the threshold being triggered, continues to open the abatement valve until at least one condition is detected of a desired color threshold being met, a desired color threshold being regained, until a user intervention occurs, and until a particular wash stage is activated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for “dye-to-order” carpet manufacturing that address deficiencies in the carpet manufacturing industry, some of which are discussed above. In one embodiment, an improved manufacturing system is provided that allows manufacturers to change colors “on the fly” (e.g., within a single roll) with minimal waste. In another embodiment, a dye-to-order processing system is provided that maps multiple orders to undyed carpet rolls such that usage of the undyed carpet rolls is optimized.

Abstract: Customers obtain customized textile materials by selecting style, shape, size, pattern and color for an undyed textile product. Based on a selection made by the customer, the textile product is transformed by a dyeing operation performed on a single item to yield a product, such as a shirt, pants, or jacket, which has a color and pattern of his or her own choosing, in the size and style he or she desires. The process can be performed in a retail setting using a dye machine which allows the process to be viewed by the customer. Preferably, the textile material is constructed from yarns which include cationic cotton alone or in combination with natural cotton or other natural or synthetic fibers, and using anionic dyes, such as a fiber reactive dye, such that the dye is exhausted during the process and effluent from the dye machine is environmentally friendly without excess dye, salts, and alkalis.

Abstract: A method for insertion of a weft thread (2, 3, 4) on a weaving loom whereby insertion parameter is determined and in which on the one hand at least one control parameter for an insertion is adapted or, on the other hand, at least one control parameter for a weaving cycle is adapted. A weaving loom with control devices (41,42) and a selection device (43) for the application of a method as stated above.

Abstract: A system usable by a processor to enable a user to select a type of garment and view an image of the pattern for the garment. Under direction of the system, the processor enables the user to input data relating to the characteristics of an intended wearer of the garment, and the processor generates a graphical model of the intended wearer. Also, under direction of the system, the processor enables the user to view a simulation of the garment worn on the graphical model. Furthermore, the system changes the pattern image in response to changes the user may make to the garment or the graphical model.

Abstract: We disclose and claim a method for custom fitting an article to a human being or animal comprising, selecting on the basis of body information about said human being or animal a subset of entries from a database populated with entries, wherein said entries comprise data from which said article is designed. We also disclose and claim a method for custom fitting an article to a human being or animal comprising, obtaining body information about said human being or animal, populating a database with entries comprising data about other individual human beings or animals selected from the group consisting of body dimensions and body information, selecting a subset of entries from said database on the basis of said body information about said human being or animal, and designing said article on the basis of said subset of entries.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods that correlate individual size-related measurements provided by a consumer to specifications of articles offered by a manufacturer or a business. The correlation enables a consumer to determine whether a specific article is appropriate for a particular consumer's size and/or fit needs. Size-related measurements or article specifications may be stored in a database. Articles include items such as clothing, footwear, outer wear. Individuals may be animals or persons.

Abstract: A hardware management module is enabled to perform hardware management for a modular platform system that includes a plurality of modular platform shelves coupled via one or more communication links in a network. Hardware management to include monitoring board interfaces resident on one or more backplanes within the plurality of modular platform shelves, detecting when a board is received and coupled to a board interface and performing one or more hardware management functions to include obtaining field replaceable unit information from the detected board.

Abstract: A car seat fabric is simulated with a feeling of reality. A fabric texture information input acceptance portion (101) accepts texture information about the fabric used for the car seat fabric. A thread information input acceptance portion (102) accepts thread information about threads used for the fabric. A 3-D fabric image creation portion (103) creates a steric structure of the car seat fabric as a 3-D fabric image on the basis of the texture information accepted at the fabric texture information input acceptance portion (101) and the thread information accepted at the thread information input acceptance portion (102). An image attachment portion (105) attaches the 3-D fabric image created by the 3-D fabric image creation portion (103) to a car seat model. A car seat image display (402) displays the car seat model to which the 3-D fabric image is attached by the image attachment portion (105).

Abstract: A novel system provided for selling goods has an electronic device configured to enable a customer to access a group of items pre-selected for the customer based on an evaluation made when the goods are tried on by a human model having similar individual characteristics as the customer. The evaluation is performed by the human model trying on the goods to evaluate whether the goods fit the customer, and/or by an expert evaluating whether the goods are suitable for a human model trying on the goods. The goods are classified in accordance with a pre-set classification. Human models are selected to represent categories of the pre-set classification. The goods are tried on by the human models of the respective categories, and are evaluated to determine evaluation marks. Individual characteristics of a customer are obtained to determine to which category in the pre-set classification the customer belongs.

Abstract: A personalized article associated with a child includes a panel bearing an embroidered image based on a hand or foot print and autographed name impression of the child that is digitized and enhanced for use in creating a replicated stitched image on the panel using a digitally controlled embroidery machine.

Abstract: Trying on the clothes is simulated by processing an image sequence by using a posture dictionary, and a three-dimensional figure, obtained in advance, of a person who wishes to try on clothing. The process includes estimating the posture of the person, and simulating the motions of the clothes, in agreement with estimated time series posture data. A virtual modeling apparatus comprises an imaging device configured to take an image sequence, a posture-estimator which estimates the posture of a person in the image sequence from the three-dimensional figure data of the person and from data for various postures, a posture corrector which generates smooth and natural posture time series data from the time series of estimated postures, a clothes simulator which calculates the motions of the clothing being modeled, and a display device which displays images of the person as if they were actually wearing the clothing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and device for making garment. One embodiment, for example, includes a system that comprises a processing device and a sewing module that sews garment material to facilitate making the garment. The system further comprises memory that includes a thread count manager having instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executed by the processing device and include logic configured to instruct the sewing module to sew the garment material based on counting threads of the garment material rather than using the geometric shape of pieces of garment material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparel size service to provide a customer or user with an apparel size recommendation, for example, by providing information about an appropriate size of apparel for an individual based on comparison information with other apparel, comparison with characteristics of other individuals, and/or comparison with profile and/or history data of the individual.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing garments including the following steps: a) providing, via computer, at least one garment mold (13) made up of a basic three-dimensional surface, personified by a body (2) enveloping cover. The above mentioned garment mold (13) has to be defined by parametric coordinates. b) adapting, via computer, the garment mold (13) to the above mentioned body (2) loosening and/or tightening different selected areas (15) of the garment mold (13) with respect to the body (2), according to the desired design. c) cutting and removing, via computer, selected areas of the garment mold (13) according to the aforementioned desired design. Additionally the method includes the possibility of applying textures and color attributes to the garment mold and digitally animating the body (2) along with the garment mold (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of bonding garments with elastomers and particularly to a system and method to cut and hem in a garment in a continuous process and also a system and method to incorporate an elastic strip into a garment in a continuous process and a system and method to provide computer control of hemming, bonding, gathering and inserting an elastic strip into a garment.

Abstract: A method and system for specifying the fit of garments and matching the fit of individual garments to individual consumers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes categorizing human body shapes based on dimensional and demographic body measurement data sampled from the human population, and statistically analyzing the measurement data to determine the appropriate number of discrete body shapes, as well as the range of measurement values characteristic of each body shape. The method includes assigning to each body shape a shape code, which is a unique name and/or symbol and/or curve representing that shape. In one embodiment, a recommendation engine is employed to specify and match the fit of individual garments to individual consumers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-line system for processing textile material that has been finished beyond a greige state. The in-line system includes an upstream unrolling station adapted to generally continuously pay out the textile material from a roll, a downstream winding station adapted to take up the textile material into another roll, and a plurality of work stations in-line between the upstream unrolling station and the downstream winding station and through which paid out textile material passes. The work stations include at least a finish pad station adapted to apply a finish chemical to the textile material passing therethrough and a wash station adapted to launder the textile material passing therethrough, the wash station being downstream of the finish pad station. The processed textile material is ready for cut and sew operations whereat one or more textile products would be produced and ready for use without further washing.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a method of providing clothing through a subscription service. Subscribers are enrolled into the service. A lifestyle profile category is selected for each subscriber and information concerning each subscriber's clothing sizes is obtained. Periodically, clothing is chosen for each subscriber based in part on his lifestyle profile category without additional input from the subscriber. The clothing is then delivered to each subscriber in the subscriber's size.

Abstract: A method of placing a 90 degree ply on a separate 0 degree material includes providing 90 degree ply from a 90 degree ply material source; moving the 90 degree ply in a 90 degree ply carrier to a position over the 0 degree material; removing the 90 degree ply carrier from the 0 degree material and simultaneously pushing the 90 degree ply off of the 90 degree ply carrier and onto the 0 degree material; and severing the 90 degree ply from the 90 degree ply material source so that the 90 degree ply remains on the 0 degree material.

Abstract: An arrangement for the production of made to order clothing (18), comprising a controller (14) operatively connected (12) to an input means (10), said input means (10) being adapted to provide to said controller (14) input variables A, W, H, C personal to a particular customer and said controller (14) being adapted to process said input variables A, W, H, C to predict a set of at least estimated body measurements, each of which body measurements is derived from one or more of said input variables A, W, H, C and is used to derive clothing pattern data, one said input variable being representative of the age A of said customer.

Abstract: Trying on the clothes is simulated by processing an image sequence by using a posture dictionary, and a three-dimensional figure, obtained in advance, of a person who wishes to try on clothing. The process includes estimating the posture of the person, and simulating the motions of the clothes, in agreement with estimated time series posture data. A virtual modeling apparatus comprises an imaging device configured to take an image sequence, a posture-estimator which estimates the posture of a person in the image sequence from the three-dimensional figure data of the person and from data for various postures, a posture corrector which generates smooth and natural posture time series data from the time series of estimated postures, a clothes simulator which calculates the motions of the clothing being modeled, and a display device which displays images of the person as if they were actually wearing the clothing.

Abstract: A yarn feeder system (1) includes a plurality of yarn feeders combined into one group (8). In the trial mode, the yarn feeders operate in an individually tension-controlled manner on the basis of a specified yarn tension value. The yarn feed quantities or yarn speeds that result from this at the various yarn feeders are reported to a central unit. From the reported yarn speeds, the central unit calculates a group average and sends this to the yarn feeders as a specified value for subsequent operation. As a result, the individual yarn feeders can subsequently operate in the purely positive mode. Moreover, the central unit can receive signals that characterize both the machine speed (rpm) and pattern signals, on the basis of which the yarn feeders of the particular group that is to respond at that time are switched on and off or speeded up or slowed down.

Abstract: 3D morphological data representative of reference size models of garment brands and respective categorizing data are introduced into an information processing system. These 3D morphological data are indexed by brand names, categorizing data, and volumetric, dimensional, and angular data derived from the morphological data in order to build a database of virtual human body profiles. For selecting a suitable profile matching a consumer's body, his/her personal measurements and categorizing data are introduced into the system, either directly if they are known, or acquired by scanning only a minimum numbers of points on the customer's body in a scanning booth so as to derive these measurements. Instead of methods of the prior art defining the body profiles of the consumers per se from the general population, this method attempts to categorize the body profiles of the specific brands' reference size human models, and all offered sizes, through the brands' grading rules.

Abstract: Visual thermal functional textile clothing designs are created using a programmed computer and advanced computing techniques. The computer is supplied with information from a number of databases relating to human body properties and relating to textile material characteristics. The method is used to generate functional designs that are visually displayed for use by a textile designer or engineer.

Abstract: A computer readable medium including instructions for a method for adjusting fabric shrinkage from a bulk wash process. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of sets of modification percentages and selecting one of the plurality of sets of modification percentages corresponding to the garment to be created. The garment specification corresponding to the desired measurements for the garment is entered as well as the shrinkage results obtained from a test fabric. A shrinkage amount is calculated using the shrinkage results and the modification percentage set. The garment specification is then modified into an enlarged garment specification by adding the shrinkage amount to the garment specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the maintenance of a plurality of processing stations (13) of a textile machine (10), whereby at least one first maintenance unit (14a-d) can travel alongside the processing stations (13) in order to service and/or control the processing stations (13). The maintenance unit (14a-d) may be moved into an optimized readiness position when none of the processing stations (13) needs to be serviced and/or controlled by the maintenance unit. Alternatively, the direction of travel in which the maintenance unit (14a-d) is to travel to the next processing station (13) in need of service is determined, whereby the direction of travel depends on the totality of processing stations in need of maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn processing system comprising a textile machine and at least one yarn feeding device, which are assigned to the peripheral auxiliary devices wherein the yarn feeding device has a computerised control device that is connected by signal transmission to the auxiliary device. At least certain auxiliary devices have at least one component configured in such a way that they generate and/or receive signals. The yarn feeding device has at least one local, autonomous communication bus system for the transmission of serial data at least from and/or to the auxiliary devices, said bus system being connected to the control device.

Abstract: Machine vision inspection methods and systems according to the invention take an average (or other statistical measure) of pixel values within neighborhoods or groups of pixels within an image. The averages are compared with one or more thresholds and a result generated for each neighborhood. The results generated for all such neighborhoods can, for example, be used to identify defective regions in the acquired image, notwithstanding a high degree of intensity, brightness, color or contrast variation at the pixel level—e.g., of the type commonly occurring when imaging non-woven materials. Such methods and systems are advantageous because an originally acquired, high-resolution (non-defocused) image can be preserved and processed in parallel with a neighborhood-based defocused and thresholded image. Systems employing these methods achieve the thresholding capability of traditional defocused systems, while providing clear, detailed, high-resolution images for display or other analysis.

Abstract: Systems, software and methods of embodiments of the present invention are able to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of an equipment operating cyclically to displace a variable workload without any input from an operator or the use of specialized metering equipment. A cyclic equipment efficiency monitoring system includes a workload calculator for determining the workload being accumulated and displaced through a system having an equipment operating cyclically by using the equipment status signals and clock signals. An efficiency calculator extracts a probable efficiency. The accuracy is increased by a self adjustment mechanism. A data quality certification mechanism verify that workload and efficiency values are within possible range and declare alarm conditions, high variation conditions or maintenance conditions. A variation alarm gate generates an alarm if the workload or the efficiency are outside acceptable limits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a textile machine (10) with a multiplicity of workstations (41a-d), one electronic device (42) per workstation, a central machine control (20, 22), a machine bus (25) for communication between the machine control and each or possibly a group (30a-d) of electronic device(s) and a sensor apparatus (43) for each workstation. A central evaluation unit (24) is provided for the assessment of sensor data from the sensor apparatuses (44), whereby the sensor data embraces continually measured characteristic values and/or the quality or signal data derived therefrom. The central evaluation unit (24) is connected by means of a first communication connection (23, 23?) with the machine control (20, 22) or so connected by the machine bus (25).

Abstract: A method for determining the angles of oblique and arched distortion in a textile fabric, with the use of at least one optical detector with axes of symmetry orienated with respect to the fabric, includes illuminating an area of the fabric with a light source. A real image of the area of the fabric is acquired in digital form, irrespectively of the orientation of the optical detector with regard to the fabric, wherein the fabric is illuminated for just the time necessary to acquire the image. The image is rotated and compensated for the orientation of the axes of the symmetry of the optical detector with regard to the fabric. Algorithms useful for the increasing the reliability of the results of subsequent processing are applied to the image, followed by a Fourier transformation. An angle of local distortion is calculated by analyzing the spectrum of the Fourier transformation and the angles of oblique and arched distortion are calculated starting from the angle of local distortion.

Abstract: A rule-based method for packing a customer delivery unit containing a predetermined plurality of spools of filamentary product thereon comprises the steps of: (a) uniquely identifying each of a plurality of spools; (b) recording for each spool information regarding the kind of product on the spool, the grade of the product on the spool, and the weight of the product on the spool; (c) based on the product kind, grade, and weight information, assigning to each spool an appropriate one of a plurality of packing rules; and (d) selecting a predetermined plurality of tubes for inclusion in a customer delivery unit in accordance with the packing rule assigned to each selected tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile machine with at least one first service unit capable of traveling along a guide rail alongside a plurality of processing stations of the textile machine, and with a control system for the control of the travel movement of the service unit. The control system can determine data on travel path delimitations, predetermined return points and/or obstacles available, and the control system controls the travel movement as a function of the data of the travel path delimitations, the predetermined return points and/or the obstacles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the accuracy with which a stationary array sensor provides cross directional measurements by providing an offset compensation to the stationary array sensor using the output of a scanning sensor associated with the manufacturing process. Exemplary embodiments correlate outputs from the stationary sensor array and the scanning array using a data reconciliation process. For example, a practical, real time data reconciliation of measurements from the scanning sensor and measurements from the stationary array sensor is achieved by computing offsets using a bank of Kalman filters to correlate outputs from the two sensors for each measurement zone, wherein each filter possesses a relatively simple computational structure. The Kalman filters can fuse the outputs from the stationary array sensor and the scanning sensor to track, and compensate, drift of the stationary array sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for designing circularly knitted garments are provided. The method includes designing a model of the circularly knitted garment, stretching the model from a first size to a second size, and governing the stretching with one or more user definable rules. The system includes a circular knitting machine, a controller for controlling the circular knitting machine with a machine code, a tool for saving a model of the circularly knitted garment as a first output, and a conversion program for converting the first output into the machine code. The tool has a stretching function for changing a size of the first output using one or more user selected rules.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. A continuously moving first layer has a plurality of components thereon, and a continuously moving second layer has a plurality of reference marks representing a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus control the distance between reference marks of the second layer to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark of the second layer to a respective component or reference mark of the continuously moving first layer.

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: The isolator 2 of incubate equipment 1 has six side walls and are connected to an incubator 3, a refrigerator 4, surface sterilizing means 5, heating and sterilizing means 6, and RTP 7 through opening-and-closing doors 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A, and there is provided in the isolator 2 a half suit 8 and a centrifugal separator 9 which separates the body fluid of a human body or an animal into supernatant liquid and precipitation liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a controller for a fabric grooming device to provide optimal user convenience, operational ease, and efficiency in use. The controller has at least an interface, a microprocessor, a sound generator, one or more sensors, a heater, and a timer. The controller may also have any of a variety of other features, such as, for example, a vibrator. The controller can cooperate with any of a variety of grooming devices in a space-efficient manner, and offers the user a safe, effective and efficient way for interactive operative control of such devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a textile machine (10) with a multiplicity of workstations (41a-d), one electronic device (42) per workstation, a central machine control (20, 22), a machine bus (25) for communication between the machine control and each or possibly a group (30a-d) of electronic device(s) and a sensor apparatus (43) for each workstation.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling the spreading of a textile sheet made up of a plurality of tows coming from a tow feed module and serving to feed a drive module, the apparatus comprises means for measuring the positions of the longitudinal edges of each tow, means for individually adjusting the width of each tow, means for individually adjusting the position of each tow in a direction perpendicular to a tow advance direction, and digital processor means responsive to said position measuring means to control the adjustment means in such a manner that the textile sheet presents determined width and position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system, method and article of manufacture for determining the most appropriate fit and size of a garment, based on either or both customer preference or/and set objective criteria, for a particular garment dimension or a plurality of garment dimensions as they relate to a consumer body dimension or dimensions and the ideal body dimension or dimensions for that garment or for a range of garments.

Abstract: A system for analysing fabric surface appearance includes a feed mechanism for running a fabric over a crest including, a frame for holding the fabric bent to form a crest, an image capturing device to capture profile images of the fabric surface at the crest, and a computer system for manipulate the images. The computer system produces a three-dimensional representation of the fabric surface and identifies prominent characteristics in the three-dimensional representation. The information is compared to reference data to identify a grade for the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus especially configured for users to easily coordinate or harmonize apparel before putting the clothing on. The embodiments include a frame member defining a display region configured for displaying the personalized real human facial image of a user. In a first embodiment, the display region is positioned on top of a garment supporting device. In a second embodiment, the display region comprises a computer monitor. In a third embodiment, the facial or garment image is retrieved from a remote computer.

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: The present invention is a system allowing an individual to order a customized pattern of a garment at an affordable cost. The system comprises a central computer system located at a vendor site communicatively linked to at least one local customer computer station. The system further comprises an apparel design selecting and pattern drafting software program, which is specially created to control the sequential operation of the pattern ordering and drafting processes, operating within the central computer station. A customer who wishes to order a customized pattern can simply access the central computer system from a local station, and will then be guided by the software program via a menu dialogue to select a garment design and input the necessary and desired information to enable the program to adjust size and design features to the customer's specifications. The customer has complete freedom of specifying a set of body measurements and garment features upon which a pattern will be drafted.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. In one embodiment, the process is one in which a designer, working with a conventional computer-aided design system, can be provided with an image that accurately predicts the appearance of individual colorants, or a specific combination of colorants that are physically blended on the substrate within specified pixels, as those colorants would appear on the substrate selected by the designer. In other embodiments incorporating the process disclosed herein, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed of an inner porous tube which allows uninterrupted cellular growth and which is connected to an adventitial sock surrounding the porous tube. The adventitial sock produces a non-linear elastic response to stress-strain on the prosthesis to optimize compliance and prevent over dilatation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for creating custom-fitted garments wherein the customer provides critical information which is known to or easily ascertainable by the customer without assistance. Using this critical information, a controller applies rules contained in a model to estimate other critical dimensions necessary for the production of a selected garment, and which are not easily ascertainable directly by the customer without assistance. Using the actual and estimated critical dimensions, the controller determines the pattern data which is used to produce custom-made clothing which provides a superior fit to that which a customer would typically experience from the retail purchase of a similar mass-produced garment.