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: The Invention includes a method and apparatus which analyzes an image of an object to detect and identify defects in the object. The present invention utilizes a scanning technique which converts a 2-D image of the object into a 1-D image, a transformation technique which extracts relevant features from the image, and a fuzzy inferencing technique which utilizes the features generated by the transformation technique to detect and identify defects. The present invention preferably includes an off-line learning process which selects the optimum transform coefficients for a given set of defects and stores the corresponding features in a rulebase. Preferably, the wavelet transform is used as the transformation technique to provide an analysis of the image which is localized in the frequency and time domains. The present invention may also include an on-line learning process when the present invention is incorporated into a manufacturing process for real time inspection of the object being manufactured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequentially performing dye strikes on a continuous dye range from a plurality of dye lots to reduce downtime of the range. The apparatus employs two dye pans that are horizontally and vertically movable relative to the dye pad on the range so that each can be sequentially moved into and out of a dyeing position while the machine is running and fabric continues to move therethrough. The textile material includes a leader section ahead of the fabric to be dyed in a desired strike order, such as, for example comprised of three leaders with first and second dye strike patches positioned therebetween in order to provide first and second strikes or runs on a continuous basis without stopping the dye range.