Abstract: A system for inspecting a composite material laid onto a substrate by a lamination machine. An imaging assembly attached to a rear portion of a delivery head of the machine obtains an image of at least a portion of the laid material beneath the imaging assembly. A processor inspects the image to detect a flaw. This system can provide an image of laid tape obtained close to a tape compaction point and can be implemented as a retrofit or as original equipment in lamination machines.

Abstract: The wearing of required medical garments by caregivers and other persons is detected through the use of a digital imaging system and methods that employ digital imaging. The medical garments include colors, symbols or other features that allow them to be identified by the system. A moving object within an isolation room or other area requiring the wearing of medical garments is detected. Various stages of processing confirm that the moving object is indeed a person and that the person is wearing the required medical garments. In order to enhance the digital imaging procedure, the person may be instructed to move to a selected position.

Abstract: An electro-optical method and apparatus for evaluating the dimensions of any protrusion from the threshold of the fabric surface is achieved by bending any length of fabric over a rotating roller so that the contoured area of the protrusion body above the surface can be visualized. The image of the silhouette as seen by a digital camera is processed by image processing algorithms then processed statistically and then by a neural network to yield an integrated picture of the fabric protrusions. The grading results of pilling are well correlated to the human visual method of pilling evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention deals with text comprising image parsed to graphemes. A result of character recognition is creation of one or more versions of characters for each grapheme. All possible words versions are obtained using all characters versions, and all parsing versions are examined. A supplementary data of several types is applied successively in the preliminarily prescribed order to the examined words. The processing with the use of supplemental data may be represented as a three times repeated processing of the same text fragment with the use of supplementary information becoming available at each time. The examination comprises three steps. 1) A set of chains LPG is built using all obtained recognized grapheme-to-character versions. 2) All obtained versions are analyzed with the successive application of subsequent supplemental data types in connection with the preliminarily assigned order or with a joint application thereof. 3) A supplementary space recognition correction.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is also provided an apparatus for estimating the fiber fineness of a known mass of fibers, the apparatus including: an image capturing device for capturing either i) all of the fibers selected for testing or ii) a fraction thereof, in one or more images; a computer capable of automatically determining the total length of fiber or fibers in the or each image; and a means for estimating the fiber fineness of the fibers using the total fiber length in the image(s).

Abstract: A system and method of estimating the body shape of an individual from input data such as images or range maps. The body may appear in one or more poses captured at different times and a consistent body shape is computed for all poses. The body may appear in minimal tight-fitting clothing or in normal clothing wherein the described method produces an estimate of the body shape under the clothing. Clothed or bare regions of the body are detected via image classification and the fitting method is adapted to treat each region differently. Body shapes are represented parametrically and are matched to other bodies based on shape similarity and other features. Standard measurements are extracted using parametric or non-parametric functions of body shape. The system components support many applications in body scanning, advertising, social networking, collaborative filtering and Internet clothing shopping.

Abstract: An image monitoring system uses wireless communications to transmit images for security monitoring. The system includes a central controller (105) and a plurality of digital still camera units (110) operatively connected to the central controller (105). At least one of the camera units (110) includes an image sensor (215), a motion detector (220) that causes the image sensor (215) to receive image data when motion is detected, a micro controller (205), and a first nonvolatile memory operatively connected to or included in the micro controller (205). The micro controller (205) determines whether received image data should be transmitted to the central controller (105), and the central controller (105) determines whether received image data should be transmitted to a monitoring station (115). The camera units (110) may further be used as standalone units as replacements for motion detectors in existing security systems.

Abstract: A captured image of an object is input twice using a white background and a black background, after which the opacity D and the color image X of the object are obtained to yield an object image. It is possible to easily create a high-quality real image.

Abstract: An article confirmation method has reading irreproducible fine characteristics from a genuine article, reading irreproducible fine characteristics from an article to be confirmed, comparing the irreproducible fine characteristics between the genuine article and the article to be confirmed, and determining authenticity of the article to be confirmed based on a comparison result.

Abstract: A method for measuring a property of a fibre, such as flexibility, collapsibility and moment of inertia. A fibre is wetted and deformed in its wet state, and an optical section image of the deformed fibre is taken. A measurement is made on the image and the desired property is calculated using the measurement.

Abstract: A print data creating device that creates print data for an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer is configured to print an image on a fabric in accordance with the print data. The print data creating device is provided with a color conversion table storage that stores color conversion tables corresponding to washing conditions representing conversions to be made when the fabric will be washed after the image is printed thereon, a washing condition designating system which is operated by a user to input a washing condition, a table selecting system that selects one of the color conversion tables stored in the color conversion table storage in accordance with the washing condition input through the washing condition designating system, and a print data creating system that creates the print data using the color conversion table selected by the table selecting system.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image pickup device that picks up over a sewing machine bed; a feature point coordinates calculation device that extracts feature points from the picked up image and calculates two-dimensional coordinates of the feature points; a reference coordinates storage device that stores three-dimensional reference coordinates of the feature points; a correlation device that correlates the reference coordinates with the feature point coordinates; a parameter calculation device that calculates a parameter about the image pickup device; a parameter storage device that stores the calculated parameter; a comparison image acquisition device that acquires the picked up image as a comparison image; a first determination device that determines whether comparison information matches with parameter information; and a first notification device that notifies that it is necessary to re-calculate the parameter depending on the result by the first determination device.

Abstract: A site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement and method for making the same are provided. The site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement includes a digital photographic image and distorting disruptive patterns placed on the digital photographic image to create visual confusion to disguise the recognizable form of a camouflaged object by breaking up its outline.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for recognizing and classifying clothes. During operation, the system captures at least one image of a clothing item. The system further determines a region on the captured image which corresponds to a torso and/or limbs. The system also determines at least one color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration of the clothing item. Additionally, the system classifies the clothing item into at least one category based on the determined color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration. The system then produces a result which indicates the classification.

Abstract: A new method for processing image data in order to detect abnormalities in a web is provided. The web is monitored by at least one camera, whereby an image comprising of plurality of pixels is generated. The data of the image is stored in a memory. Image data is filtered by a processor by creating a filtered image data by weighting the image data and at least one of earlier image data and earlier filtered image data; and combining the weighted image data and at least one of the weighted earlier image data and the weighted earlier filtered image data; and controlling filtering by at least one nonlinear algorithm; and thresholding the created filtered image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system and method for digitizing garment patterns. In a system embodiment, there are imaging devices supported above a garment pattern-making table. The imaging devices are connected to a computing device via a suitable network connection. The imaging devices are operable to capture data representative of a known garment pattern, and deliver that data to the computing device. In turn, the computing device is operable to vectorize the pattern. Once vectorized, the pattern is subjected to a fully automated recognition operation, and a file is outputted that includes a digitized pattern representing the garment pattern, including elements such as the border, turn points along the border and other specific elements within the border.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention consists in defining a method in which, in the process of producing pile fabrics in accordance with card designs having been made, support is given, before or during processing, by a file activating the Jacquard machine in order to avoid that mixed contours are occurring.

Abstract: The presence of eyeglasses worn by a human subject is detected regardless of whether the subject's head is viewed frontally or in profile. Image data within search windows defined relative to the subject's eye is processed to form linear representations of edge boundaries. Angles formed by intersections of the linear representations are determined and used as a basis for determining if eyeglass lenses are present. When prescribed eyeglass components are detected, the eye detection and tracking routines are configured accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of images with high resolution jacquard fabric comprising the following steps: colour scanning of an output image to be reproduced on a fabric, video visualisation of said image with the largest number of colours possible with the means employed for said visualisation. The invention is characterised in that the method comprises further steps: selection of a number of base colours to be used for forming said image on said fabric, said number of base colours is related to the number of warp and weft threads which may be used in the loom and which are to be applied in the weaving of said fabric, reducing the original colours of the output image to a number of reduced colours which it is possible to produce by mixing the base colours of the warp and weft threads.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating computer models of individuals is provided comprising a booth (1) that is connected to a server (2) via the Internet (3). Image data of an individual is captured using the booth (1) and a computer model corresponding to the individual is then generated by comparing the captured image data relative to a stored generic model. Data representative of a generated model is then transmitted to the server (2) where it is stored. Stored data can then be retrieved via the Internet using a personal computer (4) having application software stored therein. The application software on the personal computer (4) can then utilise the data to create graphic representations of an individual in any one of a number of poses.

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: Methods and apparatus for introducing a plurality of optical markers to a field of view, capturing a two-dimensional image of said field of view on an image plate comprising a pixel array, determining a set of marker origin offset values and using said offset values to establish a set of orientation values describing the relationship between the field of view and the image plate are disclosed. These orientation values are used to relate the area of image captured by each pixel in the image plate to the real world. By applying projective geometry, vector analysis and trigonometrical surveys an image analysis is conducted to establish a three-dimensional positional data set describing the three-dimensional position of regions of reflectivity in the captured two-dimensional image. From this data set a three-dimensional model of the field of view can be reconstructed.

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: A method for symmetrically aligning a pattern piece relative to a work material defining a pattern with varying repeat dimensions. The method including selectively capturing first and second images of areal portions of the work material corresponding to respective first and second reference points on said pattern piece, displaying the first and second images adjacent one another, and moving the pattern displayed in one of the first and second images an adjustment distance, such that the pattern defined by the work material is substantially aligned with respect to first and second images. The position of the pattern piece is then moved relative to the work material proportional to the adjustment distance so that the first and second reference points are symmetrically aligned with respect to the repeating pattern. The images can also be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to or parallel with the plane of the work material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for evaluating data obtained from textile fabrics. In order to devise a process which allows data obtained from textile fabrics to be easily compared, assessed in a differentiated manner as to their significance and evaluated, the data are determined in a section (3a,3b) of the surface of the fabric, sorted according to at least two parameters (13,14) and represented in an image (12, 30) as a function of the parameters.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional shape and size measurement of a three-dimensional body surface comprising providing a three-dimensional scanner, providing a processor, providing a three-dimensional Computer Aided Design system, scanning in three dimensions with the three-dimensional scanner at least a portion of the three-dimensional body surface, creating a data file representative of the three-dimensional body surface, processing the data file with the processor, importing the data file into the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System, employing the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System relative to the data file to define and record three-dimensional measuring data relative to at least a portion of the three-dimensional body surface, A and employing the three-dimensional Computer Aided Design System to exploit the three-dimensional measuring data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting foreign substances in a thread using a detector which line-scans the thread, the latter being lit by an illumination element. The aim of the invention is to provide a means of continuously testing the thread with good resolution and at a high speed. To this end, the inventive device consists of a compact unit made up of a sensor or a detector, an objective and an illumination element. These elements have a common axis and the illumination element enables the thread to be illuminated with a very high light intensity. To this end, the illumination element (1) is hemispherical and has light sources which are distributed across the hemisphere (5).

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: 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 method for laying out pieces to be cut out from a remnant of flexible material, the cut out pieces being used to manufacture an article. A mask generic to remnants of a given type is generated. The at least one generic mask is subdivided into zones which correspond to different gradations of a characteristic of the remnant, e.g. leather color or leather grain. At least some of the pieces to be cut out are assigned a set of constraints including at least one value constraint for a characteristic of the remnant. At least some of the pieces to be cut out are linked to each other, for example, as a function of the constraints assigned to the respective pieces. The at least one generic mask is applied to a particular remnant of the given type to subdivide the particular remnant into zones having uniform characteristics. The pieces to be cut out are automatically laid out on the particular remnant as a function of any constraints assigned to the pieces, and in compliance with the links defined between the pieces.

Abstract: A textile printing apparatus is provided with an inputting device for inputting image data; a display to indicate an image based on the image data inputted by the inputting means; an image processing device for applying image processing to the image data so as to make colors of the image indicated on the display close to desired colors; and a printer to print the image on a fabric based on the image data applied with the image processing by the image processing means.

Abstract: A method of three dimensional measurement, evaluation, and grading system for fabric/textile structure/garment appearance, based an 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 onto the surface of the fabric and capturing different reflected images of the surface with the camera. The captured images are analysed to derive certain parameters relevant 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: 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 for digitally editing an image of a real-life person for attaching the image to a soft-bodied doll having a generally planar face. The process includes electronically importing an image into a computer by use of a scanner, a digital camera, a compact disc, or an attachment to an e-mail, to produce a digital image file. The image is then digitally edited using any image editor. The face is masked while the neck of the person and background of the image are deleted. A portion of the person's cheek is then sampled and lightened slightly to form a neck color which then fills in the previously deleted portion. In a second embodiment, only the eyes, nose and mouth are masked while the rest of the image is either tinted to a chosen color corresponding to the color of fabric used in producing the doll, or partially erased to allow the chosen background color to blend through and create a color match between the facial images and the cloth body.

Abstract: In a method for compensating for pattern distortion of sheet-type work material spread onto a support surface a processing apparatus is provided and carries said support surface. The work material is spread onto the support surface and images of selected areal portions of the work material are captured. A controller analyzes these images and projects them onto a display whereupon the images are mapped to define any distortion in the work material. The controller then undistorts the images of these areal portions and projects them back onto the display so that an operator can position undistorted digital representations of pattern pieces onto the undistorted images of the work material. The controller then distorts the geometry of the pattern pieces positioned on the work material by the operator to conform to the distortion in the spread material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automated defect detection in textured materials. The present invention utilizes linear Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters with optimized energy separation. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inspecting industrial products for defects. The method has steps of: automated design of optimized filters from samples of products, using these optimal filters to filter the acquired images of product under inspection, computing the energy of each pixel in a local region, and finally segmenting the defect by thresholding each pixel. The present invention also relates to a method of inspection of unknown (unsupervised) defects in web materials. In an unsupervised inspection, information from a finite number of optimal filters is combined using a data fusion module. This module attempts to nullify the false alarm associated with the information arriving from different channels.

Abstract: A automated pilling, snag, and fuzziness inspection and grading method and apparatus for quantifying, locating, and sizing pills, snags, and/or fuzz on fabric rolls or fabric sample swatches, which includes a fulcrum about which the fabric is bent, the fulcrum defining an apex portion in the fabric where the fulcrum contacts the fabric. A moving mechanism is provided for moving a length of the fabric across the fulcrum causing the apex portion to be temporally redefined along the length of the moving fabric. An illumination mechanism is provided for projecting a light upon one side of the temporally redefined apex portion and a recording device is also provided for recording a horizon image of the temporally redefined apex portion where the horizon image being back lit by the illumination mechanism.

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: Apparatus and method are described for measuring and controlling the crimp characteristics of a moving crimped tow. A light source illuminates a section of the moving crimped tow and at least one progressive scanning camera acquires a non-interlaced video image of the tow. The acquired image is digitized and a processor analyzes the non-interlaced image. Crimp characteristics are derived based on this analysis.

Abstract: An automatic image replacement and rebuilding system and method thereof which can replace and rebuild the image automatically. The system includes an input module; a processing module; a storage module; and an output module. The input module inputs external image data into the system. The processing module is coupled to the input module to receive the image data, then analyzes the shading value and the direction of the sample object in the image data, and outputs an access signal and an output signal. The storage module coupled to the processing module to receive the access signal, and is stored or read out on a replaced image, and the output module coupled to the processing module to receive the output signal, and outputs the image data.

Abstract: A system or method for electronically simulating fabrics to assist in grading yarn and fabric qualities, in which the diameter or other qualities of one or more yarn samples along the total length of the samples is measured, and representations of the measured yarn qualities are evaluated in a fabric pattern to assist evaluation of the effects of the yarn quality variations on fabric which potentially would be produced from the sampled yarn.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which aid in the diagnosis of patient conditions by providing access from the ultrasound system to a library of reference ultrasonic images. The image library is cataloged in accordance with an image characteristic such as the type of examination, the part of the body or the type of pathology shown in the image, and the images of the library are accessed in accordance with these characteristics. The image library may he remotely located and accessible by a number of ultrasound systems over a network, or it may be located on the ultrasound system itself such as on a system disk drive. In a preferred embodiment reference images are concurrently displayed with patient images to aid in discerning the patient's condition.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size of a person's foot so that properly sized shoes can be selected. The measuring system has a support surface having a transparent window, and a fixture positioned over the transparent window for receiving a foot to be scanned. The measuring system also includes an imaging device for scanning the foot in the fixture through the window to produce an image of a bottom surface of the foot superimposed on foot measuring indicia. In one embodiment, the fixture is shaped like a shoe. The person can print the image and use the image to select a properly sized pair of shoes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding one or more web components in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting articles with multiple elements to determine if the elements are properly located, which includes pinching at least a portion of the article including at least some of the elements at an inspection station; irradiating the pinched portions of the article and elements at the inspection station with a radiation source; and capturing an image of the pinched, irradiated elements and article with an image capturing device.

Abstract: An electro-optical method and apparatus for evaluating the dimensions of any protrusion from the threshold of the fabric surface is achieved by bending any length of fabric over a rotating roller so that the contoured area of the protrusion body above the surface can be visualized. The image of the contour as seen by a digital camera is processed statistically and then by a neural network to yield an integrated picture of the fabric protrusions. The grading results of pilling are well correlated to the visual method of pilling evaluation.

Abstract: A filament inspection method for detecting abnormalities in a wound yarn package includes illuminating the yarn package while sensing and recording an image of the illuminated yarn package. The method further includes evaluating the recorded image in accordance with predetermined criteria to determine thereby whether the recorded image indicates the presence of any abnormalities in the yarn package.

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: A device for testing the color and reflectivity of garments by obtaining a image of the garment to be tested and reference samples simultaneously and segmenting the image of the garment into zones and obtaining characteristics, i.e. color, reflectivity, and brightness, of the each zone which are compared to the reference samples. The zones are then displayed where the zones that are within range are displayed in one color and those out of the range are displayed in another color.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embroidery data creating device for creating an embroidery data to be used by a sewing machine. In the embroidery data creating device, an image data, which consists of a plurality of pixel data, corresponding to a line-drawn image is converted into a thin line image, and then closed paths are determined with use of 8-connection method. After embroidery attribution is applied to a path and/or a region defined by each closed path, the paths and/or the regions are converted into the embroidery data.