Abstract: An automatic marker making system and method are provided in which the creation of a new marker is facilitated through the use of already existing marker designs. A computer database of existing markers is searched for markers that are "similar" to the marker being created. An existing marker is considered "similar" if it meets certain user-specified, marker making criteria. Initially, position and orientation data from pattern pieces in the "similar" marker are used to position and orient corresponding pieces in the new marker. Then, the new marker is "compacted" using a software routine to nest all of the new pieces simultaneously, instead of nesting one or two pieces at a time. The compacting routine corrects overlaps between pieces and assures that the new pieces are nested as efficiently as possible.

Abstract: A computer-aided method and an apparatus generates and displays, on a display device, an accurate predictive simulation of the appearance of a color pattern of a hypothetical heather yarn fabric, such as a tufted carpet, comprised of multiple candidate heather yarn components. Starting from a set of user-selected initial conditions a model is generated representing the appearance of a hypothetical heather yarn and the appearance that would be imparted to a hypothetical fabric made from that yarn. Parameters are incorporated into the model that relate appearance properties to actual yarn manufacturing process conditions. The resulting simulated-color coordinates are transformed into the typically radiometrically nonlinear color space of the particular display device to permit the colors to be accurately displayed so as to be properly perceptible to a viewer.

Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a printing method permitting a high printing quality and reducing the influences of the forces and fields acting on the printing material. The object is achieved in that, by means of two image-detecting arrangements disposed in the transport path of the printing material, image signals are obtained before and behind a device treating the surface of the printing material and are supplied to a control unit, and in that the changes of the outer dimensions are quantitatively determined on the basis of said image signals. The invention may be applied on printing machines.

Abstract: A pattern making and pattern drafting system is disclosed. The system has a pattern group, stored in memory, consisting of a plurality of patterns having prescribed base lines and base points. Commands are executed to perform prescribed processing on a reference pattern and are stored into memory, the thus stored commands then being reproduced sequentially on at least one object pattern other than the reference pattern. In reproducing a command, the target point to be processed and the amount of processing to be performed by the command are recognized by reference to existing line consisting of base lines and other lines drawn on the reference pattern and existing points consisting of base points, both end points of each existing line, and other points drawn on the reference pattern.

Abstract: A sewing system which includes a workholder arranged to hold a part to be sewn; one or more video cameras, such as C.C.D cameras, mounted above the workholder in such a manner that the area of the workholder is totally covered by the combined fields of view of all mounted cameras; a plurality of illuminating lights mounted above and around the table so that illumination can be applied on the part to be sewn by any desired combination of these lights; a frame grabber coupled to one or more cameras and arranged to receive images therefrom and to combine the images into one virtual macro picture; a microcomputer arranged to receive the macro picture from the frame grabber, analyze the macro picture and measure the location of all the edges of the part and its location on the workholder; and a man-machine interface for inputting sewing parameters, such as stitch size, distance from the edge and number of back-tachs, and to generate therefrom a sewing program for sewing the part along its edges.

Abstract: An automatic garment inspection and measurement system can create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electronic representation of an object. This electronic representation can then be combined with other electronic representations to create a database of measurements from which standard patterns can be generated for use in manufacturing garments. The electronic representation can also be used to compare the manufactured object it represents to an ideal representation in order to determine if the object's measurements are within a predetermined tolerance of the ideal representation. A machine vision system is used to capture an image of the object and convert that image into a digital representation which can then be added to a database to be used to compile an ideal pattern or can be compared to an already existing ideal image to determine if the object is the correct size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a marker in preparation for cutting that is adapted for use with fabrics having a stripe or plaid patterns that provide for an axis of symmetry. The present invention is characterized by computer assisted design matching that provides for either manual or automatic alignment of the garment segments in the computerized marker with reference and match locations on the fabric web.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the marker in preparation for cutting that is adapted for use with fabrics having a stripe or plaid design is characterized by computer assisted design matching that provides for automatic alignment of the fabric web with the cutting apparatus as well as matching fabrics whose designs vary in contrast. The present system also provides for coordinate matching between an image obtained by the system's camera and the actual fabric.