Abstract: Carbon fiber characterization processes are described that include multi-condition Raman spectroscopy-based examination combined with multivariate data analyses. Methods are a nondestructive material characterization approach that can provide predictions as to carbon fiber bulk physical properties, as well as identification of unknown carbon fiber materials for quality control purposes. The framework of the multivariate analysis methods includes a principal component-based identification protocol including comparison of Raman spectral data from an unknown carbon fiber with a data library of multiple principal component spaces.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for reading a barcode independently of image resolution or scale of a captured barcode image. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical sensor and a processor. The optical scanner can scan a barcode, including a plurality of bars and spaces, into a scanned image. The processor can convert the scanned image into binary data. The processor can also calculate numbers of ones (1s) between zeros (0s) in the binary data and determine widths of one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of ones (1s). The processor can further calculate numbers of zeros (0s) between ones (1s) in the binary data and determine widths of the other one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of zeros (0s).

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically contactlessly detecting elongate objects (W), such as cables, wires or profiles, has a quasi-coaxially arranged group of a first optical measuring system (D) for determining the external diameter and a second optical measuring system (C) for determining the color using a different measurement principle. The functional and local separation of the two measuring systems (C, D) is achieved by using different wavelength ranges and by a long-pass filter (C3). A third, virtual measuring system (P) may be provided for the purpose of determining the cable location and is used to weight measured values of the color measurement and measured values of an optional eddy current sensor. The optical measuring systems (D, C, P) for determining the diameter, the color and the position have a common optical disc-shaped measuring volume (DCPv) which is preferably arranged centrally in the guide device (4a, 4b) for the elongate object (W).

Abstract: A distribution system for a wetting liquid supplied to spinning nozzles of an air-jet spinning machine includes a supply pipe for the wetting liquid supplied to the spinning nozzles. At least one UV light emitting diode is arranged in the supply pipe, wherein the UV radiation emitted by the UV light emitting diode passes through the wetting liquid to disinfect the wetting liquid.

Abstract: An installation for the detection of projecting material defects in a paper web or corrugated cardboard web moved in a feed direction. The device comprises a sensor device comprising a first sensor unit with a first emitter for emitting first sensor beams and a second emitter for emitting second sensor beams and with a second receiver, wherein the first sensor beams run parallel to the material surface to be monitored of the paper web or corrugated cardboard web and travel along a first signal path S1 in-between. The sensor device further has a second sensor unit comprising a second emitter for emitting second sensor beams and a second receiver, wherein the second sensor beams run parallel to the material surface and travel along a second signal path S2 in-between. The first and second sensor units are oriented in such a way that the distance between the first and second sensor beams relative to the feed direction changes along their signal paths S1, S2.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes one or more light field cameras recording image data of a substrate during printing to the substrate and a control unit processing the image data received from the one or more light field cameras to identify defect areas in the substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining the effective cleaning of bath tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a rubbing-cloth is provided. The apparatus for inspecting a rubbing-cloth includes: a base-platform provided with a pressure-sensing device on a surface thereof; a supporting-frame; a rubbing-roller, rotatably supported above the surface of the base-platform by means of the supporting-frame, with a rubbing-cloth wrapped around an outer circumference of the rubbing-roller; when the rubbing-roller is rotated, the rubbing-cloth rubs the surface of the base-platform, and the pressure-sensing device can detect pressure-sensing signals of pressure applied by the rubbing-cloth at each of detection-points on the surface of the base-platform.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and a method for inspecting a cloth piece, by which dirt and a tear can be reliably distinguished. The apparatus for inspecting a cloth piece includes: a first inspection camera 41 for picking up an image of reflected light from a cloth piece T passing through the dark color section 21; and a second inspection camera 42 for picking up an image of transmitted light through the cloth piece T passing through the transparent section 22. The dirt and the tear can be reliably distinguished by determining an area where the reflected light and transmitted light are both darker than a surrounding area to be dirt and by determining an area where the reflected light is darker than the surrounding area and the transmitted light is brighter than the surrounding area to be the tear.

Abstract: A device for sensing the change of feed bobbin for a yarn fed to a textile machine and originating from a first bobbin or a second bobbin connected together in head-tail manner includes at least one first sensor and one second sensor at a passage section of a support body, a control unit associated with the first sensor and second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor generates first and second presence signals when the yarn unwound from the first bobbin or from the second bobbin passes in front of the first sensor or second sensor. The control unit receiving as input the first and/or second presence signal to generate at least one output signal representative of the first bobbin or of the second bobbin on the basis of the first or second presence signal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physiological parameter includes a garment that includes a fabric that exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an imaginary axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: A fiber measurement system for precision measurement of individual fiber properties, including length and fiber length distribution is provided. The fiber measurement system includes a fiber introduction system configured to introduce a plurality of individualized fibers. A fiber guidance enclosure is configured to receive the fibers from the fiber introduction system. The fiber guidance enclosure has an enclosed pathway and a viewing area. The viewing area has a height that limits mobility of the fibers in a Z-direction and the viewing area has a width that is wider than the enclosed pathway. A sensing system is provided for detecting the presence of the fibers within the fiber guidance enclosure. An imaging system is positioned proximal the viewing area of the fiber guidance enclosure to capture an image of the individualized fiber as the fibers pass through the viewing area. A controller is provided for analyzing the image data to determine at least one property of the fibers.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric comprising a first plurality of reflective yarns knitted or woven with a second plurality of stretchable yarns. The fabric exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting a tear in a fibrous web in a drying section of a machine for producing the fibrous web, whereby the fibrous web is passed through the drying section by way of at least one dryer fabric, whereby the tear is detected by at least one optical web tear detection device, which includes at least one luminous source and one detector, and whereby a cut-off apparatus for the fibrous web is directly or indirectly activated by the web tear detection device. The optical web tear detection device is operated over an extended wave length range in order to detect a tear in the fibrous web reliably. In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: A reflection characteristic measuring apparatus capable of scanning a specimen surface of a sheet specimen at a high speed is provided. The reflection characteristic measuring apparatus includes a group of illuminating and light-receiving systems for directing illuminating light onto the specimen surface of the sheet specimen held by a specimen holding roller pair and for receiving reflected light from the specimen surface. The illuminating and light-receiving systems measure a spectral characteristic of the received reflected light. The illuminating and light-receiving systems are disposed over one-dimensional arrays of color samples which extend in the longitudinal direction of the sheet specimen, and scan the one-dimensional arrays in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sheet specimen is transported.

Abstract: Device for carrying out optical readings on textile materials submitted to dyeing comprising optical reading means associated with corresponding optical processing means, characterised in that it comprises a body (1) inside which it is provided a chamber (10) featuring an input (I) and output (U) section and is crossed by a dyeing bath drawn out of a dyeing tank or machine (T) in which a textile material is submitted to dyeing, inside said chamber (10) being disposed an optical detector or probe (2) and a seat being provided for the positioning of a specimen or sample (F) of the textile material submitted to dyeing in correspondence of the probe (2), said seat featuring positioning means for a support (3) onto which said specimen (F) is applied, so that the specimen is immersed in the dyeing bath flowing inside chamber (10), said support (3) being movably positioned on said positioning means; and said support (3) is movable towards said probe (2) or, vice versa, said probe (2) is movable towards said support

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for inspecting defect of a rubbing cloth and a rubbing apparatus with the same. The apparatus for inspecting defect of the rubbing cloth includes a housing surrounding the periphery of the rubbing cloth, a transfer unit connected to the upper portion of the housing for transferring the housing along a length direction of a rubbing roll, an illumination unit installed at one side in the housing for illuminating the rubbing cloth, and a camera unit installed at the other side in the housing to correspond to the illumination unit on the basis of the rubbing roll. The apparatus for inspecting defect of the rubbing cloth can rapidly and precisely detect the defect of the rubbing cloth by using the illumination unit and the camera unit.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric comprising a first plurality of reflective yarns knitted or woven with a second plurality of stretchable yarns. The fabric exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparatory plant for detecting foreign objects, for example, pieces of cloth, tapes, string, pieces of sheeting and the like, in fibre material, the fibre material is transportable in an air flow through a fibre transport duct or a feed chute and an optical sensor system is associated with the duct or chute, the wall surfaces of which have at least one transparent region through which the sensor system detects the fibre-air flow. To permit the at least one transparent region to be kept clean in a simple manner during operation, and to permit an unobstructed detection of the foreign objects, the transparent region projects into the fibre-air flow and the fibre-air flow is able to flow along the transparent region in force-applying contact therewith.

Abstract: An image-based method and corresponding apparatus for measuring, in scientifically basic terms, the complete fiber length distribution from a tapered beard. The method may be referred to as length by image analysis (Li). A calibration method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the sensitivity grade of an interior material used in vehicles comprises: evaluating sensitivity properties of an interior material before providing noise factors; evaluating sensitivity properties of the interior material after providing noise factors; averaging each of the sensitivity properties evaluated before the provision of noise factors and after the provision of noise factors to obtain the average value (safety factor) of each of the sensitivity properties; comparing the average value of each of the sensitivity properties with a preset target value of each of the sensitivity properties to compute a target value achievement level of each of the sensitivity properties; and determining the sensitivity grade of the interior material based on the sensitivity property with the lowest target value achievement level.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring apparatus for the detection of foreign bodies in a product, in particular in tobacco, cotton or some other fibrous product, having a measuring device, a device for generating an alternating electromagnetic field in the measuring device, which is influenced by a product which is arranged in a measuring volume of the measuring apparatus, a circuit device which includes the measuring device and which is designed to determine at least one suitable measurable variable of the alternating field influenced by the product, and an evaluating device which is designed for detection of the foreign body by suitable evaluation of the measurable variable determined with the circuit device, and is distinguished in that the measuring device is a measuring capacitor and the frequency of the alternating field is in the high-frequency range below the microwave range. The application further concerns a corresponding measuring method.

Abstract: Fabric wrinkles are automatically evaluated using a reliable, accurate, affordable, and efficient system. Two algorithms are used, the facet model algorithm and the plane-cutting algorithm, to extract features for evaluating wrinkles in fabrics. These algorithms eliminate the need for independent evaluation of a fabric specimen by a technician.

Abstract: A sheet information output apparatus comprising an application member for applying external force to a sheet, a receiving member in opposition to the application member for receiving the external force, and an output unit for outputting a signal corresponding to the application of the external force. The receiving member has a depressed portion having a support portion for aerially supporting the sheet, a slope face provided inside the support portion and a bottom face. The smallest length of the supported sheet W, a depth from the support portion to the bottom face d, and a length of the application member in a direction of the smallest length at height d when the application member is brought into contact with the bottom face s satisfy [(W?s)/2>5d].

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting quality criteria of flat textile structures embodied in a multi-layer form according to a contour, in particular woven, stitched, knitted, sewn or non-woven finished structures, preferably provided with cut areas or holes, separated or forming a material web, in particular when said structures are used for producing airbags. The inventive method is carried out using image-forming inspection means, in particular optical inspection means, preferably a linear array camera or CCD array camera, whereby a relative motion is produced between the structures to be inspected and the camera, and the structure is arranged at least by area at a defined distance from the image-forming inspection means, preferably on the substantially flat surface of a control table or inspection line. The texture of the structure is analyzed according to a segmentation method. Characteristics such as center of gravity, area, main axes, etc.

Abstract: An image-based method and corresponding apparatus for measuring, in scientifically basic terms, the complete fiber length distribution from a tapered beard. The method may be referred to as length by image analysis (Li).

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for inspecting defect of a rubbing cloth and a rubbing apparatus with the same. The apparatus for inspecting defect of the rubbing cloth includes a housing surrounding the periphery of the rubbing cloth, a transfer unit connected to the upper portion of the housing for transferring the housing along a length direction of a rubbing roll, an illumination unit installed at one side in the housing for illuminating the rubbing cloth, and a camera unit installed at the other side in the housing to correspond to the illumination unit on the basis of the rubbing roll. The apparatus for inspecting defect of the rubbing cloth can rapidly and precisely detect the defect of the rubbing cloth by using the illumination unit and the camera unit.

Abstract: A system that calibrates instruments for measuring the light or air permeability of a material, and includes a calibration target which can be used for calibration of either light-based or air-based instruments. The calibration target simulates the material whose permeability is being measured, and includes a plate having multiple, angled or parallel rows of perforations provided therethrough. The permeability measuring instrument measures the permeability of the calibration target, and compares the measured permeability with a predetermined permeability of the calibration target and calibrates the permeability measuring instrument based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A system for measuring the permeability of a material includes a light source for illuminating the material, and a stray light sensor for detecting stray light traveling through the material from the light source and outputting a stray light signal indicative of the stray light detected. The system further includes a direct light sensor for detecting direct light traveling through holes in the material from the light source and outputting a direct light signal indicative of the direct light detected. Finally, the system includes a digital processing device for receiving the stray light and direct light signals and calculating the permeability of the material.

Abstract: An image-based technique that measures the orientation of fibers in a moving web of nonwoven material. At least four light spots on one side of the web are illuminated essentially simultaneously with at least four plane-polarized incident substantially perpendicular light beams having different polarization characteristics. Dispersion of the excident light spots is measured on the opposite side of the web along at least one linear section which is at a known angle relative to the plane of polarization of the corresponding plane-polarized incident light beam, wherein at least one such linear section lies substantially across the center of the transmitted excident light spot and extends substantially across the width of the transmitted excident light spot. Variations in the dispersion of the transmitted excident light spot for the at least four plane-polarized light beams are calculated, and the fiber orientation is estimated from the variations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for digitizing shapes especially for garment styles by using image scanning techniques.

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: Method and device for non-invasively optically determining bulk density and uniformity of web material during in-line processing, by measuring and analyzing light scattered by volume segments of transported web material. Influence of process operating parameters of temperature, volumetric bulk material transport rate, type, and, physicochemical characteristics and properties, of the transported web material, on collecting and detecting the scattered light, are used for process correcting raw measured values of scattered light flux density/energy of scattered light exiting volume segments of the transported web material, for determining bulk density and uniformity. Pattern recognition and classification techniques are performed using the calculated bulk density and uniformity values of the web material. Bulk density is determined in the approximate range of from one to zero kilogram per square meter of web material, with corresponding measuring sensitivity of about one gram per square meter of web material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatic inspection of flatly positioned pieces of cloth with a view to detecting impurities or other irregularities in pieces of cloth. The pieces of cloth are transported past a camera (10) that is, in cooperation with a digital storage unit, configured for producing a digital image of each piece of cloth or portions of each piece of cloth; and wherein the apparatus comprises one or more light emitters (11) with a view to illuminating at least that part of a piece of cloth that is within the field of vision of the camera (10). Each piece of cloth is conveyed from a receiver conveyor (12) to a delivery conveyor (13), the field of vision of the camera (1) being configured to have at least an open area (14) between these two conveyors (12, 13), whereby the digital image is recorded during the passage of a piece of cloth from the receiver conveyor (12) to the delivery conveyor (13).

Abstract: A method and a measuring instrument for determining the position of an edge to be measured on a pattern on a substrate are described. A complete, nonlinear model intensity profile, which identifies the edge to be measured, of a model edge is ascertained and stored, and a desired edge position xk is defined therein with subpixel accuracy. A camera image of the substrate having the edge to be measured is acquired, and a one-dimensional measured intensity profile of the edge to be measured is determined therefrom. The model intensity profile is identified in the measured intensity profile with an indication of its location xm relative to a reference point. The desired position p of the edge to be measured is determined with subpixel accuracy as p=xm+xk.

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 and apparatus for detecting fiducial marking on a material are disclosed. The fiducial marking is characterized by the ability to absorb light in a first wavelength range and to fluoresce in a second wavelength range that is outside the first wavelength range. An excitation source is configured to direct light at the material in the first wavelength range, to cause the fiducial marking material absorb the light in the first wavelength range and to fluoresce in the second wavelength range. A detection device is located at a predetermined site and is configured to optically examine the material at the predetermined detection site, to determine whether fluorescence from the fiducial marking which is in the second wavelength range is detected at the predetermined detection site.

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 machine vision inspection system for industrial parts such as plastic molded caps or the like can reliably detect defects at very high inspection rates on the order of 1600 per minute of a variety of cap colors and liners including previously difficult to inspect combinations. Advantageously, the system includes an inclined inspection ramp which provides separation between the caps which are processed through an inspection station to provide accurate imaging of each individual cap without interference from adjacent caps. Further, the inspection station includes a reflective device which provides accurate and reliable imaging of numerous views of caps with a single color to detect and identify defects.

Abstract: To detect yarn defects such as protruding filaments, broken filaments, ringers, fuzzballs, stripbacks and the like, a yarn sheet 9 traveling in a plane is scanned by light beams from at least two light barriers 10, 11. When a yarn defect interrupts the light beam of a light barrier, a detector pulse is triggered, appropriately amplified and transformed and sent to evaluating means 22. Such a detector pulse is triggered each time a yarn defect passes through a light barrier, so that the travel time or time difference T1,2 between the trip times of a yarn defect through the two light barriers can be determined by the evaluating means. Since the yarn sheet 9 passes through the light barriers at a constant velocity v, the travel times for the various individual ends from one light barrier to the next will differ and therefore can be used to determine the distance S normal to the yarn traveling direction of the yarn defect to the point of intersection of the light beams of the two light barriers.

Abstract: A method for identifying a textile parameter from a soiled textile article.

Abstract: A defect detection method and system for the automated visual inspection of web materials is provided. The invention utilize real Gabor function (RGF) filters with a non-linear function for estimating the local energy. An example method for quality assurance using automated visual inspection in accordance with the invention includes the steps of: automated design of a bank of RGF filters; using these RGF filters to sample the features of image under inspection; using a non-linear function to compute local energy estimate in the filtered images; combining all the filtered images using image fusion; and finally thresholding the resultant image to segment the defects in the inspection image. Possible embodiments of the described invention include detection of only a class of defects using a single tuned real Gabor filter or a bank of real Gabor functions.

Abstract: A web inspection system provides detection of web flaws along the machine direction and cross direction of a web. The detectable percent contrast between good web material and bad web material in one embodiment approaches noise level. The web inspection system utilizes a multiple of smart cameras connected to a host computer via an ethernet hub. Each smart camera includes a line scan camera for producing digital pixels, a means for lighting and pixel correction on a pixel by pixel basis, a web edge detector for monitoring the edges of a web, a multi-pipeline flaw detection pre-processor for detecting very small changes in the web material, a run length encoder for generating data regarding the location of each group of potential flaws in a cross direction, a 2D blob detector and analyzer for generating data regarding the location of block flaws along a machine direction, and an inspect/reject analysis for determining the actual flaw data from the potential flaw data.

Abstract: Yarn impurities are detectable by a method and device wherein a first diameterdependent signal is obtained in a first measurement of a linearly traveling yarn, the intensity of the light for a second measurement is set as a function of the first signal to compensate for the effect of the yarn diameter on the light reflected by the yarn and then the second electrical signal can be directly evaluated for detecting yarn impurities. The invention improves the detection of impurities, for example in connection with spinning and bobbin winding machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing surface irregularities comprising directing a line beam at the surface, imaging the line on the surface formed by the line beam, and analysing data of the image to produce an objective indication of the degree of regularity of the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling textile articles such as, for example, socks; the apparatus is utilizable in correspondence of an ironing station in which, between a station for loading the articles on relevant support shapes and a station for unloading the same articles therefrom, the articles are subjected to the action of ironing means; the apparatus comprises: at least a telecamera (9; 9′) provided with an optical group (90) located at a preset position in order to frame an article (4) fitted on a shape (3) and disposed in stretched condition thereon; electronic checking means (92) able to detect a signal, emitted by said optical group (90), exceeding a predetermined threshold value and corresponding to a non-uniformity of reflection of light from said article (4) and/or said shape (3); means (94), electrically associated with said checking means, which are disposed and acting within an article-unloading device (20) for conveying the articles towards either a regio

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatic inspection of flatly positioned pieces of cloth with a view to detecting impurities or other irregularities in pieces of cloth. The pieces of cloth are transported past a camera (10) that is, in cooperation with a digital storage unit, configured for producing a digital image of each piece of cloth or portions of each piece of cloth; and wherein the apparatus comprises one or more light emitters (11) with a view to illuminating at least that part of a piece of cloth that is within the field of vision of the camera (10). According to the invention each piece of cloth is conveyed from a receiver conveyor (12) to a delivery conveyor (13), the field of vision of the camera (10) being configured for comprising at least an open area (14) between these to conveyors (12, 13), whereby the digital image is recorded during the passage of a piece of cloth from the receiver conveyor (12) to the delivery conveyor (13).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining out-of-plane defects in a paper sample are described. One embodiment of the method includes providing a paper sample, illuminating the sample with light, determining light scattering resulting from the light at a plurality of measuring regions, and determining an out-of-plane defect value by assigning the measuring regions to plural bands, calculating a standard deviation of light scattering for each of the bands, and averaging standard deviations of the bands. An alternative embodiment further includes assigning the measuring regions to plural columns of the sample, determining the out-of-plane defect value for each of the columns, and calculating the median of the out-of-plane defect values of the columns. The average out-of-plane defect value may also be calculated. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a housing for excluding ambient light and for holding a paper sample, a light source, and an image-capturing device.