TITLE: 3-D Electronic Imaging of Fabric Qualities by On-Line Yarn Data CODE: S01-NS12 (formerly I01-S12)

We are developing 3-D prediction models for fabric appearance and other quality attributes by using the data captured from an on-line yarn measurement system we have developed based on CTT and a new system for measuring yarn diameters at more than one angle optically. Such a 3D imaging system is most useful for fabric development and textile process control. We have examined and expanded mathematical theories and the corresponding algorithms for image simulation, data reduction and data mapping onto structural geometry of woven and knitted fabrics, in both micro and macro scales. The electronic imaging is being accomplished for the quality attributes (basis weight, appearance uniformity, physical properties, etc.) of woven and knitted fabrics directly from an on-line yarn diameter of mass measurement system. We have successfully developed a system for obtaining 2-D macro images of woven fabric rolls that are 20 – 40 yards long and 1 – 2 yards wide, and any number of 2-D or 3-D micro images at any specific {x, y} coordinates of a given fabric roll. In addition, we developed a measurement system for taking more than one diameter value simultaneously at different angles in order to measure the “eccentricity” of the yarn cross section. These systems have greatly enhanced capabilities in quality imaging and visualization, pinpoint quality mapping for problem isolation, and yarn and fabric development.