Fluorescent printing on fabric for use as control input to automated positioning equipment
Inventors
Wiedmann, Stephen • Wahlen, Victoria • Brockschmidt, Branson
Assignees
Southwest Research Institute SwRI
Publication Number
US-11807021-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-07
Expiration Date
2042-01-26
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Abstract
A method of using an automated system to position a fabric piece. A pattern is printed onto a fabric piece with fluorescent ink, and detected with a fluorescence-detecting camera, such as a UV camera. The detected pattern is stored in a controller as a pattern signature and compared to a stored target pattern. The results of the comparing step are used to generate control signals for the automated system to move the piece into the position of the target pattern.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an automated method for positioning a fabric piece using a fluorescent ink pattern, referred to as a pattern signature or UV-signature, printed onto the fabric. A fluorescence-detecting camera, such as a UV camera, identifies the printed pattern on the fabric piece and sends the information to an automated control system. This system compares the detected pattern signature with a stored target pattern associated with the proper location for the fabric piece, enabling automated adjustment and positioning.
The problem addressed by the invention is the difficulty in automating textile processes due to the flexible nature and variability of fabric materials. Traditional methods utilize rigid fixtures or carriers that must be tailored for each specific fabric component and pattern, necessitating new or modified fixtures for each change in design or size. This limits efficiency and flexibility, especially in industries such as apparel manufacturing where frequent changes and variety are common.
By using a fluorescent ink pattern as a control input, the invention allows for accurate feedback to automation systems without relying on edge detection or hard fixturing. The UV-signature forms the basis for process control, enabling automated systems to position or tension fabric pieces for sewing or other operations by aligning the printed pattern to a target geometry. The approach supports changeover between different patterns without the need for substantial hardware or tooling modifications.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in this patent, each introducing a distinct inventive feature related to fabric positioning using fluorescent ink and automated control.
Method of automated fabric positioning using fluorescent ink pattern and control signals
This inventive feature involves: - Printing a pattern onto the fabric piece with fluorescent ink. - Detecting the fluorescent ink to acquire a pattern signature. - Storing the pattern signature in a control process as a target pattern linked to the desired location of the fabric piece. - Staging the fabric piece for movement by automated equipment. - Comparing the position of the pattern signature with the target pattern. - Using the comparison results to generate control signals for moving the fabric piece into the required position.
Method of automated tension control through pattern signature comparison
This inventive feature introduces: - Printing a pattern on the fabric piece with fluorescent ink. - Detecting the fluorescent ink to obtain a pattern signature. - Storing the pattern signature as a target pattern associated with the desired location. - Staging the fabric piece for movement. - Comparing the position of the pattern signature to the target pattern. - Using the comparison results to generate control signals for the automated system to apply tension to the fabric, thereby reducing substrate distortion.
Control system with integrated printer, camera, and controller for automated fabric positioning
This inventive feature covers: - A printer for printing a pattern on a fabric piece with fluorescent ink. - A camera for detecting the fluorescent ink to acquire a pattern signature. - A controller to: (a) store the pattern signature as a target pattern associated with the desired location of the fabric piece; (b) compare the position of the pattern signature to the target pattern; and (c) use the comparison results to generate control signals for the automated positioning system to move the piece into the target position.
The inventive features provide methods and a control system for fabric positioning and tensioning using fluorescent ink patterns and automated comparison/control processes, eliminating the need for pattern-specific tooling.
Stated Advantages
Provides accurate feedback to automation systems without the need for edge detection.
Enables more flexible automation solutions that are not reliant on hard fixturing.
Supports changeover between a variety of patterns without large modifications to existing hard automation equipment.
Improves sewing process quality through automated seam tracking.
Documented Applications
Automated positioning of fabric pieces for sewing operations, such as sewing a pocket to apparel fabric.
Automated tension control of fabric pieces to reduce substrate distortion.
Positioning of fabric pieces for process steps other than sewing by using a printed pattern for alignment and control.
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