Automatic quality inspection system for fabric and yarn bobbins

Need

Small shade deviations within one lot cannot be told apart by eye; the yarn texture reflects light directionally and brightness changes as the bobbin turns. Winding shape and tube type are not visible from a single viewpoint.

Solution approach

While the bobbin makes one turn on its carrier, a side-view colour camera images the whole circumference; an inclined bar light lights the surface evenly without glare. Shade is compared with a reference bobbin; winding contour and diameter are measured from the silhouette; the tube type is read by the top-view camera. A presence photo-sensor reports the seated bobbin and starts the acquisition.

Process steps

1. 01

   Infeed

   Bobbins index into the station on their carriers; the photo-sensor reports that one is seated.

2. 02

   Acquire

   The bobbin makes one turn while the side and top cameras image its circumference.

3. 03

   Analyse

   Shade is compared with the reference; winding contour and diameter are measured and the tube is read.

4. 04

   Decide

   Shade difference, diameter and tube type are compared with their limits.