Loom observation system

Abstract

This invention provides a loom observation system that allows for the understanding of the relationships between multiple parts of the loom. [Solution] The loom observation system comprises multiple cameras and a control device. Each camera takes a photograph during each weaving operation. The control device acquires the photographic data from the multiple cameras. The subjects photographed by the cameras and the timing of the cameras' photography during each weaving operation differ among the multiple cameras. The control device performs a linking process to link multiple related photographic data from the multiple cameras whose subjects and timings during each weaving operation differ.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an observation system for a loom.

Background Art

[0002] Observation of a loom may be performed using a captured image of a camera that targets a component or yarn of the loom as the object to be photographed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a loom opening defect detection device that detects an opening defect of warp yarns. The loom opening defect detection device includes a camera that photographs the opening of the warp yarns and a control device that detects an opening defect based on the captured image by the camera.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the observation of a loom, it is required to grasp the relevance of a plurality of locations on the loom. For example, when an abnormality occurs in a component or yarn of the loom, it is required to grasp the cause of the abnormality and the influence of the abnormality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A loom observation system that solves the above problems is an observation system for a loom that repeatedly performs weaving operations including reed beating, comprising: a plurality of cameras that take pictures during each weaving operation; and a management device that acquires captured data from the plurality of cameras, wherein the objects to be photographed by the cameras and the timing of the cameras to take pictures during each weaving operation are different for each of the plurality of cameras, and the management device performs a linking process to link multiple related captured data from the captured data of the plurality of cameras whose objects to be photographed and the timing of the cameras to take pictures during each weaving operation are different for each other.

[0006] With the above configuration, multiple cameras are installed with different timings for capturing the target and each weaving operation. By comparing the related data from multiple cameras, it is possible to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom. Furthermore, because the related data from multiple cameras are pre-linked, it becomes easier to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom.

[0007] Regarding the loom observation system, one weaving operation is defined as the period from the start of the reed beating operation to the start of the next reed beating operation, and the multiple cameras include a first camera and a second camera whose subject to be photographed and the timing of photography in each weaving operation differ from those of the first camera, and the management device may, in the linking process, link a first related data which is one of the photographed data from the multiple first cameras with a second related data which is photographed from the multiple second cameras in the same weaving operation as the one in which the first related data was photographed.

[0008] According to the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom during a single weaving operation. Regarding the observation system for a loom, the loom comprises a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread and a cutting unit for cutting the inserted weft thread, the weft insertion device having a main nozzle for ejecting the weft thread, the first camera photographing the cutting unit at the moment the cutting unit cuts the inserted weft thread, and the second camera photographing the tip of the main nozzle before the main nozzle ejects the weft thread.

[0009] If the timing of weft cutting by the cutting unit is delayed, the amount of weft yarn ejected from the tip of the main nozzle may increase. With the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationship between the state of the cutting unit at the time of weft cutting in the nth weaving operation and the amount of weft yarn ejected from the tip of the main nozzle before weft yarn ejection in the nth weaving operation. Therefore, if the amount of weft yarn ejected from the tip of the main nozzle is large, it is possible to determine whether or not the delay in weft cutting timing by the cutting unit is the cause.

[0010] Regarding the observation system for a loom, the loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft yarn, the weft insertion device having a main nozzle for ejecting the weft yarn and a plurality of sub-nozzles positioned downstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft yarn is inserted, the first camera photographs the tip of the weft yarn at the moment the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn, and the second camera photographs the weft yarn at the final destination point, which is set downstream of the plurality of sub-nozzles in the weft insertion direction, at the moment the weft yarn reaches the final destination point.

[0011] With the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationship between the state of the tip of the weft yarn when the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn in the nth weaving operation, and the state of the weft yarn at the final destination when the weft yarn reaches the final destination in the nth weaving operation.

[0012] Regarding the observation system for a loom, the loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft yarn, the weft insertion device having a main nozzle for ejecting the weft yarn and a tandem nozzle positioned upstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft yarn is inserted, the first camera photographs the weft yarn located between the tandem nozzle and the main nozzle at the time before the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn, and the second camera photographs the tip of the weft yarn at the time the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn.

[0013] With the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationship between the state of the weft yarn located between the tandem nozzle and the main nozzle before the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn in the nth weaving operation, and the state of the tip of the weft yarn when the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn in the nth weaving operation.

[0014] Regarding the loom observation system, one weaving operation is defined as the period from the start of the reed beating operation to the start of the next reed beating operation, and the multiple cameras include a first camera and a second camera whose subject to be photographed and the timing of photography in each weaving operation differ from those of the first camera, and the management device may, in the linking process, link a first related data which is one of the photographed data from the multiple first cameras with a second related data which is photographed data from the multiple second cameras in a weaving operation different from the one in which the first related data was taken.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom between two different weaving operations. Regarding the loom observation system, the second related data is preferably the image data captured by the weaving operation one cycle after the time in which the first related data was captured, from among the image data of the multiple second cameras.

[0016] The above configuration makes it easier to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom between two consecutive weaving operations. Regarding the observation system for a loom, the loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft yarn, the weft insertion device having a main nozzle for ejecting the weft yarn, and a braking device positioned upstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft yarn is inserted, and which applies a brake to the weft yarn before the weft insertion is completed, the first camera photographs the braking device at the moment the braking device applies a brake to the weft yarn, and the second camera photographs the tip of the main nozzle at the moment before the main nozzle ejects the weft yarn.

[0017] If the braking device does not adequately brake the weft thread during the (n-1)th weaving operation, the weft thread may fly out from the tip of the main nozzle during the (n)th weaving operation. With the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationship between the degree of braking on the weft thread during the (n-1)th weaving operation and whether or not the weft thread flies out from the tip of the main nozzle before the weft thread is ejected during the (n)th weaving operation. Therefore, if the weft thread flies out from the tip of the main nozzle, it is possible to determine whether or not the cause is insufficient braking of the weft thread by the braking device.

[0018] Regarding the observation system for a loom, the loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting weft threads, the weft insertion device has a plurality of main nozzles that eject the weft threads in a predetermined order, and the second related data is preferably captured data from a plurality of second cameras, from a later session than the session in which the first related data was captured, and from the weaving operation in which the same main nozzle that ejected the weft thread in the session in which the first related data was captured ejects the weft thread.

[0019] The above configuration makes it easier to understand the relationships between multiple points on the loom during two weaving operations in which the same main nozzle ejects the weft thread. The loom observation system should be equipped with the same number of lights as the cameras, and these lights should illuminate the objects being photographed by the cameras.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since the captured image becomes brighter, the easiness of observing the loom is improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the relevance of a plurality of locations of the loom can be grasped.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a loom. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a loom. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an observation system of a loom. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart of an external input signal, a first trigger signal, and a second trigger signal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of linking processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of captured data. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing linked captured data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing linked captured data in a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a loom in a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a loom in a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a loom in a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of linking processing in a modified example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the observation system 100 of the loom 10 is embodied will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 7. The loom 10 of the present embodiment is an air jet loom. <Loom> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple warp threads T are arranged in the left-right direction of the loom 10. Each warp thread T extends in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. The warp threads T are drawn from a supply roll (not shown) located at the rear of the loom 10. After being woven into a fabric W, the warp threads T are wound up by a winding roll (not shown) located at the front of the loom 10. The warp threads T move from rear to front in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10.

[0024] The loom 10 includes a warp opening device 11, a weft insertion device 12, a reed 13, and a cutting unit 14. The warp opening device 11 opens the warp threads T. The weft insertion device 12 inserts the weft threads Y into the openings Ta of the warp threads T. The direction in which the weft threads Y are inserted is called the weft insertion direction. The weft insertion direction is from the left side to the right side in the left-right direction of the loom 10. The reed 13 beats the inserted weft threads Y. The cutting unit 14 cuts the inserted weft threads Y.

[0025] The weft insertion device 12 has a main nozzle 21 and a plurality of sub-nozzles 22. The main nozzle 21 is located at the left end of the loom 10. In this embodiment, the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y by injecting air. In this embodiment, the weft insertion device 12 has two main nozzles 21. In this embodiment, the two main nozzles 21 alternately eject the weft yarn Y.

[0026] Multiple sub-nozzles 22 are positioned in front of the warp opening device 11 in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. Multiple sub-nozzles 22 are positioned downstream of the main nozzle 21 in the weft insertion direction. Multiple sub-nozzles 22 are arranged in the left-to-right direction of the loom 10. Each sub-nozzle 22 injects air onto the weft yarn Y inserted into the opening Ta of the warp yarn T.

[0027] The reed 13 is positioned between the warp opening device 11 and a plurality of sub-nozzles 22 in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. The reed 13 is positioned downstream of the main nozzle 21 in the weft insertion direction. The reed 13 has a plurality of reed dents 13a. The plurality of reed dents 13a are arranged in the left-to-right direction of the loom 10. The warp threads T pass between adjacent reed dents 13a in the left-to-right direction of the loom 10. A weft thread flight path R is formed in the reed 13. When the weft thread Y is inserted, the weft thread flight path R is located within the opening Ta of the warp thread T. The weft thread Y inserted into the opening Ta of the warp thread T flies through the weft thread flight path R.

[0028] Two main nozzles 21, multiple sub-nozzles 22, and a reed 13 are fixed to a sleigh 15. The sleigh 15 moves back and forth in the forward and backward direction of the loom 10. Therefore, the two main nozzles 21, multiple sub-nozzles 22, and the reed 13 move back and forth with the sleigh 15 in the forward and backward direction of the loom 10. The reed 13 beats the weft yarn Y inserted into the opening Ta of the warp yarn T by moving forward of the loom 10.

[0029] The cutting section 14 is positioned in front of the reed 13 in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. In the weft insertion direction, the cutting section 14 is positioned downstream of the main nozzle 21 and upstream of the multiple sub-nozzles 22. When the reed 13 beats the weft yarn Y, the cutting section 14 cuts the weft yarn Y.

[0030] The weaving operation of the loom 10 consists of opening the warp threads T by the warp thread opening device 11, inserting the weft threads Y by the weft insertion device 12, and beating the reed by the reed 13. The loom 10 repeatedly performs the weaving operation while moving the warp threads T from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. One weaving operation is from the start of one beating operation to the start of the next beating operation.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the loom 10 has a spindle 16. The spindle 16 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). In this embodiment, when the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 is 0[°], the reed 13 starts beating the weft yarn Y. Therefore, one weaving operation is from a rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 from 0[°] to 360[°] (the next 0[°]). When the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 is a first angle θ1[°], the cutting unit 14 cuts the weft yarn Y. When the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 is a second angle θ2[°] which is greater than the first angle θ1[°], the main nozzle 21 sprays the weft yarn Y.

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment, the two main nozzles 21 alternately eject the weft yarn Y. Therefore, when the rotation angle θ[°] of the main shaft 16 is the second angle θ2[°], if one main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y, the other main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y when the rotation angle θ[°] of the main shaft 16 next becomes the second angle θ2[°].

[0033] The loom 10 includes an angle detection unit 17 and a signal output unit 18. The angle detection unit 17 is configured, for example, by a rotary encoder. The angle detection unit 17 detects the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16. The angle detection unit 17 is connected to the signal output unit 18. The angle detection unit 17 outputs the detected rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 to the signal output unit 18. The signal output unit 18 outputs a signal to the trigger control unit 33, which will be described later, each time the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 detected by the angle detection unit 17 reaches a preset reference angle. In this embodiment, the signal output unit 18 outputs a signal to the trigger control unit 33 each time the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 detected by the angle detection unit 17 becomes 0[°].

[0034] <Observation system 100 for loom 10> The observation system 100 for the loom 10 includes a camera 30 and an observation device 40. The imaging device 30 includes a plurality of cameras 31, the same number of lights 32 as the cameras 31, and a trigger control unit 33. The plurality of cameras 31 in this embodiment include a first camera 31a and a second camera 31b. The lights 32 in this embodiment include a first light 32a and a second light 32b.

[0035] Each camera 31 is a digital camera. Each camera 31 has an image sensor. Examples of image sensors include CCD image sensors (Charge Coupled Device image sensors) and CMOS image sensors (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor image sensors). Each camera 31 is positioned to capture an object.

[0036] Each light 32 is, for example, an LED light. Each light 32 is positioned to illuminate the object being photographed by the camera 31. In this embodiment, the first light 32a is positioned to illuminate the object being photographed by the first camera 31a. The second light 32b is positioned to illuminate the object being photographed by the second camera 31b.

[0037] Although not shown in the figures, the camera 31 and lighting 32 in this embodiment are attached to the loom 10. The method and location of attachment of the camera 31 and lighting 32 to the loom 10 are appropriately selected depending on the object to be photographed. The camera 31 and lighting 32 may be directly attached to the loom 10, or they may be attached to the loom 10 via a magnetic arm, bracket, or the like. The camera 31 and lighting 32 may be fixed to the loom 10 in a way that prevents them from being detached, or they may be attached to the loom 10 in a way that allows them to be detached. The camera 31 and lighting 32 may be attached, for example, to a side frame or cover of the loom 10, which are not shown in the figures.

[0038] For example, the camera 31 and the lighting 32 may be attached to the loom 10 as follows: The camera 31 and the lighting 32 are attached to a bracket. The bracket is attached to the frame of the loom 10 by screwing bolts that pass through the bracket into eyebolt holes provided in the frame of the loom 10. In this way, the camera 31 and the lighting 32 are attached to the frame of the loom 10 via the bracket. The eyebolt holes are holes into which eyebolts for transporting the loom 10 are screwed. When the loom 10 is not being transported, eyebolts are not screwed into the eyebolt holes, so they can be used as holes for attaching the camera 31 and the lighting 32 to the loom 10 via the bracket.

[0039] The camera 31 and lighting 32 may not be directly or indirectly attached to the loom 10, but may be attached to a stand or the like placed on the floor of the loom factory. The trigger control unit 33 includes a processor 33a and a main memory unit 33b. Examples of processors 33a include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The main memory unit 33b includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The main memory unit 33b stores program code or instructions configured to cause the processor 33a to execute processing. The main memory unit 33b, i.e., the computer-readable medium, includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The trigger control unit 33 may also be composed of hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The trigger control unit 33, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors operating according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0040] The trigger control unit 33 is connected to the camera 31 and the lighting 32. The trigger control unit 33 controls the timing of when the camera 31 takes a picture and when the lighting 32 emits light. The trigger control unit 33 is connected to the signal output unit 18 of the loom 10. The signal output by the signal output unit 18 is input to the trigger control unit 33 as an external input signal. Upon receiving the external input signal, the trigger control unit 33 recognizes that the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 is a reference angle, which in this embodiment is 0[°]. Each time the rotation angle θ[°] of the spindle 16 reaches a predetermined angle, the trigger control unit 33 simultaneously outputs a trigger signal to the camera 31 and the lighting 32 corresponding to the camera 31.

[0041] Camera 31 takes a picture when it receives a trigger signal from the trigger control unit 33. Lighting 32 emits light when it receives a trigger signal from the trigger control unit 33. Therefore, camera 31 takes a picture during each weaving operation. Lighting 32 emits light at the same time that camera 31 takes a picture during each weaving operation.

[0042] The objects captured by each of the cameras 31 are different. That is, the object captured by the second camera 31b is different from the object captured by the first camera 31a. In this embodiment, the object captured by the first camera 31a is the cutting section 14. In this embodiment, the object captured by the second camera 31b is the tip of the main nozzle 21.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the first camera 31a is positioned above the cutting section 14. The first camera 31a is positioned to photograph downwards. The second camera 31b is positioned downstream of the main nozzle 21 in the weft insertion direction. The second camera 31b is positioned in front of the main nozzle 21 in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. The second camera 31b is positioned upstream in the weft insertion direction and to photograph the rear in the front-to-back direction of the loom 10. Although not shown in Figure 2, the first illuminator 32a is positioned to illuminate the cutting section 14. The second illuminator 32b is positioned to illuminate the tip of the main nozzle 21.

[0044] The timing of the cameras 31 to capture images in each weaving operation differs among the multiple cameras 31. In other words, the timing of the second camera 31b to capture images in each weaving operation differs from the timing of the first camera 31a to capture images in each weaving operation.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the trigger control unit 33 of this embodiment outputs a first trigger signal Sa to the first camera 31a and the first illumination 32a each time the rotation angle θ[°] of the main shaft 16 reaches a first angle θ1[°]. As a result, in each weaving operation, the first camera 31a takes a picture and the first illumination 32a emits light at the moment the cutting unit 14 cuts the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the first camera 31a photographs the cutting unit 14 at the moment the cutting unit 14 cuts the inserted weft yarn Y.

[0046] In this embodiment, the trigger control unit 33 outputs a second trigger signal Sb to the second camera 31b and the second illumination 32b each time the rotation angle θ[°] of the main shaft 16 reaches a third angle θ3[°]. The third angle θ3[°] is the angle just before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. Specifically, the third angle θ3[°] is set to be slightly smaller than the second angle θ2[°]. As a result, in each weaving operation, the second camera 31b takes a picture and the second illumination 32b emits light just before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the second camera 31b photographs the tip of the main nozzle 21 before it ejects the weft yarn Y.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the observation device 40 includes a management device 41, an auxiliary storage device 42, and a display device 43. The management device 41 in this embodiment is comprised of a computer. The management device 41 has a processor 41a and a main memory unit 41b. Examples of processors 41a include a CPU, GPU, and DSP. The main memory unit 41b includes RAM and ROM. The main memory unit 41b stores program code or instructions configured to cause the processor 41a to perform processing. The main memory unit 41b, i.e., the computer-readable medium, includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The management device 41 may also be comprised of hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. The management device 41, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors that operate according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The auxiliary storage device 42 is a non-volatile storage device that can rewrite data. The auxiliary storage device 42 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The display device 43 is a display.

[0049] The control device 41 is connected to multiple cameras 31. In this embodiment, the control device 41 is connected to the first camera 31a and the second camera 31b. The control device 41 acquires image data D from the multiple cameras 31. As described above, each camera 31 takes images during each weaving operation. Therefore, the control device 41 acquires multiple image data D from each of the multiple cameras 31.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the management device 41 of this embodiment acquires multiple shooting data D11, D12, D13, ... from the first camera 31a, and also acquires multiple shooting data D21, D22, D23, ... from the second camera 31b.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, each image data D includes an image Im, camera information Ic indicating the camera 31 that captured the image Im, and count information In indicating which weaving operation the weaving operation in which the image Im was captured was. Each image data D may also include time information indicating the time the image Im was captured instead of the count information In. At the stage when the management device 41 acquires the image data D from the camera 31, the image data D does not include the related information Ir described later.

[0052] The management device 41 performs a linking process to link related shooting data D from multiple cameras 31 whose shooting targets and shooting timings in each weaving operation are different from each other. As described above, in this embodiment, the shooting target and shooting timing in each weaving operation of the second camera 31b are different from those of the first camera 31a. Therefore, in the linking process, the management device 41 of this embodiment links related shooting data D1 from the first camera 31a and shooting data D2 from the second camera 31b.

[0053] In this embodiment, the management device 41 links the first related data Da, which is one of the captured data D1 from a plurality of first cameras 31a, with the second related data Db, which is one of the captured data D2 from a plurality of second cameras 31b. In this embodiment, the second related data Db is the captured data D2 from a plurality of second cameras 31b that was captured in the same weaving operation as the capture of the first related data Da.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, for example, if the first related data Da is the captured data D12 from the first camera 31a captured during the second weaving operation, then the second related data Db is the captured data D22 from the second camera 31b captured during the second weaving operation.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the management device 41 assigns related information Ir to each of the multiple related image data D, indicating the image data D related to that image data D. Specifically, the management device 41 assigns related information Ir to the first related data Da, indicating that the image data D related to the first related data Da is the second related data Db. The management device 41 assigns related information Ir to the second related data Db, indicating that the image data D related to the second related data Db is the first related data Da. The management device 41 stores the image data D to which the related information Ir has been assigned in the auxiliary storage device 42.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the management device 41 displays the captured images Im of multiple linked captured data D on the display device 43 based on the related information Ir assigned to the captured data D. The management device 41 displays the captured image Im of the first related data Da and the captured image Im of the second related data Db on the display device 43. This allows the operator to check the captured images Im of related captured data D all at once.

[0057] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will now be explained. The first camera 31a photographs the cutting section 14 at the moment the cutting section 14 cuts the inserted weft yarn Y during each weaving operation. The second camera 31b photographs the tip of the main nozzle 21 at the moment before the main nozzle 21 sprays the weft yarn Y during each weaving operation. The control device 41 links the first related data Da, which is one of the captured data D1 from multiple first cameras 31a, with the second related data Db, which is one of the captured data D2 from multiple second cameras 31b, captured during the same weaving operation in which the first related data Da was captured. In other words, the captured image Im of the cutting section 14 at the time the weft yarn Y is cut during the nth weaving operation is linked to the captured image Im of the tip of the main nozzle 21 before the weft yarn Y is sprayed during the nth weaving operation.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, if the timing of cutting the weft yarn Y by the cutting unit 14 is late, the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 may increase. When the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 is large, it interferes with the ejection of weft yarn Y from other main nozzles 21. In this embodiment, by comparing two linked captured images Im, the operator can understand the relationship between the state of the cutting unit 14 at the time of cutting the weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation and the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 before ejection of weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation. Specifically, if the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 is large, it can be determined whether or not the cause is that the timing of cutting the weft yarn Y by the cutting unit 14 is late.

[0059] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The observation system 100 for the loom 10 includes multiple cameras 31 that take pictures during each weaving operation of the loom 10, and a management device 41 that acquires captured data D from the multiple cameras 31. The subjects to be photographed by the cameras 31 and the timing of the cameras 31 to take pictures during each weaving operation are different for each of the multiple cameras 31. The management device 41 performs a linking process to link together multiple related sets of captured data D from the multiple cameras 31 whose subjects to be photographed and the timing of the cameras to take pictures during each weaving operation are different for each other.

[0060] With this configuration, multiple cameras 31 are provided, each capturing a different subject and capturing different timings for each weaving operation. By comparing multiple related shooting data D, it is possible to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10. Furthermore, because multiple related shooting data D are pre-linked, it becomes easier to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10.

[0061] (2) The multiple cameras 31 include a first camera 31a and a second camera 31b whose target of photography and the timing of photography in each weaving operation differ from those of the first camera 31a. The control device 41 links a first related data Da, which is one of the photographic data D1 from the multiple first cameras 31a, with a second related data Db, which is one of the photographic data D2 from the multiple second cameras 31b that was photographed in the same weaving operation as the one in which the first related data Da was photographed. This configuration makes it easier to understand the relationships between multiple locations on the loom 10 in a single weaving operation.

[0062] (3) The first camera 31a photographs the cutting section 14 at the moment the cutting section 14 cuts the weft thread Y that has been inserted. The second camera 31b photographs the tip of the main nozzle 21 at the moment before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft thread Y.

[0063] This configuration allows us to understand the relationship between the state of the cutting section 14 when the weft yarn Y is cut during the nth weaving operation and the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 before the weft yarn Y is ejected during the nth weaving operation. Therefore, if the amount of weft yarn Y ejected from the tip of the main nozzle 21 is large, we can determine whether or not the timing of the weft yarn Y being cut by the cutting section 14 is too late.

[0064] (4) The observation system 100 of the loom 10 is equipped with the same number of lights 32 as the cameras 31. The lights 32 illuminate the object that the cameras 31 are photographing. With this configuration, the captured image Im becomes brighter, improving the ease of observing the loom 10.

[0065] [Example of changes] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0066] ○ The number of cameras 31 is not limited to two; it may be changed as appropriate if there are multiple cameras. However, the subjects that cameras 31 photograph and the timing of camera 31's photography in each weaving operation shall be different for each of the multiple cameras 31.

[0067] If the observation system 100 of the loom 10 is equipped with three or more cameras 31, the control device 41 may link together three or more related sets of captured data D from the three or more cameras 31.

[0068] ○ The lighting 32 of the imaging device 30 may be omitted. ○ The lighting 32 may illuminate the targets of multiple cameras 31. In this case, the number of lighting 32 does not have to be the same as the number of cameras 31.

[0069] ○ A trigger control unit 33 that outputs a first trigger signal Sa to the first camera 31a and the first illumination 32a, and a trigger control unit 33 that outputs a second trigger signal Sb to the second camera 31b and the second illumination 32b may be provided separately.

[0070] ○ In the above embodiment, the management device 41 linked the multiple related shooting data D by assigning related information Ir to each of the multiple related shooting data D, but the method of linking the multiple related shooting data D may be changed as appropriate.

[0071] For example, the management device 41 may link multiple related shooting data D by storing them in the same folder in the auxiliary storage device 42. As shown in Figure 8, the management device 41 may link multiple related shooting data D by creating a single composite image G in which the captured images Im of the multiple related shooting data D are arranged side by side. In the example shown in Figure 8, the multiple related shooting data D are arranged side by side horizontally, but they may also be arranged side by side vertically.

[0072] ○ The number of main nozzles 21 in the weft insertion device 12 may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of weft yarn Y. The number of main nozzles 21 in the weft insertion device 12 may be one or three or more.

[0073] ○ As shown in Figure 9, the first camera 31a may photograph the tip of the weft yarn Y at the moment the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. The second camera 31b may photograph the weft yarn Y at the final destination point P at the moment the tip of the weft yarn Y reaches the final destination point P. The final destination point P is set downstream of the multiple sub-nozzles 22 in the weft insertion direction. Figure 9 illustrates the loom 10 at the moment the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y.

[0074] The management device 41 links the first related data Da, which is one of the captured data D1 from multiple first cameras 31a, with the second related data Db, which is one of the captured data D2 from multiple second cameras 31b, captured in the same weaving operation as the one in which the first related data Da was captured.

[0075] In this modified example, it is possible to understand the relationship between the state of the tip of the weft yarn Y when the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation, and the state of the weft yarn Y at the final destination P when the tip of the weft yarn Y reaches the final destination P in the nth weaving operation.

[0076] Although not shown in the diagram, the loom 10 may be equipped with a tension-applying device. The tension-applying device has a stretch nozzle that applies tension to the weft yarn Y that has been inserted. In this case, the second camera 31b may photograph the tip of the stretch nozzle along with the weft yarn Y at the final destination P when the tip of the weft yarn Y reaches the final destination P. This makes it possible to understand the relationship between the state of the tip of the weft yarn Y when the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation and the state of the stretch nozzle when the tip of the weft yarn Y reaches the final destination P in the nth weaving operation.

[0077] ○ As shown in Figure 10, the weft insertion device 12 of the loom 10 may have a tandem nozzle 23. The tandem nozzle 23 is located upstream of the main nozzle 21 in the weft insertion direction. The tandem nozzle 23 draws the weft yarn Y from a measuring drum (not shown) where the weft yarn Y is stored. The main nozzle 21 sprays the weft yarn Y drawn out by the tandem nozzle 23.

[0078] The first camera 31a photographs the weft yarn Y located between the tandem nozzle 23 and the main nozzle 21 at the time before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. The second camera 31b photographs the tip of the weft yarn Y at the time the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. Figure 10 illustrates the loom 10 at the time before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y.

[0079] The management device 41 links the first related data Da, which is one of the captured data D1 from multiple first cameras 31a, with the second related data Db, which is one of the captured data D2 from multiple second cameras 31b, captured in the same weaving operation as the one in which the first related data Da was captured.

[0080] In this modified example, it is possible to understand the relationship between the state of the weft yarn Y located between the tandem nozzle 23 and the main nozzle 21 before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation, and the state of the tip of the weft yarn Y when the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y in the nth weaving operation.

[0081] ○ The control device 41 may link a first related data Da, which is one of the captured data D1 from multiple first cameras 31a, with a second related data Db, which is one of the captured data D2 from multiple second cameras 31b, captured in a weaving operation different from the one in which the first related data Da was captured. In this case, it becomes easier to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10 between two different weaving operations.

[0082] <Specific Example 1> As shown in Figure 11, the weft insertion device 12 is equipped with a brake device (ABS: Automatic Brake System) 24. The brake device 24 is located upstream of the main nozzle 21, more specifically upstream of the tandem nozzle 23, in the weft insertion direction. The brake device 24 applies a brake to the weft Y before the weft insertion of the weft Y is completed.

[0083] The first camera 31a photographs the braking device 24 at the moment the braking device 24 applies the brake to the weft yarn Y. The second camera 31b photographs the tip of the main nozzle 21 before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. Figure 11 illustrates the loom 10 at the moment before the main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y.

[0084] The control device 41 identifies the second related data Db as the second related data Db from among the captured data D2 of multiple second cameras 31b, specifically the captured data D2 from the weaving operation one cycle after the one in which the first related data Da was captured.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, for example, if the first related data Da is the captured data D12 from the first camera 31a taken during the second weaving operation, then the second related data Db is the captured data D23 from the second camera 31b taken during the third weaving operation.

[0086] This configuration makes it easier to understand the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10 between two consecutive weaving operations. If the braking device 24 does not adequately brake the weft yarn Y during the (n-1)th weaving operation, the weft yarn Y may fly out from the tip of the main nozzle 21 during the nth weaving operation. With the above configuration, it is possible to understand the relationship between the degree of braking on the weft yarn Y during the (n-1)th weaving operation and whether or not the weft yarn Y flies out from the tip of the main nozzle 21 before the weft yarn Y is ejected during the nth weaving operation. Therefore, if the weft yarn Y flies out from the tip of the main nozzle 21, it is possible to determine whether or not the cause is insufficient braking of the weft yarn Y by the braking device 24.

[0087] <Specific Example 2> The weft insertion device 12 has four main nozzles 21. The type of weft yarn Y ejected from each of the four main nozzles 21 is different from that of the other. The four main nozzles 21 eject the weft yarn Y in a predetermined order. For example, the four main nozzles 21 eject the weft yarn Y in the order of the first main nozzle 21, the second main nozzle 21, the third main nozzle 21, and the fourth main nozzle 21. Therefore, the first main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y in the 1st, 5th, 9th, ... weaving operations.

[0088] The control device 41 identifies the second related data Db as the second related data Db from among the captured data D2 of the multiple second cameras 31b, which is captured in a weaving operation that is later than the time in which the first related data Da was captured, and in a time in which the same main nozzle 21 that ejected the weft yarn Y in the time in which the first related data Da was captured ejects the weft yarn Y.

[0089] For example, if the first related data Da is the captured data D1 from the first camera 31a, which was captured during the first weaving operation, then the second related data Db is the captured data D2 from the second camera 31b, which was captured during the fourth weaving operation.

[0090] This configuration makes it easier to understand the relationships between multiple locations on the loom 10 during two weaving operations in which the same main nozzle 21 ejects the weft yarn Y. ○ The objects to be photographed by camera 31 are not limited to those to be photographed in the above embodiment and the above modified example.

[0091] Other objects that the camera 31 can photograph include, for example, the measuring drum, the weft tension correction device, the weft locking pin, the weft feeler, and the catch cord. The weft tension correction device corrects the tension of the inserted weft Y. The weft locking pin moves up and down to release or lock the weft Y from the measuring drum. The weft feeler detects the weft Y when it reaches its final destination P. The catch cord is composed of multiple warp threads T that grip the end of the inserted weft Y.

[0092] ○ The timing of camera 31's shooting during each weaving operation is not limited to the timing of the above embodiment and the above modified example. The timing of camera 31's shooting during each weaving operation is set appropriately according to the object being photographed by camera 31.

[0093] ○ The observation system 100 for the loom 10 may also be applied to looms other than air jet looms, such as water jet looms. ○ The management device 41 is not limited to a computer. The management device 41 may be composed of the control device of the loom 10, or it may be composed of an external server such as a cloud.

[0094] ○ The storage location of the linked shooting data D is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 42. The linked shooting data D may be stored in a storage unit provided in the loom 10, or it may be stored on an external server such as a cloud.

[0095] ○ In the above embodiment, the worker understood the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10 by visually inspecting the linked photographic data D. However, the relationships between multiple parts of the loom 10 may also be understood by a computer through image processing of the linked photographic data D.

[0096] For example, the computer may perform big data analysis using the operating conditions of the loom 10 and the associated photographic data D. Specifically, the computer may use the operating conditions of the loom 10 and the associated photographic data D to estimate or identify the cause of the malfunction of the loom 10, or to analyze the trend of the malfunction of the loom 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10...Loom, 12...Weft insertion device, 14...Cutting section, 21...Main nozzle, 22...Sub nozzle, 23...Tandem nozzle, 24...Brake device, 31...Camera, 31a...First camera, 31b...Second camera, 32...Lighting, 41...Control device, 100...Observation system, D...Photographed data, P...Final destination, Y...Weft thread.

Claims

1. An observation system for a loom that repeatedly performs weaving operations, including reed beating, Multiple cameras are used to capture images during each of the aforementioned weaving operations. A management device that acquires shooting data from multiple cameras, Equipped with, The objects to be photographed by the cameras and the timing of the cameras' photography during each weaving operation differ among the multiple cameras. The management device is a loom observation system that performs a linking process to link multiple related photographic data from multiple cameras whose shooting timings for the target and each weaving operation are different.

2. One weaving operation is the period from the start of the reed beating operation to the start of the next reed beating operation. The plurality of cameras include a first camera and a second camera whose target and shooting timing in each weaving operation differ from those of the first camera. In the aforementioned linking process, the management device, First related data, which is one of the captured data from multiple first cameras, Among the captured data from multiple second cameras, the second related data is the captured data from the weaving operation in the same cycle as the first related data was captured, An observation system for a loom according to claim 1, which links the following.

3. The loom comprises a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread and a cutting unit for cutting the inserted weft thread, The weft insertion device has a main nozzle for ejecting the weft thread, The first camera photographs the cutting portion at the moment when the cutting portion cuts the weft thread that has been inserted into the weft. The loom observation system according to claim 2, wherein the second camera photographs the tip of the main nozzle at the timing before the main nozzle ejects the weft thread.

4. The loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread, The weft insertion device comprises a main nozzle for ejecting the weft yarn, and a plurality of sub-nozzles arranged downstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft yarn is inserted. The first camera photographs the tip of the weft thread at the moment the main nozzle ejects the weft thread. The loom observation system according to claim 2, wherein the second camera photographs the weft yarn at the final destination point, which is set downstream of the plurality of sub-nozzles in the weft insertion direction, at the moment the weft yarn reaches the final destination point.

5. The loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread, The weft insertion device comprises a main nozzle for ejecting the weft thread and a tandem nozzle positioned upstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft thread is inserted. The first camera photographs the weft thread located between the tandem nozzle and the main nozzle at the timing before the main nozzle ejects the weft thread. The loom observation system according to claim 2, wherein the second camera photographs the tip of the weft thread at the timing when the main nozzle ejects the weft thread.

6. One weaving operation is the period from the start of the reed beating operation to the start of the next reed beating operation. The plurality of cameras include a first camera and a second camera whose target and shooting timing in each weaving operation differ from those of the first camera. In the aforementioned linking process, the management device, First related data, which is one of the captured data from multiple first cameras, Among the captured data from multiple second cameras, the second related data is captured data from the weaving operation in a different session from the session in which the first related data was captured, An observation system for a loom according to claim 1, which links the following.

7. The loom observation system according to claim 6, wherein the second related data is captured data from a plurality of second cameras, specifically data captured during the weaving operation one cycle after the time in which the first related data was captured.

8. The loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread, The weft insertion device comprises a main nozzle for ejecting the weft yarn, and a braking device positioned upstream of the main nozzle in the weft insertion direction, which is the direction in which the weft yarn is inserted, and which applies a brake to the weft yarn before the weft insertion is completed. The first camera photographs the braking device at the moment the braking device applies the brake to the weft thread. The loom observation system according to claim 7, wherein the second camera photographs the tip of the main nozzle at the timing before the main nozzle ejects the weft thread.

9. The loom is equipped with a weft insertion device for inserting the weft thread, The weft insertion device has a plurality of main nozzles that eject the weft thread in a predetermined order, The weaving machine observation system according to claim 6, wherein the second related data is from a later session of the plurality of second cameras than the session in which the first related data was captured, and is captured during the weaving operation in a session in which the same main nozzle that ejected the weft yarn in the session in which the first related data was captured is ejected.

10. Equipped with the same number of lights as the aforementioned camera, The observation system for a weaving machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the illumination illuminates the object to be photographed by the camera.

Images