Fabric marking device

Abstract

A fabric marking device includes a transmission system, an image capture device, a marker, and an electronic device. The transmission system drives a fabric and defines its movement speed. The image capture device captures an image of the fabric. The electronic device is electrically connected to the transmission system, the image capture device, and the marker, and identifies a fabric edge from the image to define a marking area. Furthermore, the electronic device controls the output speed of one of the markers to synchronize with the fabric's movement speed, thereby forming a mark containing fabric information on the marking area of ​​the fabric edge. This invention effectively solves the problem of information gaps by forming a mark on the fabric.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a marking device, and more particularly to a marking device for fabric. Prior Technology

[0002] In the traditional workflow of the textile industry, each piece of fabric is assigned a label as an identification mark. A label, a transliteration of the English word "mark," specifically refers to a tag in the textile industry that records information about the fabric. It is usually made of paper or plastic and is temporarily attached to the fabric through sewing or adhesive. The label carries complete information about the fabric, including key details such as the manufacturer, production date, batch number, and raw material specifications, ensuring that each piece of fabric has a traceable origin and playing a crucial role in supply chain management and quality control.

[0003] However, existing fabric processing procedures suffer from information gaps. When fabric enters subsequent processing or use stages, labels must be removed before processes such as fabric inspection or cutting to avoid affecting processing quality or the final product's appearance. This technically necessary step, however, results in the complete loss of connection between the fabric and its information. Once the labels are removed, the fabric becomes an anonymous product with an unidentifiable origin.

[0004] This information gap has serious consequences for quality management. When fabric defects are discovered during subsequent processing, requiring replacement materials or accountability from the manufacturer, the specific production source of the fabric, including key information such as production batch, production date, and raw material source, cannot be determined because the markings have been removed at an earlier stage. This makes it impossible to effectively trace the quality problem, and suppliers also find it difficult to implement targeted improvement measures.

[0005] With the increasing emphasis on product traceability in modern supply chain management, the information gap caused by the removal of shipping marks has become a significant challenge for the textile industry in improving quality management and competitiveness. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new marking mechanism that can maintain complete fabric information even after the marks are removed, in order to overcome the technical limitations of traditional shipping marks in practical applications.

[0006] In view of this, the inventors of this case conducted in-depth research and developed the fabric marking device of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fabric marking device to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fabric marking device is provided, which is suitable for marking a fabric having a selvage. The fabric marking device includes a transmission system, an image capture device, a marker, and an electronic device. The transmission system is used to drive the fabric to define a movement speed of the fabric. The image capture device is used to capture an image of the fabric. The marker is used to form a mark on the fabric. The electronic device is electrically connected to the transmission system, the image capture device, and the marker. The electronic device is used to control the transmission system, receive the image from the image capture device to identify the selvage of the fabric from the image to define a marking area, and control the output speed of the marker to synchronize with the movement speed of the fabric, so as to form a mark containing fabric information on the marking area.

[0009] The technical advantages of this invention include solving information chain disruptions, improving production efficiency, providing dual management functions, high precision and flexibility, and protecting product value.

[0010] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by the present invention, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced. The specific details of the present invention will be described in detail in the following embodiments and related figures. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0011] Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the fabric marking device of the present invention. Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the marking element of the fabric marking device of the present invention. Implementation

[0012] To enable your review committee to have a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings:

[0013] Referring simultaneously to Figures 1 and 2, this invention provides a fabric marking device 10. First, the fabric marking device 10 is applied to a fabric F, which has a selvedge S extending along its length direction LD. In conventional processes, the label attached to the fabric F and recording fabric information is removed before inspection or processing, resulting in the inability to trace the source. To solve this information chain problem, the core concept of this invention is to encode the fabric information and directly and dispersedly form it as one or more labels F5 on the selvedge S of the fabric F. Since the selvedge S is a non-finished area of ​​the fabric, marking it here completely avoids damage to the main body of the fabric F that will be made into a finished product. Therefore, even if the label is removed, any section of fabric F of sufficient length will contain one or more labels F5, thereby solidifying the fabric information onto the fabric body.

[0014] Fabric F is driven by a transmission system to define a direction of movement MD and a speed of movement. The transmission system includes a motor M, which is coupled to the fabric F via a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism includes a roller F6 connected to a shaft M1 of the motor M. The roller F6 drives the fabric F by friction. The motor M (which can be a DC or AC motor) is electrically connected to an electronic device E. The electronic device E is used to precisely control parameters such as the speed, direction, and running time of the motor M. The electronic device E can be an industrial computer (IPC), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcontroller (MCU), or a desktop computer, laptop computer, server, or dedicated controller—any device with computing and control capabilities.

[0015] The fabric marking device 10 includes at least one image capture unit 20 (e.g., an industrial camera) disposed on one side of the fabric F and spaced apart from the fabric F by a capture distance. The image capture unit 20 can be single or multiple, used to capture an image of one side of the fabric F. Multiple image capture units 20 can be spaced apart to cover a wider width of the fabric. In one embodiment, the image capture unit 20 is electrically connected to an electronic device E via a wired or wireless means.

[0016] After receiving the image, the electronic device E performs two key identifications by executing image processing techniques such as an edge detection algorithm:

[0017] Marking area positioning: accurately identify the position of the fabric edge S to define a marking area F1 that can be marked.

[0018] Defect and Marking Location Association: Identify a fabric defect F2 on fabric F and its corresponding defect location F3. Based on the defect location F3, the electronic device E will define a corresponding marking location F4 in the marking area F1.

[0019] The fabric marking device 10 further includes a marker 30, which is assembled on one side of the fabric F and electrically connected to the electronic device E. The marker 30 can be an inkjet printer, laser engraving machine, or thermal transfer marker, etc. The marker 30 includes a printhead 31, which is used to convey a marking material 32 according to a feeding speed. In order to achieve high-efficiency continuous marking, the electronic device E controls the feeding speed to be synchronized with the moving speed of the fabric F. This synchronization mechanism achieves a "relatively static" state, so that the mark F5 can be accurately formed on the predetermined mark position F4 while the fabric F is continuously moving.

[0020] To meet diverse marking needs, the marking element 30 can be assembled on a movable mechanism, which may include a moving element 33 and a turning element 34, both of which are controlled by electronic device E.

[0021] The moving part 33 adjusts the position of the marking part 30 across one of the fabric F; the turning part 34 turns one of the working directions of the marking part 30 so that it can be aligned with different marking targets (e.g., from the fabric edge S to the defect position F3 located between the two fabric edges S). For example, the working direction can be adjusted to be parallel to the moving direction MD to facilitate marking along the length direction LD of the fabric F; or, the working direction can also be adjusted to intersect with the moving direction MD (e.g., perpendicular) to mark specific targets (e.g., defect position F3) in the transverse direction of the fabric F.

[0022] In one embodiment, the steering member 34 may be assembled between the moving member 33 and the nozzle 31.

[0023] The marker 30 is controlled by the electronic device E and has at least two operating states:

[0024] First operating state (fabric information marking mode): In this state, the fabric F continues to move. The electronic device E, based on real-time speed and position feedback, precisely controls the triggering sequence and printing parameters of the marker 30, causing it to form markings F5 continuously or discontinuously at preset intervals on the marking area F1 of the fabric edge S. The content of the marking F5 is general fabric information, such as fabric number, production date, fabric code (used to indicate the length measurement position of the fabric), or a combination thereof. The marking F5 can be presented in one or more machine-readable or human-visually visible forms, including text, numbers, graphics, one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes (e.g., QR codes), or any combination thereof.

[0025] Second operating state (defect information marking mode): When the image capture device 20 detects fabric defect F2, the system can switch to this mode. This mode includes at least two operating methods:

[0026] Firstly, the electronic device E commands the transmission system to pause driving the fabric F and drives the marking component 30 (e.g., by adjusting the working direction via the steering component 34) to directly mark the defect location F3 between the two fabric edges S. The mark F5 contains defect information, which may represent the type of defect (e.g., broken yarn, stain, color difference, etc.), severity level, two-dimensional coordinates on the fabric, or a combination thereof. This defect information can also be presented in one or more machine-readable or visually visible forms, such as text, numbers, specific graphics, or encoded as a two-dimensional barcode.

[0027] Secondly, during the non-stop process, a code F5 is formed at the corresponding code position F4 on the fabric edge S, which corresponds to the fabric defect F2 and also contains defect information, so as to indirectly indicate the defect.

[0028] This invention achieves different levels of objectives through various information markings. First, by forming a code F5 containing "fabric information" on fabric F, the problem of information chain breakage caused by label removal is fundamentally solved. Second, by forming another code F5 containing "defect information" on fabric F, unexpected and sudden defects during the production process can be managed in a timely and effective manner. This invention thereby achieves the dual goals of full traceability throughout the product lifecycle and dynamic quality monitoring.

[0029] To ensure that the marked fabric F can be neatly rolled up, the fabric marking device 10 may be further equipped with an edge sensor 40 (e.g., an optical or ultrasonic sensor). The edge sensor 40 is electrically connected to the electronic device E to detect the position of the fabric edge S in real time during the winding process and provide a feedback signal, so that the electronic device E can accurately control the motor M of the transmission system based on the feedback signal to achieve winding alignment.

[0030] In summary, the technical advantages of this invention include resolving information chain disruptions, improving production efficiency, providing dual management functions, high precision and flexibility, and protecting product value. Detailed technical advantages are explained below:

[0031] Solving the problem of information loss: By dispersing and marking the non-finished area (seam S) of the fabric body F, the problem of fabric information loss caused by label removal is solved.

[0032] Improve production efficiency: By using "relative stillness" technology that synchronizes movement and marking, continuous marking operations can be achieved without stopping the machine, saving time.

[0033] Dual management function: It integrates the dual-modal marking function of "production traceability" and "quality management", and a single device can meet the two-way management needs of businesses to trace upstream and track downstream.

[0034] High precision and flexibility: The high-precision visual positioning and calibration mechanism ensures the accuracy of the marking; the modular displacement control design provides flexibility to meet different marking needs.

[0035] Protecting product value: The non-finished area marked with "S" on the fabric edge prevents any form of damage or value reduction to the main fabric.

[0036] Finally, the embodiments disclosed above are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and refinements are protected under the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0037] [This invention] 10: Fabric marking device F: Fabric S: Fabric selvage F1: Label Area F2: Fabric Defect F3: Defect Location F4: Label Position F5: Label F6: Roller LD: Length direction MD: Direction of movement M: Motor M1: Shaft E: Electronic equipment 20: Image Capturer 30: Markings 31: Sprayer Head 32: Marking materials 33: Moving parts 34: Steering component 40: Edge Sensor

Claims

1. A fabric marking device suitable for marking a fabric having a selvage, the fabric marking device comprising: a transmission system for driving the fabric to define a movement speed of the fabric; an image capture device for capturing an image of the fabric; a marker for forming a mark on the fabric; and an electronic device electrically connected to the transmission system, the image capture device and the marker, the electronic device being configured to control the transmission system and receive the image from the image capture device to identify the selvage of the fabric from the image to define a marking area, and the electronic device being configured to control the output speed of the marker to synchronize with the movement speed of the fabric to form the mark containing fabric information on the marking area.

2. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic device further identifies a fabric defect and its location from the image, and based on the identification of the fabric defect, controls the marker to form a code corresponding to the fabric defect on the fabric.

3. The fabric marking device as described in claim 2, wherein, The electronic device commands the transmission system to stop moving the fabric and drives the marker to form a code containing defect information corresponding to the defect location.

4. The fabric marking device as described in claim 2, wherein, The electronic device controls the marker to align with a mark position on the fabric edge corresponding to the defect location, forming a mark containing defect information.

5. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The marker assembly is mounted on a movable mechanism controlled by the electronic device, and the movable mechanism includes: a moving member for adjusting the position of the marker across the fabric; and a turning member for turning the marker in one of its working directions.

6. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The transmission system includes: a motor controlled by the electronic device; and a transfer mechanism coupled between the motor and the fabric.

7. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The fabric marking device includes an edge sensor electrically connected to the electronic device. The edge sensor detects a position of the fabric edge and generates a feedback signal, which the electronic device uses to regulate the transmission system.

8. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is an industrial computer, a programmable logic controller or a microcontroller, the image capture device is an industrial camera, and the marking device is an inkjet printer, a laser engraving machine or a thermal transfer marking device.

9. The fabric marking device as described in claim 1, wherein, The selvage is the edge of the fabric along one of its length directions.

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