Garment with information-coded seam

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a textile product comprising a textile material, and a seam which is sewn in the textile material, wherein the seam comprises a predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product and which is optically detectable. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a system for producing the textile product and a system for reading information data from the textile product.

Description

[0001] This application is a national US phase of PCT / EP2024 / 065648 which claims the benefit of the filing date of the German Patent Application No. 10 2023 115 011.1 filed 7 Jun. 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a textile product with a coded seam and a system for producing the textile product. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for reading information data of a textile product.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In textile products, such as, for example, garments, it is necessary for the consumer, and also on the basis of legal requirements, to add a proof of originality or a proof of origin to the textile product. For this purpose, it is known to indicate corresponding information on a tag of the textile product. Furthermore, proofs of originality, in particular in the form of trade marks which indicate a specific manufacturer company, are marked on the textile product.

[0004] However, the proofs of origin and the proofs of originality are often imitated in counterfeit textile products, so that it is difficult to distinguish a counterfeit textile product from an original textile product.

[0005] There is a need for cost-effective marking of textile products with non-changeable information (in particular digital data). Printing on labels or sewing in labels with information is not sufficiently expedient, because labels are often cut away or removed by the washing process. In addition, information shall, for example, be provided only in coded form and only for the manufacturer or the controller, i.e. not always in a manner of presentation which is obvious to the consumer or understandable in terms of content.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] There may be a need to provide a textile product in which information relating to the textile product itself is embedded in a forgery-proof manner.

[0007] This need is met with a textile product, a system for producing the textile product as well as a system and a method for reading information data of a textile product according to the independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a textile product is described which comprises a textile material and a seam which is sewn in the textile material. The seam comprises a predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product and which is optically detectable.

[0009] The textile product can represent, for example, a garment, such as, a T-shirt, a shirt, a sweater or trousers. Furthermore, the textile product can also represent shoes, gloves or a belt. Textile products according to the disclosure can also be used in other fields in addition to being worn on the human body. Thus, for example, the textile product can be used as a covering of seats, airbag balloons or fittings (German: Armaturen). In an exemplary embodiment, the textile product is, for example, a medical product, in particular a textile medical product. In the case of medical products, printing with data or product information is often not allowed to take place. For this reason, the data encoding according to the disclosure can be used both for quality control (e.g., random samples, whether the correct textile product is in the correct packaging) and for marking product properties.

[0010] The textile material of the textile product can consist, for example, of a woven fabric consisting of synthetic or natural materials. The textile material thus has a specific knitted form, in particular a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric.

[0011] Furthermore, the textile material can comprise textile leather, which is used, for example, for covering seats, handbags or suitcases. Accordingly, for example, the coded seam according to the disclosure can be sewn onto a leather-like textile material.

[0012] In textile production, seams represent a method for connecting fabrics, for forming closures, for preventing fraying or for creating decorative elements. They largely satisfy basic functional or design-oriented criteria. The seam according to the disclosure can consist of a synthetic or natural yarn. Furthermore, the seam can be produced from different types of seam and accordingly different types of shape. The seam can form, for example, a zigzag seam, an overturned (German: überwendliche) seam, a standing seam (German: Auftrittsnaht), a stop seam (German: Anschlagsnaht), a warped seam or a stitched seam. Other seam shapes or types of seam can also be used in order accordingly to form the pattern for representing information data. The seam simultaneously serves for connecting fabrics in order to form an elastic seam or the seam forms a hem closure. Furthermore, the seam can be designed to satisfy different desired design criteria. The yarn which forms the seam can have a uniform color or a different color gradient or regions with different colors. Furthermore, the seam thickness or the thickness of the yarn which forms the seam can be selected to be constant or variable.

[0013] The seam is produced in particular in an automated process, for example with the system according to the disclosure for producing the textile product.

[0014] The predetermined pattern can be formed, for example, in such a way that the seam has a certain stitch width which is defined between two spaced-apart perforations in the textile material. Regions of the seam can have, for example, a first stitch width and other regions a second stitch width, wherein the corresponding regions of the stitch width are indicative of certain information. Furthermore, the pattern can be formed in a certain waveform (for example with a corresponding amplitude), wherein each waveform (a round waveform with a predefined curvature or also an angular zigzag waveform) is indicative of a certain information. As explained below in further examples, a further seam can also form the pattern or the color of the seam and / or the thickness of the seam can correspondingly vary in order to represent complex information in a pattern.

[0015] With the approach of the present disclosure, information data about the textile product are represented in a pattern which is formed by a corresponding seam and in particular are represented in an encoded or encrypted manner. In other words, the desired information data are represented in the pattern in a certain algorithm. Information data can correspondingly only be read by the person who has knowledge of the algorithm, so that the information data cannot be read by any observers and thus a high degree of forgery-proof is provided.

[0016] The information data can reproduce a plurality of contents. For example, the information data can indicate information about the original manufacturer. Correspondingly, for example, it can be checked whether the textile product really originates from the manufacturer indicated, for example, on the tag. Furthermore, other information data, such as, for example, the material of the textile material or the quality of the textile material, can be indicated. Thus, for example, information about the certificate of origin can be indicated with the information data, whether, for example, the cotton for the active substance originates from a bio-production, has no colors which are harmful to health, or the raw material has been harvested according to international requirements, for example without child labour.

[0017] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material. In other words, the seam cannot be changed subsequently, after sewing in the yarn, without recognizable traces being visible in the textile material. For example, regions of the seam or in particular the start or the end of the seam can be adhesively bonded or welded to the textile material, so that detaching the seam leads to damage to the textile material. Thus, forgery-proof can be increased, since information which is reproduced in the pattern of the seam cannot be changed subsequently. In other words, the information encoded according to the disclosure can no longer be modified after the sewing process without leaving traces behind and thus represent a secure or highly secure feature for the data encoding. The information encoding according to the disclosure in a seam allows a high degree of forgery-proof to be achieved. If the information is correspondingly coded, at least a partial separation and re-sewing of the seam is necessary for a modification.

[0018] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the predetermined pattern is further definable based on a local formation of the seam in relation to a reference feature of the textile material. The reference feature in particular forms a width, a shape and / or a course to a fabric feature, in particular an edge, a hem, a buttonhole, a corner, a predetermined pattern and / or a connecting fabric of the fabric workpiece. In this way, it can be determined in which region of the seam certain information data are stored in the pattern of the seam in relation to a distance to a hem, a buttonhole or a quilting pattern.

[0019] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam comprises a first information region, which comprises the predetermined pattern, and a second information region, which comprises the predetermined pattern, wherein the first information region is formed spaced apart from the second information region. Thus, the seam comprises redundant regions in which the pattern is represented, in particular identically. If the pattern is disturbed in the first information region, for example due to a defect of the first information region or due to a distortion of the first information region (for example due to a wear or a sagging of the textile material by being worn for a long time), this information of the pattern can be read from the second information region. Thus, a secure availability of the information encoded in the pattern is provided.

[0020] By means of corresponding additional measures, the readability of the encoded information (i.e. the reliability of the reading and decoding process) can be increased. For example, a Hamming distance larger than 1 can be selected. This means that a plurality of optical changes of an encoding feature can change with one another so that this corresponds digitally to a change from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0. Thus, the susceptibility to errors in the delivery of the information by changing the pattern is reduced.

[0021] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is formed such that the predetermined pattern is optically detectable on a surface, in particular exclusively on a surface, of the textile material, in particular by means of a camera or a camera of a mobile device. Due to the information coding according to the disclosure, the embedded information in the pattern is present on the surface of the textile material and thus also on a surface of the textile product. This allows a later reading (without destroying the product) of the information by means of optical means, in particular by means of a camera, preferably with the camera of a mobile device.

[0022] Certain seam types or combination of seam types can be used, so that the pattern or an information encoding is represented on one side of the textile material, while the other side of the textile material is free of the pattern and accordingly of optical features of the information encoding. Thus, for example, the outer side of clothes or the upper side of bathroom carpets can be free of features, while the inner or lower side comprises encoded information in the form of the pattern. For this purpose, a sewing machine, for example with different needles, can be used, which can be changed automatically, for example. Furthermore, two separate sewing machines can also be provided in order to generate different seam shapes on each upper side. For example, a straight seam can be sewn with a needle on a first side of the textile material and a zigzag-shaped seam on the opposite second side of the textile material.

[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the textile product comprises a further seam (or a further plurality of seams) which is sewn in the textile material, wherein the further seam comprises the predetermined pattern or another predetermined pattern which is indicative of further information data relating to the textile product. The seam and the further seam are in particular formed spaced apart from each other.

[0024] If the seam and the spaced apart further seam represent an identical pattern, a higher reading reliability can be provided by means of this redundant formation of the pattern. The information is thus redundantly encoded. It is advantageous if a geographically remote location on the textile product (in particular another seam) is selected for the repetition of the information, so that the information is nevertheless retained in the case of a local partial damage to the textile.

[0025] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the predetermined pattern can thus be formed by means of at least the seam and the further seam lying next to each other. Thus, the pattern can be formed by both or a further plurality of seams. Thus, a higher information density can be represented in the pattern due to the different formation of the seams. In particular, in addition to the one seam (main seam), an additional seam can be sewn which encodes information, or a plurality of seams lying next to each other can form the pattern and can be used accordingly for the information coding. The distance between the seams can be used as an information coding element which is co-forming the predetermined pattern. The information encoding with more than one seam running next to each other has the advantage of a higher data density per seam length, which is especially advantageous in the case of larger data quantities.

[0026] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a distance between the seam and a further seam and / or the formation of the seam and the further seam at an inner and / or outer edge of the textile material is usable for defining the predetermined pattern and for reading the information data.

[0027] Not only the seam shape / type can be an information carrier, but also the distance to the fabric edge (i.e., the distance between seam and textile outer edge, i.e., typically seam to end of seam) and / or the seam distance to the inner fabric end of the textile material (real end of the textile material in the case of a single folded open-edged seam or inner fold line in the case of a double folded seam) of the textile material (distance between seam and inner fabric end / fabric edge [in the case of a folded seam, the fabric end is on the other side of the seam than the textile outer edge]).

[0028] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the information data are selected from one of the group consisting of opaque data, numbers, order numbers, source material identifiers, production lot identifications, serial numbers, security codes, key and reference numbers (or, of course, a combination of these data types or information data). In the field of computer science, opaque data (opaque data type) refers to a data type whose physical representation is either unknown or irrelevant. The data structure of an opaque data type is not defined solely on a boundary region. The specific type of representation remains opaque (concealed) to the user and the visible implementation is incomplete. Opaque data types, i.e., non-transparent data types, are often used to implement abstract data types.

[0029] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the information data comprise a security code, comprising a checksum (German: Quersumme), redundancy data and / or a checking sum, which is indicative of a correct reproduction of the information data. The encoding and subsequent decoding of information data about the predetermined pattern which is formed by means of the fabric seam can be regarded as transmission in a noise-disturbed channel (Shannon theory, Shannon-Hartley law). The disturbance is not a typical white noise, as in an electrical communication channel, but rather results from different sources of interference, in particular during the decoding. Thus, the textile material can be warped, a part of the seam can be covered by pollution, the reading camera can have a high thermal noise (or another reason for blur, such as dusted lens). In order to tolerate these disturbances (at least to the extent that the information can be at least partially decoded again), either the information can be redundantly encoded in the textile material, in particular at a plurality of seams, or a larger Hamming distance can be selected, which improves the detectability of errors, or a coding can be selected in which, for example, two or more stitches of a seam are made in a specific manner, so that the code value of a bit is encoded thereby.

[0030] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the information data comprise at least one information content, which can be represented in particular by at least one bit, wherein the seam is formed such that at least two pattern properties are formed in the predetermined pattern in order to represent the information content.

[0031] A pattern property can be defined, for example, in that predetermined stitch properties, such as, for example, the stitch width or the seam shape between two stitches of the seam, are defined in order to represent an information, for example a bit (0 / 1). For example, a plurality of stitch properties represent a bit (example for information content). Thus, a specific bit sequence (0100, 1000, 0010 etc.) can be represented via correspondingly repeating pattern sections, and thus a readable compilable code can be represented. The control unit can correspondingly comprise a compiler, which translates source codes of the bit sequence as machine language into a form which can be executed by a computer.

[0032] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam comprises an initial indicator and / or occupies an initial position (e.g. with respect to a defined seam edge, label, transverse seam), which represents an optically recognizable start and / or a reading direction for reading the predetermined pattern. Thus, a recognition possibility for determining the reading direction (in the course of the seam) or the start of reading (of an information in a seam) is made possible. This can be realized, for example, by an additional information element (initial indicator, initial position indicative of a start of reading) or a sequence of information elements, for example a synchronization element after an unmodulated seam zone and the start of the encoded information.

[0033] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the reading direction for reading the predetermined pattern is definable based on a reading definition, wherein the reading definition is definable in particular under consideration of a fabric inner side and / or a fabric outer side of the textile material, and / or by taking into account the distance of the seam to an edge of the textile material. Thus, the seam or the start of the seam and the reading direction of the seam can also be defined without the presence of an initial indicator. In other words, the reading direction can be determined based on a convention. This can be defined under consideration of the fabric inner side and the fabric outer side and / or under consideration of the location of the fabric edge. Thus, for example, the following convention can be defined: On the fabric inner side, the fabric region with more fabric is referred to as west and the fabric region with less fabric (hem side) as east, wherein then the reading direction is towards north. The inner or outer side can be recognized by detecting the seam shape, since the upper side and the lower side of a seam are usually optically distinguishable.

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is formed from a yarn which forms a higher contrast under predetermined light conditions than with standard light type D65. Standard light type D65 is defined in CIE standard illumination and corresponds to the mean daylight at a midday sky at the north window. The spectrum has a most similar color temperature of 6504 Kelvin. This standard light is used, for example, as a white point for sRGB, Adobe-RGB and the PAL / SECAM-TV standard. The yarn according to the disclosure for the seam can be formed, for example, such that its dye absorbs or reflects a specific UV component at standard light D65 and has a specific color temperature.

[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is formed from a yarn which comprises a variable yarn thickness and / or a predetermined color gradient as yarn property, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed at least partially from a yarn thickness variation and / or the predetermined color gradient along the yarn. Thus, a predetermined pattern is generated in which the information data are encoded by variation of the yarn thickness and / or by a color variation integrated in the yarn course. For the yarn thickness variation, for example, the upper thread and lower thread of a seam can be of different thickness. As a result, at first sight, no information coding is noticeable, but is easily detectable in camera images by means of suitable image analysis methods. On the other hand, a color variation in the yarn course can be detected precisely with macro recordings by cameras, while the eye of a user forms a mean value and thus, in turn, the information coding is not noticeable to the human eye.

[0036] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is formed from at least two different yarns, wherein the yarns comprise different yarn properties which are optically detectable, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed by means of the different yarns. The different yarn properties are in particular definable by different yarn thicknesses, different yarn colors (in particular also in the region of the light spectrum not visible to the eye), and / or different yarn material.

[0037] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the yarn is formed such that the yarn property is not visible under standard light type D65. On the one hand, a yarn which forms a particularly good contrast to the sewn textile material can be used for the predetermined pattern and the corresponding data encoding. This allows a simpler decoding with simpler (mobile phone) cameras. This can also be supported by means of a dye which reacts to a particular illumination light composition (e.g. UV-active color) or the resulting yarn color is based on the color mixture of two dyes which give the desired design color under normal white light, but form an especially easily recognizable contrast of one of the plurality of dyes during the illumination with special light. Yarns colored in this way have a different color under special light conditions than, for example, at standard light D65. This corresponds to a phase of the natural daylight with a most similar color temperature of approximately 6504 K. In particular, information can also be encoded by the combination of different yarns which, however, have the same color at D65.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the seam is formed from an upper thread and a lower thread, wherein the predetermined pattern is formed from a predetermined variation of the upper thread and the lower thread. The upper thread is a part of the yarn which runs over an upper part of a sewing machine. With the aid of the upper thread tension, for example, the unwinding of the yarn from the yarn reel is decelerated. The lower thread is the yarn part which, during sewing with the sewing machine, forms the lower side of the seam. The lower thread is typically located on a bobbin which is let into the sewing machine under the stitch plate. If the upper thread and lower thread of the seam are used for defining the predetermined pattern, this in turn allows (in particular in the case of the combination with further coding methods) a higher data density per length or is a design element used for the information coding.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the textile product comprises a decoding element, in particular a label or a tag, which is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material. The decoding element comprises an encryption rule by means of which the information data can be decoded from the predetermined pattern. The decoding element maps the encryption rule in particular in a serial number or a non-fugible token. The decoding element accordingly comprises a code as an encryption rule. For example, the encryption rule can indicate which information can be read from the certain stitch spacing of the seam or the certain yarn thickness of the seam in the predetermined pattern. For example, the encryption rule can specify that 3 stitches in a defined length section of the seam yield the bit value 1 and 2 stitches in a defined length section yield the bit value 0. This type of encryption rule can be mapped accordingly on the label or tag. The predetermined pattern can be mapped with a control unit and a corresponding camera, for example in a mobile hand-held device, and the encryption rule can be mapped simultaneously or successively on the decoding element. On the software side, the encryption rule can now be applied to the recorded predetermined pattern and the information data can be read accordingly. Since the encryption rule is also fixed directly on the textile material, it is not necessary to obtain the encryption rule via an external server or a database unit, but rather this can be carried out locally via, for example, a mobile hand-held device. A non-fugible token (NFT for short) is a “cryptographically unambiguous, indivisible, irreplaceable and verifiable token” which represents a specific object, no matter if digital or physical, in a blockchain.

[0040] For example, a label can be sewn in the seam of the textile material. The seam or the predetermined pattern and the label as a decoding element can contain an information which complements another contained information. In particular, a code / encryption rule (e.g. a barcode or a QR code) can be attached to the label, which performs the association with the predetermined pattern to the information data or seam information. The code so to speak forms the encryption rule as to how the predetermined pattern can be decoded and the information data can be read accordingly. The code can, for example, be attached to the label subsequently and also take into account the seam information or the actually represented pattern. Thus, an (extended) information which cannot be changed non-destructively can be associated with the textile material, which serves different purposes.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a system for producing the above-described textile product is described. The system comprises a control unit with a database unit in which predetermined patterns are stored which are indicative of information data of the textile product. Furthermore, the system comprises a sewing machine which is coupled by the control unit such that at least one seam with the predetermined pattern indicative of information data of the textile product can be sewn into the textile material of the textile product.

[0042] The sewing machine can be controlled fully automatically by the control unit which, on the one hand, comprises knowledge about the production data of the textile product and, on the other hand, knowledge about the information which is to be represented in the seam. In particular, the control unit has knowledge about the algorithm with which the desired information is represented in the pattern. Accordingly, the control unit can control the sewing machine for forming the seam based on the pattern to be represented.

[0043] For handling the textile material, which consists, for example, of one or two fabric layers to be connected, relative to the sewing machine, a handling robot with an effector can be used on which a handling mechanism is provided. The handling mechanism is configured such that at least one fabric layer of the textile material is laid flat, for example, on a work surface of a work table, and the fabric layer is stretched without folds. The handling robot comprises the effector on which the corresponding handling mechanism for holding the textile material is, in particular exchangeably, attached. The handling robot is fastened with a stationary robot base on the floor or on the work table in order to introduce corresponding forces into the corresponding system.

[0044] Alternatively, the handling robot can also be configured such that the robot base is formed to be movable along the floor. Between the effector and the robot base, a robot arm can be arranged which comprises, for example, one or more joints in order thus to control the effector into a desired position.

[0045] The handling robot is a programmable multi-purpose handling device for moving material, workpieces, tools or special devices. In particular, the handling robot is formed to handle or manipulate the fabric layers and accordingly to move and position them relative to the sewing machine. In other words, the handling robot enables a machine-controlled position change possibility in more than one axis and / or along a translational position change of the fabric layers.

[0046] Accordingly, the handling robot and in particular the sewing machine can be controlled by the control unit such that the seam can be represented with a certain pattern on the textile material. With the pattern which is formed by the seam according to the disclosure, (digital) information can also be encoded.

[0047] Thus, digital information is embedded in the seam of a textile product which can later be read again digitally.

[0048] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the production system, the database unit comprises encryption rules by means of which information data can be represented in an associated predetermined pattern, wherein the control unit is configured such that a predetermined pattern for the seam is generated based on the information data to be represented (and accordingly taking into account the encryption rules). The control unit is coupled to the sewing machine such that the corresponding seam can be sewn into the textile material by means of the sewing machine based on the selected pattern. For fully or partially automated textile production, there is thus a connection between the control unit and the sewing machine. Furthermore, the predetermined pattern is automatically generated by the control unit based on the encryption rule and the information data to be represented and transmitted to the sewing machine.

[0049] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the system for producing the textile product comprises a fabric guiding system for guiding the textile material during sewing, wherein the control unit is coupled to the fabric guiding system and the sewing machine such that sewing of the predetermined pattern can be implemented by controlling the guidance of the textile material. Especially during automated production, an effector as part of a fabric handling system on a handling robot or a sewing frame as fabric handling system in which the textile material is clamped usually moves the textile material during sewing. The fabric guiding system and, for example, a sewing machine-specific fabric transport system thus have less resistance to displacement when guiding the seam, which leads to a better seam image and accordingly to a more precise predetermined pattern. The solution according to the disclosure proposes an adaptive or adapted transport of the fabric by the automation system which compensates for the irregularity of the seam produced by the encoding. This can be realized, on the one hand, by allowing a sufficient quantity of loose textile material to realize the sewing flow for the modulation and, on the other hand, the automation system can also support the modulation movements, so that it does not lead to distortion of the seam image.

[0050] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the system for producing the textile product comprises a color printer for printing on a yarn of the seam, wherein the color printer is coupled to the control unit such that a predetermined color gradient (German: Farbverlauf) can be printed on the yarn, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed at least partially from the predetermined color gradient along the yarn. The color printer is in particular arranged in front of the sewing machine in order to color the yarn before sewing the seam. Additionally or alternatively, the color printer is in particular arranged downstream the sewing machine in order to color the yarn after sewing the seam into the textile material of the textile product.

[0051] The color printer can, for example, apply a corresponding dye to the yarn in sections in order to thus generate a predetermined pattern in which the information data are coded. The color printer can form an inkjet printer and color the yarn with fine color beams of a dye. The color printer can be formed to apply a dye with a specific color. Furthermore, the color printer can be formed to apply a plurality of different dyes with different colors and compositions to the yarn in a targeted manner in sections. Furthermore, mixtures of the dyes can be reacted in a targeted manner by means of the color printer.

[0052] Thus, the seam can be formed from a yarn which is adapted in the color gradient during the sewing process. This can be realized, for example, with the color printer, in particular an inkjet printer before, after or in the sewing machine. The color printer can be arranged such that the yarn is guided through the color printer before sewing and the latter prints the information on the yarn during the sewing (in particular in real time) as a color gradient. This color gradient can vary in such small sections that it is inconspicuous and / or invisible to the human eye. Furthermore, the dye can be selected outside the region of the light spectrum visible to humans and / or is so fine in contrast and / or so small in dimensions that this is not trivially visible when viewed. The information is thus encoded in the color gradient.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a system for reading information data of an above-described textile product is described. The system comprises a reading device for optically detecting the seam with the predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product. Furthermore, the system comprises a reading control unit comprising a database unit, wherein the database unit comprises encryption rules by means of which information data can be read from the detected predetermined pattern.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for reading information data of an above-described textile product is described. The method comprises the step of optically detecting the seam with the predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product. Furthermore, the method comprises reading information data from the detected predetermined pattern by means of a reading control unit comprising a database unit, wherein the database unit comprises encryption rules by means of which the information data can be read from the detected predetermined pattern.

[0055] The reading device comprises, for example, a camera which can record an image of the pattern which is then analyzed, for example, by means of image processing software in the reading control unit. The reading device can represent, for example, a mobile hand-held device, such as, for example, a smartphone. The reading control unit can comprise, for example, a corresponding processor for processing the image data and for processing the encryption rules which are stored, for example, in the database. The reading control unit can be integrated accordingly, for example, in the reading device. The reading control unit can be formed, for example, by a processor of the mobile hand-held device. The reading control unit can furthermore be present spaced apart from the reading device, wherein a data connection is present between the reading device and the reading control unit. The reading device can send, for example, the image data of the pattern to the reading control unit, wherein the reading control unit determines the information data based on the encryption rule from the image data of the pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the read and processed information data can subsequently be sent back to the reading device. The reading control unit can provide, for example, cloud-based computing power or represent a central server computer.

[0056] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the database unit comprises verification data which represent in particular a manufacturer of the textile product, a material of the textile material of the textile product, a batch number of the textile product and / or a serial number of the textile product. The reading control unit is configured to compare the read information data with the verification data, wherein the control unit is configured to display a result of the comparison in a display device, in particular a mobile device, preferably a smartphone, or to print it out as a certificate by means of a printer unit. The reading device and the display device, and furthermore the control unit, can be formed, for example, in the same device, for example in a smartphone. Based on the encoded information data, a check of the decoded information data with the verification data can take place during the later optical decoding. For example, the information data can indicate a manufacturer A, wherein the verification data which indicate the original manufacturer indicate manufacturer B. Furthermore, information data can indicate, for example, a synthetic fabric, while the verification data surround a natural fabric. Accordingly, counterfeits can be compared by means of a comparison of the decoded information data with verification data predefined in the database. In other words, the authenticity of the textile product can be checked by means of a comparison of the information data with the verification data and, as a result, it can be determined whether the textile product was actually produced by manufacturer A, was actually produced from a certain textile material (for example biologically grown textile material), which was harvested, for example, in a country A. If all the information data match the verification data, a certificate which confirms the authenticity of the textile product can be displayed (for example on a smartphone) or printed out, for example, by means of the reading control unit.

[0057] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the textile product comprises a product label on which predetermined information data are displayed in an optically detectable manner, wherein the reading device is formed to record an image comprising the seam with the predetermined pattern and the product label. The reading control unit is configured to read information data from the detected predetermined pattern and to compare it with the predetermined information data.

[0058] The product label can contain, for example, information which is related to the information data encoded in the seam. The seam and the information on the label can be detected simultaneously with the same camera or recording device. As a result, it is possible to check the correctness of the label code on the product label and the seam information or information data with the common reading control device.

[0059] It is pointed out that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiment variants of the disclosure. Thus, it is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments with one another in a suitable manner so that, for the person skilled in the art with the embodiment variants explicit here, a plurality of different embodiments are to be regarded as disclosed in an obvious manner. In particular, some embodiments of the disclosure are described with apparatus claims and other embodiments of the disclosure are described with method claims. However, the person skilled in the art will immediately become clear when reading this application that, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features which belong to a type of subject matter of the disclosure, any combination of features which belong to different types of subject matter of the disclosure is also possible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] In the following, for further explanation and for better understanding of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings:

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a textile product with a seam comprising a predetermined pattern and a decoding element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a seam with an exemplary predetermined pattern according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a predetermined pattern which is illustrated from two seams according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a seam which is produced from two superimposed yarns according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a seam with a corresponding seam shape and stitch width according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a seam with different predetermined patterns comprising different information data according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a textile active substance with a seam which comprises different distances to an edge and an inner seam according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a system for producing a textile product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a system for reading information data of a textile product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with identical reference numerals. The illustrations in the figures are schematic.

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a textile product with a seam 101 comprising a predetermined pattern 102 and a decoding element 109 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The textile product 100 comprises a textile material 110 and the seam 101 which is sewn in the textile material 110. The seam 101 comprises a predetermined pattern 102 which is indicative of information data 501 relating to the textile product 100 and which is optically detectable.

[0072] The seam 101 can comprise different seam shapes or types of seam in order accordingly to form the pattern 102 for representing information data 501 (see by way of example in FIG. 5). The seam 101 can furthermore be used as an additional function for connecting fabrics, for forming an elastic seam or for a hem closure of a hem 103. The yarn which forms the seam 101 can have a uniform color or a different color gradient or regions with different colors. Furthermore, the seam thickness or the thickness of the yarn which forms the seam 101 can be selected to be constant or variable. The seam 101 is produced in particular in an automated process, for example with the system 800 illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0073] Information data relating, for example, to the textile product 100 are represented in the predetermined pattern 102 which is formed by a corresponding seam 101 and in particular are represented in an encrypted or encoded manner.

[0074] The seam 101 is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material 110. The seam 101 cannot be changed subsequently, after sewing in the yarn, without recognizable traces being visible in the textile material 110. For example, regions of the seam 101 or in particular the start or the end of the seam can be adhesively bonded or welded to the textile material 110, so that detaching the seam 101 leads to damage to the textile material 110.

[0075] The seam 101 comprises a first information region 104, which comprises the predetermined pattern 102, and a second information region 105, which comprises the predetermined pattern 102, wherein the first information region 104 is formed spaced apart from the second information region 105. Thus, the seam 101 comprises redundant regions in which the pattern 102 is represented. If the pattern is disturbed in the first information region 104, for example due to a defect of the first information region 104, this information of the pattern 102 can be read from the second information region 105. Thus, a secure availability of the information encoded in the pattern 102 is provided.

[0076] Furthermore, the textile product 100 can comprise a further seam 106 which is sewn in the textile material 110, wherein the further seam 106 in the example comprises another predetermined pattern 107 which is indicative of further information data relating to the textile product 100. The seam 101 and the further seam 106 are in particular formed spaced apart from one another.

[0077] The seam 101 furthermore comprises an initial indicator 108 which represents an optically recognizable start and / or a reading direction for reading the predetermined pattern 102. Thus, a recognition possibility for determining the reading direction (in the course of the seam) or the start of reading (of an information in a seam 101) is made possible. This can be realized, for example, by an additional information element (initial indicator 108, initial position indicative of a start of reading) or a sequence of information elements, for example a synchronization element after an unmodulated seam zone and the start of the encoded information.

[0078] The textile product 100 furthermore comprises a decoding element 109, in particular a label or a tag, which is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material 110. The decoding element 109 comprises an encryption rule by means of which the information data can be decoded from the predetermined pattern 102. The decoding element 109 maps the encryption rule in particular in a serial number or a non-fugible token. The decoding element 109 accordingly comprises a code as an encryption rule. For example, the encryption rule can indicate which information can be read from the certain stitch spacing of the seam 101 or the certain yarn thickness of the seam 101 in the predetermined pattern 102.

[0079] A label as a decoding element 109 can, for example, be sewn in the seam 103 of the textile material 110. The seam 101 or the predetermined pattern 101 and the label as a decoding element 109 can contain an information which complements another contained information. In particular, a code / encryption rule (e.g. a barcode or a QR code) can be attached to the label, which performs the association with the predetermined pattern 102 to the information data or seam information. The code so to speak forms the encryption rule as to how the predetermined pattern 102 can be decoded.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a seam 101 with an exemplary predetermined pattern 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The seam 101 is formed from a yarn which comprises a variable yarn thickness d1, d2 and / or a predetermined color gradient as yarn property, so that the predetermined pattern 102 can be formed at least partially from a yarn thickness variation of yarn thicknesses d1, d2 and / or the predetermined color gradient along the yarn. Thus, a predetermined pattern 102 is generated in which the information data are encoded by a variation of the yarn thickness d1, d2 and / or by a color variation integrated in the yarn course. For the yarn thickness variation, for example, the upper thread and lower thread of a seam 101 can be of different thickness.

[0081] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a predetermined pattern 102 which is illustrated from two seams 101, 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the pattern 101 can be formed by both or a further plurality of seams 101, 106. Thus, a higher information density can be represented in the pattern 102 due to the different formation of the seams 101, 106. In particular, in addition to the one seam 101 (main seam), an additional seam 106 can be laid which encodes information or a plurality of seams 101, 106 lying next to each other can form the pattern 102 and can be used accordingly for the information coding. The distance between the seams 101, 106 can be used as an information coding element which is co-forming the predetermined pattern 102.

[0082] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a seam 101 which is produced from two superimposed yarns 401, 402 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The yarns 401, 402 comprise different yarn properties which are optically detectable, so that the predetermined pattern 102 can be formed by means of the different yarns 401, 402. The different yarn properties are in particular definable by different yarn thicknesses, different yarn colors, and / or different yarn material.

[0083] A yarn 401 can form an upper thread and a further yarn 402 can form a lower thread, wherein the predetermined pattern 102 is formed from a predetermined variation of the upper thread and the lower thread.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a seam 101 with a corresponding seam shape and stitch width 502 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] The predetermined pattern 102 can be formed, for example, in such a way that the seam 101 has a certain stitch width 502 which is defined between two spaced-apart perforations by the textile material 110. Regions of the seam can have, for example, a first stitch width 502 and other regions a second stitch width 502, wherein the corresponding regions of the stitch width are indicative of certain information data 501. The illustrated pattern regions are formed by the seam 101 with a certain waveform (for example with a corresponding amplitude), wherein each waveform has an angular zigzag waveform.

[0086] The information data 501 can thus comprise an information content, which can be represented in particular by at least one bit 110, wherein the seam 101 is formed such that at least two pattern properties are formed in the predetermined pattern 102 in order to represent the information content. A pattern property can be defined, for example, in that predetermined stitch properties, such as, for example, the stitch width 502 and the seam shape between two stitches of the seam 101, are defined in order to represent information data 501, for example a bit (0 / 1). For example, a plurality of stitch properties represent a bit (example for information content). Thus, the bit sequence 11011000100 illustrated by way of example can represent by correspondingly repeating pattern sections comprising a corresponding amplitude and stitch widths 502 and thus can represent a readable compilable code. A control unit can correspondingly comprise a compiler, which translates source codes of the bit sequence as machine language into a form which can be executed by a computer.

[0087] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a seam 101 with different predetermined patterns 102 comprising different information data 501 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the encryption rule can specify that a certain number of stitches of the seam 101 and correspondingly, for example, a certain number of amplitude deviations in a defined length section of the seam 101 yield the bit value 1 and correspondingly another certain number of amplitude deviations in another defined length section of the seam 101 yield the bit value 0. This type of encryption rule can, for example, be mapped on the label or tag as decoding element 109 or can be obtained from a database.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a textile active substance 110 with a seam 110 which comprises different distances 701, 702 to an edge 111 and an inner seam 103 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The predetermined pattern 102 is thus further defined based on a local formation of the seam 101 in relation to a reference feature of the textile material 110. The reference feature in particular is a width, a shape and / or a course to a fabric feature, in particular the edge 111 or the hem 103.

[0089] The distance 701 of the seam to the fabric edge 111 or the distance 702 of the seam to the hem 103 or the distance 702 to a central region or to the inner fabric end of the textile material 110 can be indicative of certain information data 501.

[0090] A reading definition can also be made thereby by including fabric inner side and / or fabric outer side of the textile material 110, and / or by taking into account the distance 701 of the seam 101 to an edge 111 of the textile material 101. Thus, the seam 101 or the start of the seam and the reading direction of the seam 101 can also be defined without the presence of an initial indicator 108.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a system 800 for producing a textile product 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 800 comprises a control unit 802 with a database unit 803 in which predetermined patterns 102 are stored which are indicative of information data 501 of the textile product 100. Furthermore, the system 800 comprises a sewing machine 801 which is coupled by the control unit 802 such that at least one seam 101 with the predetermined pattern 102 indicative of information data 501 of the textile product 100 can be sewn into the textile material 110 of the textile product 100.

[0092] The sewing machine 801 can be controlled fully automatically by the control unit 802 which, on the one hand, comprises knowledge about the production data of the textile product 100 and, on the other hand, knowledge about the information data 501 which is to be represented in the seam 101. In particular, the control unit 802 has knowledge about the algorithm by which the desired information data 501 is to be represented in the pattern 102. Accordingly, the control unit 802 can control the sewing machine 801 for forming the seam 101 based on the pattern 102 to be represented.

[0093] The database unit 803 comprises encryption rules by means of which information data 501 can be represented in an associated predetermined pattern 102, wherein the control unit 802 is configured such that a predetermined pattern 102 for the seam 101 is generated based on the information data 501 to be represented (and accordingly taking into account the encryption rules). The control unit 802 is coupled to the sewing machine 801 such that the corresponding seam 101 can be sewn into the textile material 110 by means of the sewing machine 801 based on the selected pattern 102. The predetermined pattern 101 can be automatically generated by the control unit 802 based on the encryption rule and the information data 501 to be represented and transmitted to the sewing machine 801.

[0094] Furthermore, the system 800 for producing the textile product 100 comprises a fabric guiding system 804 for guiding the textile material 110 during sewing, wherein the control unit 802 is coupled to the fabric guiding system 804 and the sewing machine 801 such that sewing of the predetermined pattern 102 and further patterns 107 can be implemented by controlling the guidance of the textile material 110. The fabric guiding system 804 and, for example, a sewing machine-specific fabric transport system thus have less resistance to displacement when guiding the seam 101.

[0095] Furthermore, the system 800 for producing the textile product 100 comprises a color printer 805 for printing on a yarn 401 of the seam 101, wherein the color printer 805 is coupled to the control unit 802 such that a predetermined color gradient can be printed on the yarn 401, so that the predetermined pattern 102 can be formed at least partially from the predetermined color gradient along the yarn 401. In the illustrated example, the color printer is in particular arranged in front of the sewing machine 801 in order to color the yarn 401 before sewing the seam 101. Thus, the seam 101 can be formed from a yarn 401 which is adapted in the color gradient during the sewing process.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a system 900 for reading information data 501 of a textile product 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 900 comprises a reading device 901 for optically detecting the seam 101 with the predetermined pattern 102 which is indicative of information data 501 relating to the textile product. Furthermore, the system 900 comprises a reading control unit 902 comprising a database unit 903, wherein the database unit 902 comprises encryption rules by means of which information data 501 can be read from the detected predetermined pattern 102.

[0097] The reading device 901 comprises, for example, a camera which records an image of the pattern 102 which is then analyzed, for example, by means of image processing software in the reading control unit 802. The reading device 901 can represent, for example, a mobile hand-held device, such as, for example, a smartphone. The reading control unit 902 can comprise, for example, a corresponding processor for processing the image data and for processing the encryption rules which are stored, for example, in the database unit 903. The reading control unit 902 can be integrated accordingly, for example, in the reading device 901. The reading control unit 901 can be formed, for example, by a processor of the mobile hand-held device.

[0098] The textile product 100 can comprise a product label 904 on which predetermined information data 501 are displayed in an optically detectable manner, wherein the reading device 901 is formed to record an image comprising the seam 101 with the predetermined pattern 102 and the product label 904. The reading control unit 902 is configured to read information data 501 from the detected predetermined pattern 102 and to compare it with the predetermined information data 501. The product label 904 can contain, for example, information which is related to the information data 501 encoded in the seam 101. As a result, it is possible to check the correctness of the label code on the product label 904 and the seam information or information data 501 with the common reading control device 902.

[0099] The predetermined pattern 102 can be mapped with a reading control unit 902 and a corresponding camera as reading device 901 and the encryption rule can be read simultaneously or successively on the decoding element 109. On the software side, the encryption rule can now be applied to the recorded predetermined pattern 102 and the information data 501 can be read accordingly.

[0100] In addition, it should be noted that “comprising” does not exclude any other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a restriction.List of reference signs:100 Textile product101 Seam102 Predetermined pattern103 Hem104 First information region105 Second information region106 Further seam107 Further predetermined pattern108 Initial indicator109 Decoding element110 Textile material111 Edge401 Yarn402 Further yarn501 Information data502 Stitch width701 Distance edge / seam702 Distance / inner side Hem800 Manufacturing system801 Sewing machine802 Control unit803 Database unit804 Fabric guiding system805 Color printer900 Reading system901 Reading device902 Reading control unit903 Database unit904 Product labeld1 Yarn thicknessd2 Further yarn thickness

Claims

1-28. (canceled)29. A textile product, comprising:a textile material; anda seam which is sewn in the textile material,wherein the seam comprises a predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product and which is optically detectable.

30. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the seam is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material.

31. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the predetermined pattern is further definable based on a local formation of the seam in relation to a reference feature of the textile material.

32. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the seam comprises a first information region, which comprises the predetermined pattern, and a second information region, which comprises the predetermined pattern,wherein the first information region is formed spaced apart from the second information region.

33. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the seam is formed such that the predetermined pattern is optically detectable on a surface.

34. The textile product according to claim 29, further comprising:a further seam which is sewn in the textile material,wherein the further seam comprises the predetermined pattern or another predetermined pattern which is indicative of further information data relating to the textile product.

35. The textile product according to claim 34,wherein the predetermined pattern is formed by means of at least the seam and the further seam lying next to one another.

36. The textile product according to claim 34,wherein at least one of a distance between the seam and a further seam and the formation of the seam and the further seam at at least one of an inner and an outer edge of the textile material is usable for defining the predetermined pattern and for reading the information data.

37. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the information data are selected from one of the group consisting of opaque data, numbers, order numbers, source material identifiers, production lot identifications, serial numbers, security codes, key numbers and reference numbers.

38. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the information data comprise a security code, comprising at least one of a checksum, redundancy data and a checking sum, which is indicative of a correct reproduction of the information data.

39. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the information data comprise at least one information content, andwherein the seam is formed such that at least two pattern properties are formed in the predetermined pattern in order to represent the information content.

40. The textile product according to claim 29, comprising at least one of the following features:wherein the seam at least one of comprises an initial indicator and occupies an initial position, which represents at least one of an optically recognizable start and a reading direction for reading the predetermined pattern;wherein the reading direction for reading the predetermined pattern is definable based on a reading definition;wherein the seam is formed from a yarn which forms a higher contrast under predetermined light conditions than with standard light type D65.

41. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the seam is formed from a yarn which comprises at least one of a variable yarn thickness and a predetermined color gradient as yarn property, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed at least partially from at least one of a yarn thickness variation and the predetermined color gradient along the yarn.

42. The textile product according to claim 29,wherein the seam is formed from at least two different yarns, andwherein the yarns comprise different yarn properties which are optically detectable, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed by means of the different yarns.

43. The textile product according to claim 41,wherein the yarn is formed such that the yarn property is not visible under standard light type D65.

44. The textile product according to claim 29, comprising at least one of the following features:wherein the seam is formed from an upper thread and a lower thread,wherein the predetermined pattern is formed from a predetermined variation of the upper thread and the lower thread;further comprisinga decoding element which is undetachably and unchangeably connected to the textile material,wherein the decoding element comprises an encryption rule by means of which the information data can be decoded from the predetermined pattern,wherein the decoding element maps the encryption rule;wherein the textile product is a medical product.

45. A system for producing a textile product according to claim 29, wherein the system comprises:a control unit with a database unit in which predetermined patterns are stored which are indicative of information data of the textile product; anda sewing machine which is coupled by the control unit such that at least one seam with the predetermined pattern indicative of information data of the textile product can be sewn into the textile material of the textile product.

46. The system according to claim 45, comprising at least one of the following features:further comprising:wherein the database unit comprises encryption rules by means of which information data can be represented in an associated predetermined pattern,wherein the control unit is configured such that a predetermined pattern for the seam is generated based on the information data to be represented,wherein the control unit is coupled to the sewing machine such that the corresponding seam can be sewn into the textile material by means of the sewing machine based on the selected pattern;further comprising:a fabric guiding system for guiding the textile material during sewing, wherein the control unit is coupled to the fabric guiding system and the sewing machine such that sewing of the predetermined pattern can be implemented by controlling the guidance of the textile material; andfurther comprising:a color printer for printing on a yarn of the seam,wherein the color printer is coupled to the control unit such that a predetermined color gradient can be printed on the yarn, so that the predetermined pattern can be formed at least partially from the predetermined color gradient along the yarn.

47. A system for reading information data of a textile product according to claim 29, wherein the system comprises:a reading device for optically detecting the seam with the predetermined pattern which is indicative of information data relating to the textile product; anda reading control unit comprising a database unit,wherein the database unit comprises encryption rules by means of which information data can be read from the detected predetermined pattern.

48. The system according to claim 47, comprising at least one of the following features:wherein the database unit comprises verification data,wherein the reading control unit is configured to compare the read information data with the verification data, andwherein the reading control unit is configured to display a result of the comparison in a display device or to print it out as a certificate by means of a printer unit; andwherein the textile product comprises a product label on which predetermined information data are displayed in an optically detectable manner,wherein the reading device is formed to record an image comprising the seam with the predetermined pattern and the product label, andwherein the reading control unit is configured to read information data from the detected predetermined pattern and to compare it with the predetermined information data.

Images