Apparatus and method for detection of textile defects in circular knitting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting textile defects in a circular knitting machine. The apparatus (100) comprising one or more cameras (114) which are positioned on a fixed part (122) and configured to capture one or more images of the fabric (104). One or more light sources (120) are positioned on rotating part (124) and adapted to illuminate the fabric (104) such that cameras (114) captures the images of the fabric (104). One or more light guiding devices (134), is positioned on the rotating part (124). A processing unit (130) that is communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras (114) and one or more light sources (120) and configured to receive the one or more images captured by the cameras (114), compare one or more parameters associated with the captured image with a predetermined parameter and alert a user upon breaching the predetermined parameters.

Description

[0001] Title: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF TEXTILE DEFECTS IN CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a textile knitting machine. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting and controlling textile fabric defects or irregularities in a circular knitting machine during the manufacturing process.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The process of creating fabric from a yam strand is called knitting. Circular and flatbed knitting machines are the two types of machines that are used for this operation. A circular knitting machine is one of the most common knitting machines used in the production of knitted fabric.

[0006] In general, circular knitting machines make two kinds of fabric. One is made of fabric having an open width, and the other is made of tubular fabric. An open-width fabric is created by cutting and opening the tubular material into a single, flattened sheet. A tubular fabric is one that is seamlessly formed in a circle.

[0007] Circular knitting machines are composed of two main structural parts which consists of a rotating part and a fixed part. After the fabric is produced as open width fabric or tubular fabric, it is arranged inside the rotating part. The fabric that falls inside the rotating part are visible to an operator.

[0008] A wide range of defects can occur during the circular knitting process, and these defects are frequently assessed after the entire roll of fabric has been produced. Typically, inspections are performed by a human inspector using a manual inspection table. If there are more than acceptable levels of defects, the fabric roll is rejected and wasted. This results in a significant loss for the business.

[0009] There are some methods available to identify defects even at the manufacturing stage. This is done to overcome the problem of defects being found after the entire fabric roll is made. For example, granted patent EP3867433B1 discloses a detector apparatus and method for controlling textile fabric defects in a circular knitting machine used for weft knitting. More particularly, it is a device employed in manufacturing operations to detect irregularities in the knitted fabrics.

[0010] However, a detector apparatus and method for controlling textile fabric defects have one or more cameras fitted on the rotating part of the circular knitting machine to capture the images and stop the machine when a defect appears.

[0011] This apparatus has several drawbacks. One of the primary drawbacks is that the apparatus needs more cameras, most likely 6 to 8 cameras to cover the entire width of the fabric, which can lead to difficulties in maintenance and repair when problems arise. Furthermore, having many cameras consumes more space.

[0012] Another issue in the above-mentioned detecting apparatus is that the cameras are prone to vibration, and hence the quality of the image may be affected. This can reduce the overall reliability of the apparatus. Installing many cameras on the rotating frame is expensive, time-consuming, and difficult during production process. Further, the mounting mechanism of the cameras cause hindrance to remove the fabric.

[0013] A further drawback in the above-mentioned detecting apparatus is that the cameras and their mounting mechanism are prone to dust and oil stains, which makes them difficult to maintain. In addition to the above, complicated mechanisms in the form of sliprings are required to establish communication and power with the apparatus.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for technology that is more compact and requires less maintenance to overcomes these drawbacks.

[0015] SUMMARY

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure an apparatus for detection of textile defects in a fabric comprising one or more cameras, one or more light sources, one or more light guiding devices, and a processing unit. The one or more cameras are positioned on a fixed part of the apparatus and configured to capture one or more images of the fabric. The one or more light sources are positioned on rotating part of the apparatus and adapted to illuminate the fabric such that each camera of the one or more cameras capture the images of the fabric. The one or more light guiding devices, each light guiding device positioned on at least one rotating part such that luminance provided by the one or more light sources are directed to visible range of the one or more cameras. A processing unit that is communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras, the one or more light sources are configured to receive the one or more images captured by each camera of the one or more cameras; compare one or more parameters associated with the captured image with a predetermined parameter; and alert the user upon breaching the predetermined parameters.

[0017] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the predetermined parameters are the size of the defect, position of the defect in the fabric, nature of defect and deviation from the normal fabric.

[0018] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more light guiding devices are selected from a group comprising reflectors, lights or combination thereof.

[0019] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the light source or the light guiding device are adapted to move along with the fabric for inspection.

[0020] In some aspects of the present disclosure, further comprises a gyroscopic, a proximity sensor or combination thereof, that is communicatively coupled with the processing unit and configured to determine angle of rotary part.

[0021] In some aspects of the present disclosure, at each predetermined angle, the one or more light sources are triggered, and the one or more cameras capture the one or more images of the corresponding portion of the fabric and communicate the captured images to the processing unit.

[0022] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processing unit communicates with the external devices such as display.

[0023] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each camera is equipped with a capability to adjust its focal point dynamically, ensuring capturing of optimal image quality despite varying distances between the camera and the fabric at different angles.

[0024] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the fixed focal lengths of the one or more cameras are calibrated and optimized to ensure consistent image quality across varying distances between the camera and the fabric at different angles during operation.

[0025] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the image of the fabric is captured and processed in real-time to identify defects including elastane dash, elastane line, two- ply, count mix up, barre, needle line, holes, tuck marks, oil marks, contamination, fabric density, wild yam, thick places, thin places, oil line, belt line and not limited to.

[0026] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the detected defects are continuously recorded and mapped with their respective locations identified on the fabric, enabling precise defect localization and real-time monitoring throughout the fabric production process.

[0027] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a method for detection of textile defects in a fabric during the manufacturing process involves the following steps:

[0028] - capturing one or more images of a fabric using one or more cameras positioned on a fixed part of the apparatus.

[0029] - illuminating the fabric using the one or more light sources positioned on a static or a rotating part of the apparatus, wherein the illumination is directed towards the fabric such that each camera captures clear images of the fabric.

[0030] - guiding the light from the one or more light sources using the one or more light guiding devices positioned on at least one rotating part, ensuring that the illumination is directed into the visible range of the one or more cameras.

[0031] - receiving the one or more images captured by each camera at a processing unit communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras and one or more light sources.

[0032] - comparing the one or more parameters associated with the captured images to predetermined parameters using the processing unit.

[0033] - alerting a user and halting the machine, if required upon detecting a breach of the predetermined parameters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawing,

[0035] Figure 1A illustrates the positioning of cameras on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure IB illustrates an exemplary arrangement of light source on circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 1C illustrates an exemplary view of arrangement of light source mounted on a fixed part of a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure ID illustrates an exemplary view of arrangement of light source mounted on a fixed part of a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure IE illustrates an exemplary view of the arrangement of light guiding device on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure IF illustrates another exemplary view of the arrangement of light guiding device on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 1G illustrates an exemplary view of the arrangement of light source mounted on a rotating part on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart that depicts a method for controlling textile fabric defects of in a circular knitting machine, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0044] References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0045] Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0046] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided.

[0047] A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0048] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

[0049] As mentioned before, there is a need for technology that overcomes these drawbacks, requires less maintenance, and provides improved detection of defects in fabric on a circular knitting machine. The present disclosure also provides an apparatus and method for detection of textile defects in a circular knitting machine that addresses these issues by providing the positioning of one or more light source, one or more light guiding device and one or more camera that are more efficient and easier to maintain. The apparatus includes a fixed part and a rotating part that are coupled with one or more cameras, one or more light source, and one or more light guiding device, wherein the fixed part is adapted to one or more cameras and the rotating part is adapted to one or more light source, a light guiding device and combination thereof for continuously recording and mapping defects which are identified on the fabric.

[0050] Figure 1A illustrates the positioning of cameras on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Herein Fig.lA represents a front view of the circular knitting machine 100 (herein referred as apparatus 100). The apparatus 100 is specialized machine used in the textile industry to create seamless tubes of fabric. The apparatus 100 is produces two types of fabric. One is open width fabric, and another one is tubular fabric. Each fabric is knitted at the top in a cylindrical manner and is flattened before it gets wound on a cylindrical rod. Tubular fabric is produced when the circular knitting machine knits a continuous tube of fabric without any seams along the length. Open width fabric refers to fabric that is knitted in a flat, open form where both edges of the fabric are separate and distinct.

[0051] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus 100 includes a fixed outer support structure 102, a fabric 104, a lateral support (rotating) 106 and one or more cameras 114. A fabric movement direction 108 is shown with arrows in the Fig. 1A.

[0052] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more cameras 114 are mounted on a fixed part 122 as shown in Fig. 1C of the apparatus 100 that can capture the entire range of the fabric 104. The cameras used may be digital cameras. The one or more cameras 114 fixed to an inner nonrotating part 110, wherein the camera 114 is configured to capture plurality of image in real time to identify defects present in the fabric 104. The captured images of the fabric 104 are made in rotational synchronization between each camera and the fabric 104. Since the distance between the camera 114 and the fabric 104 varies with each angle, the one or more cameras 114 utilized may be able to switch focal points to get a high-quality image of the fabric 104. The distance between the camera 114 and the fabric 104 varies at each different angle, therefore one or more cameras 114 with fixed focal lengths are utilized to obtain a high-quality image of the fabric 104.

[0053] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more cameras 114 are fixed to an outer nonrotating part 112 to capture defects such as elastane dash, elastane line, two-ply, count mix up, barre, needle line, holes, tuck marks, oil marks, contamination, fabric density, wild yam, thick places, thin places, oil line, belt line and not limited to.

[0054] Figure IB illustrates an exemplary arrangement of light source on circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 includes one or more light sources 120. The one or more light sources 120 are positioned on rotating parts 124 as shown in Fig. lC of the apparatus 100 and are designed to illuminate the fabric 104 during inspection. The illumination may be is synchronized with the rotation of the fabric 104 to ensure uniform lighting across different angles, enabling clear and detailed image capture by the cameras.

[0055] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more lights sources 120 are fixed to inner nonrotating part 116. It is possible to fix the one or more light sources 120 to outer nonrotating part 118. This arrangement ensures comprehensive and balanced illumination of the fabric 104 from multiple angles and perspectives.

[0056] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the coordinated placement of the one or more light sources 120 enhances capability of the apparatus’s 100 to detect defects such as elastane dash, two-ply, needle line, holes, and other fabric irregularities mentioned above. By providing consistent and adequate illumination, the one or more light sources 120 contribute significantly to the accuracy and effectiveness of defect detection in the textile manufacturing process.

[0057] Figure 1C illustrates an exemplary view of arrangement of light source mounted on a fixed part of a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 includes a fixed part 122, a rotating part 124, a monitor and a processing unit 130. The one or more lights sources 120 are mounted on the fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100 to ensure comprehensive illumination of the fabric 104. This positioning allows the one or more light sources 120 to capture the entire range of the fabric 104 during the production process. In certain embodiments, while some of the light sources 120 are fixed to the inner non-rotating part 126, some others are fixed to the outer non-rotating part 128. This placement enhances the uniform and effective illumination of the fabric 104 from different perspectives. The intensity and wavelength of the emitted light from the light sources 120 are adjustable, providing flexibility in optimizing illumination conditions for defect detection.

[0058] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus 100 is incorporated with a gyroscopic sensor, proximity sensors, or a combination thereof to accurately determine the angle of the rotary part 124. The details on the angle of the rotary part 124 are collected by the sensors and transmitted to the processing unit 130, which coordinates and synchronizes the operation of the one or more light sources 120 and the one or more cameras 114. Each camera capture images of the fabric at each predetermined angle, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These images are then processed by the processing unit 130, which analyses various parameters associated with the appearance of the fabric 104 in real-time. Any deviations from predetermined parameters which is indicative of defects such as elastane dash, two- ply, needle line, and others, prompt the processing unit 130 to alert the user for necessary corrective actions like stopping of the machine.

[0059] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processing unit 130 includes both hardware and software components dedicated for receiving the captured images, processing, and analysing data from the one or more cameras 114 and the one or more light sources 120. Additionally, the processing unit 130 facilitates communication with external devices such as displays and digital storage, allowing for real-time visualization of defect detection results and storage of captured images and the data. Figure ID illustrates an exemplary view of arrangement of light source mounted on a fixed part of a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The one or more lights sources 120 are mounted at the centre bottom 138 of fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100 to ensure comprehensive illumination of the fabric 104. This positioning allows the one or more light sources 120 to capture the entire range of the fabric 104 during the production process

[0060] Figure IE illustrates an exemplary view of the arrangement of light guiding device on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0061] The apparatus 100 includes a light guiding device 134 such as reflectors. The one or more light guiding devices 134 are attached to the rotating part 124 of the apparatus 100. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more light guiding devices 134 are designed to optimize the distribution and direction of light emitted by the one or more light sources 120, which are fixed on the fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100. This configuration ensures that the fabric 104 under inspection receives uniform and consistent illumination of the fabric 104 from various angles and positions.

[0062] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more light guiding devices 134 are fixed to inner nonrotating part 132. The one or more light sources 120 and the light guiding devices 134 moves along with the fabric that is being inspected. The one ormore light sources 120 are arranged to focus light on the light guiding devices 134 such as reflectors which are placed on the fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100.

[0063] Figure IF illustrates another exemplary view of the arrangement of light guiding device on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 includes a light guiding device 134 such as reflectors. The one or more light guiding devices 134 are attached to the rotating part 124 of the apparatus 100. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more light guiding devices 134 are designed to optimize the distribution and direction of light emitted by the one or more light sources 120, which are fixed on the fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100. This configuration ensures that the fabric 104 under inspection receives uniform and consistent illumination of the fabric 104 from various angles and positions.

[0064] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more light guiding devices 134 are fixed to an inner non-rotating part 132. In an embodiment of the light guiding arrangement shown in Figure IF, the light guiding devices 134 are arranged in the non-rotating part to reflect light from the inside out onto the fabric 104. The one or more light sources 120 are positioned to focus light on the light guiding devices 134, such as reflectors, which are attached to the fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100.

[0065] Figure 1G illustrates an exemplary view of the arrangement of light source mounted on a rotating part on a circular knitting machine for detecting defects in textile fabric, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0066] The one or more light sources 120 provided with means for adjusting the intensity of light is fixed with the rotating part 124. The one or more cameras 114 and the one or more light sources 120 are arranged in such a manner that the images of both sides of the fabric 104 are captured by the one or more cameras 114 and sent to the processing unit 130. In some cases, only the defects from the required side are captured by the camera for analysis. A control apparatus is provided that stops the machine to save the fabric wastage, if the number of defects or defect density exceeds the threshold limit set by the user.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart that depicts a method for controlling textile fabric defects of in a circular knitting machine, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0068] A method 200 for controlling textile fabric defects of a circular knitting machine, comprising the following steps: step 202 - capturing one or more images of a fabric 104 using one or more cameras 114 positioned on a fixed part 122 of the apparatus 100; step 204 - illuminating the fabric 104 using one or more light sources 120 positioned on a static or a rotating part 124 of the apparatus 100, wherein the illumination is directed towards the fabric 104 such that each camera captures clear images of the fabric 104; step 206 - guiding the light from the one or more light sources 120 using the one or more light guiding devices 134 positioned on at least one rotating part 124, ensuring that the illumination is directed into the visible range of the one or more cameras 114; step 208 - receiving the one or more images captured by each camera at a processing unit 130 communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras 114 and the one or more light sources 120; step 210 - comparing one or more parameters associated with the captured images with the predetermined parameters using the processing unit 130; and step 212 - alerting a user and halting the machine, if required upon detecting a breach of the predetermined parameters.

[0069] Advantages:

[0070] • The present disclosure minimizes the requirement of cameras,

[0071] • The present disclosure eliminates the need for the cameras to rotate along with the frame.

[0072] • The present disclosure provides that the fabric can be scanned from multiple angles and on both front and back sides.

[0073] • The present disclosure makes it easy to install since it uses a minimum number of cameras on the fixed support.

[0074] • The present disclosure provides that the cameras are maintenance friendly as they are easily accessible.

[0075] • In the present disclosures cameras are arranged in a region that is relatively less dust prone.

[0076] • The present disclosure is cost-effective since there is a reduction in the number of cameras as compared to prior art. • The present disclosure eliminates the need for complicated slip ring-based communication and power supply.

[0077] • The present disclosure eliminates the fact that installing an additional slip ring in an existing machine is mechanically intensive and may tamper with the warranty of the knitting machine.

[0078] The implementation set forth in the foregoing description does not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub combinations of the several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus (100) for detection of textile defects in a fabric (104) comprising: one or more cameras (114), each camera is positioned on a fixed part (122) of the apparatus (100) and configured to capture one or more images of the fabric (104); one or more light sources (120), that are positioned on a rotating part (124) or static part of the apparatus (100) and adapted to illuminate the fabric (104) such that each camera of the one or more cameras (114) capture the images of the fabric (104); one or more light guiding devices (134), each light guiding device positioned on at least one rotating part (124) such that luminance provided by the one or more light sources (120) are directed at the visible range of the one or more cameras (114); and a processing unit (130), that is communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras (114) and one or more light sources (120), and is configured to: receive the one or more images captured by each camera of the one or more cameras (114); compare one or more parameters associated with the captured image to a predetermined parameter; and alert a user upon breaching the predetermined parameters.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters are the size of the defect, position of the defect in the fabric, nature of defect and deviation from the normal fabric.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more light guiding devices (134) are selected from a group comprising reflectors, lights or combination thereof.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source (120) and the light guiding device (134) are adapted to move along with the fabric (104) for inspection.

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a gyroscopic, a proximity sensor or combination thereof, that communicatively coupled with the processing unit (130) and configured to determine the angle of rotary part (124).

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at each predetermined angle, the one or more light sources (120) are triggered, and the one or more cameras (114) capture the one or more image of the corresponding portion of the fabric (104) and communicate the captured one or more images to the processing unit (130).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each camera may be equipped with capability to adjust its focal point dynamically, ensuring optimal image quality despite varying distances between the camera and the fabric (104) at different angles.

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed focal lengths of the one or more cameras (114) are calibrated and optimized to ensure consistent image quality across varying distances between the camera and the fabric (104) at different angles during operation.

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image of the fabric (104) is captured and processed in real-time to identify defects including elastane dash, elastane line, two-ply, count mix up, barre, needle line, holes, tuck marks, oil marks, contamination, fabric density, wild yam, thick places, thin places, oil line, belt line, and not limited to.

10. A method (200) for detection of textile defects in a fabric (104) comprising:(a) at step (202), capturing one or more images of a fabric (104) using one or more cameras (114) positioned on a fixed part (122) of the apparatus (100);(b) at step (204), illuminating the fabric (104) using one or more light sources (120) positioned on a static or a rotating part (124) of the apparatus (100), wherein the illumination is directed towards the fabric (104) such that each camera captures clear images of the fabric (104);(c) at step (206), guiding the light from the one or more light sources (120) using one or more light guiding devices (134) positioned on at least one rotating part (124), ensuring that the illumination is directed at visible range of the one or more cameras (114);(d) at step (208), receiving the one or more images captured by each camera at a processing unit (130) communicatively coupled with the one or more cameras (114) and the one or more light sources (120);(e) at step (210), comparing one or more parameters associated with the captured images to a predetermined parameter using the processing unit (130); and(f) at step (212), alerting a user and halting the machine, if required upon detecting a breach of the predetermined parameters.

Images