A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric

Abstract

A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric is provided. The method comprises, at an electronic device with a display, retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the source texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions comprising adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs, processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture. An electronic device and a computer-readable storage medium are also provided.

Description

[0001] A METHOD OF VISUALIZING TREATMENT OF A DENIM FABRIC

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric, an electronic device comprising means for carrying out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric, as well as a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There are numerous ways of treatment of a denim fabric to produce different visual effects, such as worn effect, torn effect, specific colour patterns of a denim fabric etc. Treatment might include wet treatment including different washing techniques, such as stone washing, enzyme washing, rinse washing, tinting, bleaching, greycasting, and dry treatment, such as mechanical treatment using laser and abrasive techniques. Upon treatment, especially when combining different steps and both wet and dry techniques in one procedure, it is not always easy to predict a result of such treatment and final look of the denim fabric and a final product.

[0006] Efficient methods of simulation and visualising of such treatments are not known since it is very difficult to provide sufficient precision and sufficient correspondence of the provided picture to the real product produced. Especially, in a sophisticated treatment including the combination of many different steps, both wet and dry treatment, it is difficult to simulate and visualize an exact colour and look of the fabric after treatment.

[0007] Currently there are no visualizing methods known, which may consider these specialties and difficulties to provide a realistic visualizing of the treated denim fabric.

[0008] Besides, when measuring the colour of the denim fabric, due to the colour differences between weft and warp yarns, the existing measuring devices, e.g. spectrometers, do not allow precise measuring of the colour of the piece of denim fabric.

[0009] This results in the unpredictability of the treatment results and increased losses during production of the items from the denim fabric, thus, increasing the costs and time of production.

[0010] Therefore, it is desired to reduce these disadvantages and to provide a more realistic and precise simulation of denim fabric treatment. It is also desired to provide results of simulation of denim fabric treatment, which may be used by manufacturers of denim fabric and denim items in a faster and more efficient manner. SUMMARY

[0011] According to the invention, a new method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric, an electronic device configured to perform this method, as well as a computer-readable storage medium may overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or may provide a useful alternative.

[0012] Two types of yarn: the warp running lengthwise and the weft running crosswise of the denim fabric react differently to different treatments. In denim fabric, the warp (vertical yarns) is usually dyed using indigo dye and the weft (horizontal yarns) remains white, thus producing the distinctive twill pattern. Therefore, depending on the technique, the result of colouring may be different for weft yarn and warp yarn due to the structure and different colour receptivity of weft and warp yearns. Also, most mechanical treatments are applied basically only to warp yarns. It is an object of the present invention to provide realistic visualizing of the treated denim fabric where different colour receptivity is considered. Although indigo colour is mentioned, the method described in the application is not limited to only indigo dye but also may work with any other dyes of any other colours, particularly dyes that react and behave in a similar way to indigo dye. For example, visualizing a treatment of a pair of blac grey denim jeans, which are made using things like sulfur dye or pigment dye, or brown denim jeans, or jeans coloured in any other colour may be performed by the method described herein.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric that improves a correspondence between the visual presentation of the item after treatment and the real item. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic device configured to perform this method. It is another object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0014] One or more of these objects may be met by aspects of the present disclosure as described in the following.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the object is obtained by a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric. The method comprises, at an electronic device with a display, retrieving a source texture. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. The method further comprises displaying a user interface on the display. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements (e.g. user interface affordances, user interface objects, buttons, and / or sliders), for adjusting values of parameters, e.g. visual parameters, of the source texture. Each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture. The method further comprises displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture. The method further comprises receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements. The one or more interactions cause, e.g. induce, adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture. The one or more user inputs are received, via at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs, processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture. In an embodiment, the user interface may be an application interface of an application. The application might be installed on any electronic device configured to enable installation of the application, such as a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet etc. In an embodiment, the display is a touchscreen display.

[0016] In an embodiment, retrieving the source texture comprises displaying an affordance, e.g. an input element or an input interface element, to the user configured to receive an input from the user corresponding to choosing the denim fabric from a database of denim fabrics. The database may comprise a plurality of denim fabrics and source textures corresponding to each denim fabric in the database. Retrieving the source texture may further comprise retrieving the source texture corresponding to the chosen denim fabric. In an embodiment, the affordance is a pop-up window in the user interface. In an embodiment, the affordance is displayed together or simultaneously with the user interface as soon as the user interface is displayed, e.g. when the user opens the application. In an embodiment, the affordance is displayed to the user in response to a user input corresponding to interaction with a corresponding user interface element within the user interface.

[0017] In another embodiment, retrieving the image of the source texture comprises scanning the denim fabric and transforming the scan into a 2D pixel map, e.g. a greyscale pixel map, a black and white pixel map, a colourised pixel map, and / or a fully colourised pixel map.

[0018] In an embodiment, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric may have been identified, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture. The first portion of pixels of the source texture may have a brightness level above, and / or equal to, a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture may have a brightness level below, and / or equal to, the predetermined threshold. The source texture may have been separated into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture. In an embodiment, the method further comprises identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, the first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and the second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above, and / or equal to, a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below, and / or equal to, the predetermined threshold and separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture. In an embodiment, this identifying the first portion of pixels and the second portion of pixels is performed after retrieving the image of the source texture. In an embodiment, this identifying the first portion of pixels and the second portion of pixels is performed as a pre-processing step after scanning the denim fabric. In an embodiment, the weft textures and the warp textures are saved in the database of denim fabrics and retrieving the image of the source texture comprises retrieving the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0019] In an embodiment, processing the source texture comprises processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture, processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture. In an embodiment, the weft texture is used as a mask upon combining the adjusted weft texture and the adjusted warp texture.

[0020] In an embodiment, processing the source texture comprises colourising the adjusted source texture by mapping pixel brightness values of the adjusted source texture along a colourband. The colourband may be a continuous, e.g. linear or non-linear, gradient from darkest colour to brightest colour. The colours of the colourband may correspond to decolourization levels of the denim fabric in a number of washing processes, e.g. between 3-15 washing processes, such as between 3-10 washing processes, such as between 3-6 washing processes. In an embodiment, the same step or procedure of colourising may be applied to the source texture after or before the source texture is retrieved. In an embodiment, colourising the source texture is performed after scanning the denim fabric and the colourised source texture or a 3D model of the colourised source texture is saved in the database of the denim fabrics.

[0021] In an embodiment, the colourband is generated by generating a primary colourband comprising colours corresponding to the decolorization levels aligned from darkest colour to brightest colour; and generating intermediate colours between adjacent colours of the primary colourband to obtain the colourband. The intermediate colours may be transitioning colours between the corresponding adjacent colours. For example, a linear gradient of colours may be generated between the adjacent colours of the primary colourband. In an embodiment, a number of the decolorization levels corresponds to the number of washing processes of the denim fabric. In an embodiment, the decolorization levels are measured prior to generating the colourband.

[0022] In an embodiment, processing the source texture comprises multiplication of pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture and / or increasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture and / or decreasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture. In an embodiment, a singular value is added to all pixel values, e.g. to a brightness of all pixel values. For example, a value of 0.5 may be added to a pixel with a brightness of 0.1 and to another pixel with a brightness of 0.2, resulting in new brightness values of these two pixels of 0.6 and 0.7 respectively.

[0023] In an embodiment, the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters comprise a first value for a first parameter and a second value for a second parameter. Processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain the adjusted source texture may comprise processing the source texture based on the first value in combination with a first parameter effect and processing the source texture based on the second value in combination with a second parameter effect, wherein the second parameter effect is different from the first parameter effect. A parameter effect can be understood as a function defining the image processing associated with the specific parameter based on the corresponding adjusted value, e.g. the image processing to be applied to the source texture to obtain the adjusted source texture. For example, the function may define brightness increases / decreases based on the adjusted value and / or masking of the pixel map of the source texture. In an embodiment, the first parameter effect is indicative of a first treatment of the warp yarns and / or the weft yarns and the second parameter effect is indicative of a second treatment of the warp yarns and / or the weft yarns. The first treatment and the second treatment are different treatments of the denim fabric, e.g. washing and stone washing, or e.g. laser treatment and washing, etc. The first parameter effect and the second parameter effect include the combination of operations, such as multiplication, increasing or decreasing, used to process the source texture or the warp texture or the weft texture based on the corresponding adjusted values.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method further comprises generating at least one file based on the adjusted source texture and sending the at least one file to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. fabric making machine, fabric producing machine, fabric manufacturing machine, textile machine, textile processing machine, fabric washing machine, garment washing machine, or fabric printing machine. Garments are usually cut and stitched. In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by the application installed on the electronic device by a separate application installed on the electronic device, the separate application communicating with the application. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the separate application for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by a server, e.g. a remote server, connected with the electronic device. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the server for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the server may send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

[0025] The method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric of the present invention is advantageous in providing a realistic simulation of a treated denim fabric. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a valuable tool to convey information from a designer of a garment or a fabric to the manufacturer, in that the disclosure may be used to convey what treatment processes should be used to achieve the look that the designer wants. Thereby, less trial and error may be necessary to reach the desired outcome, which in turn saves time, costs and is more environmentally friendly.

[0026] Accordingly, the disclosure simplifies manufacturing and design of items from the denim fabric as well as provides variability in the design and manufacturing process. Also, the present disclosure provides an improved quality control during the treatment process of the denim fabric.

[0027] All relevant features and embodiments discussed above with respect to the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric likewise apply to the electronic device as well as to the computer- readable storage medium described below.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the object is obtained by an electronic device comprising means for carrying out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with above embodiments.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the object is obtained by a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with above embodiments.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect, the object is obtained by a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric. The method comprises, retrieving a source texture on an electronic device with a display. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. The method further comprises displaying a user interface on the display. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements (e.g. user interface affordances, user interface objects, buttons, and / or sliders), for adjusting values of parameters, e.g. visual parameters, of the source texture. Each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture. The method further comprises displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture. The method further comprises receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements. The one or more interactions cause, e.g. induce, adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture. The one or more user inputs are received via at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs, processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture. In an embodiment, the user interface may be an application interface of an application. The application might be installed on any electronic device configured to enable installation of the application, such as a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet etc. In an embodiment, the display is a touchscreen display. The method further comprises generating at least one file, e.g. a plurality of files, based on the adjusted source texture and sending the at least one file to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. fabric making machine, fabric producing machine, textile machine, textile processing machine, fabric washing machine, garment washing machine, fabric printing machine. In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by the application installed on the electronic device, or by separate application installed on the electronic device, the separate application communicating with the application. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the separate application for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by a server, e.g. a remote server, connected with the electronic device. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the server for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the server may send the at least one file to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

[0031] In an embodiment, the source texture is separated into a weft texture and a warp texture. The weft texture is processed based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture and the warp texture is processed based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture. The adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture are then combined to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0032] In an embodiment, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric may have been identified based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture. The first portion of pixels of the source texture may have a brightness level above, and / or equal to, a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture may have a brightness level below, and / or equal to, the predetermined threshold. The source texture may have been separated into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture. In an embodiment, the method further comprises identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, the first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and the second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above, and / or equal to, a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below, and / or equal to, the predetermined threshold and separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture. In an embodiment, this identifying the first portion of pixels and the second portion of pixels is performed after retrieving the image of the source texture. In an embodiment, this identifying the first portion of pixels and the second portion of pixels is performed as a pre-processing step after scanning the denim fabric. In an embodiment, the weft textures and the warp textures are saved in the database of denim fabrics and retrieving the image of the source texture comprises retrieving the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0033] In an embodiment, processing the source texture comprises processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture, processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture. In an embodiment, the weft texture is used as a mask upon combining the adjusted weft texture and the adjusted warp texture.

[0034] In an embodiment, separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture comprises: identifying, by a machine learning model, ML, model, e.g. a machine learning algorithm, the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, and separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture. The ML model may be configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture, based on shapes, e.g. shapes of portions of the source texture corresponding to the weft texture, the portions of the source texture corresponding to visible parts of the weft, and / or features in the source texture, e.g. different structures in the source texture. In an embodiment, the ML model has been previously trained using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data to identify the weft texture and the warp texture, e.g. the different structures in a fabric scan, the visible parts of the weft yarn in a denim / indigo pattern / weave, and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0035] In an embodiment, the at least one file comprises a print file, e.g. a pixel file, configured to be used by at least one fabric printing machine for fabric printing, generating the at least one file includes transforming the adjusted source texture into the print file configured to be used by the at least one fabric printing machine, and sending the at least one file includes sending the print file to the at least one fabric printing machine. The fabric printing machine is configured to manufacture a denim item using the print file by direct printing to fabric or by transfering print via a paper / foil. In an embodiment, the at least one file is a print file, e.g. comprising pixel structure, used by a fabric printing machine, e.g. a fabric printer, to print a pattern on a fabric, e.g. a denim fabric. In an embodiment, generating the at least one file may include exporting the adjusted source texture in a file format, e.g. JPEG, TIFF, PNG format. In an embodiment, generating the at least one file includes transforming the adjusted source texture into the print file, e.g. the pixel file, configured to be used by the fabric printing machine. In an embodiment, sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to the at least one fabric printing machine. The embodiment enables manufacturing of denim items in a faster and in more efficient way. By using the generated and extracted files to print the pattern on the surface of the denim fabric, no expensive and time-consuming washing processes are required to produce denim items with different patterns with wear effects. Traditional indigo dyeing of the yarn - weaving the fabric and creating the wear look in the denim laundries - will not be needed. Instead, the fabric and wash effects may be printed, e.g. by direct printing to fabric or by transfering print via a paper / foil.

[0036] Besides, the manufacturing space is decreased due to using only fabric machine printers instead of large fabric washing machines. In addition, digital simulation of the pattern and further printing of the simulated pattern on the fabric provides more accurate and predictable result of the manufacturing process.

[0037] In an embodiment, generating the at least one file includes generating a plurality of print files, e.g. a stack of print files, based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, e.g. s, m, I sizes of jeans, jackets etc., or e.g. a piece of fabric. In an embodiment, print files, e.g. pixel files, are automatically generated for different sizes, e.g. s, m, I sizes, of the fabric items, e.g. jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, bags, etc. In an embodiment, sending the at least one file includes sending the plurality of print files to the at least one fabric printing machine. By automatically preparing separate files for different sizes of the denim items and sending them to the manufacturer, the efficiency of the manufacturing process is further improved in a timewise and cost-effective manner.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one file further comprises a set of instructions for washing machines, e.g. fabric washing machines, garment washing machines, industrial washing machines, denim washing machines, textile washing machines, (wash recipe), which when performed by processors of the washing machines cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, e.g. fabric or garment washing processes. In an embodiment, the set of instructions may include time of each washing process, amount of water to be used for each washing process, temperature of each washing process, names and amount of chemicals to be used in each washing process. In an embodiment, generating the at least one file includes generating the set of instructions for the washing machine, e.g. fabric washing machines, garment washing machines, industrial washing machines, denim washing machines, textile washing machines, based on the adjusted source texture, and sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to at least one washing machine. In an embodiment, generating the set of instruction is performed automatically. The embodiments enable more efficient procedure for the manufacturers of the denim fabric and the denim items. A wash recipe (the set of instructions) is generated automatically at the end of the wash simulation process and provided to the manufacturer, e.g. to the interface or to the washing machine as mentioned above. The manufacturer receives the set of instructions, which may be automatically distributed by an interface of the manufacturer to the washing machines, e.g. fabric washing machines, garment washing machines, industrial washing machines, denim washing machines, textile washing machines, of the manufacturer and, when executed by the processors of the washing machines, automatically cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, e.g. fabric or garment washing processes, in the sequence and under the conditions provided and required to produce the predetermined and pre-simulated patterns of the fabric. The cost and timing of the manufacture may be reduced.

[0039] In an embodiment, sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to an interface (e.g. human-machine interface, e.g. an interface of a manufacturer of a fabric, e.g. a manufacturer of a denim fabric, or a manufacturer of denim clothing items, e.g. a manufacturer of fa brie processing machines or garment processing machines) being in connection (e.g. wireless or wired connection) with at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. at least one garment washing machine or at least one fabric printing machine, the interface is configured to send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine. In an embodiment, the interface may be at the site of the manufacturer or at the site of the third party, e.g. at a remote server associated with the manufacturer, e.g. a remote server, which is connected (e.g. wirelessly or via wired connection) with the manufacturer.

[0040] The method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric under the fourth aspect may optionally be supplemented by any of the embodiments of the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric under the first aspect, both individually and taken in combination.

[0041] The method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric, the electronic device and the computer- readable storage medium described in this section may optionally be supplemented by any of the features, functionalities and details disclosed herein (in the entire document), both individually and taken in combination.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present disclosure and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment,

[0045] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of additional pre-processing steps of the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment, Fig. 3A is an example of relative brightness of warp and weft yarns of the denim fabric,

[0046] Fig. 3B shows combining warp and weft textures in an embodiment,

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of additional pre-processing steps of the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment,

[0048] Fig. 5A is an illustration of a process of generating of a colourband in accordance with an embodiment,

[0049] Fig. 5B is an illustration of a colourband in accordance with an embodiment,

[0050] Fig. 50 is an illustration of colourising of black and white source texture using a colourband in accordance with an embodiment, Figs. 6A-6D show a user interface 100 shown on a display of an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment,

[0051] Figs. 7A-7D show processing the source texture in accordance with an embodiment,

[0052] Fig. 8 a schematic illustration of a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of additional steps of the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment,

[0054] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment,

[0055] Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of a method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment,

[0056] Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a print file in accordance with an embodiment.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0059] In the following, a number of exemplary embodiments are described in order to understand the invention.

[0060] In the following, the method 10 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric according to the present disclosure is described. Fig. 1 shows steps in a method 10 of visualizing treatment of a pair of jeans made of a denim fabric.

[0061] Although Fig. 1 illustrates visualizing treatment of the denim fabric, the method of the invention may be used for other woven fabrics, e.g. comprising similar structure of weft and warp yarns. The method may be also used for knitted fabrics where the fabric doesn't have a warp and weft. Upon applying the method to the knitted fabrics, separation of warp and weft textures as described referring to Fig. 2 may be omitted.

[0062] The method 10 is performed at an electronic device with a display and processing functionality, for example, at a tablet, laptop, stationary computer, smartphone, terminal etc. The method 10 may be performed in an application downloaded on the electronic device.

[0063] In a first step 11, a source texture is retrieved. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. Examples of a source texture are shown in Figs. 7A-7D. The source texture is received, e.g. generated, by scanning of the denim fabric and transforming it into a pixel map, e.g. prior to the first step 11, and stored in a database of source textures or in a database of denim fabrics comprising denim fabric and source textures for each denim fabric in the database. The process of receiving, e.g. generating, the source texture may optionally include the processing steps, such as those described with reference to Figs. 2 and 4.

[0064] Upon opening an application, the user may be provided with an affordance, or with an additional user interface, e.g. a pop-up window, to choose the denim fabric, for which the visualization or simulation of treatment is required. In an embodiment, the user may choose the denim fabric from the database. The database may be stored on the electronic device or in a remote server or in the cloud. In an embodiment, the affordance may comprise a request to the user to input characteristics of the desired denim fabric. In this embodiment, the source texture may be chosen from the database of source textures based on these characteristics.

[0065] In an embodiment, the user may upload the scan of the denim fabric in the application. The scan is then transformed into a pixel map to retrieve the source texture. The pixel map may be optionally stored in the database of source textures. The scan may be optionally processed using the steps described with reference to Figs. 2 and 4.

[0066] In the next step 12, a user interface is displayed on the display of the electronic device. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements, e.g. user interface affordances, e.g. user interface objects, e.g. buttons or sliders, for adjusting values of e.g. visual parameters of the source texture. An exemplary user interface is shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

[0067] In an embodiment, step 12 may be performed prior to step 11. For example, the affordance to choose the denim fabric may be provided to the user after step 12 of displaying the user interface and before step 11 of retrieving the image of the source texture. In step 13, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture is displayed in the user interface. As shown, for example, in Figs. 6A-6D, a 3D model of a pair of jeans made of denim fabric is displayed in the user interface. This 3D model presents a simulation of the jeans made from the denim fabric chosen or uploaded by the user in the previous steps. The 3D model is displayed movable and rotatable around a vertical axis and / or a horizontal axis. Zooming of the 3D model may also be provided. The surface of the 3D model represents or simulates the denim fabric corresponding to the source texture.

[0068] In step 14, one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements are received. The one or more user inputs are received via at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, e.g. as shown in Figs. 6A-6D. In Figs. 6A-6D, the user interactive elements are sliders enabling or inducing gradually changing values of the parameters of the source texture, e.g. from 0 to 1. Each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture. The one or more interactions causes or induces adjustments of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture. Gradually changing values of the parameters enables adding a corresponding visual effect to the surface of the 3D model. Each of the parameters correspond to a treatment of the denim fabric. The specific treatments are shown with reference to Figs. 6A-6D.

[0069] In response to receiving the one or more user inputs the source texture is processed, in step 15, based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture. Figs. 7A-7D show some exemplary underlying processes performed by the processor of the electronic device in response to the user input to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0070] In step 16, the 3D model is (re)displayed, in the user interface. The surface of the 3D model displayed in step 16 comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture. The 3D model displayed in step 16 simulates the result of the treatment steps of the denim fabric corresponding to those chosen by the user and included in the user input and shows the simulation or visualization of the jeans treated in a chosen way.

[0071] As a result of performing the steps of the method 10, the 3D model of the treated jeans is provided to the user, the 3D model provides a realistic image of the jeans treated in a chosen way.

[0072] Figs. 2 and 4 show optional steps 1 and 5 of the method 10. These steps 1 and 5 shown in Figs. 2 and 4 correspondingly are optionally performed as first steps of the method 10, or prior to the method 10, to provide an improved source texture and accordingly an improved visual representation of the treated fabric on the 3D model. These steps may be partially performed by the electronic device performing the steps shown in Fig. 1 and partially by other devices, e.g. servers or other electronic devices.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows step 1 of generating a pre-processed source texture. Step 1 of generating the pre- processed source texture comprises separation of the warp texture and the weft texture to control relative influence of the white-coloured weft and / or the indigo-coloured warp on the result of the method 10. Step 1 includes several substeps. Although indigo colour is mentioned, black / grey / brown-coloured warp is also within the scope of the invention.

[0074] Step 1 includes an optional substep la of washing a denim fabric. Substep la includes physical washing of the denim fabric to be scanned. Warp yarns (a warp layer) of the denim fabric usually differ considerably in colour from weft yearns (a weft layer) of the denim fabric. The weft yarns are white-coloured yarns. The warp yarns are indigo-coloured yarns. If the warp yarns are too bright, e.g. little indigo colour, relative to the weft yarns, it makes accurate separation of warp and weft parts of the scanned fabric more difficult and sometimes impossible. Although indigo colour is mentioned, blac grey / brown-coloured warp is also within the scope of the invention.

[0075] Washing regime of the denim fabric is chosen depending on the difference in colour intensity between the warp yarns and the weft yarns, e.g. depending on the brightness characteristic, e.g. brightness level of the weft yarns, colour and brightness of the denim fabric, the structure of the weave and the structure of the warp yarn. Substep la is performed by a washing machine, e.g. an industrial washing machine, e.g. a denim washing machine, e.g. a fabric washing machine, e.g. a garment washing machine. In substep la, the fabric is washed to bring out the necessary amount of details and difference in colours / brightness between the warp and the weft yarns. Fig. 3A shows examples of the suitable relative brightness of the warp and the weft yarns ("good relative brightness" in the left part of Fig. 3A, showing high contrast between warp and weft yarns) and less suitable relative brightness of the warp and the weft yarns ("bad relative brightness" in the right part of Fig. 3A, showing low contrast between warp and weft yarns). As can be seen in Fig. 3A, the suitable relative brightness of the warp and weft yarns means sufficient level of contrast between the brightness of the warp yarns and the weft yarns. Particularly, the darkest part of the weft should preferably be brighter than the brightest part of the warp. If the weft of the non-washed fabric is generally darker than the warp, after washing, the darkest part of the warp should preferably be brighter than the brightest part of the weft. If the level of contrast is suitable, substep la may be skipped.

[0076] In substep lb, the denim fabric is scanned. Substep lb may be performed by any device with a suitable scan function. Substep lb may be optionally performed by the electronic device performing the method 10 shown in Fig. 1, e.g. by a camera of the electronic device or a scanner connected to the electronic device. The output of substep lb is a source texture, wherein the source texture is a pixel map of the scan of the denim fabric.

[0077] In substep lc, two portions of pixels of the source texture are identified based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture. Substep lc represents separation of the source texture into two textures - warp texture and weft texture, as shown in Fig. 2. A pixel brightness level may be used as a threshold to divide the pixels of the source texture into two groups or portions. In substep lc, the first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric with brightness above and / or equal to the predefined threshold is identified, and the second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric with brightness below and / or equal to the predefined threshold is identified. The threshold may be predefined by sampling weft pixels of the source texture to get a starting value for the threshold and adjusting the threshold value accordingly.

[0078] Alternatively, in substep lc, the weft texture and the warp texture may be identified and separated by a machine learning model, e.g. a machine learning algorithm. The ML model may be configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture, based on shapes, e.g. shapes of portions of the source texture corresponding to the weft texture, the portions of the source texture correspond to visible parts of the weft, and / or features in the source texture, e.g. different structures in the source texture. The ML model may have been previously trained using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data to identify the weft texture and the warp texture, the different structures in a fabric scan, the visible parts of the weft yarn in a denim / indigo pattern / weave, and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture. Training data may be manually created by marking the weft parts of different fabrics, e.g. as shown in Fig. 3B, mask. The training data are then run through a machine learning model designed to identify different patterns and pattern pieces of the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, e.g. shapes and / or features in an image. The trained Al model is then used in software for separating the warp from the weft. The same source texture is used in the machine learning separation as in separation of the weft texture and the warp texture by colour threshold as described above. Every waive creates a distinct pattern by using warp and weft yarns. The weft yarn has a different pattern and pattern pieces than the warp yarn. The ML model is trained to differentiate the warp texture from the weft texture by understanding the different patterns and the difference in pattern pieces of the weft texture and the warp texture. In substep Id, both warp and weft textures may be post-processed by adjusting brightness. In an embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures may be increased. In another embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures may be decreased. Adjusting brightness of both the first portion of pixels and the second portion of pixels may be performed in substep Id. The exact adjustment of the brightness and contrast of both textures may depend on the type of denim fabric. The exact adjustment depends on the structure of the denim fabric and on how dark the denim fabric is. For example, fabric with very coarse structure might need to have its contrast reduced while a very fine fabric likely needs to have its contrast increased. Depending on whether it is a bright or a dark fabric the brightness needs to be either increased or reduced. The aim is to make the textures useable in the washing simulation process, e.g. the structure of the yarn in the fabric should be clearly visible and there should be a clear contrast between top parts of the warp and lower parts of the warp in terms of brightness, e.g. lower parts should be darker than the top parts.

[0079] The post-processed textures may be used in the method 10 shown in Fig. 1. The post-processed textures may be directly used in the method 10. Optionally, the post-processed textures may be saved in the database for future use in the method 10. The post-processed textures may be retrieved at step 11 of the method 10.

[0080] In the method 10, the warp texture (the second portion of pixels) may be processed in step 15 of the method 10, e.g. in step-by-step series, independently of processing the weft texture (the first portion of pixels). For example, the processing of the warp texture (the second portion of pixels) may have no effect on the processing of the weft texture (the first portion of pixels). In the method 10, the weft texture (the first portion of pixels) may be processed in step 15 of the method 10, e.g. in step-by-step image series, independently of processing the warp texture (the second portion of pixels). For example, the processing of the weft texture (the first portion of pixels) may have no effect on the processing of the warp texture (the second portion of pixels).

[0081] Processed warp and weft, e.g. adjusted and / or colourised textures, may be combined together using the original weft texture as a mask, e.g. prior to displaying the 3D model at step 16 of the method 10. Using the original weft texture as a mask means that the different brightness values, e.g. above or below a predetermined threshold, are used as a cutout for displaying different textures. Any white areas of the texture that is being used as a mask will have full opacity while black areas will have no opacity, meaning that they will be transparent. The adjusted weft texture is placed over the adjusted warp texture and then, using the original weft texture as a mask, the parts of the weft that are black are removed, which makes the underlying warp texture visible in all the areas where the original weft texture is black. This process is illustrated in Fig. 3B. The original weft texture 50 is shown in black and white, whereas the parts of the adjusted weft texture corresponding to the black portions of the mask are removed to obtain the masked weft texture. The brightness of the original weft texture determines where warp pixels should be visible and where they should not. By manipulating the brightness of the original weft texture the ratio between warp and weft yarns can be increased or decreased to either show more or less of the weft texture.

[0082] Step 1 is optionally performed for each denim fabric scanned prior to saving the source texture corresponding to the denim fabric into the database.

[0083] Fig. 4 shows step 5 of generating a colourband, or a colourmap. Step 5 of generating the colourband is optionally performed prior to step 11 in the method 10 and / or prior to optional step 1 of the method 10, and / or prior to the method 10 and / or prior to optional step 1. Step 5 includes several substeps.

[0084] In optional substep 5a, the denim fabric is washed. Substep 5a is performed by a washing machine, e.g. an industrial washing machine, e.g. a denim washing machine, e.g. a fabric washing machine, e.g. a garment washing machine. In optional substep 5b, colours of the washed fabric are measured. Substep 5b may be performed by a measuring device, e.g. a spectrophotometer, e.g. to measure LAB colours of individual yarns of wash references, e.g. fabric or fabric pieces after each wash, e.g. prewashed fabric samples. Substep 5b may alternatively include scanning wash references, e.g. fabric or fabric pieces after each wash, e.g. prewashed fabric samples, by a calibrated flatbed scanner from dark to light washes or wash references and extracting colours from scans of the wash references. Substep 5b may be performed by scanning a number of prewashed fabric samples and using a colour sampling software to extract one colour from each prewashed fabric sample in RGB format.

[0085] Substeps 5a and 5b may be repeated i times. Providing several iterations of substeps 5a and 5b, e.g. i iterations, preferably 4 iterations, enables measuring the colours of the fabric at different stages of washing. During measuring the colours, the weft may not be present (measuring may be performed before or after weaving the fabric). More specifically, in substep 5b, decoulorization of the indigo-colour of the denim fabric may be measured at different stages of a washing process. Although indigo colour is mentioned, blac grey / brown-coloured warp is also within the scope of the invention. The measured colours may be measured using the L*a*b colourspace in substep 5b and may be placed in a list in order of brightness from darkest to brightest.

[0086] In substep 5c, a primary colourband comprising colours corresponding to decolourisation levels of the denim fabric, e.g. a list of colours, is generated where the colours are placed in order of brightness, e.g. from darkest colour to brightest colour. In substep 5d, intermediate colours are generated between adjacent colours of the primary colourband, e.g. between the adjacent measured colours in the list, to obtain the colourband. The intermediate or in-between colours are generated based on neighbouring colours in the list to create an even transition from one measured colour to the next. In substep 5e, the colourband, e.g. new list, is generated comprising both measured colours and generated intermediate colours. The measured colours and the new generated in-between or intermediate colours are placed in the colourband in order of brightness.

[0087] In substep 5f, it is estimated or determined, if the difference in brightness between two colours is below a predetermined threshold. If the difference in brightness between two colours in the colourband generated in substep 5e is too large, substeps 5d and 5e are performed again to generate new in-between colours to decrease the difference in brightness between neighbouring colours and to create a more even gradient overall.

[0088] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, the colourband comprises four colours corresponding to decolourisation levels of the denim fabric and three or two generated colours. However, the colourband may comprise more or less colours, e.g. at least 6 colours, e.g. more than 6 colours, e.g.

[0089] 2 to 10 colours, e.g. 2, 3, 5, 6 colours, e.g. 6-10 colours, e.g. 7, 8, 9, 10 colours, e.g. more than 10 colours. Four colours 3 corresponding to decolourisation levels of the denim fabric with different brightness are shown in the primary colourband 2 in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5A shows substep 5d of Fig. 4 of generating intermediate or in-between colours. The colourband, or a combined list, 6 with both colours 3 corresponding to decolourisation levels of the denim fabric and generated colours 4 is shown in Fig. 5A, which is the result of substep 5e in Fig. 4. Fig. 5B shows the colourband 6 generated as a result of substep 5e in Fig. 4.

[0090] The colours of the colourband 6 are then mapped, in substep 5g, to the black and white fabric textures 8 as shown in Fig. 5C. Pixel brightness values of the black and white source texture, e.g. the pixel map, are mapped along the colourband 6 to colourise the source texture 8. The colourised texture 9 is received as a result of substep 5g. Substep 5g may be performed to colourise the source texture and / or the adjusted source texture prior to displaying the 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture or of the adjusted source texture.

[0091] Step 5 is optionally performed for each denim fabric prior to scanning and saving the source texture corresponding to the denim fabric into the database. The colourband 6 generated in step 5 is optionally used in step 15 of the method 10 shown in Fig. 1 in processing the source texture or optionally processing the warp texture and the weft texture separately. For example, the colourband 6 may be used in step 15 for colourising the source texture. The same colourband may be used for colourising the weft texture and the warp texture. However, if the same colourband is used for colourising both the weft texture and the warp texture, additional step of desaturation of the weft texture of colourising may be provided since the colourization of the weft in the real world is very slight.

[0092] Steps shown in Figs. 2 and 4 may be combined in one embodiment with the method shown in Fig. 1. This embodiment may provide a more precise and realistic image of the denim fabric after the treatment due to the two preprocessing steps allowing reduction of the influence of the whitecoloured weft upon measuring of the colour and brightness of the fabric and to provide a realistic correspondence of the simulated colour to the real colour of the specific denim fabric after various treatment steps.

[0093] Figs. 6A-6D illustrate a user interface 100 shown on a display of an electronic device. The user interface 100 comprises a 3D model 110 of denim jeans. The 3D model 110 has a surface comprising a representation of an image of a source texture. The user interface 100 comprises several user interactive elements configured to receive a user input causing adjustment of values of different parameters. The parameters correspond to simulation of specific treatment steps of the denim fabric. The parameters are grouped into four groups. The user interface 110 enables switching between four groups of the parameters and corresponding user interactive elements by comprising user interactive elements 120, 140, 150, 160. The specific user interactive elements and their grouping described in detail below and shown in Figs. 6A-6D provide only some specific examples of the user interface. The user interface may include different combinations of the user interactive elements.

[0094] User interactive element 120, "WET" when activated by the user, triggers displaying a first set of user interactive elements 121 shown in Fig. 6A comprising user interactive elements enabling adjusting values of parameters corresponding to wet treatment of the denim fabric, e.g. particularly to the treatment of the warp layer. The first set of user interactive elements 121 comprises the following user interactive elements 123-125: "Rinse" 123, "Enzyme" 124, "Stone Enzyme" 125, "Stone Wash", "Bleach", "Super bleach", "Tint", "Grey Cast", "Surface Adjustment", "Enzyme Effect". The first set of user interactive elements 121 also shows colour grades of wash presets. The user may adjust the values of the corresponding parameters via the user interactive elements to see the simulation of the corresponding combination of treatments.

[0095] User interactive element 140, "DRY" when activated by the user, triggers displaying a second set of user interactive elements 141 shown in Fig. 6B comprising user interactive elements enabling adjusting values of parameters corresponding to dry treatment of the denim fabric, e.g. particularly to the treatment of the warp layer. The second set of user interactive elements 141 comprises the following user interactive elements 142: "Edge Wear", "Abrasion", "Dark Areas", "Random wash", "Random wash Pattern". The user may adjust the values of the corresponding parameters via the user interactive elements to see the simulation of the corresponding combination of treatments.

[0096] User interactive element 150, "FX" when activated by the user, triggers displaying a third set of user interactive elements 151 shown in Fig. 6C comprising user interactive elements enabling adjusting values of parameters corresponding to laser treatment of the denim fabric, particularly to the treatment of the warp layer. The third set of user interactive elements 151 comprises the following user interactive elements 152: "Whiskers", "Scraping", "Knees", "Backside", "Destroy Effects", "Destroy Effects Blending". The user may adjust the values of the corresponding parameters via the user interactive elements to see the simulation of the corresponding combination of treatments.

[0097] User interactive element 160, "WEFT" when activated by the user, triggers displaying a fourth set of user interactive elements 161 shown in Fig. 6D comprising user interactive elements enabling adjusting values of parameters, e.g. corresponding to treatment of the weft yarns of the denim fabric. The fourth set of user interactive elements 161 comprises the following user interactive elements 162: "Weft Color", "Weft Backstain", "Weft / Warp Ratio". The user may adjust the values of the corresponding parameters via the user interactive elements to see the simulation of the corresponding combination of treatments.

[0098] Figs. 7A-7D illustrate examples of adjusting some of the parameters adjustable via the user interactive elements shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

[0099] Fig. 7A shows a parameter effect 60 as a function defining the image processing associated with the specific parameter based on the corresponding adjusted value 61, the image processing is to be applied to the source texture 62 to obtain the adjusted source texture 63. The source texture 62 may be seen as an input to the parameter effect 60 and the adjusted source texture 63 may be seen as an output of the parameter effect 60. The adjusted value 61 of the corresponding parameter is used together with the parameter effect 60 to obtain the adjusted source texture 63 based on the source texture 62. For example, the function may define brightness increases / decreases based on the adjusted value and / or masking of the pixel map of the source texture. The parameter effect 60 may include the combination of operations, such as multiplication, increasing, and / or decreasing of pixel values, used to process the source texture 62, e.g. the warp texture and / or the weft texture, based on the corresponding adjusted values. In examples, where several parameters are adjusted, several parameter effects may be applied, e.g. sequentially. For example, the adjusted source texture 63 may be used as the input source texture 62 of a subsequent parameter effect 60. In other examples, or in combination, several parameter effects may be applied in parallel based on the same source texture 62 and the resulting plurality of adjusted source textures 63 may be combined to form the final adjusted source texture.

[0100] Figs. 7B-7D show images of the source texture before and after specific processes performed in step 15 of the method 10 shown in Fig. 1 or in steps U and 28 of the method 20 shown in Fig. 8.

[0101] Particularly, Fig. 7B shows processing corresponding to rinse washing simulation induced by "Rinse" user interactive element 123 shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 7C shows processing corresponding to enzyme washing simulation induced by "Enzyme" user interactive element 124 shown in Fig. 6A, and Fig. 7D shows processing corresponding to stone enzyme washing simulation induced by "Stone Enzyme" user interactive element 125 shown in Fig. 6A.

[0102] Fig. 7B shows a source texture 72, which might be an intermediate source texture. The user input corresponding to user interaction with "Rinse" user interactive element 123 is received, which induces adjustment of value of corresponding parameter, or adjustment of "Rinse input value", or of the first value. The first adjusted value 71 is used in combination with the first parameter effect 70 to obtain the adjusted source texture 73. The first parameter effect 70 in Fig. 7B includes blending between the raw pixel map and a levelled pixel map of the source texture 73 depending on the first adjusted value 71 ("Rinse input value"). For example, the first adjusted value of 0 would mean only the levelled pixel map is used, the first adjusted value of 0.5 would mean that an intermediate between the levelled and raw pixel map is used and the first adjusted value of 1 means that only the raw pixel map is used. The first parameter effect 70 may include, for example, blending, subtracting / adding a specific value from / to pixel brightness values of the source texture, adding the first adjusted value 71 to the pixel brightness values of the source texture, or any other operations. As shown in Fig. 7B, the source texture is processed based on the first adjusted value 71 in combination with the first parameter effect 70.

[0103] Fig. 7C shows a source texture 82, which may be the adjusted source texture 73 shown in Fig. 7B. The user input corresponding to user interaction with "Enzyme" user interactive element 124 is received, which induces adjustment of value of corresponding parameter, or adjustment of "Enzyme wash value", or of the second value. The second adjusted value 81 is used in combination with the second parameter effect 80 to obtain the adjusted source texture 83. The second parameter effect 80 may include, for example, adding the second adjusted value 81 to the pixel brightness values of the source texture, or any other operations. The adjusted source texture 83 is shown as a result of the steps induced by the user input. As shown in Fig. 7C, the source texture 82 is processed based on the second adjusted value 81 in combination with the second parameter effect 80 to obtain the adjusted source texture 83. Fig. 7D shows a source texture 92, which may be the adjusted source texture 83 shown in Fig. 7C. The user input corresponding to user interaction with "Stone Enzyme" user interactive element 125 is received, which induces adjustment of value of corresponding parameter, or adjustment of "Stone enzyme wash value", or of the third value. The third adjusted value 91 is used in combination with the third parameter effect 90 to obtain the adjusted source texture 93. The third parameter effect 90 may include, for example, adding the third adjusted value 91 to the pixel brightness values of the source texture 92, or any other operations. The adjusted source texture 93 is shown as a result of the steps induced by the user input. As shown in Fig. 7D, the source texture 92 is processed based on the third adjusted value 91 in combination with the third parameter effect 90 to obtain the adjusted source texture 93.

[0104] As can be seen in Figs. 7A to 7D, the values of different parameters are adjusted in combination with different parameter effects. As described above, the parameter effects may be different for all the parameters of the source texture and may induce or result at different usage of the adjusted values in processing of the source texture to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0105] The first parameter effect, the second parameter effect and the third parameter effect may include the combination of operations, such as multiplication, increasing or decreasing used to process the source texture or the warp texture or the weft texture based on the corresponding adjusted values.

[0106] The steps shown in Figs. 7A-7D may be combined with any other steps corresponding to processing of the source texture in accordance with the adjusted values in combination with corresponding parameter effects. These particular steps and corresponding parameter effects are shown for the illustrative purpose and not limiting the scope of the invention.

[0107] In the following, the method 20 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric according to an embodiment is described. Fig. 8 shows steps in the method 20 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric.

[0108] In step 21 a source texture is retrieved. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. Examples of a source texture are shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. The source texture is received, e.g. generated, by scanning of the denim fabric and transforming it into a pixel map, e.g. prior to step 21, and stored in a database of source textures or in a database of denim fabrics comprising denim fabric and source textures for each denim fabric in the database.

[0109] Upon opening an application, the user may be provided with an affordance, or with an additional user interface, e.g. a pop-up window, to choose the denim fabric, for which the visualization or simulation of treatment is required. In an embodiment, the user may choose the denim fabric from the database. The database may be stored on the electronic device or in a remote server or in a cloud. In an embodiment, the affordance may comprise a request to the user to input characteristics of the desired denim fabric. In this embodiment, the source texture may be chosen from the database of source textures based on these characteristics.

[0110] In an embodiment, the user may upload the scan of the denim fabric in the application. The scan is then transformed into a pixel map to retrieve the source texture. The pixel map may be optionally stored in the database of source textures.

[0111] In step 22 the source texture is separated in two textures - a warp texture and a weft texture. In step 22, two portions of pixels of the source texture may be identified based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture. A pixel brightness level may be used as a threshold to divide the pixels of the source texture into two groups or portions. In step 22, the first portion of pixels, e.g. weft texture 31, of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric with brightness above and / or equal to the predefined threshold is identified, and the second portion of pixels, e.g. warp texture 41, of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric with brightness below and / or equal to the predefined threshold is identified. The threshold may be predefined by sampling weft pixels of the source texture to get a starting value for the threshold and adjusting the threshold value accordingly.

[0112] Alternatively, separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture is performed by a trained machine learning model and comprises identifying, by a machine learning model, ML, model, e.g. a machine learning algorithm, the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, and separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture. The ML model may be configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture, e.g. shapes, e.g. shapes of portions of the source texture corresponding to the weft texture, the portions of the source texture correspond to visible parts of the weft, and / or features in the source texture, e.g. different structures in the source texture. The ML model may have been, e.g. previously, trained using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data to identify the weft texture and the warp texture, the different structures in a fabric scan, the visible parts of the weft yarn in a denim / indigo pattern / weave, and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0113] Step 22 may optionally include some or all of the substeps of step 1 described with reference to Fig. 2. Optionally, step 22 may include washing a denim fabric in the same way as in substep la in Fig. 2. Optionally, step 22 may include scanning the denim fabric in the same way as in substep lb in Fig. 2. Step 22 may be optionally performed prior to step 21. In an embodiment, two textures, the warp texture and the weft textures, are retrieved in step 21.

[0114] In optional step 23, brightness of both warp 41 and weft 31 textures may be adjusted. In an embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures are increased. In another embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures are decreased. The brightness level of warp texture 41 and / or weft texture 31 is adjusted to increase contrast between these two structures.

[0115] In step 24, a user interface is displayed on the display of the electronic device. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements, e.g. user interface affordances, e.g. user interface objects, e.g. buttons or sliders, for adjusting values of, e.g. visual parameters of the source texture, e.g. the weft texture and the warp texture. An exemplary user interface is shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

[0116] In an embodiment, step 24 may be performed prior to steps 21-23. For example, the affordance to choose the denim fabric may be provided to the user after step 24 of displaying the user interface and before step 21 of retrieving the image of the source texture.

[0117] In step 25, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the image of the source texture is displayed in the user interface. As shown, for example, in Figs. 6A to 6D, a 3D model of the jeans made of the denim fabric is displayed in the user interface. This 3D model presents a simulation of the jeans from the denim fabric chosen or uploaded by the user in the previous steps. The 3D model is displayed movable and rotatable around a vertical axis and / or a horizontal axis. Zooming of the 3D model may also be provided. The surface of the 3D model represents or simulates the denim fabric corresponding to the source texture.

[0118] In step 26, one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements are received. The one or more user inputs are received via at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, e.g. those shown in Figs. 6A-6D. In Figs. 6A-6D, the user interactive elements are sliders enabling gradually changing values of the parameters of the source texture. Figs. 6A-6C illustrate user interactive elements configured to receive user inputs, e.g. relating to the warp texture. Fig. 6D illustrates user interactive elements configured to receive user inputs, e.g. relating to the weft texture. Each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, e.g. to one of the parameters of the weft texture and / or of the warp texture. Gradually changing values of the parameters enables adding a corresponding visual effect to the surface of the 3D model. Each of the parameters correspond to a treatment of the denim fabric. The specific treatments are described with the reference to Figs. 6A-6D. The specific sliders or tabs in Figs. 6A- 6D are some examples of the user interface. The user interface may include different combinations of the user interactive elements.

[0119] In response to receiving the user input in step 26 the source texture is processed. In response to receiving the user input comprising values of parameters relating to the weft texture (shown in Fig. 6D), the weft texture is processed in step 27 based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters shown in Fig. 6D to obtain an adjusted weft texture 32. The weft texture is processed in step U based on the values of parameters relating to the weft texture in combination with corresponding parameter effects for each parameter defining the weft texture. In response to receiving the user input comprising values of parameters defining the warp texture (shown in Figs. 6A-6D), the warp texture is processed in step 28 based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters shown in Figs. 6A-6C to obtain an adjusted warp texture 42. The warp texture is processed in step 28 based on the values of parameters influencing the warp texture in combination with corresponding parameter effects for each parameter defining the warp texture. The corresponding parameter effects are at least partially different for each parameter defining the weft texture and for each parameter defining the warp texture. As can be seen in the examples in Figs. 7A-7D, the values of different parameters are adjusted in combination with different parameter effects. The different parameter effects include the combination of operations, such as multiplication, increasing or decreasing used to process the warp texture and / or the weft texture based on the corresponding adjusted values.

[0120] Steps 27 and 28 may be performed independently of each other. The warp texture 41 (the second portion of pixels) is processed in step 28 of the method 20, e.g. in step-by-step image series, e.g. independently of processing the weft texture 31 (the first portion of pixels). For example, the processing of the warp texture 41 (the second portion of pixels) may have no effect on the processing of the weft texture 31 (the first portion of pixels). In the method 20, the weft texture 31 (the first portion of pixels) is processed in step 27 of the method 20, e.g. in step-by-step image series, e.g. independently of processing the warp texture 41 (the second portion of pixels). For example, the processing of the weft texture 31 (the first portion of pixels) may have no effect on the processing of the warp texture 41 (the second portion of pixels).

[0121] The adjusted weft texture 32 and the adjusted warp texture 42 are combined together in step 29 using original weft texture 31 as a mask prior to displaying the 3D model at step 30 of the method 20. Using the original weft texture as a mask means that the different brightness values are used as a cutout for displaying different textures. Any white areas of the texture that is being used as a mask will have full opacity while black areas will have no opacity, meaning they will be transparent. The weft texture is placed over the warp texture and then using the mask, the parts of the weft that are 1 black are cut out, which makes the underlying warp texture visible in all the areas where the weft texture is black. This process is illustrated in Fig. 3B. The brightness of the original weft texture determines where warp pixels should be visible and where they should not. By manipulating the brightness of the original weft texture the ration between warp and weft yarns can be increased or decreased to either show more or less of the weft texture.

[0122] In step 30, the 3D model is (re)displayed, in the user interface. The surface of the 3D model displayed in step 30 comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture, the adjusted source texture being a combination of the adjusted weft texture 32, the adjusted warp texture 42 and the original weft texture 31. The 3D model displayed in step 30 simulates the result of the treatment steps of the denim fabric corresponding to those chosen by the user and included in the user input and shows the simulation or visualization of the jeans treated in a chosen way.

[0123] As a result of performing the steps of the method 20, the 3D model of the treated jeans is provided to the user, the 3D model provides a realistic image of the jeans treated in a chosen way. This embodiment may provide a more precise and realistic image of the denim fabric after the treatment due to reducing the influence of the white-coloured weft and separating processing of the warp texture and the weft texture.

[0124] In the following, additional steps of the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with an embodiment are described. Fig. 9 shows additional steps, which may be final steps of method 10 shown in Fig. 1 and of method 20 shown in Fig. 8, which may be used after the steps shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 8 correspondingly.

[0125] In step 45, which may be performed after step 16 of method 10 and after step 30 of method 20 at least one file, e.g. a plurality of files, is generated based on the adjusted source texture. The at least one file may comprise a pixel file configured to be used by a fabric printing machine for fabric printing. The fabric printing machine is configured to manufacture a denim item using the print file by direct printing to fabric or by transfering print via a paper / foil. The at least one file may comprise a print file, e.g. a printing file, e.g. comprising pixel structure, e.g. a pixel file, used by a fabric printing machine, e.g. a fabric printer, to print a pattern on a fabric, e.g. a denim fabric. The print file may comprise at least one of the following: pattern pieces, fabric simulation, wash simulation, print colours, cutting lines. In an embodiment, generating the at least one file may include exporting the adjusted source texture in a file format, e.g. JPEG, TIFF, PNG format. The at least one file may be generated by transforming the adjusted source texture into the pixel file configured to be used by the fabric printing machine. A plurality of files, e.g. a stack of files, may be generated in step 45 based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, e.g. s, m, I sizes of jeans, jackets etc., or a piece of fabric. Print files, e.g. pixel files, may be automatically generated for different sizes of the fabric items, e.g. jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, bags, etc.

[0126] In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by the application installed on the electronic device, or by separate application installed on the electronic device, the separate application communicating with the application. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the separate application for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the at least one file may be generated by a server, e.g. a remote server, connected with the electronic device. In an embodiment, the adjusted source texture may be sent to the server for generation of the at least one file. In an embodiment, the server may send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

[0127] In an embodiment, generating the at least one file includes generating a plurality of print files, e.g. printing files, e.g. a stack of print files, based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, e.g. s, m, I sizes of jeans, jackets etc., or e.g. a piece of fabric. In an embodiment, print files, e.g. pixel files, are automatically generated for different sizes, e.g. s, m, I sizes, of the fabric items, e.g. jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, bags, etc. In an embodiment, sending the at least one file includes sending the plurality of print files to the at least one fabric printing machine.

[0128] The at least one file generated in step 45 may further comprise a set of instructions for washing machines, e.g. fabric washing machines, garment washing machines, industrial washing machines, denim washing machines, textile washing machines, which when performed by processors of the fabric washing machines cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, e.g. fabric washing processes or garment washing processes. The set of instructions may include time of each washing process, amount of water to be used for each washing process, temperature of each washing process, names and amount of chemicals to be used in each washing process. The set of instructions for the washing machine, e.g. the fabric washing machine, the garment washing machine, the industrial washing machine, the denim washing machine, the textile washing machine, may be generated based on the adjusted source texture. The set of instruction may be generated automatically.

[0129] In step 46, the at least one file is sent to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. machine for manufacturing of the denim fabric or the denim items, e.g. a garment washing machine or a fabric printing machine. The at least one file comprising a print file, e.g. a printing file, e.g. a pixel file, or a plurality of print files, e.g. pixel files, may be sent to the fabric printing machine to be used to print the simulated pattern on the denim item. The at least one file including the set of instructions to perform washing processes may be sent to at least one fabric washing machine or at least one garment washing machine. The set of instructions when performed by processors of the fabric washing machines or the garment washing machines cause the fabric washing machines or the garment washing machines to perform the washing processes to create the pattern of the denim fabric corresponding to the 3D model displayed to the user.

[0130] The at least one file may be sent to or through an interface (e.g. human-machine interface, e.g. an interface of a manufacturer of a fabric, e.g. a manufacturer of a denim fabric, or a manufacturer of denim clothing items, e.g. a manufacturer of fabric processing machines or garment processing machines) being in connection (e.g. wireless or wired connection) with at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. at least one garment washing machine or at least one fabric printing machine. The interface is configured to send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine. The interface may be at the site of the manufacturer or at the site of the third party, e.g. at a remote server associated with the manufacturer, e.g. a remote server, which is connected (e.g. wirelessly or via wired connection) with the manufacturer.

[0131] The steps 45 and 46 shown in Fig. 9 and described above may be combined with any of the methods described herein.

[0132] As a result of performing the steps illustrated in Fig. 9, the at least one file comprising the information for the manufacture of the jeans items or the jeans fabric is sent to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine used in the manufacturing process.

[0133] In the following, the method 200 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric according to the present disclosure is described. Fig. 10 shows steps in a method 200 of visualizing treatment of a pair of jeans made of a denim fabric.

[0134] Although Fig. 10 illustrates visualizing treatment of the denim fabric, the method of the invention may be used for other woven fabrics, e.g. comprising similar structure of weft and warp yarns. The method may be also used for knitted fabrics where the fabric doesn't have a warp and weft. Upon applying the method to the knitted fabrics, separation of warp and weft textures as described referring to Fig. 2 may be omitted.

[0135] The method 200 is performed at an electronic device with a display and processing functionality, for example, at a tablet, laptop, stationary computer, smartphone, terminal etc. The method 200 may be performed in an application downloaded on the electronic device. In a first step 201, a source texture is retrieved. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. Examples of a source texture are shown in Figs. 7A-7D. The source texture is received, e.g. generated, by scanning of the denim fabric and transforming it into a pixel map, e.g. prior to the first step 201, and stored in a database of source textures or in a database of denim fabrics comprising denim fabric and source textures for each denim fabric in the database. The process of receiving, e.g. generating, the source texture may optionally include the processing steps, such as those described with reference to Figs. 2 and 4.

[0136] Upon opening an application, the user may be provided with an affordance, or with an additional user interface, e.g. a pop-up window, to choose the denim fabric, for which the visualization or simulation of treatment is required. In an embodiment, the user may choose the denim fabric from the database. The database may be stored on the electronic device or on a remote server or in the cloud. In an embodiment, the affordance may comprise a request to the user to input characteristics of the desired denim fabric. In this embodiment, the source texture may be chosen from the database of source textures based on these characteristics.

[0137] In an embodiment, the user may upload a scan of the denim fabric in the application. The scan is then transformed into a pixel map to retrieve the source texture. The pixel map may be optionally stored in the database of source textures. The scan may be optionally processed using the steps described with reference to Figs. 2 and 4.

[0138] In the next step 202, a user interface is displayed on the display of the electronic device. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements, e.g. user interface affordances, e.g. user interface objects, e.g. buttons or sliders, for adjusting values of e.g. visual parameters of the source texture. An exemplary user interface is shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

[0139] In an embodiment, step 202 may be performed prior to step 201. For example, the affordance to choose the denim fabric may be provided to the user after step 202 of displaying the user interface and before step 201 of retrieving the image of the source texture.

[0140] In step 203, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture is displayed in the user interface. As shown, for example, in Figs. 6A-6D, a 3D model of a pair of jeans made of denim fabric is displayed in the user interface. This 3D model presents a simulation of the jeans made from the denim fabric chosen or uploaded by the user in the previous steps. The 3D model is displayed movable and rotatable around a vertical axis and / or a horizontal axis. Zooming of the 3D model may also be provided. The surface of the 3D model represents or simulates the denim fabric corresponding to the source texture. In step 204, one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements are received. The one or more user inputs are received via at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, e.g. as shown in Figs. 6A-6D. In Figs. 6A-6D, the user interactive elements are sliders enabling or inducing gradually changing values of the parameters of the source texture, e.g. from 0 to 1. Each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture. The one or more interactions causes or induces adjustments of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture. Gradually changing values of the parameters enables adding a corresponding visual effect to the surface of the 3D model. Each of the parameters correspond to a treatment of the denim fabric. The specific treatments are shown with reference to Figs. 6A-6D.

[0141] In response to receiving the one or more user inputs, the source texture is processed, in step 205, based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture. Figs. 7A-7D show some exemplary underlying processes performed by the processor of the electronic device in response to the user input to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0142] In step 206, the 3D model is (re)displayed, in the user interface. The surface of the 3D model displayed in step 206 comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture. The 3D model displayed in step 206 simulates the result of the treatment steps of the denim fabric corresponding to those chosen by the user and included in the user input and shows the simulation or visualization of the jeans treated in a chosen way.

[0143] In step 207, at least one file is generated based on the adjusted source texture. The at least one file may comprise a pixel file configured to be used by a fabric printing machine for fabric printing. The fabric printing machine is configured to manufacture a denim item using the print file by direct printing to fabric or by transfering print via a paper / foil. The at least one file may comprise a print file, e.g. a printing file, e.g. a pixel file, e.g. a print file comprising pixel structure, used by a fabric printing machine, e.g. a fabric printer, to print a pattern on a fabric, e.g. a denim fabric. The print file may comprise at least one of the following: pattern pieces, fabric simulation, wash simulation, print colours, cutting lines. In an embodiment, generating the at least one file may include exporting the adjusted source texture in a file format, e.g. JPEG, TIFF, PNG format. The at least one file may be generated by transforming the adjusted source texture into the pixel file configured to be used by the fabric printing machine. A plurality of files, e.g. a stack of files, may be generated in step 207 based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, e.g. s, m, I sizes of jeans, jackets etc., or a piece of fabric. Print files, e.g. pixel files, may be automatically generated for different sizes of the fabric items, e.g. jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets, bags, etc. The at least one file generated in step 207 may comprise a set of instructions for washing machines, e.g. fabric washing machines, garment washing machines, industrial washing machines, denim washing machines, textile washing machines, which when performed by processors of the washing machines cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, e.g. fabric washing processes or garment washing processes. The set of instructions may include time of each washing process, amount of water to be used for each washing process, temperature of each washing process, names and amount of chemicals to be used in each washing process. The set of instructions for the fabric washing machine, e.g. the fabric washing machine, the garment washing machine, the industrial washing machine, the denim washing machine, the textile washing machine may be generated based on the adjusted source texture. The set of instruction may be generated automatically.

[0144] In step 208, the at least one file is sent to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. machine for manufacturing of the denim fabric or the denim items, e.g. a fabric printing machine or a fabric washing machine. The at least one file may comprise a pixel file or a plurality of pixel files, which may be sent to the fabric printing machine to be used to print the simulated pattern on the denim item. The at least one file including the set of instructions to perform washing processes may be sent to at least one fabric washing machine or to at least one garment washing machine. The set of instructions when performed by processors of the fabric washing machines cause the fabric washing machines or the garment washing machines to perform the washing processes to create the pattern of the denim fabric corresponding to the 3D model displayed to the user.

[0145] The at least one file may be sent to or through an interface (e.g. human-machine interface, e.g. an interface of a manufacturer of a fabric, e.g. a manufacturer of a denim fabric, or a manufacturer of denim clothing items, e.g. a manufacturer of fabric processing machines or garment processing machines) being in connection (e.g. wireless or wired connection) with at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. at least one garment washing machine or at least one fabric printing machine. The interface is configured to send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine. The interface may be at the site of the manufacturer or at the site of the third party, e.g. at a remote server associated with the manufacturer, e.g. a remote server, which is connected (e.g. wirelessly or via wired connection) with the manufacturer.

[0146] As a result of performing the steps of the method 200, the 3D model of the treated jeans is provided to the user and the file comprising the information for the manufacture of the jeans items or the jeans fabric is sent to the machine, e.g. a fabric processing machine or a garment processing machine, used in the manufacturing process.

[0147] In the following, the method 300 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric according to an embodiment is described. Fig. 11 shows steps in the method 300 of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric.

[0148] In step 301, a source texture is retrieved. The source texture represents a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric. Examples of a source texture are shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. The source texture is received, e.g. generated, by scanning of the denim fabric and transforming it into a pixel map, e.g. prior to step 301, and stored in a database of source textures or in a database of denim fabrics comprising denim fabric and source textures for each denim fabric in the database. Step 301 is the same as step 11 in method 10 and step 21 in method 20 described above.

[0149] In step 302 the source texture is separated in two textures - a warp texture and a weft texture. In step 302, two portions of pixels of the source texture are identified based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture. Step 302 is the same as step 22 in method 20 described above.

[0150] Alternatively, separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture in step 302 may be performed by a trained machine learning model and comprises identifying, by a machine learning model, ML model, e.g. a machine learning algorithm, the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, and separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture. The ML model may be configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture, e.g. shapes, e.g. shapes of portions of the source texture corresponding to the weft texture, the portions of the source texture correspond to visible parts of the weft, and / or features in the source texture, e.g. different structures in the source texture. The ML model may have been, e.g. previously, trained using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data to identify the weft texture and the warp texture, the different structures in a fabric scan, the visible parts of the weft yarn in a denim / indigo pattern / weave, and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0151] Step 302 may optionally include some or all of the substeps of step 1 described with reference to Fig. 2. Optionally, step 302 may include washing a denim fabric in the same way as in substep la in Fig. 2. Optionally, step 302 may include scanning the denim fabric in the same way as in substep lb in Fig. 2.

[0152] Step 302 may be optionally performed prior to step 301. In an embodiment, two textures, the warp texture and the weft textures, are retrieved in step 301. In optional step 303, brightness of both warp 41 and weft 31 textures may be adjusted. In an embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures are increased. In another embodiment, both brightness and contrast of both textures are decreased. The brightness level of warp texture 41 and / or weft texture 31 is adjusted to increase contrast between these two structures.

[0153] In step 304, a user interface is displayed on the display of the electronic device. The user interface comprises a set of user interactive elements, e.g. user interface affordances, e.g. user interface objects, e.g. buttons or sliders, for adjusting values of e.g. visual parameters of the source texture, e.g. the weft texture and the warp texture. An exemplary user interface is shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

[0154] In an embodiment, step 304 may be performed prior to steps 301-303. For example, the affordance to choose the denim fabric may be provided to the user after step 304 of displaying the user interface and before step 301 of retrieving the image of the source texture.

[0155] In step 305, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the image of the source texture is displayed in the user interface. Step 305 is the same as step 13 in method 10 and step 25 in method 20 described above.

[0156] In step 306, one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements are received. Step 306 is the same as step 14 in method 10 and step 26 in method 20 described above.

[0157] In response to receiving the user input in step 306 the source texture is processed. In response to receiving the user input comprising values of parameters relating to the weft texture (shown in Fig. 6D), the weft texture is processed in step 307 based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters shown in Fig. 6D to obtain an adjusted weft texture 32. In response to receiving the user input comprising values of parameters defining the warp texture (shown in Figs. 6A-6D), the warp texture is processed in step 308 based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters shown in Figs. 6A-6C to obtain an adjusted warp texture 42. The steps 307 and 308 are the same as steps 27 and 28 in method 20 described above.

[0158] Steps 307 and 308 may be performed independently of each other in the same way as described in relation to steps 27 and 28 of method 20 described above.

[0159] The adjusted weft texture 32 and the adjusted warp texture 42 are combined together in step 309 using original weft texture 31 as a mask prior to displaying the 3D model at step 30 of the method 300. Step 309 is the same as step 29 in method 20 described above. In step 310, the 3D model is (re)displayed, in the user interface. Step 310 is the same as step 16 in method 10 and step 30 in method 20 described above.

[0160] In step 311 at least one file is generated based on the adjusted source texture. Step 311 is the same as step 207 of method 200 described above.

[0161] In step 312, the at least one file is sent to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, e.g. a machine for manufacturing of the denim fabric or the denim items, e.g. a fabric printing machine or a garment washing machine. Step 312 is the same as step 208 of method 200 described above.

[0162] As a result of performing the steps of the method 300, the 3D model of the treated jeans is provided to the user and the file comprising the information for the manufacture of the jeans items or the jeans fabric is sent to the machine, e.g. the fabric processing machine or the garment processing machine, used in the manufacturing process. This embodiment may provide a more predictable result of manufacturing of the denim fabric and the denim items using the simulation of the denim fabric treatment.

[0163] A print file in accordance with an embodiment, as the one mentioned in relation to the steps and methods shown in Figs. 9-11, is shown in Fig. 12.

[0164] The method of visualizing treatment of a woven fabric is provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The method comprises similar steps described with the reference to Figs. 1-11. The woven fabric is any fabric comprising similar structure of weft and warp yarns, as a denim fabric.

[0165] For reasons of completeness, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0166] 1. A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric comprising: at an electronic device with a display: retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the source texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions causing adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs: processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture.

[0167] 2. The method according to item 1, wherein retrieving the source texture comprises: displaying an affordance to the user configured to receive an input from a user corresponding to choosing the denim fabric from a database of denim fabrics, the database comprising a plurality of denim fabrics and source textures corresponding to each denim fabric in the database; and retrieving the source texture corresponding to the chosen denim fabric.

[0168] 3. The method according to any of items 1-2, wherein retrieving the image of the source texture comprises scanning the denim fabric and transforming the scan into a 2D pixel map.

[0169] 4. The method according to any of items 1-3, further comprising: identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below the predetermined threshold; and separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture. 5. The method according to item 4, wherein processing the source texture comprises: processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture, processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0170] 6. The method according to any of items 1-5, wherein processing the source texture comprises colourising the adjusted source texture by mapping pixel brightness values of the adjusted source texture along a colourband, the colourband is a continuous gradient from darkest colour to brightest colour, the colours of the colourband correspond to decolourization levels of the denim fabric in a number of washing processes.

[0171] 7. The method according to item 6, wherein the colourband is generated by: generating a primary colourband comprising colours corresponding to the decolourization levels aligned from darkest colour to brightest colour; and generating intermediate colours between adjacent colours of the primary colourband to obtain the colourband, the intermediate colours are transitioning colours between the corresponding adjacent colours.

[0172] 8. The method according to any of items 1-7, wherein processing the source texture comprises: multiplication of pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or increasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or decreasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture.

[0173] 9. The method according to any of items 1-8, wherein the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters comprise a first value for a first parameter and a second value for a second parameter, wherein processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain the adjusted source texture comprising processing the source texture based on the first value in combination with a first parameter effect and processing the source texture based on the second value in combination with a second parameter effect, wherein the second parameter effect is different from the first parameter effect.

[0174] 10. An electronic device comprising means for carrying out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of items 1-9.

[0175] 11. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of items 1-9.

[0176] 12. A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric comprising: at an electronic device with a display: retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below the predetermined threshold; and separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture; displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the weft texture and the warp texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the weft texture or the warp texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions causing adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the weft texture and the warp texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the weft texture and the warp texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs: processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture; and processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture; combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture.

[0177] 13. A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric comprising: at an electronic device with a display: retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the source texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions causing adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs: processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture, generating at least one file based on the adjusted source texture, and sending the at least one file to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

[0178] 14. The method of item 13, further comprising: separating the source texture into a weft texture and a warp texture, processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture, processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture.

[0179] 15. The method of item 14, wherein separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture comprises: identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below the predetermined threshold; separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture.

[0180] 16. The method of item 14, wherein separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture comprises: identifying, by a machine learning model, ML model, the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, and separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0181] 17. The method of item 16, wherein the ML model is configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0182] 18. The method of any of items 16-17, wherein the ML model has been trained, using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data, to identify the weft texture and the warp texture and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

[0183] 19. The method of any of items 13-18, wherein the at least one file comprises a print file configured to be used by at least one fabric printing machine for fabric printing, generating the at least one file includes transforming the adjusted source texture into the print file configured to be used by the at least one fabric printing machine, and sending the at least one file includes sending the print file to the at least one fabric printing machine.

[0184] 20. The method of item 19, wherein generating the at least one file includes generating a plurality of print files based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of print files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, and sending the at least one file includes sending the plurality of print files to the at least one fabric printing machine.

[0185] 21. The method of any of items 13-20, wherein: the at least one file further comprises a set of instructions for washing machines, which when performed by processors of the washing machines cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, generating the at least one file includes generating the set of instructions for the washing machines based on the adjusted source texture, sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to at least one washing machine. 22. The method of any of items 13-21, wherein sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to an interface being in connection with the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, wherein the interface is configured to send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

[0186] The disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and alterations and modifications can be carried out without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0187] Throughout the description, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. does not imply any particular order or importance but are included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric comprising: at an electronic device with a display: retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the source texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions causing adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs: processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture, generating at least one file based on the adjusted source texture, and sending the at least one file to at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: separating the source texture into a weft texture and a warp texture, processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture,processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture comprises: identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below the predetermined threshold; separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture comprises: identifying, by a machine learning model, ML model, the weft texture and the warp texture in the source texture, and separating the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the ML model is configured to identify the weft texture based on differences in patterns and pattern pieces between the weft texture and the warp texture.

6. The method of any of claims 4-5, wherein the ML model has been trained, using manually masked weft textures of different denim fabrics as training data, to identify the weft texture and the warp texture and separate the source texture into the weft texture and the warp texture.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one file comprises a print file configured to be used by at least one fabric printing machine for fabric printing,generating the at least one file includes transforming the adjusted source texture into the print file configured to be used by the at least one fabric printing machine, and sending the at least one file includes sending the print file to the at least one fabric printing machine.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the at least one file includes generating a plurality of print files based on the adjusted source texture, wherein each file in the plurality of print files is a pixel file for a predetermined size of a fabric item, and sending the at least one file includes sending the plurality of print files to the at least one fabric printing machine.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one file further comprises a set of instructions for washing machines, which when performed by processors of the washing machines cause the washing machines to perform a number of washing processes, generating the at least one file includes generating the set of instructions for the washing machines based on the adjusted source texture, sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to at least one washing machine.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein sending the at least one file includes sending the at least one file to an interface being in connection with the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine, wherein the interface is configured to send the at least one file to the at least one fabric processing machine and / or at least one garment processing machine.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein retrieving the source texture comprises: displaying an affordance to the user configured to receive an input from a user corresponding to choosing the denim fabric from a database of denim fabrics, the database comprising a plurality of denim fabrics and source textures corresponding to each denim fabric in the database; and retrieving the source texture corresponding to the chosen denim fabric.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein retrieving the image of the source texture comprises scanning the denim fabric and transforming the scan into a 2D pixel map.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein processing the source texture comprises colourising the adjusted source texture by mapping pixel brightness values of the adjusted source texture along a colourband, the colourband is a continuous gradient from darkest colour to brightest colour, the colours of the colourband correspond to decolourization levels of the denim fabric in a number of washing processes.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the colourband is generated by: generating a primary colourband comprising colours corresponding to the decolourization levels aligned from darkest colour to brightest colour; and generating intermediate colours between adjacent colours of the primary colourband to obtain the colourband, the intermediate colours are transitioning colours between the corresponding adjacent colours.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein processing the source texture comprises: multiplication of pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or increasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or decreasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters comprise a first value for a first parameter and a second value for a second parameter, wherein processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain the adjusted source texture comprising processing the source texture based on the first value in combination with a first parameter effect and processing the source texture based on the second value in combination with a second parameter effect, wherein the second parameter effect is different from the first parameter effect.

17. An electronic device comprising means for carrying out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of claims 1-16.

18. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of claims 1-16.

19. A method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric comprising: at an electronic device with a display: retrieving a source texture, the source texture representing a pixel map of a scan of the denim fabric, displaying a user interface on the display, the user interface comprising a set of user interactive elements for adjusting values of parameters of the source texture, wherein each user interactive element corresponds to one of the parameters of the source texture, displaying, in the user interface, a 3D model having a surface comprising a representation of the source texture, receiving one or more user inputs corresponding to one or more interactions with at least one user interactive element of the set of user interactive elements, the one or more interactions causing adjustment of values of at least one of the parameters of the source texture to obtain adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture, in response to receiving the one or more user inputs: processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted source texture; and displaying, in the user interface, the 3D model wherein the surface comprises a representation of the adjusted source texture.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein retrieving the source texture comprises: displaying an affordance to the user configured to receive an input from a user corresponding to choosing the denim fabric from a database of denim fabrics, the database comprising a plurality of denim fabrics and source textures corresponding to each denim fabric in the database; and retrieving the source texture corresponding to the chosen denim fabric.

21. The method according to any of claims 19-20, wherein retrieving the image of the source texture comprises scanning the denim fabric and transforming the scan into a 2D pixel map.

22. The method according to any of claims 19-21, further comprising: identifying, based on brightness levels of pixels of the source texture, a first portion of pixels of the source texture representing weft yarns of the denim fabric and a second portion of pixels of the source texture representing warp yarns of the denim fabric, wherein the first portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level above a predetermined threshold and the second portion of pixels of the source texture has a brightness level below the predetermined threshold; and separating the source texture into a weft texture corresponding to the first portion of pixels of the source texture and a warp texture corresponding to the second portion of pixels of the source texture.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein processing the source texture comprises: processing the weft texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted weft texture, processing the warp texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain an adjusted warp texture, and combining the adjusted weft texture, the adjusted warp texture and the weft texture to obtain the adjusted source texture.

24. The method according to any of claims 19-23, wherein processing the source texture comprises colourising the adjusted source texture by mapping pixel brightness values of the adjusted source texture along a colourband, wherein the colourband is a continuous gradient from darkest colour to brightest colour, the colours of the colourband correspond to decolourization levels of the denim fabric in a number of washing processes.

25. The method according to item 24, wherein the colourband is generated by: generating a primary colourband comprising colours corresponding to the decolourization levels aligned from darkest colour to brightest colour; and generating intermediate colours between adjacent colours of the primary colourband to obtain the colourband, the intermediate colours being transitioning colours between the corresponding adjacent colours.

26. The method according to any of claims 19-25, wherein processing the source texture comprises: multiplying pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or increasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture; and / or decreasing pixel values of the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters of the source texture.

27. The method according to any of claims 19-26, wherein the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters comprise a first value for a first parameter and a second value for a second parameter, wherein processing the source texture based on the adjusted values of the at least one of the parameters to obtain the adjusted source texture comprises processing the source texture based on the first value in combination with a first parameter effect and processing the source texture based on the second value in combination with a second parameter effect, wherein the second parameter effect is different from the first parameter effect.

28. An electronic device comprising means for carrying out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of claims 19-27.

29. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method of visualizing treatment of a denim fabric in accordance with any of claims 19-27.

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