Yarn Imaging Device Digital Sensor Moisture Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current yarn characterization sensors, such as capacitance and optical sensors, face limitations including sensitivity to moisture and humidity, limited measurement resolution, and analogue measurement issues, which hinder accurate determination of yarn characteristics like diameter, density, and foreign matter detection.

Innovation Solution

A yarn imaging device employing digital image sensors with rolling shutters and multiple illumination sources, including out-of-phase operation and different wavelengths, to generate high-resolution images of the yarn for continuous and uninterrupted monitoring, enabling precise determination of yarn characteristics like diameter, density, and foreign matter identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitance sensors are used to measure yarn characteristics, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement resolution is limited and sensitivity to moisture and humidity occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidsensitivity to moisture and humidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces capacitance sensors with a digital imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates the direct electrical measurement that is sensitive to moisture,转而 using optical measurement that captures yarn images for analysis of characteristics like diameter, density, and foreign matter without being affected by humidity changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical capacitance to optical image data. By capturing images at multiple resolutions and analyzing pixel data, the system achieves higher measurement precision for yarn characteristics while avoiding the sensitivity issues inherent in capacitance-based measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If optical sensors are used to characterize yarn profile, then the profile measurement can be obtained, but the measurement resolution is limited and contamination of optics occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile measurement accuracyVSAvoidcontamination of optics
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a digital camera to capture two-dimensional images of the yarn, then processes these images to extract one-dimensional profile information. This dimensional approach allows for higher resolution measurements compared to traditional optical sensors, as the entire yarn cross-section can be captured and analyzed digitally, providing more data points for accurate profile characterization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the yarn profile through image capture and processing. Instead of directly measuring with physical sensors that can be contaminated, the yarn is illuminated and its image is captured, creating a digital representation that can be analyzed without physical contact, thereby avoiding contamination issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If analogue sensors are used for yarn measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement is prone to drift from calibrated values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidcalibration drift
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analogue sensors with a digital imaging system. The digital camera captures images that are processed by algorithms to determine yarn characteristics. This digital approach eliminates the analogue signal drift problem, as digital values remain stable and can be consistently processed through standardized algorithms, improving both reliability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through image processing algorithms that continuously analyze the captured yarn images. By comparing measured characteristics against reference values and adjusting measurements in real-time, the system maintains calibration stability and compensates for any variations, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements without drift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides enhanced measurement resolution and accuracy in determining yarn characteristics, including diameter, density, and foreign matter detection, with improved resistance to contamination and humidity, enabling effective yarn quality control.

Implementation Method 1

at least one illumination source for illuminating the yarn; and, at least one digital image sensor positioned in such a way that said digital image sensor generates an image of the yarn

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3405776B1Yarn imaging device
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 MG SENSORS
  • EP3405776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3405776B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3405776B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a yarn imaging device (100) comprising one or more sensing groups (110). Each sensing group comprises at least one illumination source (114) for illuminating the yarn (10) and at least one digital image sensor (111). The digital image sensor is positioned in such a way that the digital image sensor generates an image of the yarn (10). The characteristics of the yarn are determined based on the yarn image. Further, the present invention enables determination of presence of foreign matter within the yarn.