Evaluation of diamond bar patterns on fabric surface using an image analysis technique

The main aim of this work is to study of the effect of yarn periodic irregularities on the plain weave fabric appearance using an image analysis method. The pattern of fabric faults was simulated using a prepared computer program. In the experimental stage, two different types of yarn were prepared. The first yarn was produced with a certain wavelength and the second yarn was prepared with a strong periodic irregularity using an open-end spinning machine. The wavelength of the open-end yarn fault was measured by using an Uster 4 automatic evenness tester. For practical examination, the yarns were used as weft in a shuttle loom machine and two types of fabrics were produced. Using image processing, the number and size of the diamond bar patterns, and also the theoretical wavelength of the weft yarn, were calculated. The wavelengths calculated theoretically were compared with the actual wavelengths of the weft yarns. The results showed an acceptable accuracy of the method.