Assessing Structural Changes in Knits During Processing

Abstract

An automatic fabric evaluation system is developed to analyze knit structures and objectively evaluate fabric properties. Fabric images are captured with a CCD camera, and digital images are processed by histogram equalization, binary morphological operators, and pattern recognition. Six knitted fabrics are evaluated at different phases of manufac turing. Fabric construction parameters such as courses and wales per unit length, fabric cover, and areal density are measured and evaluated using the new approach and manual methods. Structural changes that occur in the fabrics at different levels of relaxation are also documented. Our image capturing and analysis system is capable of on-line control of knit structures' spatial characteristics before and after wet treatments.