Yarn parameterization based on image processing

This paper illustrates the development of a system to measure the variation in yarn parameters using image processing with the help of a low cost USB web camera along with a yarn moving arrangement. The complete system comprises of yarn guides and tension control device, motor with gear box, monitor for displaying yarn parameters etc. The system enables to quantify yarn diameter variation, thick/thin places of the yarn in a single unit. The performance of the developed system is free from any fluctuation of ambient temperature or humidity. Different types of yarn (cotton, jute) with wide range of diameter variation are used to verify the system linearity and ascertain its resolution. The available results are verified with that available from a powerful microscope. The measurement of diameter are performed with cut length from 1 mm to 4 mm. Results are available on the monitor showing instantaneous diameter over average diameter calculated for a specific time, counters displaying the number of thick/thin places. The future goal of this work is to acquire the image of the yarn from a spinning frame with the help of a high resolution web camera and to process the same with advanced software to characterise the yarn which in turn dictate the fabric appearance.