Method for optimizing a textile production process

A method for optimizing a textile producing process utilizing one or more devices associated with a machine carrying out the production process, including carrying out an identification and/or verification procedure and applying at least one identification element to at least one of the devices to enable electronic identification and/or verification of such device.

A method for optimizing a textile production process carried out on an automated weaving machine optionally including peripheral devices, comprising establishing communication between the weaving machine and optionally the peripheral device and a portable computer wherein the portable computer serves as a data carrier for machine data.

A method for optimizing a textile production processes carried out using a plurality of automated weaving machines comprising:

• connecting the weaving machines to a central server using a network, said server being programmed to contain information related to standard weaving machine settings for different articles to be woven, including expected variations that will or may be used in the processes for weaving such articles, and
• by means of the server, comparing settings of all weaving machines connected to the network to a standard setting for a respective article to be woven on a each respective weaving machine, including selectively transmitting to individual weaving machines connected to the network deviations from the standard settings as desired or required with respect to articles being woven on the respective weaving machines, and/or carrying out an automatic intervention at a weaving machine connected to the network as a function of selected deviations.

A method for optimizing a textile production process, comprising manufacturing textile products on a plurality of different textile machines, and exchanging data between the respective textile machines.

A method for optimizing a textile production process using textile production machines with or without peripheral devices, comprising using a machine terminal associated with each textile production machine as a user interface as part of a maintenance management system.

A method of optimizing a textile production process involving making identical or similar textiles on a plurality of textile producing machines, comprising:

• detecting control values and settings on the plurality of machines;
• establishing an automatic exchange of data as a dialogue between the plurality of machines;
• and, in response to the dialogue, optimizing the control of at least one of the machines.

A method of optimizing a textile production process involving weaving one or more fabrics on a plurality of weaving machines, comprising establishing a communication between each weaving machine, or between a weaving machine of the plurality of weaving machines and one or more other systems, by means of a portable telephone system that cooperates with a public telephone network.

A method of optimizing a textile production process involving weaving one or more fabrics on one or more weaving machines, comprising:

• using digital photographic equipment associated with each of said one or more weaving machines to capture image data;
• and
• communicating such image data to a location away from the weaving machine via a communication system.

A method for optimizing a textile production process involving weaving textiles using a plurality of automated weaving machines in a weaving mill, comprising:

• using sensors on the weaving machines to detect and measure ambient factors related to the environment of the weaving machines;
• taking follow-up action in response to detected and measured ambient factors related to the environment of the weaving machines.

A method of optimizing a textile production process using a weaving machine under the control of a weaving machine operator, comprising:

• communicating to the weaving machine operator information contained in an instruction manual relating to the operation and use of the machine, said communication being carried out using visual images or audible voice communications through a visual imaging device or voice technology located on or proximate the weaving machine.

A method of optimizing a textile production process involving an automated weaving machine having an information screen associated therewith, comprising generating and displaying on the screen an image representing a characteristic of the tension of a weft thread and/or a characteristic of the tension of a warp thread being used in the weaving process.

A method for optimizing a textile weaving process carried out on an automated weaving machine, said weaving machine including a sand roll, and wherein the weaving machine includes an on-loom fabric inspection system that cooperates in the weaving process comprising:

• displaying on a visual image display screen associated with the weaving machine a representation of one or more conditions detected by said fabric inspection system;
• and
• locating a fabric observation element of the on-loom fabric inspection system below the sand roll.