System for Thread Printing Using Image-Based Feedback

A system for treatment of thread, comprising:

• a thread printer comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a printhead configured to apply colored coatings to a thread as the thread passes between the inlet and the outlet;
• a processor;
• and
• a computer-readable memory containing programming instructions that are configured to cause the processor to:
• instruct the thread printer to selectively apply the colored coatings to the thread according to a pattern to yield a treated thread that includes multiple segments of different colors,
• after a first portion of the treated thread has passed through the outlet, receive an image that includes the treated thread and process the image to identify an actual location of a selected segment of the treated thread,
• determine whether the actual location of the selected segment corresponds to an expected location,
• if the actual location of the selected segment corresponds to the expected location, continue instructing the thread printer to selectively apply the colored coatings to the thread according to the pattern, and
• if the actual location of the selected segment does not correspond to the expected location, instruct the thread printer to:
• modify the pattern to increase or decrease a size of one or more of the segments;
• and
• selectively apply the colored coatings to the thread according to the modified pattern.