A device and a method for real-time identification of defects in fabrics, during weaving

A defect identification device for identifying defects in fabrics, comprising:

• a support frame fitted with a crossbar supporting at least one video camera for capturing images of a fabric while it is being woven,
• movement means for moving the at least one video camera so as to frame the weaving process in real time,
• a processing and control unit programmed to:
• control the movement means to move the video camera automatically in real time along a transverse weft direction (X-X) so as to follow the weaving steps of the fabric being formed,
• acquire in advance the geometry of the fabric to be made and set at least one theoretical dimensional parameter of comparison and a tolerance limit value for said theoretical dimensional parameter,
• capture images of the fabric being formed in real time,
• process said images so as to acquire the actual dimensional parameter, corresponding to the theoretical dimensional parameter, obtained for the fabric being formed and compare it to the theoretical dimensional parameter,
• detect the presence of a weaving error if the difference between the actual dimensional parameter and the theoretical dimensional parameter is greater than the tolerance limit value,
• store the coordinates of the corresponding fabric portions that have weaving errors or defects, said coordinates being relative to a weft (T) and a warp (O) of the fabric.