Computer simulation of plain woven fabric appearance from yarn photographs

Abstract

This article proposes a method for simulating plain woven fabric appearance based on photographs taken by still camera of actual yarns along their lengths. The survey mathematically models the transformation of yarns from a straight circular cylinder to a flattened and crimped form in the fabric structure. The simulation is performed by yarn images that are obtained by image processing techniques and resized according to mathematical models developed by means of the software prepared. Transforming circular yarn cross-section to elliptical one for simulating yarn flattening and modelling the crimped shape of yarn by an elastica curve are both convenient and realistic. The simulation of plain woven fabric can be performed by a method based on raster graphics. This article provides a model for yarn shape in fabric structure as well as a method for simulating plain woven fabric appearance. This method may be used in textile industry for design and quality control.

Keywords:

• fabric simulation
• fabric appearance
• yarn image
• fabric image
• elastica curve
• yarn flattening

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support of Dokuz Eylül University Research Fund. Thanks are also due to Dr. S. Gumustekin, Dr. M. Cinsdikici and L. Cetin, MSc, for their help and valuable discussions.