730077Fabric Colour Mapping SystemClosedLegacy RDA Grant for R&DInnovate UKThe aim of this development project is to create a colour detection system that will reliably make calibrated colour measurements of a wide range of fabrics and produce corresponding colour maps to these measurements. The colour inspection technology will work on all roll-to-roll inspection platform, thereby adding a further inspection capability without the need for an additional process. As the material passes under the colour inspection zone it will be measured in real time at speeds up to 100m/minute and the results collected in the data capture model and then integrated to the customers' business system. This will enable users of fabrics to better match adjacent sections and reduce waste in the form of rejects. The resulting technology will be applicable to our existing fabric inspection machines or those of competitors. Accurate colour detection will not only be available for apparel industries but for a wide range of other manufactures using textiles. The key technical objectives for this project are: • lens development to lift the sensor further from the fabrics (40-50 mm) for inspecting larger area. Necessary for high pile or patterned fabrics • Development of homogeneous luminosity to prevent inaccuracies from external conditions. This will enable true colour calibration of our current technology. We intend to achieve a spatial distribution of light intensity of less than 1%. • Air protected inspection zone to eliminate dust/fibre ingress, improving accuracy and longevity of the sensor system • New sensor integration to improve accuracy from Ll£=±2 to Ll£=±0.1 • Software development to incorporate pattern matching capability • Software development to enable integration with customers' business systems