Yarn-dyed woven defect characterization and classification using combined features and support vector machine

In this paper, we present a novel defect evaluation method that uses combined features and modified support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to characterize and classify the defects of yarn-dyed fabrics. Yarn-dyed fabric images are preprocessed, and nine parameters are defined in the combined feature extractors. Based on binary and textural energy images for defect regions, yarn-dyed fabric defect features can be described, such as weft length, warp length, weft length to warp length ratio, perimeter, area, roundness, coarseness, contrast, and directionality. These parameters are also used as the inputs of optimized SVM classifiers to obtain overall defect classes in accordance with the Chinese National Standard of Yarn-dyed Pattern Fabrics (GB/T 22851 - 2009). The effectiveness of this evaluation method is tested by 180 selected defect images of yarn-dyed fabrics that have different patterns. The cross-validation tests on the yarn-dyed fabric defect classifications indicate that the defect categories of more than 91% of these diversified samples can be recognized correctly by using the SVM classification scheme. Furthermore, the extracted defect parameters provide useful information for textile and clothing manufacturing to grade yarn-dyed fabrics.