TITLE

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS DETECTION AND CUTTING OF FABRIC FOR ITEMS OF CLOTHING

Field of application

The invention relates to the field of preparation of items of clothing, in particular made with fabrics with striped and/or checked patterns.

In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus/method for continuous detection and cutting of fabrics bearing striped and/or checked patterns for making items of clothing and the following description refers to this field of application to simplify its presentation.

Prior Art

It is known that a considerable part of the haute couture clothing items sold is made with striped and/or checked patterns.

It is also known that an exact match between the start and end of a stripe/check in two component parts sewn to one another in an item of clothing is an irrefutable index of the quality of the item of clothing, as well as a requirement for a necessary aesthetic factor of continuity.

Fabric cutting machines exist on the market for making these items of clothing.

In these machines, the fabric input into the cutting area is photographed by a camera mounted on a cutting head; the camera takes a series of photos of sample parts of the fabric, so as to photograph a sample of the pattern shown on the same.

Once the camera has taken the photos, it makes them available to an operator who, after viewing them, uses a mouse to select the points of the photographed pattern corresponding to the points of a predefined target model of an item of clothing to make.

Unfortunately, since the search for significant points in the pattern is led by the operator, errors are never inevitable, even though the operations are carried out with the utmost care. In addition, with this method, the guarantee of an optimal result is not predictable because even small inaccuracies in the operator's pointing can result in noticeable discontinuities in the pattern of the item of clothing. Additionally, the pictures taken, in part obtained by interpolation, could already contain intrinsic errors which are independent of the operator's skill in choosing.

Lastly, the production of component parts of items of clothing using these methods is dramatically slow because the operations of photographing the images (i.e. the detection), the selection by the operator, and the cutting are carried out strictly in sequence, in addition to a non-negligible amount of time required for the operator's intervention.

A general object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art.

A specific object of the invention is to provide a continuous detection and cutting system of fabric for items of clothing and a corresponding detection and cutting method that is optimised in terms of execution efficiency.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a continuous detection and cutting system of fabric for items of clothing and a corresponding detection and cutting method that minimises the execution time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a continuous detection and cutting system for items of clothing and a corresponding method for the detection and cutting of fabric that allow a precise alignment of stripes/checks between different component parts of the item of clothing to be made.

Summary of the invention

These and other objects are achieved by the invention claimed.

In a first aspect, the invention describes an apparatus for the continuous detection and cutting of fabric, bearing a predefined real striped and/or checked pattern, for making items of clothing, comprising:

a loading area for loading fabric, into which the fabric is loaded for being detected;

a movement means for moving said fabric away from said loading area in an advancement direction;

a detection means arranged to detect from said fabric at least effective points representative of meeting points detected in said predefined real pattern, said detection means being arranged in said loading area;

a processing unit for processing effective and/or theoretical points configured for:

- receiving said theoretical points, representative of a theoretical pattern reproduced on component parts of said items of clothing on a theoretical target model;

- receiving said effective points detected, representative of meeting points detected from said predefined real pattern in said fabric detected;

- performing a comparison by points between said theoretical points and said effective points;

- determining real meeting points of said real pattern in said component parts at least according to said comparison by points;

a cutting area arranged downstream of said loading area with respect to said advancement direction;

a cutting head, associated with said cutting area, and arranged to cut said fabric, which has been received in said cutting area, according to said real meeting points determined;

wherein said fabric has been received in said cutting area starting from said loading area, by means of a movement applied by said movement means in said advancement direction.

Preferably, the processing unit is configured to perform said comparison by points between said theoretical points and said effective points according to the following steps:

- assessing a correspondence of the theoretical points on a theoretical grid at least partially relative to the cutting area with said effective points detected on said fabric in said loading area; - in the event of lack of correspondence, moving said theoretical points so that they coincide with the effective points in order to allow the subsequent cutting of said component parts in conformity with the real fabric received. Preferably, said theoretical points contain information representative of one or more from:

- a spatial relation of a component part with the fabric in said cutting area;

- a cross reference of a component part with another component part of the same item of clothing in said cutting area;

the two items of information defining a rule of composition of the item of clothing to be made with said component parts.

Preferably, said cutting head is configured to cut a first fabric in said cutting area simultaneously with one or more of the following operations:

- said processing unit processes said effective and/or theoretical points of a second fabric;

- said detection means detects a third fabric in said loading area.

Preferably, said processing unit is configured to process said effective and/or theoretical points while said fabric is transported from said loading area to said cutting area.

Preferably, said detection means is arranged to detect on said fabric defect indicators representative of non-conforming areas of fabric, hence determining corresponding defect points.

Preferably, said processing unit is further configured to process said defect points.

Preferably, said processing unit is configured to process said defect points through:

- receiving said defect points from said detection means;

- performing a comparison by defects between said theoretical points and said defect points;

- determining said real meeting points of the real pattern in said component parts also according to said comparison by defects.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a two-dimensional guide that supports said cutting head, and is arranged to make said cutting head translate in said cutting area along two directions perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, the first direction is parallel to the advancement direction, while the second direction is perpendicular to the advancement direction

Preferably, said processing unit is configured to transmit said real meeting points to said two-dimensional guide so that said two-dimensional guide guides said cutting head to cut said fabric in said cutting area according to said real meeting points.

Preferably, said processing unit is configured to set the detection of said effective points and/or of said defect indicators according to:

- said theoretical pattern of said fabric defined in said target model;

- an effective pitch for the fabric at the inlet into the loading area A1.

Preferably, said processing unit is configured to detect a new effective pitch by detecting subsequent measurements of the effective pitch and changing the effective pitch with the new pitch value, when the new pitch value is repeated a predefined number of times.

In a second aspect, the invention describes a method, actuated through a computer, for the continuous detection and cutting of fabric, bearing a predefined real striped and/or checked pattern, for making items of clothing, comprising the steps of:

arranging a fabric;

arranging a loading area for loading fabric, into which said fabric is loaded for being detected;

detecting from said fabric, in said loading area, at least effective points representative of meeting points detected in said predefined real pattern; moving said fabric away from said loading area in an advancement direction;

receiving from a processing unit theoretical points, representative of a theoretical pattern reproduced on component parts of said items of clothing on a theoretical target model;

receiving said effective points detected, representative of meeting points detected of said predefined real pattern in said fabric detected;

performing a comparison by points between said theoretical points and said effective points;

determining real meeting points of said component parts at least according to said comparison by points;

arranging a cutting area, downstream of said loading area with respect to said advancement direction;

cutting said fabric, in said cutting area (A2), according to said real meeting points determined.

Preferably, the cutting step is configured to cut, in said cutting area, a first fabric simultaneously with one or more of the following operations:

processing, by said processing unit, effective and/or theoretical points of a second fabric arranged subsequently to the first;

- detecting a third fabric, arranged subsequently to the first or second, in said loading area (A1 ).

Preferably, the step of processing said effective and/or theoretical points is performed while said fabric is transported from a loading area to a cutting area.

Preferably, the step of processing said effective and/or theoretical points is configured to perform said comparison by points between said theoretical points and said effective points according to the following steps:

- assessing the correspondence of the theoretical points on a theoretical grid at least partially relative to the cutting area with said effective points detected on said fabric;

- in the event of lack of correspondence, moving said theoretical points so that they coincide with the effective points in order to allow the subsequent cutting of said component parts in conformity with the real fabric received. Preferably, a step is provided for arranging a two-dimensional guide that supports said cutting head, and is arranged to make said cutting head translate in said cutting area along two directions perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, steps are provided for transmitting said real meeting points to said two-dimensional guide so that said two-dimensional guide guides said cutting head to cut said fabric in said cutting area according to said real meeting points.

Preferably, a step is provided for setting a detection of said effective points and/or of said defect indicators according to:

- said theoretical pattern of said fabric defined in said target model;

- an effective pitch for the fabric at the inlet into the loading area.

Preferably, a step is provided for detecting a new effective pitch by detecting subsequent measurements of the effective pitch and changing the effective pitch with the new pitch value, when the new pitch value is repeated a predefined number of times.

Preferably, said fabric is one of a multiplicity of fabrics, or a single fabric.

In a third aspect, the invention describes a computer program configured to perform the steps of the method of the second aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the invention describes a graphical user interface configured to display on a display device one or more of the steps performed by the method of the second aspect and/or by the computer program of the third aspect.

The proposed solution of the invention provides for an automatic continuous detection of fabric and striped and/or checked patterns reproduced on the same, while, simultaneously, the processing takes place of information obtained from a previously detected fabric and/or, simultaneously, in a cutting area the cutting takes place of a previously detected and processed fabric.

The different component parts made are prepared in conformity with a target model so that their composition determines an item of clothing with a precise alignment between stripes and checks.

The invention, as described, achieves the following technical effects: - optimised cutting in terms of performance and efficiency of the apparatus involved;

- optimised cutting in terms of execution time;

- precise meeting of stripes/checks between the component parts of the item of clothing to make.

The technical effects/advantages mentioned, and other technical effects/advantages of the invention will emerge in further detail from the description provided herein below of an example of embodiment provided by way of approximate and non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1 A and 1 B represent in general the system/method of the invention, according to the invention.

- figure 2 shows a theoretical positioning of components of an item of clothing with respect to a predefined theoretical area, according to the invention;

- figure 2A schematically shows the theoretical positioning of figure 2 with respect to a theoretical reference grid.

- figure 3 shows an actual positioning of components of an item of clothing on a fabric to be cut with respect to a theoretical grid (dashed lines) and an effective grid (continuous line), according to the invention;

- figure 4 shows a detail of figure 3, in particular an enlargement of the boxed part indicated with dashed lines in figure 3;

- figure 5 shows an adaptation between the theoretical positioning and the actual positioning of the components of the item of clothing, according to the invention;

- figure 6 shows a detail of figure 5, in particular an enlargement of the boxed part indicated with dashed lines in figure 5, according to the invention;

- figure 6 shows a real positioning of the components of the item of clothing on the fabric to be cut, according to the invention; - figure 7 shows a fabric cutting step simultaneously with a scanning step of a subsequent fabric to be cut;

- figure 7A shows the reference parameters of the operations shown in figure 7;

- figure 8 shows a fabric cutting step simultaneously with a processing step of effective positioning data of a subsequent fabric to be cut;

- figure 8A shows the reference parameters of the operations shown in figure 8.

- figures 9 and 10 show details of pitch adjustments of a real checked pattern present on the fabric to be cut;

- figure 1 1 is a schematic view of the apparatus 1 divided into several zones arranged for the operations envisaged according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The invention describes an apparatus arranged for the detection and cutting of pieces of fabric needed to make an item of clothing from a predefined target model.

The invention provides a continuous automatic detection of the fabric and of the striped and/or checked pattern reproduced on the same, while simultaneously the cutting of a fabric occurs, previously detected, and already processed in terms of actual positioning with respect to a predefined target model.

In the following, where not otherwise indicated, the term "pattern" shall be intended as a striped and/or checked pattern, according to the present invention.

With reference to figures 1 A and 1 B, an apparatus 1 is provided for the continuous cutting of a fabric tesj (i=1..n) for making items of clothing Ci (i=1..n).

With reference to figures 1 A and 1 B and 8, the apparatus 1 for the continuous cutting comprises a loading area A1 , a cutting area A2, and an unloading area A3.

The loading area A1 is arranged for loading the fabric Tesj so that it is detected.

The fabric TesJ bears the theoretical pattern TexJ established on the basis of a target model Mod_TJ.

The fabric tesj is moved through the apparatus 1 in an advancement direction Dir away from the loading area A1.

The fabric tesj, according to the invention, is cut on the basis of the predefined target model Mod_TJ (fig.2 and fig. 2A), made according to specific criteria.

As shown in figure 2, the target model Mod_TJ comprises theoretical points P0J (i=1..n) representative of a predefined theoretical striped and/or checked pattern TexJ reproduced on component parts Cij (i=1..n,j=1..n) of items of clothing Ci which will be made with the fabric tesj.

In particular, an item of clothing C1 can be composed of component parts C1 1 , C12, C13, etc. and made with the fabric Tes l on the basis of a target model Mod_T_1.

Preferably, the theoretical points P0J are in reference to the cutting area A2; in particular, the positioning of the theoretical points P0J is in reference to a theoretical grid GTiXY, at least partially relative to the cutting area A2; the target model Mod_TJ and the corresponding theoretical reference grid GTiXY are shown in figure 2 and 2A.

In particular, the height of the theoretical grid GTiXY is limited by the height of the cutting area, i.e. by the dimension of the cutting area along a direction perpendicular to an advancement direction Dir, while the length of the theoretical grid, i.e. the dimension of the theoretical grid along a direction parallel to the advancement direction Dir, can be greater than the corresponding dimension of the cutting area, limited only by the maximum scan length.

Very briefly, the theoretical grid GTiXY is configured to define a first theoretical positioning (with a pitch POXY very similar to the real pitch) of the component pieces of the clothing to make. In some embodiments, two theoretical grids are also provided and, more generally, a plurality of theoretical grids, according to a possible combination of patterns to be represented.

Preferably, the theoretical points POJ are representative of theoretical meeting points between the component parts Cij of the item of clothing Ci. The size of the frame of the theoretical grid GTiXY is called the pitch POXY of the theoretical model Mod_TJ.

According to the invention, the theoretical points POJ contain information INFk (k=1..n) representative of positionings of the component parts Cij and/or relationships between the component parts Cij for a composition of the item of clothing Ci.

The items of information INFk comprise at least one spatial relation INF1 of a component part Cij with the fabric tesj (i=1..n) in the cutting area A2. In other words, a theoretical point POJ can give the spatial relationship with the fabric, i.e. for example it can be representative of an alignment with a horizontal/vertical stripe of the fabric, in order to, for example, have the component part comprising the point have a stripe in a predefined position, such as in the centre.

In figure 2 and 2A, a theoretical point POJ corresponds, for example at point 106 which is a reference point that has a relationship with the fabric, in particular with the line L_106 that indicates, for example, a centre line of a component part Cij of the item of clothing Ci.

Alternatively or in addition, the items of information INFk comprise a cross- reference INF2 of a component part Cij with another component part Cij in the cutting area A2.

In figure 2 and 2A, the theoretical point POJ corresponds, for example, to points 102 and 1010.

In particular, the points 102, 1010 are a pair of points in which the point 102 transfers a rule to the point 1010, for example a predefined distance from one horizontal line of a corresponding component part. In particular, in figure 2A the relationships are graphically shown between different theoretical points POJ; for example, a first relation segment R1 identifies the relationship between the pair of points 102 and 1010, while a second relation segment R2 identifies the relationship between another pair of points 602 and 604.

In other words, a point in a first component part which has a precise relationship with the theoretical pattern TexJ can transfer its relationship to a second component part, through another point in the second component part; for example, points on two homologous sleeves of an item of clothing can move the "relationships" with respect to the theoretical pattern TexJ to a component part representing the central part of an item of clothing.

Purely by way of example, the component part in figure 2 and 2A which comprises the line L_106 is the back of a shirt.

Still in other words, a point on a component part Cij can transfer a rule of composition of the item of clothing Ci to another component part Cij, determining a "strategy" of the composition of the item of clothing Ci starting from the component parts Cij.

The two items of information INF1 JNF2 therefore define a rule of composition of the item of clothing Ci to be made with the component parts Cij.

In summary, the theoretical points POJ are points that guide the alignment of the component parts Cij in order to determine an exact composition of the item of clothing Ci and an exact continuity of the theoretical pattern TexJ in the entire item of clothing Ci.

The rules INFk ensure that there is continuity in the pattern of the theoretical model, which must be transmitted to the effective pattern detected on the real fabric TesJ.

The application of the theoretical model to the effective detection of the fabric ensures that the fabric that will be made starting from the effective model will be made in an optimal way, in terms of composition of the component parts. A further technical effect achieved by the application of the theoretical model on the real fabric, according to the invention, is also the reproduction of the theoretical pattern with an exact continuity on the real fabric.

The theoretical points POJ as represented in figure 2 are arranged by a suitable automatic positioning program that, starting from an item of clothing provided with a theoretical pattern to be made, provides

- a corresponding spatial distribution of the fabric on the cutting surface, i.e. the spatial distribution on such surface of the component parts of the garment, and

- corresponding assembly rules of said item of clothing with the component parts so that the continuity of the theoretical pattern is respected.

Thus the theoretical meeting points are defined so as to allow connecting the component parts to each other to give continuity to the pattern.

Preferably, the fabric tesj bears a predefined real pattern TexRJ (i=1..n). The indication Tesj (i=1..n) indicates that a multiplicity of fabrics Tes_1 , Tes_2, Tes_3, etc. can be provided for the interaction with the apparatus 1 ; the same reasoning applies to the items of clothing Ci (i=1..n), and the real pattern TexRJ; a fabric Tesj with a real pattern TexRJ, is used to make an item of clothing Ci.

Alternatively, a single fabric Tesj can be used for the interaction with the apparatus 1.

In the following, the simple notation Tesj, TexRJ and Ci will be used.

With reference to figures 1 A and 1 B and 8 and 1 1 , the apparatus 1 for the continuous cutting comprises a loading area A1 , a cutting area A2, and an unloading area A3.

The loading area A1 is arranged for loading the fabric Tesj so that it is detected.

The fabric Tesj bears the real pattern TexRJ established by the target model Mod T i. Appropriate loading means 60 are arranged to load the fabric TesJ in the loading area A1 ; preferably, the loading means 60 comprises a fabric spreader roll.

Preferably, upstream of the loading means 60, the continuous cutting apparatus 1 comprises an apparatus 80 for changing fabrics.

The apparatus 80 for changing fabrics is arranged to remove an empty roll, i.e. a roll from which the fabric has already been unloaded towards the loading means 60, and to load a new roll so that there is no interruption in the continuous detection and cutting cycle.

The technical effect obtained is the continuous operation of the apparatus 1 even in the case in which, at a given instant, a loaded roll of fabric is finished and it is necessary to load a subsequent roll.

The apparatus 1 comprises a movement means 10 arranged for moving the fabric tesj.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the movement means 10 is arranged to move the fabric tesj away from the loading area A1 in an advancement direction Dir, towards the cutting area A2, arranged downstream of the loading area A1.

Preferably, the movement means 10 comprises a conveyor belt.

The apparatus 1 comprises detection means 20 arranged to detect from the fabric tesj effective points P1J (i=1..n) representative of meeting points detected in the real pattern TexRJ of the fabric Tesj coming from the loading area A1.

The set of effective points P1 J (i=1..n) determines an effective grid GRiXY of the fabric tesj detected.

The detection means 20 has the purpose of detecting the real positioning of the fabric Tesj in the loading area A1.

According to the invention, the detection means 20 is arranged in the loading area A1.

Preferably, the detection means 20 is fixed in the advancement direction DIR and possibly movable in a direction transverse to the advancement direction.

According to the invention, the detection means 20 is arranged at the inlet to the loading area A1 so that the detection of the fabric TesJ at the inlet and the positioning of the fabric takes place without delay, so as to make the apparatus of the invention as efficient as possible.

Preferably, the detection means 20 comprises a scanner.

In other words, although the real pattern TexRJ of the fabric in conformity with the target model Mod_TJ and with reference to a theoretical grid GTiXY has been determined in advance, it is normal that the fabric TesJ at the inlet to the loading area is not exactly aligned with the theoretical grid GTiXY, as it can be slightly inclined or partially folded/raised or wrinkled.

In particular, in figure 3 and in more detail in figure 4, both the theoretical grid GTiXY and the effective grid GRiXY are shown; the theoretical grid GTiXY is represented with dashed lines, while the effective grid GRiXY is represented with continuous lines; as can easily be seen, the two grids are slightly offset, as stated above.

The real positioning of the fabric and of the real pattern TexRJ in reference to the theoretical grid GTiXY is detected by the detection means 20 and constitutes an input for a subsequent processing that precedes the step of cutting the fabric in the component parts Cij of the item of clothing Ci.

According to the invention, the detection means 20 is further arranged to detect on the fabric TesJ defect indicators D1 Jd,D2Jd representative of non-conforming areas of fabric, hence determining corresponding defect points D1 xy,D2xy.

This detection is also carried out at the inlet to the loading area A1 so as to make the operation of the apparatus of the invention as efficient as possible.

Preferably, the defect indicators D1Jd (fig. 8) comprise round defect stamps that indicate a single defect, such as, for example, a run/breakage in the fabric or an area stained during dyeing.

Alternatively or in addition, the defect indicators D2_id comprise square defect stamps that indicate the beginning and end of a defective line, i.e. of a line with damaged fabric or fabric with an irregular pattern.

The fabrics TesJ that are not marked with stamps can regardless be deformed or staggered with respect to the target model Mod_TJ.

Preferably, with reference to figure 1 A, the apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a device for off-line viewing 90.

This device is arranged to parametrize the fabrics TesJ before the continuous cutting.

Preferably, the device performs the parametrization only once for each piece of fabric, generating parameters P_checkJ representative of the characteristics of the fabric (useful height of the fabric, pitch in the direction X, pitch in the direction Y, the gain of the camera that takes a photo of the fabric and the exposure of the camera that takes the photo of the fabric, markers, etc.).

The technical effect ensured by the off-line viewing device 90 is a parametrization of the fabric TesJ before the start of the cutting in order to then ensure the continuous cutting.

In other words, the off-line detection of the fabric allows saving the information on the fabric TesJ once in a database DB_check, associating it to an identifier ID_TesJ of the controlled fabric, and thereby ensures that the fabric can be cut continuously without there being a further need to detect this information.

Preferably, the off-line viewing device 9 is installed on an external apparatus for quality control.

Alternatively, in the absence of the external control apparatus, the off-line viewing device 90 is coupled to the detection means 20 and the parameters P_checkJ representative of the fabrics will be detected directly on the apparatus of the invention, before the beginning of the cutting operations, to take advantage of these parameters in the next cutting operation.

As described, when the apparatus is in operation, the detection means 20 is arranged to receive the fabric control parameters P_check with the identifier ID_Tes_i from the off-line viewing device 90.

The technical effect achieved is a further speeding up of the loading process of the fabric at the inlet, which further contributes to the continuous operation of the apparatus.

Continuing away from the loading area A1 and the detection means 20, advancing in the advancement direction Dir, the apparatus 1 for continuous cutting comprises a cutting head 30 (fig.1 A and 1 B).

The cutting head 30 is associated with the cutting area A2, and arranged to cut the fabric TesJ that has been previously received in the cutting area A2.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a two-dimensional continuous cutting guide 50 (fig.1 A and 1 B) that supports said cutting head 30.

According to the invention, the two-dimensional guide 50 is arranged to translate the cutting head 30 in the cutting area A2 along two directions Dir_X, Dir_Y perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, the first direction Dir_X is parallel to the advancement direction Dir, while the second direction Dir_Y is perpendicular to the advancement direction Dir.

With particular reference to figure 1 1 ,

- the loading area A1 substantially coincides with the area of the apparatus that extends along the direction Dir_X downstream of the loading means 60 until the beginning of the two-dimensional guide 50;

- the cutting area A2 substantially coincides with the area of the apparatus underlying the two-dimensional guide 50 in its movements;

- the unloading area A3 substantially coincides with the area of the apparatus extending along the direction Dir_X downstream of the two- dimensional guide 50.

The apparatus 1 for continuous cutting further comprises a processing unit 40 (fig. 1 A and 1 B) configured to process the effective points P1J detected and/or theoretical points P0J established by the target model Mod_TJ.

The processing unit 40 is logically divided into distinct functional modules (storage modules or operating modules) that perform the described functions.

This processing unit 40 can comprise a single electronic device, appropriately programmed to perform the functionalities described, and the different modules can correspond to hardware entities and/or software routines that are part of the programmed device.

Alternatively or additionally, these functions can be performed by a plurality of electronic devices on which the aforesaid functional modules can be distributed.

The processing unit 40 can also make use of one or more processors for executing the instructions contained in the storage modules.

The aforementioned functional modules can also be distributed on different local or remote computers, depending on the architecture of the network in which they reside.

The processing unit 40 according to the invention is configured to receive the effective points P1J detected, make a comparison by points between the theoretical P0J and effective points P1J and determine the real meeting points PRJ (i=1..n) of the real pattern TexRJ in the component parts Cij according to the comparison by points.

Advantageously, the comparison by points between the theoretical points P0J and effective points P1J is carried out by the processing unit according to the following steps:

- assessing the correspondence of the theoretical points P0J on a theoretical grid of the cutting area A2 with the corresponding effective points P1J detected on the fabric TesJ;

- in the event of lack of correspondence, moving the theoretical points P0J so that they coincide with the effective points P1J in order to allow the subsequent cutting of the component parts Ci in conformity with the real fabric TesJ received.

In particular, as already explained, the theoretical points POJ are in reference to a theoretical grid GTiXY, while the effective points P1J are in reference to an effective grid GRiXY.

In other words, the processing of the invention provides for reproducing on the effective grid the positioning of the theoretical points with respect to the theoretical grid.

For example, if a theoretical point lies at the intersection of two lines of the theoretical grid, this point will be reproduced at the corresponding intersection of the two corresponding effective lines.

For example, if a theoretical point lies halfway between two parallel lines of the theoretical grid, this point will be reproduced halfway between the two corresponding effective lines.

The technical effect achieved is an adaptation of the theoretical model to the characteristics of the actual fabric detected.

Another technical effect is that the cutting of the component parts Cij takes place in conformity with the real fabric tesj received, i.e. on the effective characteristics of the fabric made starting from the theoretical Target model.

In this way the advantage of the precise arrangement of a model to be made is combined with the advantage of a precise cut on the fabric effectively received.

In general, the effective points P1J (i=1..n) almost never coincide exactly with the theoretical points POJ;

Figure 5 shows the case in which the theoretical model has been adapted to the characteristics of the real fabric according to what has just been described; in particular, certain component parts can be seen in the figure whose edges do not coincide and that, therefore, require the adaptation provided by the invention described.

Figure 5 shows a detail of figure 4 in which the points 106 and 107 are adapted with a shift from the centre of the respective numbered crosses (theoretical points) towards the left in the centre of the other crosses shown (effective points).

The processing unit (40) is further configured to process the defect points D1xy,D2xy.

In particular, the processing unit 40 is configured to process the defect points D1 xy,D2xy through the steps of:

- receiving the defect points D1 xy,D2xy from the detection means (20);

- performing a comparison by defects between the theoretical points P0J and the defect points D1 xy,D2xy;

- determining the real meeting points PRJ (i=1..n) of the real pattern TexRJ in the component parts Cij according to the comparison by defects. The processing unit (40) is configured to process the effective points P1J and/or theoretical points P0J and/or defect points D1 xy,D2xy while the fabric TesJ is transported from the loading area A1 to the cutting area A2. The technical effect achieved is that the operations take place continuously, avoiding the creation of downtime between one and the other

For example, with reference to figure 8, the cutting head 30 is configured to cut a first fabric TesJ (i=j) in the cutting area A2 simultaneously with the processing by the processing unit 40, of the effective P1J and/or theoretical points P0J of a second fabric TesJ; (l=j+1 ).

Figure 8A shows the reference parameters of the operations shown in figure 8.

Alternatively or in addition, simultaneously with the above processing, the detection means 20 detects a third fabric TesJ (i=j+2) in the loading area A1 , as shown in figure 7.

Figure 7A shows the reference parameters of the operations shown in figure 7.

Figure 1 1 shows together, and operatively simultaneously, the scanning, processing and cutting operations on different fabrics loaded in succession in the apparatus of the invention.

Once again, the operations take place continuously, avoiding the creation of downtime between one and the other .

In this way a continuous cycle of detection, processing and cutting is determined.

Consequently, also an unloading of the component parts, implemented in the third area A3 of the apparatus 1 , is simultaneous with one or more of the operations described.

According to the invention, the cutting head 30 is configured to cut the fabric TesJ in the cutting area A2 according to the real meeting points PRJ determined.

The technical effect obtained is an exact continuity of the pattern, also with fabric loaded crooked or warped or with a defective or irregular pattern. According to the invention, the processing unit 40 is further configured to transmit the real meeting points PRJ (i=1..n) to the two-dimensional guide 50 so that the two-dimensional guide 50 guides the cutting head 30 to cut the fabric TesJ in the cutting area A2 according to the real meeting points PRJ determined.

In particular, as described, the meeting points PRJ were obtained through a detailed comparison between theoretical and effective points and possibly through comparison by defects.

According to the invention, the detection means 20 is arranged to detect the effective points P1 J and/or the defect indicators D1 Jd,D2Jd on the fabric tesj arranged in the loading area A1.

The fabric Tesj will have a real pattern TexRJ equal to that of the target model Mod_TJ, but it can have a different effective pitch PRxy.

Preferably, the effective detection pitch PRxy is pre-set starting from the frequency of the stripe or check on the fabric Tesj to detect.

In particular, the pitch is the distance between two equal, immediately successive design parts in the real pattern of the fabric tesj.

Although the real pattern TexRJ is equal to that of the target model Mod_TJ, the distances between the stripes/checks can be different from those of the Target model Mod_TJ.

In fact, the target model can be used for different items of clothing Ci with the same real pattern TexRJ, but with a different pitch Pxy, since, regardless of the pitch of the fabric, the meeting points of the model still remain the same because they ensure the continuity of the pattern on each fabric.

Thus, in an optimal processing situation, the processing unit 40 is configured to set the detection of the effective points P1J and/or the defect indicators D1 _id,D2_id according to:

- the theoretical pattern TexJ of the fabric tesj defined in the target model Mod_TJ;

- an effective pitch PRxy for the fabric tesj at the inlet to the loading area A1.

With reference to Figure 9 a real pattern of the fabric tesj detected by the detection means 20 is shown, in which the markers that identify the checks are centred on the intersections between the lines of the checks; in this case, therefore, the effective pitch PRxy is substantially regular, that is, the distances x and y from the centre of the marker at the ends of the check along the x and y axes are constant.

A fabric tesj can be loaded in the loading area having a different effective pitch PRxy due to imperfections in the fabric and/or in the positioning; an example is shown in figure 10.

In this case, the detection means 20 detects a different effective detection pitch PRxy, since the markers are no longer centred in the checks of the real pattern and the distances x and y vary accordingly, resulting irregular. The processing unit 40 is configured to detect a new effective pitch PRxy by detecting subsequent measurements of the effective pitch PRxy and changing the effective pitch with the new pitch value, when the new pitch value is repeated a predefined number of times, for example 2.

In this way, the apparatus adapts to the variable pitch of the fabric tesj due to various causes, such as irregular printing of the pattern, and/or effective positioning the fabric.

The technical effect achieved is greater efficiency in the preparation of the component parts Cij that will be cut in the cutting step, thanks to the "refinement" of the effective pitch of the pattern actually present on the fabric tesj to be cut.

A further technical effect is the maximisation of the number of fabric components which can be cut in the cutting area, reducing the amount of fabric scraps thanks to the precise realisation in terms of real space occupied by the component parts.

In some embodiments of the invention, a console 70 is optionally provided (fig. 1 A) which controls an additional precise pointing.

The cutting head 30 is coupled to a camera that covers the cutting area A2 and the fabric tesj in the cutting area.

In some cases, since the detection of the fabric tesj takes place in the loading area A1 and the cutting area can be several metres away, it may occur that the fabric tesj moves slightly with respect to the position detected by the detection means.

In this case, after the component pieces have already been adapted, i.e. after the positioning of the theoretical points has been reproduced on the effective grid, and before cutting, the console allows performing a precise pointing, allowing the operator to define the exact position of an effective point P1J on the fabric and make the appropriate adjustments in the position of the component pieces Cij.

The invention also provides a method actuated through a computer for the continuous detection and cutting of fabric tesj (i=1..n) bearing a predefined real striped and/or checked pattern TexRJ (i=1..n) for making items of clothing Ci (i=1..n):

The method comprises the step of arranging a fabric (tesj).

Preferably, this step comprises loading the fabric tesj (i=1..n) in a loading area A1 of an apparatus 1 for cutting fabric tesj to be detected and moving the fabric tesj in an advancement direction Dir away from the loading area A1.

The method further provides the step of detecting from the fabric tesj (i=1..n) at least effective points P1J (i=1..n) representative of meeting points detected in the predefined real pattern TexRJ;

The method further provides for

- receiving, from a processing unit 40, the theoretical points P0J (i=1..n), representative of a theoretical pattern TexJ reproduced on component parts Cij (i=1..n,j=1..n) of the items of clothing Ci on a target model (Mod_T_i);

- receiving the effective points P1J detected, representative of meeting points detected of the predefined real pattern TexRJ in the fabric tesj detected;

- performing a comparison by points between the theoretical points P0J and said effective points P1 J;

- determining real meeting points PRJ (i=1..n) of the component parts Cij at least according to the comparison by points;

cutting the fabric tesj

according to the real meeting points PRJ determined.

Preferably, before the cutting operation, the fabric tesj will be moved from a loading area A1 to a cutting area A2 in an advancement direction Dir. According to the invention, the cutting step is configured to cut a first fabric (tesj;i=j) simultaneously with one or more of the following operations:

- processing, by the processing unit 40, effective P1 J and/or theoretical points P0J of a second fabric tesj (i=j+1 ) arranged subsequently to the first;

- detecting a third fabric tesj (i=j+2) arranged subsequently to the first or the second.

According to the invention, the step of processing said effective P1J and/or theoretical points P0J is performed while said fabric (tesj) is transported from a loading area A1 to a cutting area A2. The invention further provides a computer program configured to perform one or more of the steps of the method described.

The invention described provides for an automatic continuous detection of fabric and the patterns reproduced on the same, while, simultaneously, the processing takes place of the information obtained from a previously detected fabric and/or, simultaneously, in a cutting area the cutting takes place of a previously detected fabric.

The different component parts made are prepared in conformity with a target model so that their composition determines an item of clothing with a precise alignment between stripes and checks.

The invention, as described, achieves the following technical effects:

- optimised cutting in terms of performance and efficiency of the apparatus involved;

- optimised cutting in terms of execution time;

- precise meeting of stripes/checks between the component parts of the item of clothing to make.