Automatic visual assessment of fabric quality

A computerized image processing set up and associated image processing methods for assessing certain quality features of fabrics namely pilling and wrinkledness are presented. Though the mechanical parameters of the fabric testing devices are properly standardized, the criteria used for the actual visual assessment are poorly defined in the relevant standards. To improve the objectivity of the assessment, an optical measurement set up was designed and manufactured. Measurement methods were developed for evaluating mechanically tormented fabric samples. Measurements according to these methods were compared to the assessments given by textile experts. For both fabric features, special illumination arrangements and sequences were used to enhance of their visual effect. The resulting image-tuples were then normalized, aligned and traced for the visual clues associated with pills and wrinkles. The measurement values presented in a logarithmic scale matched closely the assessment values gathered by human textile experts