Flexible Multifunction Instrument' for Automated Nonwoven Web Structure Analysis

Abstract

We have developed analysis tools to characterize nonwoven web structures based on image analysis techniques. Six analysis modules we previously reported are integrated into one automated instrument system. In this paper, we discuss hardware and software designs used to achieve instrument flexibility, automated operation, and multifunctional analysis capability. We hope this discussion will be useful to other people interested in textile instrument development and automated testing.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bresee, R.R. , and Yan, Z. , Image Analysis Techniques to Characterize Nonwoven Web Structure, in "Proc. Sixth Annual TANDEC Conference." Nov. 18-20, Knoxville, TN, 1996.

Huang, X.C. , and Bresee, R.R. , Characterizing Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis Techniques, Part I: Pore Analysis in Thin Webs, J. Nonwovens Res. 5 (1), 13-21 (1993).

Huang, X.C. , and Bresee, R.R. , Characterizing Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis Techniques, Part II: Fiber Orientation Analysis in Thin Webs, J. Nonwovens Res. 5 (2), 14-21 (1993).

Huang, X.C. , and Bresee, R.R. , Characterizing Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis Techniques, Part IV: Fiber Diameter Analysis for Spunbonded Webs, Int. Nonwovens J. 6 (2), 53-59 (1994).

Huang, X.C. , and Bresee, R.R. , Characterizing Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis Techniques, Part III: Web Uniformity Analysis, J. Nonwovens Res. 5 (3), 28-38 (1993).

Jarvis, R.A. , Focus Optimization Criteria for Computer Image Processing, Microscope 24, 163-180 (1976).

Van Daele, J. , De Buysscher, L. , Oosterlinck, A. , and Van den Berghe, H. , Metaphase Finding Using Microprocessors, in "Proc. IEEE Computer Society Conference on Pattern Recognition and Image Processing," Aug. 6-8, Chicago, IL, 1979, pp. 460-465.

Vollath, D. , Automatic Focusing by Corrective Method, J. Micro. 147, 279-288 (1987).

Yan, Z. , and Bresee, R.R. , Characterizing Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis Techniques, Part V: Analysis of Shot in Meltblown Webs, J. Textile Inst. 89, 320-336 (1998).

10.

Yan, Z. , and Bresee, R.R. , Automated Multifunction Instrument to Evaluate Nonwoven Web Structure Using Image Analysis, in "Proc. Seventh Annual TANDEC Conference," Nov. 19-21, Knoxville, TN, 1997.