INSTRUMENTAL EVALUATIONS OF STAIN RELEASE IN FABRICS

Fabric stain release traditionally has been evaluated by sensory metho ds which are based upon the subjective judgments of experienced observ ers. This paper introduces an instrumental method of evaluating staini ng in an attempt to improve the accuracy and dependability of rating f abric stain release. The system applies computer-image-analysis techni ques, and consists mainly of a color scanner, a PC computer, and self- developed Microsoft Windows software, The techniques for searching and segmenting stained regions in a sample image are illustrated, stain d escriptors that reflect stain changes caused by laundering are defined , and the grading equations of fabric stain release are established, b ased on the stain measurements from the AATCC standard stain-release r eplicas, A trial test of several fabric samples using this image-analy sis system shows promising results, suggesting that the image system m ay be used as a grading machine to substitute for human graders in eva luating stain release of fabrics.