A new computerized data acquisition and analysis system for KES-FB instruments

The Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics (KES-FB) has been commonly used to measure fabric mechanical behaviors related to hand. However, the data a cquisition and analysis technique for this system is obsolete and time-cons uming. The purpose of this study is to develop a new data acquisition and a nalysis system for the KES-FB instruments using LabVIEW(TM) software and co rresponding hardware (National Instruments). Windows-interface programs for each KES test method are created with the LabVIEW system. In order to vali date this data acquisition system, twenty apparel fabrics are tested using both the original KES-FB data recording method and the new computerized dat a processing method. Linear regression and variance analysis are used to co mpare tested results and evaluate repeatability and variability within the two data acquisition methods. The R-2 values of most linear regression mode ls are close to 1.00, indicating that the KES data system has been successf ully updated.