Cuticular Scale Measurements Using Image Analysis Techniques

Abstract

A method is described for examining and measuring fiber cuticular scale patterns from optical micrographs, impressions, or SEMs. The captured images are initially manipulated using several image processing functions to clarify scale structure. Image analysis is then done using a chain-coding routine that allows a number of measure ments of the scale parameters to be made quickly and accurately. Results are given for the analysis on fiber casts of four sections of different wool types and on a series of SEM photographs of Chinese cashmere and merino wool fibers.