Fundamental and Practical Aspects of the Perception and Analysis of Real and Illusory Appearance Defects in Fabrics

We have developed a much better understanding of the subtle, but crucial, perceptual factors which influence the visual appearances of defects in fabrics [l]. Based on this work, and on an earlier study of dyed fabric nonuniformity [23, a range of options for reducing or eliminating fabric streakiness has been investigated. The visual assessment of realistic printed images of computer simulated fabrics was used to evaluate the different options. Of several successful options identified only two seem generally applicable. One involves reducing the variances substantially. In the case of dyeability, for example, the %CV needs to be reduced from the-3 % currently encountered to less than 1%. A second option, programmed creeling to minimize local contrast, was found to completely eliminate the perception of streakiness with currently feasible product variabilities. It is possible that programmed creeling, a method based on removing the perceivability of streakiness without eliminating product variability, will prove to be the only practical solution for fabric streakiness. A Goal. The goal of this project is to develop and communicate a technological understanding of fabric streakiness which is thorough enough that streakiness can be eliminated as a source of competitive advantage in the textile industry. 0 biec ti ves: The specific objectives set for the final 18 months of this project are summarized below. Thi