Video Scan Trashmeter Area Calibration

Abstract

Images of ginned cotton are being digitized and captured in computers for trash content analysis of cotton prepared for market. These techniques are incorporated in video trashmeters to automate particle counting and trash area observations. Area measuring accuracy is controlled by properly locating the edge of each particle in the recorded image. Since less than 5% of each frame is represented by trash, particle edges are defined by the drop m reflectance from the background lint. This method is accurate for high grade cottons with small quantities of trash, but its accuracy is reduced for tinged and stained cottons and samples containing lightly colored trash particles. Video area measurements are reported for several cotton samples and for several simulated trash reference samples (dots painted on color tiles) to demonstrate improved calibration methods.