Automatic image-based detection of paper fiber ends

Understanding the properties of paper fibers and paper fiber bonds can be really significant in improving the quality of paper. The problem in gathering measurement data from individual paper fibers is the lack of reliable and efficient research instruments. Also, without automation the yield of experiments will be low and the results will depend on the skills of the operator. This paper presents an image-based method to automatically detect the endpoints of paper fibers. The method will be utilized in automatic control of a novel and tailor-made paper fiber manipulation and measurement platform. Performance of the method is extremely promising with adequate speed and very accurate results.