Systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles

Systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method for analyzing stained fabric articles includes providing a stained fabric article that includes a foreign oily substance disposed in and/or on the fabric article. At least one image of the stained fabric article is captured using a three-dimensional imaging device, wherein the at least one image is captured in the absence of a colored dyes added to the foreign oily substance in and/or on the fabric article. The at least one image is processed using a contrast function to produce a processed data set. One or more of a processed image or a quantitative data set that is representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area of the three-dimensional imaging device is produced based upon the processed data set.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles, and more particularly relates to systems and methods that exhibit enhanced visual and/or quantitative assessment of stain presence in stained fabric articles.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers of fabric laundering compositions such as laundry detergents, fabric softening compositions, and detergent boosters continually endeavor to identify ideal fabric laundering compositions that are effective for removing various types of foreign substances from stained fabric articles. Human sebum is one type of oily substance that is often difficult to remove from fabrics, as are other oils derived from animal, vegetable, and/or petrochemical sources such as cooking oils and fats, fatty compounds employed in antiperspirant and deodorant compositions, and the like.

In conjunction with identifying ideal fabric laundering compositions that are effective for purposes of removing oily substances, it is also desirable to assess the stained fabric articles as well as effectiveness of the fabric laundering compositions to remove oily substances from the stained fabric articles. Conventionally, photographic images have been used to visually assess differences in stain distribution prior to and after laundering the stained fabric articles for purposes of determining effectiveness of the fabric laundering compositions. However, conventional cameras are ineffective at sufficiently detecting electromagnetic emissions from oily substances on the stained fabric articles. In particular, stains that include oily substances are often invisible stains, meaning that the stain only reflects light in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are either not visible to the human eye or that are not easily perceived by the bare human eye (e.g., with at least 95% of light reflected from the stain not visible to the human eye). To enable effective images of stained fabric articles to be captured using conventional cameras, both before and after laundering the stained fabric articles, colored dyes are typically employed. For example, Violet 13 dye is commonly used to dye cooking oils. Without the colored dyes, effective images taken with conventional cameras cannot be readily produced, even using photo manipulation software. Furthermore, conventional analysis of stained fabric articles and determination of effectiveness of fabric laundering compositions is generally limited to qualitative analysis, such as visual image comparison. While spectrophotometry is effective to quantify effectiveness of the fabric laundering compositions, such techniques do not lend themselves to expedient use.

Three-dimensional cameras have been developed for a variety of uses including, but not limited to, cartography, dermatology, and entertainment applications. One particular line of three-dimensional cameras has been developed by Miravex Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland and sold under the tradename Antera 3D®. The Antera 3D® camera was developed for cosmetic and dermatological applications and is effective for measuring human skin features such as wrinkles, texture, scars, skin color, redness, and pigmentation. In particular, the Antera 3D® camera is capable of processing captured images to measure melanin and hemoglobin levels in skin. Based upon the measurements made using the Antera 3D® camera, various cosmetic and/or medical procedures may be carried out.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles with enhanced visual and/or quantitative assessment of stain presence in the stained fabric articles. It is also desirable to provide systems and methods that enable effective visual and/or quantitative analysis of the stained fabric articles in the absence of a colored dye, even when the stain is invisible or difficult to perceive with the human eye. It is also desirable to provide systems and methods that enable effective visual and/or quantitative analysis of the stained fabric articles in an expedient manner. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method for analyzing stained fabric articles includes providing a stained fabric article that includes a foreign oily substance disposed in and/or on the fabric article. At least one image of the stained fabric article is captured using a three-dimensional imaging device, wherein the at least one image is captured in the absence of a colored dye added to the foreign oily substance in and/or on the fabric article. The at least one image is processed using a contrast function to produce a processed data set. One or more of a processed image or a quantitative data set that is representative of oily substance presence in a viewing area of the three-dimensional imaging device is produced based upon the processed data set.

In another embodiment, a method for analyzing stained fabric articles includes providing a stained fabric article that includes a foreign oily substance disposed in and/or on the fabric article. A plurality of images of the stained fabric article are captured using a three-dimensional imaging device. The plurality of images have different spatial properties and the plurality of images are of a substantially similar viewing area of the three-dimensional imaging device. One or more of a composite image is produced based upon the plurality of images or a quantitative data set representative of oily substance presence in a viewing area of the three-dimensional imaging device is produced based upon the plurality of images.

In another embodiment, a system for analyzing stained fabric articles is provided. The system includes a stained fabric article that includes a foreign oily substance disposed in and/or on the fabric article. The system further includes a three-dimensional imaging device. The three-dimensional imaging device is configured to capture images through a photometric stereo technique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

Systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles are provided herein. In particular, the systems and methods employ a three-dimensional imaging device to capture at least one image of the stained fabric article, and a plurality of images may be captured using the three-dimensional imaging device. As set forth in further detail below, the three-dimensional imaging devices as described herein are not necessarily employed to produce images representing a three-dimensional shape of a surface of the stained fabric articles. However, it was found that the three-dimensional imaging devices, through their mode of operation, effectively produce enhanced images and/or quantitative data sets representative of oily substance in and/or on the stained fabric articles as compared to conventional cameras. The oily substance may be an invisible stain, i.e., any oily substance that reflects light in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not visible to the human eye. In embodiments, the invisible stain only reflects light in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not visible to the human eye. In other embodiments, at least 95% of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the stain is in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not visible to the human eye, thereby making the stain difficult to perceive by the human eye and effectively “invisible”. In embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging device may process the at least one image using a contrast function to produce a processed data set, with the resulting data set exhibiting enhanced contrast between areas in the fabric article containing the stain and clean areas of the fabric article. By using the contrast function, which is conventionally employed by the three-dimensional cameras to register depth of an imaged surface, it is possible (although not necessary) to capture the at least one image with effective distinction between stained areas and clean areas in the absence of a colored dye added to the foreign oily substance on the fabric article, even when the foreign oily substance is an invisible stain that is not visible to or difficult to perceive by the human eye. Because the contrast function is readily conducted using the at least one image captured by the three-dimensional imaging device, visual and/or quantitative assessment of stain presence can be enhanced without requiring spectrophotometers.

An embodiment of a system and method for analyzing stained fabric articles will now be described with reference toFIG. 1. The system10, as referred to herein, includes devices and materials that contribute to production of an image and/or quantitative data set representative of oily substance in and/or on the stained fabric articles. In this regard, an exemplary system10includes a stained fabric article12and a three-dimensional imaging device14, although it is to be appreciated that the system10may further include additional optional devices and/or materials that are employed to yield the desired image and/or quantitative data set.

As alluded to above, the stained fabric article12includes the oily substance16in and/or on the stained fabric article12. In particular, the oily substance16is a foreign oily substance that is unintended to be present in and/or on the fabric article12, with the foreign oily substance16desirably removed during laundering. In embodiments, the oily substance16includes an oil derived from animal, vegetable, and/or petrochemical sources, and it is to be appreciated that a combination of such oils may be present in the oily substance16. Examples of oily substances include mono- and/or polyunsaturated fat. Specific examples of oily substances include, but are not limited to, antiperspirant and deodorant compositions, human sebum, synthetic sebum, and cooking oils and fats such as butter, canola oil, and the like. It is also to be appreciated that additional components beyond the oil may be present in the oily substance16. In embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are employed in a controlled environment where a standardized oily substance16is employed to stain the fabric article12for purposes of assessing stain removal effectiveness of various detergents, detergent boosters, fabric conditioners, or the like. Thus, in embodiments, standardized testing compositions may be employed as the oily substance16. For example, the oily substance16may be a synthetic sebum composition such as those commercially available from Testgewebe GmbH of Brueggen, Germany. Other suitable standardized oily substances can include commercially available antiperspirant and deodorant compositions that include one or more mono- and/or polyunsaturated fats. For example, a suitable antiperspirant and deodorant composition that may be employed for testing purposes is Speed Stick Power Unscented Antiperspirant and Deodorant stick.

The three-dimensional imaging device14may be any imaging device that is capable of capturing and producing images and/or quantitative data sets representing a three-dimensional shape of a surface in a viewing area18of the imaging device14. In accordance with the present disclosure, the three-dimensional imaging device14is a commercially available imaging device, and new imaging devices14are not contemplated by the present disclosure. Thus, while suitable three-dimensional imaging devices14are described herein, it is to be appreciated that various features and operation of the imaging devices14are endemic to the three-dimensional imaging device14as obtained from the manufacturer of the imaging device14.

As alluded to above, the three-dimensional imaging devices14are not necessarily employed to produce images representing a three-dimensional shape of a surface of the stained fabric articles12in accordance with the methods described herein. However, it was found that the three-dimensional imaging devices14, through their mode of operation, effectively produce images and/or quantitative data sets representative of oily substance16in and/or on the stained fabric articles12, even when the oily substance16is an invisible stain that is not visible to the human eye or that is difficult to perceive by the human eye, through application of contrast functions that would ordinarily be employed to register depth of the surface in the viewing area18of the imaging device14. Various three-dimensional imaging devices are known that operate through different methodologies to capture and represent the three-dimensional shape of the surface in the viewing area. In various embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging devices14capture a plurality of images in such a manner that the images have different spatial properties. For example, three-dimensional imaging devices (not shown) are known that employ a “binocular stereo” technique by which a plurality of images of a substantially similar viewing area are captured by the imaging device from different viewpoints but with a static illumination angle to produce the images having different spatial properties. A depth of the surface is recovered by identifying corresponding points in the two images using software executed by a processor of the imaging device. As another example and referring toFIG. 1, three-dimensional imaging devices14are also known that are configured to capture images through a “photometric stereo” technique. In the photometric stereo technique, a plurality of images of a substantially similar viewing area18are captured by the imaging device14with a different illumination direction for each of the plurality of images with a constant viewing direction or viewpoint to produce the images having different spatial properties.

Referring again toFIG. 1, in embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging device14includes a plurality of separate illumination source20,22, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), that are positioned to illuminate the viewing area18of the imaging device14at different angles for purposes of capturing images through the photometric stereo technique. While only two illumination sources20,22are shown inFIG. 1, it is to be appreciated that a number of additional illumination sources may be employed. In this embodiment, the imaging device14further includes an image sensor30and one or more lenses32positioned to focus images on the image sensor30. In embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging device14may include an arrangement of filters24,26, and/or28that are configured to minimize capture of specular reflection. For example, in embodiments and as shown inFIG. 1, the filters24,26, and/or28may be polarization filters that are positioned between the illumination source(s)20,22and the surface in the viewing area18of the imaging device14and/or between the image sensor30and the surface in the viewing area18of the imaging device14. The various filters24,26,28may be configured to filter electromagnetic radiation of predetermined intensity and/or wavelength prior to capturing an image of the surface in the viewing area18using the image sensor30. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the imaging device14may further include additional elements, such as features for shaping the illumination (e.g., light condensers and/or diffusers), additional polarization filters, imaging apertures, and other features that are conventional within three-dimensional imaging devices. In one specific embodiment, the three-dimensional imaging device14is an Antera 3D® camera, commercially available from Miravex of Dublin, Ireland.

As also shown inFIG. 1, the three-dimensional imaging device14further includes a computer processor34that is configured to process at least one image captured by the three-dimensional imaging device14using a contrast function. The contrast function is described in further detail below. An output produced using the contrast function as applied by the computer processor34to process the at least one image is provided by the imaging device14. For example, in various embodiments, the output may be a processed image or a quantitative data set representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area18of the three-dimensional imaging device14. Additional details in this regard are provided in further detail below in the context of an exemplary method of analyzing stained fabric articles.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of a method of analyzing stained fabric articles, and with continued reference toFIG. 1, a stained fabric article12is provided that includes an oily substance16disposed in and/or on the fabric article12. As set forth above, the systems and methods described herein are employed in a controlled environment where a standardized oily substance is employed to stain the fabric article12for purposes of assessing stain removal effectiveness of various detergents, detergent boosters, fabric conditioners, or the like. Thus, the stained fabric article12may be provided as a test material with a standardized amount of oily substance16and/or distribution of the oily substance16on the stained fabric article12. In embodiments, oily substance16is an invisible stain that is not visible to the human eye. In other embodiments, at least 95% of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the stain is in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not visible to the human eye, thereby making the stain difficult to perceive by the human eye. At least one image of the stained fabric article12is captured using the three-dimensional imaging device14. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of images of a substantially similar viewing area18on the surface of the stained fabric article12are captured using the three-dimensional imaging device14, with the plurality of images having different spatial properties lending to illumination of the viewing area18with a different illumination direction for each of the images. By “different illumination direction”, it is meant that varying levels of illumination intensity and/or illumination configurations are employed using the illumination sources20,22to effectively provide different illumination conditions for each captured image. WhileFIG. 1illustrates illumination sources20,22simultaneously emitting illumination, in practice, it is to be appreciated that only one of the illumination sources20,22may emit illumination for each captured image. Alternatively, more than one illumination source20,22may be illuminated for each captured image but with different illumination intensities employed for each captured image. It is to be appreciated that while only two illumination sources20,22are shown inFIG. 1, numerous additional illumination sources may be employed with varying levels of illumination intensity and illumination configurations employed to provide the plurality of captured images with a different illumination direction for each of the images.

In embodiments, electromagnetic radiation of predetermined intensity and/or wavelength is filtered, e.g. using the arrangement of filters24,26,28, prior to capturing the images using the image sensor30. In embodiments, electromagnetic radiation that is attributable to specular reflection from the viewing area18is filtered using the arrangement of filters24,26,28, with filtering conducted through conventional operation of the three-dimensional imaging device14, such as the Antera 3D® camera.

As alluded to above, the at least one captured image is processed using a contrast function to produce a processed data set. As also set forth above, the three-dimensional imaging device14may be a commercial product. Thus, execution of the contrast function may proceed based upon programmed function from the manufacturer of the imaging device14with the imaging device14operated in a conventional manner but with images taken of the stained fabric article12as opposed to other articles. In embodiments, the contrast function is executed by the computer processor34to generate a visual contrast between areas of high light absorbance of light from the illumination source(s)20,22and areas of low/no absorbance of light from the illumination source(s)20,22. For example, in embodiments, the illumination source(s)20,22emits light in a plurality of specific wavelengths that include the entire visible spectrum from UV to IR wavelengths. Radiation from the illumination source(s)20,22penetrates to different depths within the fabric, and oily substances16absorb a portion of the radiation in amounts proportional to concentration of the oily substances16in accordance with Beers Law. The computer processor34produces spectral curves that are based upon a degree of absorbance at each wavelength emitted by the illumination source(s)20,22. The spectral curves are used to calculate tristimulus values XYZ and L*a*b* color values. This calculation may be performed for each pixel within the camera's field of view. Based upon differences between areas of high absorbance and areas of low/no absorbance, the visual contrast may be generated. Optionally, electromagnetic radiation of predetermined intensity and/or wavelength is filtered prior to generating the visual contrast. In this manner, enhanced contrast between stained areas of the stained fabric article12and clean areas of the stained fabric article12can be achieved. Such enhanced contrast can even be realized under conditions in which the at least one image is captured in the absence of a colored dye added to the foreign oily substance16on the fabric article12, with the foreign oily substance16being an invisible stain or a stain that is difficult to perceive by the human eye. Referring momentarily toFIGS. 2aand 2b, representative images are shown of an exemplary stained fabric article, withFIG. 2arepresenting a view akin to the perception by the human eye (and with the stain being effectively invisible) and withFIG. 2brepresenting a view captured using the three-dimensional imaging device14and after applying the contrast function. Notably, while known three-dimensional imaging devices14are designed and configured for capturing contours and surface topography of three-dimensional structures, the above-referenced functionality and abilities to enhance contrast for the benefit of perceiving stains, specifically invisible stains, on fabrics has not been recognized or suggested.

The three-dimensional imaging device14may produce a variety of outputs that are useful for purposes of analyzing stained fabric articles12, with the outputs represented by box50inFIG. 1. For example, in embodiments, one or more of a processed image or a quantitative data set that is representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area18of the three-dimensional imaging device14are produced based upon the processed data set. Representative processed images are shown inFIGS. 2b-4f. Representative quantitative data sets are shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. For example, in embodiments, the processed images may be composite images based upon the generated visual contrast. However, it is to be appreciated that the composite images may be based upon various alternative determinations made across the plurality of captured images. As another example, in embodiments, the quantitative data sets that are representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area18of the three-dimensional imaging device14are produced based upon the processed data set, either in addition to or as an alternative to the processed images. The type of quantitative data produced by the imaging device14is dependent upon the capabilities of the imaging device14, which is a commercial product for purposes of the present disclosure as set forth above. In embodiments, such as for the Antera 3D® camera, the quantitative data set may include a pigmentation average level value that is based upon the processed data set. As another example, the quantitative data set may include values representative of distribution of pigment.

In embodiments, further processing of the stained fabric article12may be conducted for purposes of determining laundering effectiveness, with subsequent analysis of the stained fabric article12conducted using the three-dimensional imaging device14after laundering. More particularly, in embodiments and as represented by box60inFIG. 1, the stained fabric article12is laundered after capturing the at least one image of the stained fabric article12using the three-dimensional imaging device14to produce a laundered article. As represented by box70, at least one image of the laundered article is captured using the three-dimensional imaging device14. As also represented by box70inFIG. 1, the at least one image of the laundered article is processed using the contrast function to produce a processed data set of the laundered article, represented as an output in box80. It is to be appreciated that image capture and processing represented by box70can be conducted using the three-dimensional imaging device14in the same manner as described above, with images taken of the substantially same area of the stained fabric article12both before and after laundering for purposes of analyzing laundering effectiveness. One or more of a processed image or a quantitative data set representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area of the image sensor30of the three-dimensional imaging device14may be produced based upon the processed data set of the laundered article for purposes of comparison to the corresponding outputs for the stained fabric article12procured prior to laundering. In embodiments and as shown at box90inFIG. 1, the output of the three-dimensional imaging device14from the fabric article12, both prior to and after laundering, may be displayed to provide a basis for comparison of laundering effectiveness. For example, in one embodiment, the processed image38based upon the processed data set of the laundered article and the processed image36based upon the processed data set of the stained fabric article12may be displayed to provide the basis of comparison. Such images may not only be used for internal analysis of the stained fabric article12, but may also be employed for marketing purposes. As another example, the quantitative data set based upon the processed data set of the laundered article and the quantitative data set based upon the processed data set of the stained fabric article12may be displayed in a common illustration, in addition to or as an alternative to displaying the processed images, with examples of such illustrations shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

Further data manipulation may be conducted based upon the quantitative data sets produced by the three-dimensional imaging device14for the fabric articles before and after laundering. For example, Stain Removal Index (SRI) values can be calculated based upon the quantitative data sets produced by the three-dimensional imaging device14for purposes of further determining laundering effectiveness, and statistical analysis can also be conducted using conventional techniques.

The following Examples are intended to supplement the present disclosure and are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as contemplated herein.

EXAMPLES

Various stained and unstained fabric samples were provided with different soiling materials.

For the fabric samples, 100% knit cotton were employed, as were consumer-provided garments of unknown specific fabric type. The following soiling materials were either applied using a micropipette to produce stained fabric samples, or the fabric samples were obtained directly from consumers with the soiling material already disposed on the fabric samples (in the case of consumer-provided garments):

Stained Fabric Sample 1: 100% cotton fabric stained with butter;

Stained Fabric Sample 2: consumer-provided garment stained with a deodorant/antiperspirant composition of unknown specific composition;

Stained Fabric Sample 3: 100% cotton fabric stained with extra virgin olive oil;

Stained Fabric Sample 4: 100% cotton fabric stained with canola oil.

Images of the fabric samples were captured using an Antera 3D® camera, commercially available from Miravex Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, for purposes of visualizing and quantifying the presence of the soiling materials, with various images captured prior to and after washing the samples of fabrics under different wash conditions, and with images shown before and after processing the images using a contrast function of the Antera 3D® camera.

For wash processing, a Speed Queen top loading traditional washing machine was used with non-chlorinated water at a water temperature of about 32.2° C. Various laundry detergents were used in different wash processes with conventional laundry detergent dosages employed. The water was added and agitated for 1 minute prior to adding about 2.5 kg of fabric material. The fabric material was washed in a 12 minute wash cycle and a conventional rinse cycle.

Pigmentation data was generated by the Antera 3D® camera using a proprietary algorithm contained in software of the camera for purposes of providing a quantitative data set representative of stain presence in the fabric samples. The pigmentation data is generated based upon the images of the fabric samples as captured by the Antera 3D® camera, with the pigmentation data representing an average concentration of soiling material relative to a viewing area of the camera. The pigmentation data was based upon substantially similar areas of the fabric samples in the viewing area of the camera.

In a first set of Examples and referring toFIGS. 2aand 2b, Stained Fabric Sample 1 was provided. The images ofFIGS. 2aand 2billustrate how the Antera 3D® camera enhances stain visualization using the contrast function. In particular,FIG. 2ais an image of Stained Fabric Sample 1 prior to applying the contrast function and after laundering the Stained Fabric Sample 1 using conventional laundry detergent, effectively representing an image of the Stained Fabric Sample 1 after laundering akin to perception with the human eye.FIG. 2bis an image of the same portion of Stained Fabric Sample 1 as shown inFIG. 2a, but after applying the contrast function of the Antera 3D® camera. ForFIGS. 2aand 2b, an ink ring was stamped on the fabric to indicate the location of the stain, since the stain itself is not visible inFIG. 2a. The ink ring is not part of the stain. These figures illustrate the effect of applying the contrast function and show the butter stain clearly visible for qualitative/quantitative assessment after applying the contrast function.

Referring toFIGS. 3aand 3b, photographs of Stained Fabric Sample 2 are shown prior to laundering (inFIG. 3a) and after soaking the stained fabric sample in composition including a detergent booster that contains a bleaching agent (inFIG. 3b), with both photographs showing images after applying the contrast function of the Antera 3D® camera for purposes of showing that differences in pre-laundering and post-soaking stain content can be distinguished in accordance with the methods and systems as described herein. To prepare the Stained Fabric Sample 2 as shown inFIG. 3b, the sample was soaked in a 1 gallon bucket containing the detergent booster for 3 hours.

Referring toFIGS. 4a-4f, photographs of Stained Fabric Sample 3 are shown prior to laundering (inFIGS. 4a-4c) and after laundering (inFIGS. 4d-4f), with different laundering conditions used for purposes of showing that differences in laundering effectiveness can be distinguished in accordance with the methods and systems as described herein. All ofFIGS. 4a-4fshow images after applying the contrast function of the Antera 3D® camera.FIGS. 4aand 4drepresent pre- and post-laundering images of Example 1, respectively, in which water alone is employed during laundering with no detergent.FIGS. 4band 4erepresent pre- and post-laundering images of Example 2, respectively, in which a conventional, premium laundry detergent was used during laundering.FIGS. 4cand 4frepresent pre- and post-laundering images of Example 3, respectively, in which a conventional, super-premium laundry detergent with enzymes was used during laundering. It is to be appreciated that, fundamentally, the images ofFIGS. 4a-4fare provided to show that differences in laundering effectiveness can be distinguished in accordance with the methods and systems as described herein and the specific detergents used are not material but are merely different.

FIG. 5illustrates pigmentation average level representing an average concentration of soiling material for Examples 1-3, corresponding to the photographs of Examples 1-3 fromFIGS. 4d-4f, respectively.

Based upon the results shown inFIG. 5, pigmentation data is correlated to stain removal in that lower average pigmentation level corresponds to greater stain removal as can be observed by comparing the Pigmentation Average Level of Example 1 toFIG. 4d, Example 2 toFIG. 4e, and Example 3 toFIG. 4fMore specifically, smaller values for Pigmentation Average Level correspond to better stain removal, as Pigmentation Average Level is a measurement of stain concentration.

Stain removal index (SRI) values, which are used to calculate percent change as a measure of stain removal, were calculated in accordance with ASTM D4265-14, where the calculation is:

The SRI values for Examples 1-3 are shown in TABLE I.

TABLE ISRI IndexExample 191.45Example 289.11Example 370.29
For SRI, higher values correspond to better stain removal.

FIG. 6illustrates pigmentation average level representing an average concentration of soiling material for additional Examples 4-6, when employed Stained Fabric Sample 4, with different laundering conditions used for purposes of showing another type of stain with differences in laundering effectiveness distinguishable in accordance with the methods and systems as described herein. These Examples further demonstrate the effectiveness of the three-dimensional imaging device at analyzing a different type of oil, since the fabric was stained with canola oil in these examples. For Example 4, water alone is employed during laundering with no detergent. For Example 5, a conventional, premium laundry detergent was used during laundering. For Example 6, a conventional, super-premium laundry detergent with enzymes was used during laundering.

The SRI values for Examples 4-6 were calculated and are shown in TABLE II.

While specific analysis protocols are described above, the data should be recognized not for the actual values and results presented but for the fact that such quality results can be obtained using the Antera 3D® camera for purposes of analyzing the stained fabric articles.

Additional examples were prepared to provide images for stain visualization attributable to different consumer care products, such as deodorant/antiperspirant compositions. These examples demonstrate how different products leave behind varying levels of stain residue that is invisible to the naked eye. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, five different deodorant/antiperspirant compositions were applied in four different quadrants on a cotton t-shirt, with the different deodorant/antiperspirant compositions labeled as Product 1, Product 2, Product 3, Product 4, and Product 5. The examples in this instance simulate a t-shirt that may be worn and comes into contact with deodorant/antiperspirant compositions in the underarm region. These would be the kind of stains present on shirts after contact with deodorant/antiperspirant compositions present on the skin. BothFIG. 7andFIG. 8are photographs taken pre-laundering, with the photograph ofFIG. 7captured without applying the contrast function to the images and withFIG. 8captured after applying the contrast function. As can be seen from comparison ofFIGS. 7 and 8, images captured using the Antera 3D camera and after applying the contrast function show a clear distinction between residues from the different deodorant/antiperspirant compositions. Such images can be employed in both internal analysis and/or marketing demonstration applications. Again, the data should be recognized not for the actual results presented but for the fact that such quality images can be obtained using the Antera 3D® camera for purposes of analyzing the stained fabric articles, with the images exhibiting that differences in residue deposition between different deodorant/antiperspirant compositions can also be effectively analyzed using the Antera 3D® camera.