Identifying textiles using computer vision in a mobile app - LAB Focus (2024)

Different ways of utilizing artificial intelligence for sorting and identifying textiles is being researched in the AI-mill project. A new method to improve the sorting of textile pieces based on their structure and color was developed with the help of LAB University of Applied Science’s Textile research team (in Finnish). A dataset of around 3000 pictures of different textile pieces was gathered and used to train an image classification AI model using machine learning algorithms.

With the AI model, textile pieces are classified as either weft or knit. The structure of the material affects how it can be mechanically opened into fiber and how it can be reused. In addition, the solution detects the color of the textile by counting the color pixels in the picture with a separate algorithm. Sorting by color reduces the need of recoloring the textile fibers for reuse, saving water. (LAB 2021.)

Identifying textiles using computer vision in a mobile app - LAB Focus (1)

Mobile app

In June 2021, a free test version of the Textile Identifier app (in Finnish) was released in the Play Store for Android devices. The app uses the phone’s camera to classify textile pieces in real time and can also produce a more accurate analysis from the average of multiple pictures as in picture 1. The app is meant as a useful tool for textile recycling done by humans, for example in a recycling center. Sorters could use the app to scan the textile pieces being sorted and recycle them based on the results like in Video 1. The goal is to improve the recycling accuracy and make sorting easier for the workers.

Using the AI model with a sorting machine

The AI model can be tailored to work with a sorting machine. It is possible to deploy the AI model in a microcomputer with a camera attached to it and add the solution as part of the sorting machine. The microcomputer does a similar analysis as the phone app and sends the analysis to the sorting machine, which sorts the incoming textile pieces accordingly. With this information, the sorting machine gains the ability to know the structure and color of the incoming textile piece.

Developing such an application will still require further work on the software, as well as improving the AI model’s accuracy. The training dataset for the AI model still needs to be expanded greatly for it make accurate enough predictions in a production environment. Still the experiment has demonstrated that such a technique is possible to implement, and the solution is flexible in the ways it can be deployed on different devices.

What’s next?

The AI-mill project is ending in February 2022, but the development environment will continue to exist after the project ends. Further development on the textile identification technology is a possibility that the development environment hopefully gets to pursue. Before the project itself ends, there are plans of expanding the textile dataset further by taking pictures of the of textile pieces that have been gathered in LAB’s textile laboratory.

Author

Ville Teräväinen is working at LAB as a RDI Specialist in the AI-Mill and Innovative Machine Vision Solutions projects.

References

LAB. 2021. Uusi sovellus nopeuttaa tekstiilien kierrätystä. [Cited 21.10.2021] Available: https://lab.fi/fi/uutiset/uusi-sovellus-nopeuttaa-tekstiilien-kierratysta?fbclid=IwAR3KLxR7vTS1RPq8GLhmMyhKd2cYybahSFOlHt0IgmODQZy-qlro6pSyLBM

Links

Link 1. LAB. 2021. Tekoälypaja. [Cited 21.10.2021] Available: https://lab.fi/en/project/tekoalypaja

Link 2. LAB 2021. Tekstiilien ja muovien materiaalikierrot -tutkimustiimi. [Cited 25.10.2021] Available: https://lab.fi/en/node/10311

Link 3. Google Play 2021. Textile Identifier [Cited 25.10.2021] Available: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fi.lab.vision_tool

Link 2. LAB 2021. Tekstiilien ja muovien materiaalikierrot -tutkimustiimi. [Cited 25.10.2021] Available: https://lab.fi/en/node/10311

Pictures

Picture 1. Ville Teräväinen 2021. New sensor and AI-solutions are being developed in the AI-mill development environment [Cited 10 Nov 2021]

Picture 2. Ville Teräväinen 2021. Screen capture from the Textile Identifier-app while it’s scanning the textile and after it has finished scanning [Cited 10 Nov 2021]

Video

Teräväinen, V. 2021. Tekstiilintunnistin. LAB Focus. [Cited 25.10.2021] Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvXV79Qwl_w

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Identifying textiles using computer vision in a mobile app - LAB Focus (2024)

FAQs

Is there an app that can identify fabric? ›

Overwhelmed by the choice of standard fabrics we offer. You can use our Fabric Finder App. To use the App, click on the link immediately below based on what device you are using and answer a series of questions.

What are the two methods used for identification of textile Fibres? ›

Simple methods for identifying fibres are the burn test and microscopy identification (identify cotton, flax (linen), wool and silk or synthetic fibres). Knowledge of the technique of fabrics helps to understand the textile and the condition of the textile.

What is the test for identifying Fibres? ›

Burn Test to Identify Fibres

A burn test can be used to distinguish plant fibre (cellulose) from animal fibre (protein). The burn test is not usually the sole method of identification, but complements other techniques.

How do you identify fabric? ›

The fabric identification is done by the various fabric weaving machines. There are various machines like inspection machine, burn machine, fabric dying machine, fabric insulation machine and such others for carrying out the burn tests of fabrics.

Which app uses image recognition software to identify clothes? ›

Google Lens is a popular image recognition tool that can identify wearables, apparel, personal accessories like jewelry, necklaces, and so much more.

How to find fabric using an image? ›

By using FindMyFabric.com, that quilter now can snap a picture of the fabric and within minutes locate an online retailer that has the fabric in stock. Her quilt can now be finished in time for Christmas, making everyone happy.

What are the four techniques for identifying fibers? ›

There are different tests which could be used for the identification of the textile fibers such as burning test, microscopic test, solubility test, optical test, density test etc.

What are three techniques used to identify fibers? ›

To identify different types of fibers a range of tests can be performed. This includes solubility tests, burning tests, staining tests, and microscopic tests.

What are 6 other tests that can be run to identify a fiber? ›

Fiber identification is done through a variety of lab tests, depending on the fabrics used, the type of product and its purpose.
  • Testing Fiber Strength and Durability. ...
  • Chemical Tests. ...
  • Testing Fiber Authenticity. ...
  • Testing Fiber for Restricted Substances. ...
  • Testing Fabric for Defects. ...
  • Microscopy Tests for Fiber Identification.

How do you identify fabrics through visual inspection? ›

4 Ways To Visually Inspect Fabric Panels
  1. Visual human examination with the naked eye: A human inspector inspects the fabrics visually and with the naked eye for defects. ...
  2. Inspection by elaborately calibrated machine: ...
  3. AI method using previously collected images: ...
  4. In future there will be an anomaly detection based on AI.
Jan 16, 2020

What methods are used to analyze fibers? ›

Methods
  • Scanning electron microscopy.
  • Atomic force microscopy.
  • Comparison Microscopy.

How do you test if a fiber is cotton? ›

The Burn Test for Cotton Fabric

The fastest way for you to tell if something is pure cotton or not would be for you to use the flame of a candle, or a match. Cotton will not melt, nor will it curl away from the flame.

What are the 6 categories of textiles? ›

Textiles are classified according to their component fibers into silk, wool, linen, cotton, such synthetic fibers as rayon, nylon, and polyesters, and some inorganic fibers, such as cloth of gold, glass fiber, and asbestos cloth.

What is the difference between fabric and textile? ›

Textiles stand alone as an unfinished product, or they can combine with other materials to create something different. Fabric is mainly an “ingredient” mixed with other materials, creating the finished product.

How can you tell the difference between fabric and textile? ›

Textile is a broader term applied to the entire clothing industry. It is a general term used for clothing. Literally, it means woven fabric coming from a Latin word taxere. Fabric is a piece of cloth used for making dresses.

What is the best app for identifying objects? ›

List of Best Apps To Identify Anything Using Your Phone's Camera
  • Google Lens. Google Lens is one of the best and top-rated visual search engine apps on the list, which can be used to identify many items. ...
  • Pinterest. ...
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Is there a free image recognition app? ›

TapTapSee is an image recognition app designed for visually impaired users. It can be used to identify objects, text, and people. The app is available for free on Android and iOS devices. One of the best things about TapTapSee is that it is very easy to use.

What is the app that finds items by picture? ›

With CamFind, understanding the world around you has never been easier. Simply take a picture of any object and CamFind uses mobile visual search technology to tell you what it is. The CamFind app provides fast, accurate results with no typing necessary.

How do you identify a pattern in an image online? ›

The first step is to go to the Google Reverse Image Search page. you can do that by going to Google Reverse Image Search and clicking on the camera icon, or even just type “google reverse image search” or “google search by image” in your search bar in your browser!

Is there an app to identify quilt blocks? ›

Quilting Calc

It has some negative reviews regarding freeze-ups, but there's a new version available. Plus, the app is free. If it doesn't work for you, delete it. Quilting Calc is also available for Android cell phones.

How do you test fabric for content? ›

IDENTIFYING FIBRE CONTENT

To conduct a test, cut a small sample of fabric, hold it with a pair of tweezers and place it over a small flame. Take all necessary precautions and keep a bowl of water nearby to extinguish the flame when the test is complete.

What is the most reliable method of textile fibers analysis and explain the reasons why? ›

Microscopical Test: Identification of fibers by this test is the most reliable method and it can be used to distinguish the fibers. This method of testing gives quick, accurate results and is easy to perform for the identification. Even the yarns containing fibers ends can also be easily tested by the methods.

What tools and techniques are used by lab technicians to identify fibers? ›

Fiber/Fibre Analysis Techniques
  • Optical Light Microscopy.
  • Atomic Force Microscopy.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

What are the classification and identification of textile fibers? ›

Generally textile fibers can be classified into main two types they are-Natural fiber and Synthetic fiber or manmade fiber or artificial fiber.

What are the 3 types of fabric testing? ›

Mechanical testing
  • Tensile Testing. Determines the maximum force a fabric can withstand when under constant, controlled tension. ...
  • Abrasion Testing. Tests a fabric's resistance to surface wear and tear by way of continual rubbing. ...
  • Pilling Testing. Tests a fabric's resistance to pilling.
Apr 5, 2023

What are visual features of fabrics? ›

What are Visual Qualities of a fabric? The visual characteristics include colour, lustre/shine & surface design. Fall/Drapeability can also be defined as a visual quality of the fabric in a certain way. Of the 4 visual qualities, colour is easier to explain however difficult to understand!

What are the steps in the mobile forensics process? ›

Here are the steps in the mobile forensics process:
  1. Step 1: Seizure. The mobile forensics process begins with the seizure of the devices in question. ...
  2. Step 2: Acquisition. After the device is seized and secured, it's time to extract the evidence. ...
  3. Step 3: Analysis. Mobile devices contain loads of data. ...
  4. Step 4: Examination.
Jul 13, 2022

What are two methods to analyze fibers without destroying them? ›

Two methods that can analyze fibers without damaging them are polarizing light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy.

What are 2 different types of tests on fibres that can be used in a forensic laboratory? ›

However, there are some simple tests which help greatly in distinguishing fabrics, the most common being the burning test and chemical tests.

How is microscopic test used to identify fibers? ›

The microscopic test is a technical test that involves identifying the fabric with the help of a microscope with a magnification of minimum 100 power. The test can easily distinguish between fibres. The test identifies the natural fibres more easily as compared to man-made ones.

How can you identify a natural and synthetic Fibre? ›

Natural fibres are produced by nature either grown on animals or by plants. Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres produced by chemicals or in a factory.

What are the 4 pillars of textiles? ›

These are: Mills, Suppliers, Technology and Academic institutions and the Government.

What are the 5 focus areas of textiles? ›

In the HSC course, the Major Textiles Project allows students to develop a textile project from one of the following focus areas: apparel, furnishings, costume, textile arts, non-apparel.

What is GREY fabric in textile? ›

Greige fabric (pronounced “grey” fabric) is the raw, unprocessed and unfinished woven fabric taken directly from a loom. Greige goods are the direct product of weaving when the fabric is still in its natural state and has yet to be bleached, dyed, coated or otherwise finished.

What are the two main categories of textiles? ›

Fibre Classification

Textile fibres can be broadly classified into two categories: Natural fibres. Man-made fibres.

What counts as textiles? ›

The definition of textile is any material made of interlacing fibers, including carpet and geotextiles. Any woven or knitted fabric is a textile. What every textile has in common is that it's made from textile fiber.

Can you also identify some fabrics? ›

The fibres of some fabrics such as cotton, jute, silk and wool are obtained from plants and animals. These are called natural fibres. Cotton and jute are examples of fibres obtained from plants. Wool and silk fibres are obtained from animals.

What are some characteristics of textiles? ›

Textiles are specific types of materials characterised by a unique combination of properties including strength, flexibility, elasticity, softness, durability, heat insulation, low weight, water absorbency/repellence, dyeability and resistance to chemicals.

What is the difference between a fiber and a textile? ›

Textiles are made of fibers. A fiber is generally hundreds of times longer than it is wide, giving it a hair-like appearance. Textile fibers can be created from many natural sources, as well as man-made materials (for example, polyester and rayon).

Is there an app that can find a product from a picture? ›

“CamFind lets users photograph, identify and gather a range of information on objects and products from any photographic angle. “ “It can do things like identify brands of clothing. If you like someone else's shoes, you can use the CamFind app to find out what they are.

Can I take a picture of an item and find it online? ›

Search with an image saved on your device
  • On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google app .
  • At the bottom, tap Discover.
  • In the search bar, tap Google Lens .
  • Take or upload a photo to use for your search: ...
  • Select the area you want to use for your search: ...
  • At the bottom, scroll to find your search results.

How do you trace a design on fabric? ›

Freezer Paper– If you are struggling to trace your design onto fabric because the fabric keeps moving, then just iron some freezer paper onto your fabric. It will stick really well and will feel like you are drawing onto paper. Then just peel the paper off afterwards. Problem solved.

Is there an app to identify antiques? ›

Hallmarks - The app Hallmarks - Identify Antiques is a good option for identifying random hallmarks on silver and other pieces. The hallmarks are alphabetical.

Is there a website that can identify an image? ›

On your computer, go to Google Images. Search for an image. Click the image. At the top right, click Search inside image .

How do I use my iPhone camera to identify objects? ›

Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos on iPhone
  1. Open a photo in full screen; ...
  2. Swipe up on the photo or tap .
  3. Tap the icon that appears on the photo or at the top of the photo information results to view Siri Knowledge and more information about the object.
  4. Tap.

Where is Google Lens in my phone? ›

Get details & take action on your photos
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
  2. Select a photo.
  3. Tap Lens .
  4. Depending on your photo, check the details, take an action, or find similar products.

Is there an app to identify shoes? ›

Grails - Shoe Identification is capable of identifying over 100,000+ different shoes, with higher accuracy than most human experts. If you've ever wondered “What shoe is this?” Grails has the answer. Wondering what shoe your favorite celebrity is wearing on Instagram?

What is Google Lens for identifying everything? ›

Google Lens is a set of vision-based computing capabilities that can understand what you're looking at and use that information to copy or translate text, identify plants and animals, explore locales or menus, discover products, find visually similar images, and take other useful actions.

What can Google Lens identify? ›

Google Lens is available on all the best Android phones and is one of the most powerful tools you'll use in your everyday life. From identifying flowers to translating screenshots, Google Lens is packed with features that help you make sense of the world.

What is the best marking tool for tracing on a fabric? ›

Carbon paper and tracing wheel

Packets contain a variety of colours of paper to use with light or dark fabric and its easy to mark long lines, curves or corners while copying a template or pattern exactly. You'll also need a tracing wheel to create a dashed line of chalk on your fabric.

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