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Method and apparatus for witness card statistical analysis using image processing techniques

  • US 7,277,570 B2
  • Filed: 02/17/2004
  • Issued: 10/02/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for assessing a spray using image processing techniques to analyze a scan image of an as-sprayed witness card, wherein the as-sprayed witness card includes a fixed pattern of stains as a result of being sprayed with drops of a selected fluid, the system comprising:

  • a scanner unit to generate a scan image of a calibration witness card and a scan image of at least one as-sprayed witness card, wherein the calibration witness card includes a plurality of stains, each stain created with a known volume of the selected fluid;

    an image analysis unit to identify a plurality of stains within a scan image and to determine a value for a selected dimensional characteristic for each identified stain based upon image processing of the scan image;

    a calibration unit to develop a calibration equation based upon values determined for stains identified within the calibration witness card scan image, wherein the calibration equation approximates a relationship between the determined calibration witness card stain values and the respective volumes of the selected fluid that created each respective calibration witness card stain; and

    a statistics unit to determine an as-sprayed drop characteristic based upon a value determined for a stain identified within the as-sprayed witness card scan image and the developed calibration equation.

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