WO2020161455A1

WO2020161455A1 - System and method for testing wetting of fabric samples

Info

Publication number: WO2020161455A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/051640
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew TEAL; Brian SAGE; Iain Taylor; John Pratt; Neil Pryke; Helen Jones
Original assignee: James H. Heal And Company Limited
Priority date: 2019-02-06
Filing date: 2019-06-13
Publication date: 2020-08-13
Also published as: GB201901644D0

Abstract

A testing system (1) for assessing the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample (F) comprises a fabric sample retaining unit (120) which retains the fabric sample (F); a liquid dispenser (130) configured to dispense a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample (F); a first image capture unit (140) configured to capture an image of a first surface of the fabric sample (F); and a controller (210) configured to identify a wetted region of the fabric sample (F) into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING WETTING OF FABRIC SAMPLES

FIELD

[01 ] The present application relates to a testing system and a method for assessing the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample.

BACKGROUND

[02] Humans perspire when they are hot to regulate their body temperature, for example because of exercise or the ambient temperature. As perspiration evaporates from the skin, it cools the body.

[03] It is desirable that fabrics permit the controlled movement of moisture (e.g. perspiration), either in the form of liquid or as water vapour, from the skin to the atmosphere. These characteristics are often referred to as moisture wicking. An ideal moisture wicking fabric touching the body will allow the perspiration to be quickly transported from the interior, skin side of the fabric in contact with the skin, and then spread the moisture on the exterior side in order to facilitate rapid evaporation. This will make the wearer feel more comfortable, as it will help them to regulate their body temperature and their skin will be dry and not sticky. Fabrics that do not wick moisture effectively can saturate with perspiration and cling to the skin of the wearer, making them feel wet, uncomfortable and hot as the perspiration does not readily evaporate. Furthermore, the lack of evaporation means that the body continues to perspire, generating more liquid and preventing cooling.

[04] Accordingly, designers and manufacturers of sportswear and athleisurewear need to understand the moisture management characteristics of their garments, and in particular how well their garments support moisture wicking. In particular, there is a need for repeatable, reliable and informative tests that can be carried out using an appropriate machine, in order to allow a manufacturer or designer to objectively assess the moisture management characteristics of the fabrics used in their garments.

[05] In one prior art testing apparatus, the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample are assessed by securing the sample horizontally such that a plurality of concentric rings of conductive pins are in contact with the surface of the fabric. A volume of saline solution is then dispensed into the middle of the concentric rings. As the saline solution is absorbed by the sample and spreads out, the solution contacts the concentric rings and causes a change in resistivity to be measured by the pins. Accordingly, the spread of the solution can be tracked.

[06] In many cases the moisture will not spread out evenly in all directions from the point of dispensing, for example due to the warp and weft of the fabric, and so disadvantages arise in that each ring as a whole is triggered as the solution contacts it, losing this important information. [07] Further disadvantages arise due to the use of conductivity/resistivity measurements and saline solution. For accurate readings, the pins must be thoroughly dried after each sample is tested, which is labour intensive. Furthermore, the saline solution rapidly corrodes the metal pins if a labour intensive cleaning process is not cleaned on a regular basis.

[08] It is an aim of the present application to address the above-mentioned difficulties, and any other disadvantages that would be apparent to the skilled reader from the description herein. It is a further aim of the present application to provide an apparatus that can accurately and repeatedly provide information relating to the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample. It is another aim of the present application to provide an apparatus that is easy to operate and maintain.

SUMMARY

[09] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[10] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a testing system for assessing the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample, the system comprising: a fabric sample retaining unit configured to retain the fabric sample;

a liquid dispenser configured to dispense a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample; a first image capture unit configured to capture an image of a first surface of the fabric sample; and

a controller configured to identify a wetted region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface.

[1 1 ] References herein to fabric and fabric samples will be understood to encompass both woven and non-woven textiles, formed of synthetic materials, natural materials or a combination of both. The fabric sample may be a technical textile, preferably a technical textile for use in a sportswear or athleisurewear garment.

[12] The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to retain a fabric sample having dimensions of 1 m x 1 m or less, preferably 500mm x 500mm or less, preferably 300mm x 300mm or less, preferably 250mm x 250mm or less, preferably 150mm x 150mm. The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to retain a fabric sample having dimensions of at least 25mm x 25mm, preferably at least 80mm x 80mm or at least 100mm x 100mm. The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to retain a fabric sample having a thickness of 10mm or less. For the avoidance of doubt, all ranges presented herein are inclusive of their endpoints.

[13] The fabric sample retaining unit may be detachable from the testing system. The fabric sample retaining unit may comprise a plate insertable in a slot of the testing system. The fabric sample retaining unit, preferably the plate, may comprise an aperture, wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a position extending over, preferably covering, the aperture. The aperture may have a diameter of 1 m or less, preferably 500mm or less, preferably 300mm or less, preferably 250mm or less, preferably from 200mm or less, preferably 150mm or less, preferably 100mm. The aperture may have a diameter of at least 25mm, preferably at least 80mm, preferably at least 100mm or at least 150mm. The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to apply tension to the fabric sample, so as to eliminate wrinkles in a surface of the fabric sample.

[14] The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially horizontal plane, in use. The system may be configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially vertical plane in use. The fabric sample retaining unit may be configured to retain the fabric sample in an inclined plane in use. The inclined plane may be between a substantially horizontal plane and a substantially vertical plane. The inclined plane may have an angle of inclination of from 5° to 85°, from 10° to 80°, from 15° to 75°, from 20° to 70° or 25° to 65°. The inclined plane may have an angle of inclination of approximately 30°, 45°, or 60°.

[15] The system may be configured to selectively operate in a horizontal configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially horizontal plane. The system may be configured to selectively operate in a vertical configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially vertical plane. The system may be configured to selectively operate in an inclined configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric in an inclined plane. The system may be configured to selectively operate in a plurality of inclined configurations, wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample at a different angle of inclination in each inclined configuration. The system may be configured to selectively operate in at least two configurations selected from: the horizontal configuration, the vertical configuration and the inclined configuration.

[16] The system may comprise an enclosure, wherein the enclosure is rotatable between at least two of the horizontal configuration, the vertical configuration and the inclined configuration. The enclosure may comprise the first image capture unit and the liquid dispenser. The enclosure may comprise at least one of the second image capture unit, first illumination unit, second image capture unit and second illumination unit defined hereinbelow

[17] The liquid dispenser may comprise a liquid reservoir; a dosing member having an outlet positioned proximate a surface of the fabric sample; and a pump configured to pump the volume of liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outlet.

[18] The liquid dispenser may be configured to dispense the volume of liquid on to a front surface of the fabric sample.

[19] The reservoir may be removable. [20] The pump may be configured to dose a predetermined volume of liquid over a predetermined time period. The predetermined volume of liquid may be 0.6ml or less, preferably 0.5ml or less, preferably 0.4ml or less, preferably 0.3ml or less, preferably 0.2ml or less, most preferably 0.15ml. The predetermined time period may be 15 seconds or less, preferably from 3 to 13 seconds, preferably from 4 to 12 seconds, preferably from 7 to 11 seconds, most preferably 10 seconds. The pump may comprise a stepper motor.

[21 ] The dosing member may comprise an arm, the arm comprising a bore for conveying the liquid to the outlet. The dosing member may be biased so that an end thereof contacts the fabric sample.

[22] The dosing member may comprise a receptacle formed at the outlet, wherein the receptacle comprises an open end positioned to face the fabric sample. The receptacle may have a surface configured to form a bottom of the receptacle when the fabric sample is retained in the substantially vertical plane. The bottom may slope downwardly towards the open end. The receptacle may have a capacity of from 0.1 to 10 ml, preferably 0.1 to 5 ml, preferably 0.1 to 2ml, preferably 0.1 to 1 ml, most preferably 0.2ml.

[23] The liquid may be water, preferably deionized or distilled water. The liquid may be stored at room temperature, preferably from 15°C to 30°C.

[24] The first image capture unit may be configured to capture an image of a rear surface of the fabric sample. The first image capture unit may comprise a first camera. The first image capture unit may comprise a prism disposed between the first camera and the fabric sample.

[25] The system may comprise a first illumination unit configured to illuminate the surface, preferably the rear surface, of the fabric sample. The first illumination unit may be disposed between the fabric sample and the first image capture unit, and may comprise an aperture through which the fabric sample is visible to the first image capture unit. The first illumination unit may emit visible light and/or ultraviolet light and/or infrared light. The first illumination unit may comprise a plurality of LEDs disposed around a periphery of the aperture.

[26] The system may comprise a second image capture unit configured to capture an image of a front surface of the fabric sample, wherein the controller may be configured to identify a wetted region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the front surface. The second image capture unit may comprise a second camera. The second image capture unit may comprise a prism disposed between the second camera and the fabric sample.

[27] The system may comprise a second illumination unit configured to illuminate the front surface of the fabric sample. The second illumination unit may be disposed between the fabric sample and the second image capture unit, and may comprise an aperture through which the fabric sample is visible to the second image capture unit. The second illumination unit may emit visible light and/or ultraviolet light and/or infrared light. The second illumination unit may comprise a plurality of LEDs disposed around a periphery of the aperture.

[28] The controller may be configured to control the liquid dispenser to dispense the volume of liquid.

[29] The controller may be configured to compare each captured image to a reference image captured before the liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispenser, so as to identify the wetted region. The controller may be configured to determine an area of the wetted region. The controller may be configured to determine one or more of a wetted distance in an X direction, a wetted distance in a Y direction, and a wetted distance in one or more of a Y+, Y-, X+, X- direction. The controller may be configured to determine a furthest distance between two points on a periphery of the wetted region.

[30] The controller may be configured to control the first illumination unit, and optionally the second illumination unit, to emit a predetermined spectrum of light, wherein the predetermined spectrum of light is selected based on one or more of the colour, pattern or material of the fabric sample.

[31 ] The controller may be configured to control the first, and optionally second, image capture unit to capture a plurality of images of the fabric sample. The controller may control the first, and optionally second, image capture unit to capture the plurality of images at a regular interval. The interval may be 500ms or less. The interval may be 250ms or less. The controller may be configured to select a shutter speed for the first, and optionally second, image capture unit, wherein the shutter speed is selected based on one or more of the colour, pattern or material of the fabric sample.

[32] The controller may be configured to control the first image capture unit, second image capture unit, first illumination unit and second illumination unit to alternatingly illuminate and capture an image of the front surface and rear surface of the fabric sample.

[33] The controller may be configured to determine one or more metrics based on the identified wetted regions in the plurality of captured images. The metrics may include one or more of: a maximum wetted area; a maximum wetted distance; a spreading speed of the liquid and a directional spreading speed of the liquid.

[34] The system may comprise a user interface. The controller may initiate a test based on user input received from the user interface. The controller may display the captured images on the user interface. The controller may display one or more of the metrics on the user interface.

[35] In some examples, elements of the system or parts thereof may be disposed remotely from one another, and connected by a suitable communication medium. For example, the elements or parts may be connected via network connection. The network connection may comprise one or more of a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), leased lines or the Internet. The network connection may comprise wired and/or wireless links. In other examples the elements may be linked by a wired communication protocol, such as a USB link or FireWire® link.

[36] The system may comprise a testing apparatus and controlling device. The testing apparatus may comprise the fabric sample retaining unit, the liquid dispenser, the first image capture unit and optionally the first illumination unit, the second image capture unit, and/or the second illumination unit. The controlling device may comprise the controller, and optionally the user interface.

[37] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assessing the moisture management of a fabric sample, comprising:

dispensing a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample;

capturing an image of a first surface of the fabric sample; and

identifying a region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface.

[38] Further preferred features of the method of the second aspect are defined herein in relation to the system of the first aspect and may be combined in any combination.

[39] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by the testing apparatus of the first aspect, cause the computer device to perform any of the methods set forth herein.

[40] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a tangible non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided having recorded thereon instructions which, when executed by the testing apparatus of the first aspect, cause the computer device to perform any of the methods set forth herein.

[41 ] A fifth aspect of the invention provides use of the testing system of the first aspect in a test procedure, the test procedure comprising the steps of:

priming the testing system;

loading the fabric sample retaining unit with an absorbent material and placing the fabric sample retaining unit in the testing system so as to absorb excess liquid;

conditioning a fabric sample to bring the sample into equilibrium with a testing atmosphere;

loading the fabric sample retaining unit with the conditioned fabric sample; and using the testing system to dispense a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample, capture an image of a first surface of the fabric sample, and identifying a region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface. [42] Priming the testing system may comprise activating a liquid pump of the testing system for a predetermined number of revolutions.

[43] The test procedure may comprise laundering the fabric sample. The test procedure may comprise carrying out a preliminary test to determine if the fabric sample is suitable for moisture management testing.

[44] Further preferred features of the fifth aspect are defined herein in relation to the system of the first aspect and may be combined in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[45] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[46] FIG. 1 A is a schematic view of an exemplary testing apparatus;

[47] FIG. 1 B is a functional block diagram of the exemplary testing apparatus;

[48] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the exemplary testing apparatus in a horizontal testing mode;

[49] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the exemplary testing apparatus in the horizontal testing mode with the sample retaining unit withdrawn;

[50] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary testing apparatus in a vertical testing mode;

[51 ] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the exemplary testing apparatus in the vertical testing mode with the sample retaining unit withdrawn;

[52] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the liquid dispensing unit of the exemplary testing apparatus;

[53] FIG. 5A-E are perspective views of the dosing unit of the liquid dispensing unit;

[54] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary illumination unit of the exemplary testing apparatus;

[55] FIG. 7 is a table of a plurality of images captured by the exemplary testing apparatus;

[56] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method of assessing the moisture management of a fabric sample; and

[57] FIG. 9A and 9B are exemplary images captured by the exemplary testing apparatus.

[58] Corresponding reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding elements throughout the drawings. In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components. The skilled person will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various example embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[59] In overview, examples of the invention provide a testing apparatus that assesses the moisture management of a fabric sample by dispensing a volume of liquid thereon, and then capturing images of the sample to identify the area of the sample to which the liquid has spread. In some examples, images of both sides of the fabric sample are captured, to provide information on the moisture management of each side of the sample. In some examples, the apparatus can be used in one or both of a horizontal mode, in which the sample is held in a substantially horizontal plane, and a vertical mode, in which the sample is held in a substantially vertical plane.

[60] FIG. 1 A and 1 B show an exemplary testing system 1 . The testing system 1 comprises a test apparatus 100 and a controlling device 200.

[61] The test apparatus 100 comprises a housing 110; a sample retaining unit 120; a liquid dispensing unit 130; a first image capture unit 140; a first illumination unit 145 and a controller 160.

[62] The housing 110 takes the form of an enclosure configured to retain the other components of the testing apparatus 100 therein. In one example, the housing 110 is sized such that the apparatus 100 can be placed on an ordinary desk. Exemplary dimensions are 900mm x 900mm x 900mm or less.

[63] The sample retaining unit 120, which can be best seen in FIGs 2B and 3B, is configured to retain a fabric sample F. Particularly, the sample retaining unit 120 comprises a plate 121 with an aperture 122 formed therein. In one example, the aperture 122 is circular. The sample retaining unit 120 is configured to retain the fabric sample F, such that it covers the aperture 122. Accordingly, the fabric sample F is held so that the portions of both surfaces (i.e. front and rear surfaces, also referred to herein interior and exterior surfaces, with the front/interior surface being the surface onto which liquid is dispensed) that coincide with the aperture 122 are visible and substantially unobstructed.

[64] In one example, the fabric sample F is a specimen cut to a size of approximately 200mm in diameter, or 200mm square. The aperture 122 is of at least 25mm in diameter, preferably 100mm in diameter, so as to expose an appropriate amount of the fabric sample for analysis. It will be appreciated that the sample F may be square, rectangular, circular or any other shape, so long as it is sufficiently large to cover the aperture 122.

[65] In one example, the sample retaining unit 120 comprises a removable carriage (not shown), which when attached to the plate 121 clamps the sample F in place. The sample retaining unit 120 is configured to retain the sample F at light tension, so that the sample F is not wrinkled, does not sag due to gravity, remains flat and remains in a constant position after the application of liquid thereto. In one example, the sample retaining unit 120 is able to retain samples having a thickness of a maximum of 10mm.

[66] As can be seen in FIGS 2B and 3B, the sample retaining unit 120 may be detachably secured to the housing. For example, the sample retaining unit 120 is insertable in a slot on the exterior of the housing 1 10. Accordingly, the retaining unit 120 can be removed from the machine 100 and separately manipulated in order to easily attach and detach fabric samples F. A handle 123 may be conveniently provided on one end of the sample retaining unit 120, to facilitate insertion and withdrawal from the apparatus 100.

[67] In one example, the apparatus 100 is configured to retain the sample F in a substantially horizontal plane. In a further example, the apparatus 100 is configured to retain the sample F in a substantially vertical plane. Testing in the vertical plane has the advantage of more accurately simulating the orientation of the fabric in use, as the bulk of a garment is disposed in a generally vertical orientation.

[68] The apparatus 100 may be configured to selectively retain the sample F in the horizontal plane or the vertical plane. In other words, the apparatus 100 is arranged so as to be operable in a first, horizontal configuration or a second, vertical configuration.

[69] As will now be explained in more detail with respect to FIG. 2 and 3, in one example the apparatus 100 is rotatable between the two configurations. In particular, the housing 1 10 may comprise a base portion 1 1 1 , an upright portion 1 12 and a rotatable enclosure 1 13. The base portion 1 1 1 is configured to be placed on a suitable support surface, such as a desk top. The upright portion 1 12 extends substantially vertically upwards from the base portion 1 1 1 . The rotatable enclosure 1 13 is rotatably mounted at an upper section of the upright portion 1 12. The rotatable enclosure comprises at least the sample retaining unit 120, liquid dispensing unit 130 first image capture unit 140; and first illumination unit 150. In examples comprising a second image capture unit 160 and second illumination unit 170 as discussed below, the rotatable enclosure 1 13 also comprises these elements. It will be understood that some components which need not be rotated (e.g. the controller 160, memory 161 , communication unit 162 and any power supply that may be provided) may be disposed in the base 1 1 1 or upright portion 1 12.

[70] Accordingly, the rotatable enclosure 1 13 is permitted to rotate between the horizontal configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the vertical configuration shown in FIG. 3. It will be understood that the apparatus 100 comprises suitable locking means, for locking the rotatable enclosure 1 13 in either position, so that the enclosure 1 13 does not move during testing.

[71 ] The liquid dispensing unit 130 is configured to dispense a volume of liquid onto the front surface of the fabric sample F. The liquid dispensing unit 130 comprises a liquid reservoir 131 , a liquid pump 132 and a dosing member 133.

[72] The liquid reservoir 131 stores a volume of liquid. In one example, the liquid is water, preferably distilled, deionised and/or filtered water stored and delivered at ambient temperature. For example, the liquid reservoir 131 may have a capacity of from 10ml to 100ml. In one example, the liquid reservoir 131 is removable to permit easy refilling, for example by being insertable in a slot on the exterior of the housing, e.g. below the sample retaining unit 120. It will be appreciated that in other examples the reservoir 131 may not be removable and can be instead filled via a suitable port.

[73] The liquid pump 132 is configured to convey a measured volume of liquid from the reservoir 131 , down the dosing arm 133 so as to dispense it onto the fabric sample F near or at the centre of the aperture 122. Accordingly, suitable tubing (not shown) may connect an inlet of the pump 132 with the reservoir 131 . Suitable tubing may also connect the outlet of the pump 132 with the dosing arm 133. The liquid pump 132 may comprise a stepper motor, operable to pump a predetermined volume of liquid over a predetermined time period. For example, the pump 132 is configured to dose 0.2ml of liquid over 10 seconds. In one example, the pump 132 is adjustable, so as to change the dose volume and time. For example, the dose may range from 0 to 0.6ml, over 0 to 15 seconds. The liquid pump 132 is configured to deliver the water at atmospheric pressure.

[74] The dosing member 133, which takes the form of an arm and which is best seen in FIGs 4 and 5, is in fluid communication with the pump 132, and extends to the centre of the aperture 122. For example, the arm 133 is disposed on a frame 134 having an aperture 135, which corresponds in shape and size to the aperture 122. The arm 133 has a central bore for conveying the liquid to the free end of the arm 133a.

[75] The arm 133 is hingedly connected to the frame 134 via hinge assembly 136, so that it is able to move to a position in which its free end 133a contacts the fabric sample F. Furthermore, the arm is biased into this position, so that the free end of the arm 133a remains in position during testing. The biasing force applied to the arm 133, for example by a spring (not shown), is sufficient to keep the free end 133a in contact with the fabric sample F, but not so strong that the fabric sample F is distorted.

[76] FIG. 4 shows the arm 133 when the apparatus 100 is in the vertical configuration, and so the arm 133 is disposed to one side of the vertically-disposed fabric sample F. Of course, in the horizontal configuration the elements are rotated by 90°, so that the arm 133 is disposed vertically above the fabric sample F. [77] The free end of the arm 133a comprises a dosing trough 137, which is best seen in FIG. 5. The trough 137 is in fluid communication with the bore 133b of the arm 133, and takes the form of a receptacle having side walls 137a, bottom 137b and end wall 137c, but that is open at the top and at the end 137d that is most proximate to the sample F. The bottom 137b of the trough slopes downwardly from the end wall 137c towards open end 137d. In one example, the dosing trough 137 has a capacity of 0.2ml. The liquid pumped to the dosing trough 137 is therefore drawn into the fabric sample F via the open end 137d.

[78] In one example, the liquid dispensing unit 130 is movable. In particular, the liquid dispensing unit 130 may be movable from the position shown in FIG. 4 with the arm 133/trough 137 in contact with the fabric sample F, to a position in which the arm 133 does not contact the sample F. This facilitates the withdrawal of the sample retaining unit 120, because the liquid dispensing unit 130 is moved so as not to interfere with the motion of the sample retaining unit 120. In one example, the motion of the sample retaining unit 120 causes the motion of the liquid dispensing unit 130. Particularly, an initial force applied to the sample retaining unit 130 to remove it from its slot also pushes the liquid dispensing unit 130 to its non-interfering position. Similarly, the insertion of the sample retaining 130 causes the liquid dispensing unit 130 to be moved to the position shown in FIG. 4.

[79] In one example, the trough 137 may be coated with or formed from a material that assists in the consistent delivery of water to the sample F. Particularly, it may be undesirable for liquid to collect in the trough 127 and then suddenly egress the trough when the weight of the liquid overcomes the surface tension of the liquid. The material may prevent this behaviour. In one example, the material is hydrophilic. In another example, the material is hydrophobic.

[80] It will be appreciated that liquid in the tubing/bore 133b may evaporate over time, or be spilled if the apparatus 100 is moved. Accordingly, in one example, the liquid dispensing unit 130 is configured to carry out a priming routine. The priming routine ensures that there is no air present in the tubing or the bore 133b before a test is carried out, so that the desired amount of liquid is accurately dosed. In one example, the priming routine comprises activating the pump 132 for a specific number of revolutions.

[81] In one example, the apparatus 100 comprises one or more drip trays arranged to catch the liquid that has been transported through the fabric sample F, and/or dispensed as part of the priming routine. In one example, a drip tray may be secured in place of the sample holder during the priming routine.

[82] Returning to FIGs 1A-B, the first image capture unit 140 is configured to capture images of the rear surface of the fabric sample F. The first image capture unit 140 comprises a camera 141 . In one example, the first image capture unit 140 also comprises a prism 142, so that the lens of camera 141 need not have a direct line-of-sight of the rear surface of the fabric sample F. This allows for a more compact arrangement, and may also prevent the dispensed liquid dripping through the sample and contacting the camera 141 .

[83] The first illumination unit 145 is configured to illuminate the rear surface of the fabric sample F. The illumination unit 145 is disposed between the first image capture unit 140 and the sample retaining unit 120. The illumination unit 145 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6. As can be seen therein, the illumination unit 145, which in one example takes the form of a plate, comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g. LEDs) 146/147 disposed annularly around a central aperture 148. The aperture 148 is disposed so that the line-of-sight of camera 141 is not blocked by the first illumination unit 145.

[84] The illumination unit 145 is configured to emit a broad spectrum of light. In one example, the LEDs comprise an inner ring 146 of white LEDs, and an outer ring 147 which comprises ultraviolet (UV) LEDs and infrared (IR) LEDs. The UV and IR LEDs are for example disposed altern atingly. The brightness of the LEDs 146/147 may be adjustable. Furthermore, the illumination unit 145 is configured to selectively emit UV, IR or visible light, and/or any combination of the UV, IR or visible light, for example by activating the relevant combination of LEDs. In a further example, the illumination unit 145 comprises other light-emitting elements instead of or in addition to the LEDs, such as one or more xenon arc lamps.

[85] In one example, the illumination unit 145 comprises a light diffuser (not shown), disposed between the light emitting elements and the fabric sample F. The light diffuser assists in providing a uniform light distribution across the sample F, thereby avoiding shadows and bright spots.

[86] In one example, the apparatus 100 further comprises a second image capture unit 150 and a second illumination unit 155. The second image capture unit 150 is configured to capture images of the front surface of the fabric sample F, and comprises a camera 151 . In this example, the lens of the camera 151 is pointed directly at the surface of fabric sample F, though it will be appreciated that in other examples intervening prisms may be deployed. The second illumination unit 155 is configured to illuminate the front surface of the fabric sample F. The illumination unit 155 is configured similarly to the first illumination unit 145.

[87] In one example, the position of one or both of the image capture units 140/150 may be adjustable. For example, the distance of one or both of the image capture units 140/150 from the fabric sample may be adjusted so as to compensate for the thickness of the fabric sample F. Accordingly, the image capture units 140/150 can be adjusted to remain a predetermined distance from the surfaces of the fabric sample F, regardless of the thickness of the sample.

[88] As shown in FIG. 1 B, the apparatus 100 further comprises a controller 160, a memory 161 and a communication unit 162. The controller 135 may take the form of a processor or other compute element. For example, the controller 135 may comprise one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[89] The controller 160 is configured to control the operation of the liquid dispensing unit 130, illumination units 145/155 and image capture units 140/150.

[90] In one example, the controller 160 is configured to control the image capture units 140/150 to each capture a plurality of images. For example, each image capture unit 140/150 is configured to capture an image every 250ms or 500ms. The controller 160 is also configured to adjust the shutter speed (and therefore exposure time) of the image capture units 140/150. It will be appreciated that the interval at which the image capture unit 140/150 can capture images may vary according to the shutter speed of the camera, the lens and so on.

[91 ] In one example, the controller 160 is configured to alternately illuminate and capture each side of the fabric sample F. In particular, the controller 160 is adapted to activate the first illumination unit 145, and then capture an image with the first image capture unit 140. Subsequently, the controller 160 deactivates the first illumination unit 145, and then activates the second illumination unit 155, before then capturing an image with the second image capture unit 150. The second illumination unit 155 is then deactivated. This process may be repeated throughout the test. Alternately illuminating the sides of the fabric sample F prevents light emitted from the illumination disposed behind the fabric sample shining through, thus facilitating higher quality images that are easier to process.

[92] The memory 161 configured to store, either transiently or permanently, any data required for the operation of the testing apparatus 100. The memory 161 is conveniently configured to store a plurality of images captured by image capture units 140/150.

[93] The communication unit 162 is configured for communication with controlling device 200. The communication unit 162 may comprise suitable hardware and software for communicating with the device 200 over a suitable wired or wireless connection. The connection may for example comprise one or more of an Ethernet link, a Wi-Fi link or a USB link. The apparatus 100 is configured to receive control signals from the controlling device 200, and transmit data, such as the images captured by the image capture units 140/150 to the controlling device 200. In one example, the apparatus 100 transmits the captured images in real time.

[94] In one example, the apparatus 100 further comprises a user interface (Ul) 163, which may for example take the form of a touch screen interface formed on the housing of the apparatus 100. The Ul 163 is configured to receive user input, for example to initiate maintenance routines or configuration routines, such as the priming routine for readying the liquid dispensing unit 130. [95] The controlling device 200 may comprise a suitable computing device, for example a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet computer. The controlling device comprises a controller 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230 and a user interface (Ul) 240.

[96] The controller 210 may take the form of a processor or other compute element. For example, the controller 210 may comprise one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The memory 220 configured to store, either transiently or permanently, any data required for the operation of the controlling device 200. The communication unit 230 is configured for communication with the testing apparatus 100, and is configured similarly to communication unit 162. The Ul 240 comprises a display, and may comprise any suitable input means, including for example a mouse and keyboard or a touch screen.

[97] The controller 210 is configured to analyse the images captured by in order to identify the wetted region of the side of the sample F visible in the image. In particular, the controller 210 employs an edge detection algorithm to detect pixels in the image forming the wetted region. In particular, the edge detection algorithm determines the boundary of the wetted region, and then the controller 210 determines that all pixels within the boundary are wetted. Accordingly, the controller 210 need not individually examine each pixel in the image to determine if it is wetted.

[98] Each camera 141/151 is a fixed, known distance from the surface of the fabric sample F, and therefore each pixel in the captured image corresponds to a known area of the sample F. For example, each pixel may correspond to an area of 0.5mm². Accordingly, the wetted area (i.e. the area of the wetted region) can be calculated by multiplying the number of pixels in the region by the known area of each pixel. A test card or other calibration element having a marked region of known size may be placed in the fabric sample retaining unit 120 periodically, in order to accurately determine the area of each pixel.

[99] In one example, each image is compared to a reference image, captured at the beginning of a test before the liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispenser 130. In particular, the pixel values of the reference image are subtracted from the pixel values of the captured image, so as to determine pixels whose values are no longer equal to the reference image (or are different by over a predetermined threshold) and thus have changed.

[100] It will be appreciated that this process may involve applying one or pre-processing steps. In one example, the pre-processing steps comprise applying more filters to the images, including the reference images.

[101 ] In addition, as described above, the illumination units 145/155 illuminate the sample with UV and IR light, as well as visible white light. The inventors have found that illuminating the sample F with light of different wavelengths assists in identifying the wetted region. In particular, different fabrics having different colours, patterns and materials respond differently to different lighting conditions. Accordingly, the identification of the wetted region can be facilitated if a specific combination of UV/IR/visible is used to illuminate the image based on one or more of the colour/pattern/material. Similarly, using different image capture settings can assist in accurately identifying the wetted region. For example, applying different shutter speeds so as to result in different exposure times, may assist in identifying the wetted region of different fabrics. For example, it may be advantageous to use a longer exposure time for a darker sample. Accordingly, the user may select the material type, colour and/or pattern before initiating the test, and corresponding illumination and image capture settings may be applied. In one example, the image capture units 140/150 may carry out an auto-exposure procedure to automatically select an appropriate exposure time for each sample.

[102] It will be further appreciated that the images captured by image capture unit 140 are partially obscured by the dosing arm 133. However, as the dosing arm 133 is relatively thin, it can be assumed that the moisture spreads at the same rate as at the pixels either side of the arm 133, and so the controller 210 determines the boundary of the wetted region accordingly.

[103] FIG. 7 is a table showing a plurality of images of fabric samples A-D captured by the apparatus 100. Images 301 A-D and 302A-D are respectively raw front and rear images of samples A-D before the test. Images 303A-D and 304A-D are respectively front and rear images of samples A-D processed to highlight the wetted region, 10 seconds into a test. Images 305A-D and 306A-D are respectively front and rear images of samples A-D processed to highlight the wetted region, 30 seconds into a test.

[104] In one example, the controller 210 is further configured to determine other measurements based on the identified wetted region. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, for example, the wetted distance in the X direction is calculated by measuring the maximum distance 901 in the X direction from passing through an origin at the centre of the image, which corresponds to the location at which the liquid is dispensed. A similar calculation can be made in the Y direction, with the origin again being the centre of the image as indicated by reference numeral 902. In addition, this calculation can be carried out in the X- or X+ or Y+ or Y- direction. For samples tested in the vertical configuration, the calculation in the Y+ is indicative of a wicking distance against gravity.

[105] In addition, the wetted distance in any direction may be calculated by determining the longest straight line distance between any points on the periphery of the wetted region, as illustrated by reference numeral 903 in FIG. 9B.

[106] Furthermore, the controller 210 is configured to determine one or more test metrics, based on the identified wetted region of a plurality of images captured during a test. For example, the wetted area may be calculated for each image and plotted over time on a graph, to show the progress of the liquid during the test. In addition, one or more of the following metrics may be determined: [107] The maximum wetted area is calculated by calculating the area of wetted region after a specified time period (e.g.300s).

[108] The maximum wetted distance is calculated by taking the wetted distance in any direction 903 after the specified time period. The maximum wetted distance in the X, Y, X- or X+ or Y+ or Y- directions can similarly be calculated by taking the wetted distance in that direction after the specified time period.

[109] The spreading speed can be calculated by determining the rate of change of the wetted area over time. This could be calculated as an average speed, maximum speed and/or using a specific time interval (e.g. every 0.5s).

[1 10] The directional spreading speed can be calculated by plotting the distance travelled in a particular direction (X or Y or X- or X+ or Y+ or Y-) over time. Again, this could be calculated as an average speed, maximum speed and/or using a specific time interval (e.g. every 0.5s).

[1 1 1 ] Any of the above metrics may be calculated for either side of the fabric sample F.

[1 12] In addition, any one of these metrics may be plotted on a graph over time and displayed to the user, for example via the Ul 240. For example, the plot of the size of the wetted area over time helps to identify specimens where the plot plateaus due to the moisture not spreading much beyond an initial area. Furthermore, in one example, the Ul 240 is configured to show the captured images in real time, optionally with the identified wetted area shown thereon.

[1 13] In a further example, the controller 210 is configured to analyse the images captured by in order to identify a plurality of wetted regions of the side of the sample F visible in the image. For example, certain fabrics may have a structure that wicks the water such that it appears on the rear of the sample in several distinct regions or cells, as can be seen in FIG. 7, 305B and 305D. This may be due to non-uniform thickness of the fabric sample, with the water appearing on the rear of the sample F in thinner regions of the fabric. Accordingly, the controller 210 is configured to identify each wetted region.

[1 14] The controller 210 is configured to sum the wetted area of each of the wetted regions to determine the wetted area present on the side of the sample F visible in the image. This assists in preventing over-estimation of the wetted area for such fabrics.

[1 15] As discussed above, the user may select various image capture settings before initiating a test. The identification of plural wetted regions may form one of these settings.

[1 16] In a further example, the apparatus comprises a third image capture unit (not shown). The third image capture unit is a colour capture unit configured to capture a colour image of the fabric sample F before the start of the test. This initial colour image assists users in recognising the fabric sample F being tested. The results of the test may be stored with the colour image, and optionally a unique reference number to further assist in identifying the sample sample that has been tested. [1 17] In use, the rotatable enclosure 1 13 of the apparatus 100 is firstly rotated to its desired configuration and locked in place. Next, a fabric sample F is secured to the sample retaining unit 120, and inserted into the apparatus 100.

[1 18] The test is then initiated, for example based on receipt of a suitable control signal from the device 200. Upon initiation of the test, the controller 135 controls the liquid dispensing unit 130 so as to dispense a volume of liquid onto the fabric sample F. The image capture units 140/150 capture images of both sides of the fabric sample over the duration of the test. The test is of a predetermined duration (e.g. 5 minutes), or may terminate when the wetted area on each side of the fabric is no longer changing.

[1 19] The captured images are transferred to the controlling device 200, whereupon each image is processed to identify the wetted area. Various metrics are calculated based on the identified areas, and displayed via the Ul 240. In addition, the metrics may be stored in a suitable data format for further analysis, such as in Microsoft® Excel®, CSV (comma-separated value) format, or as a PDF. In addition, the captured images may be compiled into a video (e.g. in MPEG or AVI format), to allow for a visual assessment of the performance of the sample F during the test.

[120] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of assessing the moisture management of a fabric sample. The method comprises a first step S81 , of dispensing a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample. The method comprises a second step S82, of capturing an image of a first surface of the fabric sample. The method comprises a third step S83 of identifying a region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface. The method may comprise further steps, as described herein.

[121 ] The use of the testing system 1 may form part of a test procedure. In one example, the method comprises one or more of the following steps.

[122] Firstly, the test may include a preliminary process to determine if the fabric is suitable for testing. In one example, this is a Water Absorbency Test, wherein if the fabric does not absorb a sufficient amount of water within a predetermined number of seconds then the sample is not suitable for further testing.

[123] In one example, the test includes a laundering process, in which the sample is cleaned. It may include cutting the specimen to a particular size.

[124] In one example, the test comprises conditioning the fabric by placing it in a testing atmosphere. For example, before a textile is tested it is conditioned by placing it in the atmosphere for testing in such a way that the air flows freely through the textile, and keeping it there for the time required to bring it into equilibrium with the atmosphere. The textile may be considered to be in equilibrium when successive weighings show no progressive change in mass greater than 0.25%. In the case of the standard atmosphere in a conditioned laboratory, successive weighing should be done on the textile at intervals of 2h. However, where accelerated conditioning systems are used, a shorter interval of 2 min to 10m min should be used. The preferred standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing may be the standard atmosphere as defined in ISO 139.

[125] Once the sample has been prepared, the liquid reservoir 131 is filled with distilled or deionized water. A drip tray is inserted into the apparatus 100, and the priming procedure is carried out. The drip tray is then removed, and excess water disposed of.

[126] In one example, the fabric sample retaining unit 120 is loaded with absorbent material (e.g. a paper towel) and inserted into the apparatus 100, in order to wick away any residual water left on the dosing member 133 and in the dosing trough 137.

[127] The sample is then secured in the fabric sample retaining unit, such that that the warp and weft directions (machine/cross directions if non-woven) of the fabric align with the axes as shown on FIG. 9.

[128] The test parameters are then set, such as water volume, test duration, sample thickness etc. Furthermore, the combination of wavelengths of light for illumination and exposure time are set for each side of the fabric. The test is then carried out using the system 1 as described above.

[129] Various modifications and alterations may be made to the above-described systems and methods without departing from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that the functionality of the controller 135 of the test apparatus 100 may instead be incorporated into the controller 210 of controlling device 200, and/or vice versa. For example, the controller 135 may be configured to process the captured images to identify the wetted region, and also to calculate the test metrics outlined above. As another example, the controller 210 may be configured to directly control the operation of the liquid dispensing unit 130, illumination units 145/155 and image capture units 140/150. Furthermore, in some examples, the controlling device 200 may be omitted entirely, with its functionality entirely incorporated into test instrument 100.

[130] In further examples, the apparatus 100 may comprise a single camera and therefore capture images of a single surface of the fabric sample F.

[131 ] In further examples, alternative means of allowing the apparatus to operated in both configurations may be provided. For example, the apparatus may be configured to be disposed on one of two sides (e.g. both sides having feet or otherwise being suitable for contacting a desk). Accordingly, the device as a whole may be rotate. Furthermore, in some examples, the apparatus is configured to be operable in only one of the two configurations described herein.

[132] In further examples, the apparatus may be operated in an inclined configuration, in which the fabric sample is held in a position between the vertical and horizontal positions. For example, the apparatus can be moved to a position between the horizontal and vertical configurations, and locked in place. For example, the fabric sample may be held at an angle of inclination of 30°, 45°, or 60°. It will be appreciated that a mechanism may be provided that allows the apparatus to be operated at one or more of these angles, and/or any other angle between the horizontal and vertical planes.

[133] It will be further appreciated that the size of fabric sample used and the amount of the fabric sample exposed via the aperture in the fabric sample retaining unit may be varied.

[134] Advantageously, the above-described methods and systems allow for a quantitative analysis of the wicking and moisture transport characteristics of a fabric sample, by automatically identifying the wetted region. The wetted region is accurately identified in a manner that takes into account the fact that in some fabrics the moisture does not radiate out evenly from the point at which it is disposed. In addition, the above-described methods and systems provide a means of measuring these characteristics when the sample is disposed in a vertical plane, thereby providing hitherto unavailable information relating to the characteristics of the fabric in the orientation in which it is worn.

[135] Furthermore, the above-described methods and systems do not require the use of saline solution, and are accordingly easier to maintain and more reliable.

[136] At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object- oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term“comprising” or“comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others. [137] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[138] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[139] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[140] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A testing system for assessing the moisture management characteristics of a fabric sample, the system comprising:

a fabric sample retaining unit configured to retain the fabric sample;

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is detachable from the testing system.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially horizontal plane, in use.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially vertical plane in use.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in an inclined plane in use.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to selectively operate in at least two of:

a horizontal configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially horizontal plane;

a vertical configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample in a substantially vertical plane; and

an inclined configuration, in which the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric in an inclined plane.

7. The system of claim 6, further configured to selectively operate in a plurality of inclined configurations, wherein the fabric sample retaining unit is configured to retain the fabric sample at a different angle of inclination in each inclined configuration.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, comprising an enclosure, wherein:

the enclosure is rotatable between the at least two of the horizontal configuration, the vertical configuration and the inclined configuration, and

the enclosure comprises the first image capture unit and the liquid dispenser.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid dispenser comprises:

a liquid reservoir;

a dosing member having an outlet positioned proximate a surface of the fabric sample; and

a pump configured to pump the volume of liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outlet, wherein the pump is configured to dose a predetermined volume of liquid over a predetermined time period, the predetermined volume of liquid being 0.6ml or less.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein:

the dosing member comprises an arm, the arm comprising a bore for conveying the liquid to the outlet, and

the dosing member is biased so that an end thereof contacts the fabric sample in use.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein:

the dosing member comprises a receptacle formed at the outlet, wherein the receptacle comprises an open end positioned to face the fabric sample, and

the receptacle has a capacity of from 0.1 to 10 ml.

12. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a first illumination unit configured to illuminate the surface of the fabric sample.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the first illumination unit to emit a predetermined spectrum of light, wherein the predetermined spectrum of light is selected based on one or more of the colour, pattern or material of the fabric sample.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein:

the first image capture unit is configured to capture an image of a rear surface of the fabric sample;

the system comprises a second image capture unit configured to capture an image of a front surface of the fabric sample, and

wherein the controller is configured to identify a wetted region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the front surface.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a second illumination unit configured to illuminate the front surface of the fabric sample.

16. The system of claim 15 when dependent upon claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the first image capture unit, second image capture unit, first illumination unit and second illumination unit to alternatingly illuminate and capture an image of the front surface and rear surface of the fabric sample.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to compare each captured image to a reference image captured before the liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispenser, so as to identify the wetted region.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to determine an area of the wetted region.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to control the first image capture unit to capture a plurality of images at a regular interval.

20. A method of assessing the moisture management of a fabric sample, comprising:

dispensing a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample; capturing an image of a first surface of the fabric sample; and

21. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by the testing apparatus of any of claims 1-19, cause the testing apparatus to perform the method of claim 20.

22. A tangible non-transient computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon instructions which, when executed by the testing apparatus of any of claims 1-19, cause the testing apparatus to perform the method of claim 20.

23. Use of the testing system of any of claims 1-19 in a test procedure, the test procedure comprising the steps of:

priming the testing system;

loading the fabric sample retaining unit with the conditioned fabric sample; and using the testing system to dispense a volume of liquid on to the fabric sample, capture an image of a first surface of the fabric sample, and identifying a region of the fabric sample into which the volume of liquid has spread based on the captured image of the first surface.