A reference standard of defect compensation for leather transactions

Abstract

Defects exist on natural leather surfaces and they usually cannot be eliminated during processing. No international criterion specifies the compensatory counting for calf leather surface defects. So complicated negotiation causes additional cost and argument between suppliers and purchasers. The objective of this article is to establish a compensatory standard of leather defects for finished leather transactions. We start by collecting 170 samples of defective leather and classify the leather defects into seven types. By using digital image processing techniques, we can identify the defects and group nearby defects into a larger scrap area. The area of leather falling into disuse can be calculated. The compensatory standard corresponding to each type of leather defect is then defined. The established compensatory standard for finished leather transactions is evaluated for simulated practical leather transaction. Simulation results showed that the proposed approach is useful and beneficial for practical leather transactions.