Abstract

The quantitative estimation of hair follicle patterns for a leather surface was investigated by point pattern analysis for use as a possible method for correct identification of leather materials. The Lfunction was used as a point pattern analysis. In the case of goatskins, the L-function correctly indicated the distribution patterns of guard hair follicles. Moreover, it was found that the density of hair follicles and the microscope magnification affect the estimation of the L-function. It was demonstrated that hair follicle patterns of leather surface could be estimated quantitatively by point pattern analysis with optimum conditions. This result suggested that leather materials could be identified objectively by this method.