Analysis of rock fragmentation using digital image processing

In this paper, a procedure for calculating the size distribution of rock fragments using video images is described. The procedure utilizes a high-resolution video camera for image capturing in the field and a set of computer algorithms for processing the video images. The computer program first delineates the individual rock fragments in the images. This is followed by statistical procedures that take into account fragment overlap and the two-dimensional nature of the images. The computer algorithms can process many images to produce a single size distribution curve, and takes into account sample variability as well as combining images taken at different scales. All the procedures described have been implemented into a single computer program. By comparing the computer procedures with laboratory experiments, the accuracy of the method is demonstrated.