Image Analysis - Test of accuracy of a new 3-D method for image analysis of aggregate particles

We have developed a new 3-D image analysis method for characterization of coarse aggregate particles, 2-20 cm. About 100 particles are imaged at one time in two different positions, lying and standing. For the lying position the particles are placed a bed of glow-in-the-dark rock so their maximum projected area is viewe. For the standing position the particles are pushed into the glow-in-the-dark rock so that they stand up; their minimum projected area is viewed. There is a bit of subjectivity in placement of particles. The images are taken with a digital camera mounted about 1,8 meters above the particles, in a dark room. The aim of the project is to test the accuracy of method with respect to placement of the particles and the distance between the particles and the camera. Another aim of the project is to further develope means for presenting meaningful diagrams of the results of size and shape distribution of aggregates.