Six Factors Affecting the Measurement of color by colorimeter

There are six factors that affect the color measurement of the colorimeter, each of which plays a crucial role in the way the colorimeter captures color information. Any change of these factors will change the color data, resulting in differences between the numbers obtained by two identical samples or two different colorimeters.

1. Color space: In terms of color, there are many measurement systems. At present, there are five full color spaces available: CIE X Y Z; CIE Yxy； CIE L * a * b *； CIE L * C * h； And Hunter L a b. Each of these scales consists of three numbers, but each number is determined in a unique way. Therefore, it is important to use the right color space for your samples and use the same color space each time in order to create a uniform standard between samples.

2. CIE light source: The measurement of color by colorimeter is also affected by the type of light used. The colorimeter can use many light sources, including A (tungsten), F02 (cold white fluorescent lamp), C (average sunlight) and D65 (noon sunlight). Although there are good reasons to use any of these light sources, you must use the same type of light source when determining color consistency or changes in different samples.

3. CIE standard observer angle: There are two types of standard observers: 2 degrees in 1931 and 10 degrees in 1964. Although there are significant similarities between them, they may also affect the differences in color data. Therefore, it is important to use the same standard observer for each sample.

4. Instrument lighting mode: The color difference instrument lighting mode you select will have a significant impact on the color data capture mode. At present, 45 °/0 ° or 0 °/45 ° instruments and diffuse/8 ° spherical instruments are the general illumination methods of colorimeters. Which one you choose will largely depend on the type of sample you are using; In some cases, this also depends on whether you want to measure appearance or color separately.

5. Sample preparation: The proper preparation of samples is an important part of obtaining accurate color data. This is also an important aspect of possible measurement inconsistency caused by human factors. Therefore, a standardized sample preparation procedure must be developed.

6. Sample measurement: sample measurement includes many factors, including sample positioning mode, sample view area, measurement mode and average number of sample readings. As with sample preparation, measures must be taken to minimize sample changes, including the use of standardized procedures or instruments, to minimize or eliminate opportunities for sample changes.

The consistency of measurement parameters will optimize your ability to compare samples at any stage of the product development or manufacturing process and provide you with the data you need.

In theory, it is possible to establish a consistent color measurement system using any colorimeter used to measure the color of the sample. However, there are differences between colorimeters, which may affect the consistency. You must choose a color difference instrument that suits your measurement needs; You can choose a color difference meter to simplify the color measurement process as much as possible to prevent measurement errors introduced by the operator. This may include instruments with highly integrated measurements, automatic sample averaging, appropriate measurement modes, or online instruments that completely eliminate the need for manual sample preparation. In addition, choose an easy-to-use colorimeter to minimize the need for frequent calibration, and cooperate with accessories designed to simplify sample preparation, thus reducing the possibility of human error.

CIE L * a * b * chromaticity space uniformity of colorimeter:
Now the CIE L * a * b * color space used in the color difference instrument was introduced in 1976, and this CIE color space is the best one in photometry up to now. In fact, the introduction of this uniform chromaticity space was finally realized through a series of R&D experiments and practical operations. We know that the chromaticity space of the colorimeter was first introduced in 1931, so we can see the energy and process of these improvements.

CIELAB (CIE L * a * b *) chromaticity space is a uniform space recommended by the International Illumination Commission in 1976. In 1987, China also issued GB7921-87, which made LAB space the national standard of color difference meter. At present, color design and reproduction industries use these standards in color calculation and correction processing, and CIE space has been widely used.

Although the CIE1976 chromaticity space currently used is the one with the best uniformity introduced by the international lighting industry, in fact, it is still somewhat different from the results observed by our naked eyes. Just like the two points in the red area of our chromaticity space, we also take two points equidistant in the green area, but when we look at them with the naked eye, the color difference between the two groups of colors is different. When we adjust the color according to the same proportion, the degree of change of red and green will be different, and the error will still exist when the customer observes the color again. Therefore, in actual production and life, when technicians measure the color difference in the colorimeter, they should implement this process according to the content of CIE LAB software and their own experience. This is an urgent need to study the uniformity of space, find out the value of color wide capacity in different color areas and the change rule of color space non-uniformity, and formulate appropriate adjustment scale and proportion for color conversion and correction during color reproduction, so as to reduce the replication error caused by space non-uniformity.

Therefore, the uniformity of chromaticity space is very important for the measurement of color difference meter and color matching software of color management. A uniform and reliable chromaticity space can greatly improve the efficiency of color detection and reduce the existence of errors. Therefore, there will be new and more uniform color detection methods in the future.

LISUN lauched Portable Colorimeter/Chroma Meter is an innovation color measuring tool with powerful configuration to make color measurement easier and more professional; It support Bluetooth to connect with Android and ISO devices, Portable Colorimeter/Chroma Meter will take you into a new world of color management; It can be widely used to measure color value, color difference value and find similar color from color cards for printing industry, paint industry, textile industry, etc.

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