Color control is essential in the quality and visual appeal of a product. However, the color matching process requires more than visual analysis. Color measurement is a quantitative analysis of the color of products that ensures colors are the same. Because many factors can influence how a color looks to the eyes, color classification systems make them consistent. Learn more about the quality of opaque colors and how to measure them.
The Role of Geometry in Seeing Color
Sight involves an observer, a light source, and an object, which must all be present. These elements are set in a 3D space. Their properties and the space between them determine an object’s appearance. If any of these elements are changed, the color will look different. Color is specific to the measurement geometry.
There are two standard measurement geometries for analyzing opaque color:
- Directional 45/0-degree and 0/45-degree: These geometries are considered synonymous, the former directing light at 45 degrees with a viewing angle of 0 degrees, the latter directing light at 0 degrees with a viewing angle of 45 degrees. This geometry replicates the human visual response to color and is best for applications that need a visual color match that includes surface characteristics of the object such as gloss and texture.
- Diffuse d/8: Diffuse d/8 geometry observes the reflected light from an object that is scattered in all directions. It works by using a hollow sphere with a coating inside it to scatter the reflected light energy to create the desired lighting conditions.
These measurement geometries differ in their specular inclusion (SPIN) or specular exclusion (SPEX). The specular component is the reflection of the light source as part of its color calculation. Because cases vary on whether you want to collect this light, you should use the option that measures the properties you want to analyze.
