Colour control is essential in the quality and visual appeal of a product. However, the colour matching process requires more than visual analysis. Colour measurement is a quantitative analysis of the colour of products that ensures colours are the same. Because many factors can influence how a colour looks to the eyes, colour classification systems make them consistent. Learn more about the quality of opaque colours and how to measure them.
The Role of Geometry in Seeing Colour
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 colour will look different. Colour is specific to the measurement geometry.
There are two standard measurement geometries for analyzing opaque colour:
- 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 colour and is best for applications that need a visual colour 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 colour 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.
