What Is Color & How Do We Measure It?

June 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What Is Color & How Do We Measure It?

Color Measurements try to replicate what the human eye will see and eliminate the variation between individual perceptions with a standard comparative scale. Three main color scales are employed in the industries we serve. CIE L*a*b*; Hunter L,a,b; and Agtron. The most important determining factor in scale selection is consistency in using the same scale, and historic data in a specific color scale.

CIE L*a*b* and Hunter L,a,b are both based on the established CIE L*a*b* scale. This scale uses three parameters to represent human eye color perception and plots it into a tristimulus three dimensional format.

  • The ?L*? axis representing Light to Dark values.
  • The ?a*? axis representing Red to Green values.
  • The ?b*? axis representing Yellow to Blue values.

The CIE L*a*b* tries to correct or match the non-linearity present in the human eye by using the ?cube root? of the XYZ scale. The Hunter L,a,b makes it calculations based on the ?square root? values of the XYZ scale. Both scales work as long as they are used consistently. Allegedly the Hunter has greater color discrimination in the yellow zone on low values and the CIE has greater color discrimination on darker colors.

The Agtron scale is based on red-yellow-green-blue (RYGB) reflectance to provide a numeric score for each of these color bands in the visible spectrum. There are several other color scales too.

The MCT-MultiPlex Color Meter is a white light source Color Meter with flexible software to meet your color measurement needs.

Color measurement, moisture measurement, oil measurement, thickness, height

Multiple Color Scales Multiple Measurements

 

 

Filed Under: Color Measurement, Content, Food Applications, MCT-MultiPlex Tagged With: , , , , , ,

MCT-MultiPlex Analyzer for Food Moisture, Color, Oil, Flavorings, Temperature

May 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Process Sensors Corp. has introduced the NEW MCT-MultiPlex? Analyzer to meet the expanding needs of the food industry.

The MCT-MultiPlex? is the first process transmitter to combine up to three separate technologies into a single compact housing. The industry standard MCT360 Near IR analyzer that measures moisture, oil, and flavorings has been combined with an IR product temperature device (Process Sensors IR Division), and a white light source Color Meter into one compact transmitter.

The MCT-MultiPlex? offers moisture, oil, flavorings, product temperaturMCTe, and product color (CIE L*a*b* or Hunter L,a,b) with numerical displays, analog outputs, trends , and digital interface. Biscuits, crackers, cereal, cheese curls, pretzels, and chips are among the many production lines that will benefit from the MCT-MultiPlex?. This accurate and rugged analyzer offers multiple measurements and advantages for today?s process needs.

 

L*a*b* CIE color measurement, Hunter L,a,b, moisture, oil, fat, flavorings, temperature

MCT-MultiPlex for Color, Moisture, Oil, Flavorings, Temperature

Filed Under: Content, Food Applications, MCT-MultiPlex, Non Contact Infrared Temperature Sensing, Powder & Bulk Solids Tagged With: , , , ,

PSC-CS Laser

June 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

STAND ALONE, IR THERMOMETER?S DUAL LASERS, MAKE FOCUSING AND TARGET SIZE DETERMINATION EASY.

Knowing the precise point or area of a target to be monitored when using infrared thermometers for temperature measurement is critical to measurement accuracy. Process Sensors? newly released model PSC-CS-Laser thermometer series eliminates guesswork by using two, built-in, bright red lasers.

At the focus distance, the laser beams converge to form a single spot on the target. At distances other than the focus length, individual laser spots delineate the measured target size diameter. The model PSC-CS-Laser series are self contained pyrometers constructed from rugged stainless steel that can be configured for 2 wire loop powered or 4 wire operation when utilizing dual lasers for targeting.

The high accuracy infrared temperature sensor can operate in ambient temperatures up to 185?F (85?C) without the need for cooling, offers fast speed of response and high resolution optics with selectable fixed focus distances for small target sizes from 0.020? (0.5mm) in diameter. The rugged stainless steel housing with companion heavy duty cooling jacket with air purge, stands up to the most severe industrial environments.

Spectral responses of 8 to 14? with a temperature range of -50 to 975?C, or 1.6? with a temperature range of 385 to 1600?C, suit the loop powered, compact sensors to a wide range of applications such as induction heating, metal processing, semiconductors, paper, plastics, webs, ovens, furnaces, glass, ceramics, thermoforming, food, powders, liquids, hot material /aggregate on conveyors etc. Outputs are analog 4 to 20mA, 0-30V open collector, used for alarm and digital uni/bidirectional, 9.6kBaud, communication.

Measurement parameters such as emissivity can be set manually on the IR sensor, or via PSC Connect software with optional USB connector. The software also facilitates the set-up of peak, valley and averaging functions, graphic display of temperature trends, and data logging with a 1ms response time.

Detailed specification information is posted at www.processsensorsIR.com.

Process Sensors is a private company with a manufacturing facility located in Milford, MA, USA. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of non-contact temperature and moisture measurement instruments, and the associated calibration systems. The Company provides technical and application support worldwide through direct, regional and sales representative offices.

Filed Under: Non Contact Infrared Temperature Sensing Tagged With: , , ,