This tutorial provides lessons that walk you through some common procedures in EasyMatch QC.  These tutorials work through screen configuration and use sample data which may not apply to your situation.  Working through these lessons will give you a good feel for how the software operates and provide a basis for substituting your own samples and displays.  This tutorial describes setting up a job template, including choosing and configuring data views.

(Download pdf below)

This lesson will walk you through an example reflectance standardization for a LabScan XE.  Other instruments are standardized in slightly different fashions.  After standardization, we will confirm a reading of the white calibration tile.  Your instrument should already be attached to the computer and installed in EasyMatch QC before performing this lesson.

Note that instructions for standardization in transmittance are provided in Lesson 3.  This lesson does not apply to the ColorQuest XT.

(Download pdf file below)

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

This lesson is appropriate only if you are using an instrument capable of measuring in transmittance.  If you are using a ColorQuest XE, ColorQuest XT, ColorQuest II Sphere, UltraScan XE, UltraScan PRO, or UltraScan VIS, proceed with this lesson.  If you are using a ColorFlex EZ, ColorQuest 45/0 LAV, LabScan XE, or MiniScan EZ, do not attempt this lesson. 

Your instrument should already be attached to the computer and installed in EasyMatch QC before performing this lesson.

Hitch standardization can be used to make your instrument read samples of a particular color the same way as another instrument, improving agreement.  If a product standard has been measured on another instrument (primary readings) and color or spectral values have been assigned to it, then your instrument can be adjusted to those values (secondary readings) so that samples you read are corrected for any differences between the two instruments.

To perform a hitch standardization, you need a standard with either color values or spectral values assigned to it.  Your instrument should already be attached to the computer and installed in EasyMatch QC before performing this lesson.

(Download the pdf below)

This lesson will step you through creating a query that can be use over and over to find and delete these samples with a common thread.  One example would be samples that are more than two weeks old and measured in RSIN, but no longer needed.

(Download the pdf file below)

CMC autotolerancing can be used to automatically fit a CMC ellipsoid to a standard and to calculate CIE L*a*b*, CIEL*C*h, or Hunter L, a, b tolerances for that standard based on the size and shape of that ellipsoid.  In this lesson, we will set up a job and a standard so that autotolerances will be calculated and used for that standard.

(Download the pdf file below)

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

Occasionally when trying to activate a soft license key you might encounter the following error messages.

• L0121 error happens when a regular user tries to activate EasyMatch QC softkey
• L0223 error happens when a regular user tried to use EasyMatch QC with a key activated by admin user

Both of the above cases are caused by regular user with no standard privilege rights (e.g. modify, write) to the C:\HunterLab folder. After the users IT department adds modify/write rights to regular users, EasyMatch QC should work correctly.

• L0103 is a product mismatch. 

In the case of L0103 we will need the user to verify if they have installed EasyMatch QC or EasyMatch QC-ER software. A new license key will need to be provided for the correct software package. Please use the Create a Support Request button at the top of the page to submit a ticket if you are experiencing this.

Here are the list of some license activation error codes: 

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

What is SoftKey Licensing? 

SoftKey is a software licensing program for EasyMatch QC that enables the user to license the software to work with a specific sensor. Similar to Microsoft products, the license is supplied by HunterLab and coded into the software to register the product.  Prior to December 2016, HunterLab has been using a USB hardware key system (Sentinel Key) but will be migrating to this new way of licensing software. 

What is a USB Sentinel Key?

HunterLab has been using the USB hardware (Sentinel Key) prior to December 2016 to activate the license of Easy Match QC.  These USB’s are often labeled ‘SafeNet’ and are required to be in the USB port when EasyMatch QC is opened.  If the USB key is removed, then an error message will appear and EasyMatch QC cannot be used.

The USB Sentinel key is issued for a computer installation of EasyMatch QC and can be used with a number of HunterLab sensors.

What is the difference between SoftKey License and the USB hardware key? 

SoftKey is a software license that is used instead of the Sentinel hardware key.  Both often take the form of a USB key. 

The SoftKey License is uniquely associated with the sensor serial number.  The SoftKey License requires activation once EasyMatch QC is installed.  To install the SoftKey License, please see the EasyMatch QC Quick Start Guide.

The Sentinel key is a USB hardware key that works with an installation of EasyMatch QC on a specific computer and must be left in the USB port to use EasyMatch QC.  This key is often labeled ‘Safenet’. The installation path for both are similar. 

How do I tell if I have SoftKey vs Sentinel Key?

All systems prior to December 2016 have the Sentinel hardware key.  After December 2016, SoftKey Licenses have been issued for new installations of EasyMatch QC.  If applicable, software package should show a license number as part of the documentation for SoftKey.  In addition, the USB included with the package should show an ‘skl’ file for SoftKey.  Otherwise the USB would be labeled ‘SafeNet’ and function as the Sentinel hardware key.

How do I use the SoftKey License? 

Once the SoftKey is activated, the license will function transparently to the user.  Installation and activation steps include:  1) Install EasyMatch QC, 2) Register SoftKey License, 3) Install the color measuring sensor, 4) Standardize and measure samples.  To view the current version of your software, go to EasyMatch QC>Help>About. 

How do I install the SoftKey License? 

To install EasyMatch QC with the Softkey License, please follow the directions in the EasyMatch QC Quick Start Guide.

How do I get help with installing the SoftKey License?

For immediate service and support 24/7, please use the support.hunterlab.com site.  For more information on the SoftKey License, please review the FAQs and the Quick Start Guide for EasyMatch QC.  If you need additional assistance, click on the "Create a Support Request" button at the top of this page.

What if I have been using the USB Sentinel key in the past?

If you have been using a Sentinel key with EasyMatch QC in the past and are adding a sensor to the same computer, then a SoftKey License is not required.  If, however, you are adding a new computer and sensor, then a new SoftKey License is required for the new system.

How do I know if I have a Sentinel Key?

If you have been using EasyMatch QC prior to December 2016, then you have a Sentinel hardware key in one of the USB ports of your computer.  Please look for this device.  If removed, then EasyMatch QC will no longer run on your computer.

I am installing a new computer with EasyMatch QC, which key do I need?

If you are installing a new version of EasyMatch QC onto a new computer and you have been running EasyMatch QC prior to December 2016, then the key is the hardware Sentinel key and it must be removed from the old system and put into the USB port of the new computer.

If you are replacing the computer system for EasyMatch QC, but have been running EasyMatch QC prior to December 2016, then the key is the hardware Sentinel key.  This key must be removed from the old system and placed into the USB port of the new computer.

If I am upgrading EasyMatch QC, can I use the USB Sentinel key that I have?

A Sentinel hardware key was issued (prior to December 2016) for an individual computer.  This key resides in one of the USB ports.  So, If you are installing a new version of Easy match QC onto the same computer, then you can continue to use the Sentinel key. 

If I am upgrading EasyMatch QC, can I use the USB Sentinel key that I have?

A Sentinel hardware key was issued (prior to December 2016) for an individual computer.  This key resides in one of the USB ports.  So, If you are installing a new version of Easy match QC onto the same computer, then you can continue to use the Sentinel key. 

I am replacing the sensor on the same computer:  which key do I use?

If you are replacing the sensor on a computer that has been running EasyMatch QC, then you have a Sentinel key and have also been sent a new SoftKey License for the new sensor.  Either key will work and the choice is up to you.

How do I get a SoftKey License for a 30-day trial?

To try out the EasyMatch QC software for 30 days, one can register for a temporary Softkey License.  After installation of EasyMatch QC, the 30-day trial is selected during registration.  Fill out the form and submit your information HunterLab.  The trial license is then issued for the limited period of time.

It is observed that this self-registration error happens on some Windows system. These two files, OLEAUT32.DLL and STDOLE2.TLB, are not related to EZMQC/QC-ER. 

Please try to ignore this error and continue to finish the installation. EZMQC/QC-ER performance will not be influenced by these two files. 
 

When you see EZMQC crash when click File menu. Please double check the access privielges of users account to C:\HunterLab folder. 

Right click C:\HunterLab and click Properties. In the properties dialog, click Security tab and make sure all the users at least have these rights, Read&excute, List folder contents, Read and Write. 

After enabling the above access privielges, EZMQC/File menu crash should be solved. If the problem still exists, please try to restart PC and try again. 

We are working on a new EZMQC/QC-ER build to get this solved as well. 

Please contact hunterlab@support.com if you have any question on this. 

When encountering this error while attempting to open EasyMatchQC ER, please consider the following scenarios:

1. User not in EasyMatchQC ER Groups: Verify if the user is a member of any configured EasyMatchQC ER groups. If not, add the user into one of EasyMatchQC ER groups. 

2. Network User Login Issue: This error may occur when a network user logs into a PC that belongs to the EZMQC ER group while the PC lacks network access. Once the PC regains network connectivity, this issue should resolve itself.

3. Network Domain Mismatch: Many customers encounter this error due to a mismatched network domain being entered during the preinstallation wizard. To resolve this, ensure that the correct domain is entered.

                      Here is a step-by-step guide to checking and rectifying the domain:

                           a. Log in to the PC using a network user account associated with EZMQC ER.

                           b. Open a command prompt, Type "echo %USERDOMAIN%" and press Enter. The domain name of this user account will be displayed. 

                           c. Run the preinstallation wizard located at 'C:\Program Files                    (x86)\HunterLab\EasyMatchQC-ER Pre-Installation Wizard' and update the domain name as needed.

Nine new Illuminant/Observer tables have been added to EasyMatchQC, these represent the LED Standard illuminants published by the CIE at the end of 2018.   These are not designed to represent any specific manufacturers commercially available White LED, instead they are designed around the typical CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of a class of available LEDs. 

These nine new LED illuminants are listed below, a reference to their CCT is given so the user may select one that is similar to the LED’s under which the observer would be viewing the specimen.

          CCT (CIE 15:2018)

1. LED-B1           2733
2. LED-B2           2998
3. LED-B3           4103
4. LED-B4           5109
5. LED-B5           6598
6. LED-BH1        2851
7. LED-RGB1      2840
8. LED-V1           2724
9. LED-V2           4070

B1-B5 are typical blue excited phosphor type LEDs with different CCTs.

Bh1 is a hybrid type with added red.

RGB1 is a tri-led source

V1 and V2 are violet enhanced blue excited phosphor LEDs

EasyMatchQC does not use Log4j or any other third party logging tools/libraries.

All the logs in EasyMatch QC are generated using native C/C++ libraries.

Case A: Empty event log in EasyMatch QC ER. If there is no event saved under Event Viewer/Application or services logs/EasyMatch QC while there are EasyMatch QC ER- relative events saved in Event Viewer/Windows. The event source details are probably not completely registered during EasyMatch QC ER installation. (Please check detail in the attached document for this case)

The event source details are created by the EasyMatch QC-ER CFR server(Esd21CFRPart11Server) service which runs with system privileges. If this CFR service is not registered as service due to some unknown reasons, the server runs with logged in user privileges which may not be having sufficient privileges to create the event source details in the registry. In such case where event source registration is incomplete, the event logs will be recorded in the “Window Logs” section in the system.

 To resolve this, the CFR Server needs to be registered as service using the below procedure:

Step 1: Close the EasyMatch QC-ER application if running, then open the Task Manager and verify “Esd21CFRPart11ServerModule” is running. If it is running then end this task by clicking on EndTask button. 

Step 2: Open command prompt with administrative privileges and type “cd C:\Program Files\Common Files\HunterLab”(for 32 bit system) or “cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\HunterLab”(for 64bit System) and press enter.

Step 3: Type “Esd21CFRPart11Server.exe /service” and press enter. (This will register the service.)

Step 4: Type “net start Esd21CFRPart11Server” and press enter. (This will start the service.)

Alternatively, navigate to the folder location “C:\Program Files\Common Files\HunterLab” or “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\HunterLab” then invoke the “EZMQC_Server_Start.exe” with Admin privileges to register and start the “Esd21CFRPart11Server” service.

 Now the event source details will be saved into registry, event logs will be recorded in “EasyMatch QC” under “Applications and Services Logs” section and as well as in the EasyMatch QC-ER application.”

Case B: When view event log in EasyMatch QC ER, this "Populating event log. Please wait......" dialog keeps running and no event log is showing in EasyMatch QC ER.  However, there are events saved under Event Viewer/Application and services logs/EasyMatch QC. In this case, please go to services and make sure that windows event log service and Esd21CFRPart11Server are running. Then start EasyMatch QC ER to check the event log again. 

Case C: It is observed that the following characters like \\ : \ ' * ? < > + = ; , & % can cause failure while retrieving the event logs. In EZMQC 4.97 and above, restricted to save the job name ( \\ : \ '  ? < > + = ; , & %)  and readings names ( \\ \  " < > ; ) without allowing any special characters. Please try to avoid these special characters in job names and sample names. 

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

HunterLab Predictive Diagnostic is a software application that is designed to monitor the software and hardware components of HunterLab’s Essential-based instruments in order to ensure a better color measurement experience for HunterLab customers. The Predictive Diagnostic mainly used to capture different low-level and user-initiated data during normal operations of the Essentials based instruments.

Following are predictive diagnostics features implemented in EasyMatch QC 4.97 and above:

1.Added Predictive Diagnostics settings for each sensor type under EasyMatch QC SENSOR  >  DIAGNOSTICS > PREDICTIVE>:

1.1 Setup reminder interval (days) for corresponding diagnostics tests (e.g. Repeatability, Green Tile, and Didymium Filter). Disable/enable alerts from predictive diagnostics. As default, "DISABLE DIAGNOSTICS TEST ALERTS" is checked.

1.2 View trend plots of diagnostics tests (e.g. Repeatability, Green Tile, and Didymium Filter).  In each trend plot, first select the time range, then click “SHOW” button to display the data. 

2. All collected predictive diagnostics data are saved into EasyMatch QC database (e.g. pd_alertreminders, pd_didymiumdata, pd_glosstiledata, pd_greentiledata, pd_trendnames, pd_whitetiledata ).

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

EasyMatch QC 4.96.04 and above has a custom indice feature available. This is new add-on feature, requires that a new softkey be generated for EasyMatch QC > Options.  Please email us (support@hunterlab.com) to request the new software and softkey for this Custom Indices feature. 

Through Custom Indices, users can create modified-pathlength indices as well as add Transmittance/Reflectance and Absorbance data into indices list.

         * Indices available for pathlength modification are APHA, ASBC, ASTM D1500, Chinese Acid Wash Color, EBC, EP, FAC, Gardner, Iodine, JP, Saybolt, USP and ICUMSA (if ICUMSA CMR is enabled). 

        * Any Transmittance/Reflectance and Absorbance data can be added into custom indices list. 

After these custom indices are created, they will be showed in the indices list of Color Data Table Configuration dialog. User can select these custom indices in this CDT configuration dialog then they will be showed in color data table view. 

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

We have changed the design of ASCII Configuration dialog in EasyMatch QC Ver 4.92.

In previous version, users have to configure all the color scales, color indices, Text files, Procedure, and spectra data in ASCII Export Configuration dialog. 

From Version 4.92, no more configuration on color scales, color indices, text fields, and procedures in ASCII Export Configuration. Users only need to configure the spectral data in the ASCII Export Configuration dialog if needed. All other data - Color indices, color indices, text fields, and procedures are exported if they are displayed in Color Data Table view.

Please note:

If you are using the ASCII Export in EasyMatch QC 4.92 and above, setup the ASCII export but do not change the color data table view . If changed the exported data will be change  as well. 

If you export the formula field, the latest measurement must be always shown in the bottom line of the Color Data Table view. Please check: No "Latest data First" option in CDT configuration and 'No samples' on the top of the job tree if you use standards in that job. 

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

FAQ: "We have the ColorQuest XE in our lab and are attempting to do a standardization in TTRAN Mode for the first time. I see in the directions that the black tab is placed inside, but it doesn't clearly specify if the light trap is placed outside like for the reflectance standardization, or if that area is left exposed to ambient light. Could you please explain how it should be set up?"

Technically you always standardize at the same place that the sample is being measured. So if it is in TTRAN, you place the light blocker in the transmittance compartment against the sphere. The light blocker is a black anodized plate with a little handle on it. You can place the Light Blocker at the TTRAN port. This bottom-of-scale standardization step blocks light getting to the lens and on to the detector, giving the instrument a reference for what is 0% transmittance. For this Light Blocker step, it does not matter what is at the reflectance port because you are blocking light from the position of the Light Blocker forward to the lens and detector. 

Setting the top-of-scale to 100% is similar. In this case you put a white tile at the reflectance port that fills in the sphere. It stays there for all subsequent measurements because effectively, it is part of the sphere wall. The instrument is standardizing on Air for transparent solid samples like plastic plaques, or if measuring transparent liquids, a cell of some path length filled with distilled water.

After successfully standardizing in TTRAN transmittance, read back the top-of-scale (Air or cell + distilled water) as a PQ Performance Qualification step. If you set it to 100% transmittance, it should always read L* = 100, a* = 0, b* = 0 if you are set up correctly. If so, you are performance qualified to continue with sample measurements.

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

FAQ: "Our customer wants to establish feature privileges in EasyMatch QC software, such that operators cannot delete standards or samples. only recalibrate and measure. Can this be done?"

EasyMatch has a feature that allows customers to enable a login just for the EasyMatch QC software package and allows customers to set privileges for different user groups to operate features of EasyMatch QC software.

To enable login in the software go to OPTIONS > APPLICATION PREFERENCES > STARTUP DEFAULTS. In this window check the box next to LOGIN REQUIRED Click OK and then close and reopen the EasyMatch QC software.

Startup Defaults tab in Application Preference Window

Upon reopening the EasyMatch QC software you will be prompted to login. The default administrator User's Name is “admin” and the password is “hunterlab”. Once you have the EasyMatch QC software open you will need to setup groups and users and privileges for these groups. You  can remove the default "admin" group or change the password for this group if you want to lock down this entry.

EasyMatch QC Login Screen

To edit Users and Groups go to OPTIONS > SYSTEM CONFIGURATION > USER MANAGER. You will see the default admin User and EasyMatch Admin Group.

Adding a new User in the User Manager

To create a new user right click RIGHT CLICK on the Users folder on the left and select NEW USER. You will need to enter a User Name, full name, and a password. In this example we will be creating a user called Operator. Click on CREATE after entering all information to create this user.

New User added shown in User Manager

Now you will need to create a Group to put this user into. To create a new Group click on the GROUPS folder on the left then RIGHT CLICK and select NEW GROUP. You will need to give the Group a name and a description of this group. You will then need to click on the ADD button to add members to this Group. A new window will open showing you the Users you have available to add to this Group. Select the USER and click ADD to add them to the Group.

Adding a new Group from the User Manager

Now that you have created a Group and populated it with Users you can set privileges for the Group. To do this click on the SET PRIVILEGES button.  A window will open that shows every file and right click option. Go through all of these options and select/disable the options by placing an appropriate check to enable. A good starting point is to disable the delete option. Click OK to save these changes.  You will see a message that prompts you to close and reopen the EasyMatch QC software. Click OK and then click the CREATE button to create your Group.

Setting privileges for Users added to the Group

Please restart the EasyMatch QC software for the Access Privileges to take effect.

You will now need to close the User Manager and close the EasyMatch QC software. When you reopen the EasyMatch QC software you will find that the new settings have taken effect.

Group privileges can be set to display file menu item as active or grayed out.

In the case above, Edit privileges for "Cut" and "Delete" for the "Operators" group were left unchecked, resulting in the "Cut" and "Delete" features in the File Menu Edit display being grayed out and inactive. 

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!

Troubleshooting generic error message about "Connection Error" displayed by EasyMatch QC

After message is shown,  clear message, then attempt to take a new measurement i.e., Read Standard or Read Sample. Does the Instrument measure correctly? If yes then how often does this problem occur and what action is being done immediately prior to the message?

Did you notice if the lamp flashed prior to the error message? If not then the message was likely caused by a communication timeout where the software was waiting for the instrument to send data and when no data appeared in a pre-determined time frame the software quits waiting and sends the error. Inspect lamp system and Power supplies if you suspect the lamp caused a problem.

Did a motor need to run (e.g. UV filter or SPIN/SPEX door) prior to measurement, if yes the motor functions, since EasyMatch QC allows a pre-determined time frame for a motor function to complete, if the function delays we might see the message, then on the following measurement where the motor function is now in the correct state there is no error.

The other possibility is that is you are using a USB-to-Serial converter that the USB port on the computer is "going to sleep" and disconnecting the sensor from the software. Typically Energy Saving settings on the computer will cause the USB ports to shut down if they are not accessed in the specified time frame.

Do you still need more information? Submit a ticket and our support team member will reach out to you soon!