Purpose: Compares 45/0-degree to Sphere Geometry
45°/0° (or 0°/45°) and sphere instruments generally do not give identical absolute results for reflectance measurements. This makes sense when we remember that 45°/0° and 0°/45° instruments measure diffuse reflectance of samples, providing results that agree with visual assessments made with similar illumination and viewing conditions. The usual mode for sphere instruments is reflectance specular-included (diffuse plus specular reflectance). The measurements obtained for a single green tile using an UltraScan XE sphere instrument in RSIN and RSEX modes were compared to those obtained from a LabScan XE 0°/45° as shown in the table below. Two readings were made for each instrument mode and averaged.
(Table)
As you can see, the numbers are in the same ballpark but are not close enough to meet the specifications of most companies. It is always advisable to compare absolute measurements only from instruments of the same geometry. Preferably, these instruments would also be of the same brand and model so that inner dimensions and other instrument specifications would not cause the readings to differ. If this is not possible, however, difference measurements can be compared more reliably than absolute measurements.
Difference Measurements
When used to measure color differences between items that are equal in gloss and surface texture, the two types of instruments will give very similar or equal results. An illustration is provided in the table below. Two green paint chips of equal gloss and texture were measured on an UltraScan XE (in RSIN mode) and a LabScan XE 0°/45°. The first chip (Chip 1) was measured as a standard (twice), and the second chip (Chip 2) was measured as a sample. The difference data is provided below.
(Table)
For samples where surface texture or gloss differs, the agreement in difference measurements is not as good. To illustrate this, two pieces of white paper, one glossy and the other flat, were analyzed on a ColorQuest XE (sphere) and a ColorQuest 45/0. The glossy paper was measured twice on each instrument as a standard, and the flat paper was also measured twice. There was a 90° rotation of each paper between the two measurements and the papers were backed with a white tile to ensure opacity. The difference data is shown below.
(Table)
When comparing measurements made on instruments of different geometries, it is best to compare difference values rather than expect absolute values to correspond.
The geometry of an instrument is the relative position of the light source, sample plane and detector, and is one of the 6 key parameters that define a color measurement. There are two general categories of instrument geometries directional 45°/0°(or 45°/0°) and diffuse d/8° sphere.
To tell the difference between directional and diffuse instrument geometries, look in the port. If the inside is black, when the lights are on, the instrument has a CIE directional 45°/0°(or 45°/0°) geometry. If the inside is white, then it is a CIE diffuse d/8° sphere geometry instrument.
While both geometries can be used for color measurement, it is best to measure some samples with a directional 45°/0° geometry instrument and others with diffuse d/8° sphere. More information in our Application Notes 1033: Color Vs. Appearance.
References
Billmeyer, Fred W., Jr. and Saltzmann, Max, Principles of Color Technology, New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1981.
Hunter, Richard S. and Harold, Richard W., The Measurement of Appearance, New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1987.
See attached pdf file for the complete article with Tables.
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