What is EN ISO 11664-1:2008?

EN ISO 11664-1:2008 is a technical standard that specifies the standardized method for measuring the color of objects. It provides guidelines for evaluating and communicating color measurements, which are used in various industries such as printing, textile, plastics, and automotive.

The Importance of Color Measurement

Color measurement plays a crucial role in many industries where color accuracy is essential. The human visual system has its limitations when it comes to perceiving color, as each person may see colors differently. That's why a standard like EN ISO 11664-1:2008 is necessary to ensure consistent and reliable color evaluations across different devices and observers.

This standard defines the values and equations for colorimetric measurements using spectrophotometers, which are widely used instruments for quantifying color. It specifies the lighting conditions, observer angle, and color space that should be used during measurements to achieve consistent results.

Color Spaces and Observer Conditions

The most commonly used color space defined by EN ISO 11664-1:2008 is the CIE L*a*b* color space. The L* channel represents luminance or lightness, the a* channel represents the red/green opponent colors, and the b* channel represents the yellow/blue opponent colors. These three channels together describe the perceived color of an object.

In addition to the color space, this standard also defines the observer conditions. The two main observer conditions specified are the 2-degree standard observer and the 10-degree standard observer. These represent the average responses of human observers with a field of view of 2 degrees and 10 degrees, respectively. Different applications may require different observer conditions to accurately measure and communicate color.

Conclusion

EN ISO 11664-1:2008 is an important standard that provides guidelines for color measurement and evaluation. It ensures consistency and accuracy in color communication across various industries, helping to minimize errors and achieve desired color results. By using a standardized method of color measurement, organizations can effectively compare colors, control color quality, and meet customer expectations.