| Abstract: | In spite of the fact that the basic method of colour measurement was established more than harf a centuy ago, it is only during the last fifteen years that the application of colour measurement is particularly substantial and significant because of the advancement of computer technology, better understanding of colour science, and the revolution in equipment design. This has brought colour science from a scientific exercise in the research laboratory to a widely used industrial and commercial tool. The present state of the art of colour measurement is such that an analogy can be made to the measurement of linear dimensions at one time by the relatively crude yardstick, but now replaced by the precisely scaled micrometer. Thus with colour measurement now, colour can be measured with a precision unmatched by the human eye. To-day, both the colorant industry and colour dependent commerce (industries such as dyes, textiles, pigments, cosmetics, coatings, paper, plastics etc.) are taking advantage of such techniques since the economic advantages are quite substantial. Furthermore, the techniques involved are, to a large extent, no longer trade secrets. The literature abounds with practical theories and concepts which can be applied directly in the workplace by competent colourists. It is expected that more applications of colour measurement for similar general usage are being developed. This paper is designed to introduce the fundamental concept of colour science and various types of colour measuring instruments and their selection. The value of these colour measuring instruments for practical use in industry and commerce is discussed. Finally, the sources of the technical information and assistance are given. |
