How do Color Sensors Work?

Color is one of the most important aspects of light, and it can serve a variety of important roles within industrial and scientific applications. By determining the color of a particular item or material, one may be able to effectively evaluate its properties. Additionally, color sensing can also permit the filtration of infrared or ultraviolet light as needed for the benefit of certain applications or systems. As technology continues to advance over the years with constant breakthroughs in science and manufacturing, color sensing has reached new heights in its potential. To help you better understand the importance of color sensors and color sensing in general, we will describe how it works alongside the common applications of such devices.

For the conventional color sensor, a high-intensity white light-emitting diode (LED) is used to project modulated light onto the material that is being inspected. To create a white light, three basic colors with different wavelengths are combined. When these colors are mixed together in different combinations, a variety of color shades can be produced. As a result of this mixing property, a white light can be cast onto a material, and some wavelengths will be absorbed while others are reflected. With color sensors, the final color can be determined to establish a set color value.

With the use of sensors, color sensitive filters, and other technologies, a color sensor can optimally and accurately determine the color present on a particular image or material. As the white LED projects light onto the image or material, a receiver within the instrument is tasked by measuring all reflected wavelengths. With three filters set to varying wavelength sensitivities, each wavelength can be measured in accordance with RGB color standards. Once these three color wavelengths are sufficiently measured, the overall material color is found.

In the present, many modern color sensors have begun to implement fiber optic technology to enhance the color detection process. With such components, light transmission is conducted with the use of optical glass fibers which rely on the principle of total internal reflection for functionality. As a result, the fiber optic assembly can serve as a waveguide, ensuring the total reflection of light. If a difference between two colors needs to be measured, the distance within the color space is used. To determine such values, the equation (ΔE = √ (L*1-L*2)² + (a*1-a*2)² + (b*1-b*2)²) can be relied on.

Depending on the application in question, color sensors may be used for a wide variety of tasks. Generally, however, color sensors find the most adoption for grading colored products, detecting the presence of adhesives on a material, distinguishing between coded markings, and similar operations. With such abilities, color sensors will often be relied on within industries related to automation, automotives, textiles, printing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and more. Within such industries, color sensors are primarily used for quality control and visual inspections. Additionally, they can also support general production to match the finalized product to its advertisements.

As color sensors improve in their capabilities, their use and industry implementation has increased in unison. At ASAP Parts Unlimited, we can help you source all of the color sensor components that you require, including laser products, filters, sensors, LED components, and much more. With AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, we exceed industry standards to guarantee top-quality items with every order which you can steadily depend on. As an industry leading distributor, we are your source for high-quality color sensors, aircraft standard parts, aircraft bearings, aircraft fastener parts, NSN parts, aviation parts, and IT hardware parts that are used in many civilian and military applications alike. Initiate the procurement process today with the submission of an RFQ form and receive a competitive quote for your comparisons in just 15 minutes or less.