Definition and measurement of statistical gloss parameters from curved objects.

Gloss standards are commonly defined for gloss measurement from flat surfaces, and, accordingly, glossmeters are typically developed for flat objects. However, gloss inspection of convex, concave, and small products is also important. In this paper, we define statistical gloss parameters for curved objects and measure gloss data on convex and concave surfaces using two different diffractive-optical-element-based glossmeters. Examples of measurements with the two diffractive-optical-element-based glossmeters are given for convex and concave aluminum pipe samples with and without paint. The defined gloss parameters for curved objects are useful in the characterization of the surface quality of metal pipes and other objects.

Statistical parameters and analysis of local contrast gloss.

Recently, we introduced a sensor for the detection of local contrast gloss (or luster) of products. This is a new development step in contrast gloss measurement, since contrast gloss has been measured previously from a macroscopic area. Therefore, yet there do not exist statistical parameters for the classification of the contrast gloss as there exist parameters, e.g., for the classification of the surface roughness. In this study, we define novel statistical parameters for the diffuse component and contrast gloss obtained by the sensor for the detection of local contrast gloss. As an example, we utilize these statistical parameters and measured specular gloss, diffuse-component, and contrast gloss maps in the characterization of prints.

Sensor for the detection of local contrast gloss of products.

We introduce a sensor for providing information on the local contrast gloss (or luster) of products. The sensor also provides information of the local specular gloss of the object. The signals of this sensor are produced by diffractive optical elements from fields that are scattered in the diffuse and specular directions from the object. We present specular gloss, diffuse-reflectance factor related to the contrast gloss, and visibility maps measured from black prints on paper. High variation can be observed in the relevant gloss parameters obtained from the printed area. In addition, borders of the print can be clearly detected from the diffuse-reflectance-factor maps. The sensor also allows detection of raster points of a print. This sensor opens up entirely new means to study prints and other substances.

Reflectance study of compressed paper.

Reflectance of three paper grades was investigated using a pressure gauge, an imaging system, and a spectrophotometer. It was observed that under high pressure, dark-colored areas appear in paper when using the imaging system. The area of the dark pattern increases as the pressure is raised. Reflectance measurements as a function of wavelength confirmed that the dark patterns appear due to the contact of the paper and the probe window of the pressure gauge. Based on results by other researchers the amount and the nature of optical contact observed depends on structural properties of paper such as surface roughness, formation, and compressibility. Although there are differences in the spectral properties of different paper grades they all share the common feature that the reflectance is decreasing as a function of the applied pressure. An empiric result for the fine and the super-calendered (SC) paper samples measured is that they both have an exponential dependence of total reflectance as a function of applied pressure when the illumination wavelength is kept constant.