Software for the absolute correction color values and calibration of spectrometers, an instrument correction program

We developed a software program that corrects known, systematic spectrophotometric errors seen in commercial spectrophotometers today. This enables users of spectrophotometers to correlate color values from around the world so that they will be nearly identical. This includes instruments manufactured by different manufacturers, and instruments manufactured by the same manufacturer. The program works on six different modalities; including bi-directional geometries; that is, 45 degrees/0 degrees; hemispherical, either d/0 degrees or d/8 degrees geometries; or multi-angle geometries. Multiangle geometries are used to characterize and assess gonioapparent inks and coatings. It is not necessary that both instruments be of the same geometry. We summarize the performance of the software in the following statement: For modem instruments that are close in performance; that is less than 1 DE(ab)* one can expect that the errors will be reduced to an average of less than 0.10 DE(ab)* unit across 14 BCRA tiles. This agreement or correlation between two instruments can be relative; that is one instrument to another, or absolute; that is, correlating one or more instruments to a reference international standardization laboratory. ISO(1) and CGATS.5(2) recommend methods to improve interinstrument agreement. The software uses traceable artifact standards to do the training. Implementing this program allows conformance to in-house certification programs, ISO requirements, and CGATS. This is of particular importance to those who utilize ICC profiling. The program is designed to be readily incorporated into your existing software. There are multiple implementation methodologies available. For instance; it can be incorporated into your existing software through a DLL, Dynamic Linked Library. It can be used externally in post processing modes with an MS Excel spreadsheet, or it is available in a full-featured, customizable, quality control package. This program operates transparently to the user. Included with the software are all the support programs and documentation required to utilize this application.