CIE online tutorials on Colorimetry and Visual Appearance

3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is one of the most revolutionary technologies in recent years. Yet despite the advances in production technology, characterizing the surface appearance of 3D objects remains a challenge. Methods of analysis and measurement are highly desired that can economically capture the relevant physical properties of materials and their visual appearance independent of viewing conditions. This research topic is defined as one of the top priority topics by CIE and known as Research Strategy: Reproduction and Measurement of 3D objects. This tutorial will focus on this research topic to introduce recent research related to 3D printing technology, measurement of 3D objects, the appearance of 3D objects, and colour difference of 3D objects respectively.

BRDF is the quantity that fully describes the reflection of light on the surface of an object. Therefore, BRDF is relevant for questions where “appearance” is involved. This tutorial on BRDF is dedicated to scientists who know about reflectance and BRDF measurements but are not experts in it. The objective is to focus on particular points that are not well known but can lead to large measurement errors and disappointments, namely “polarization” and “specular”. The tutorial will end with an overview of what is expected from BRDF measurements in industries that are largely concerned with appearance: the Automotive and the Cosmetics Industry.