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Disadvantages of standard gloss measurement
In 1925 Pfund described a simple method for measuring specular reflectance; this
method has since been refined and standardised but the basic design for a
glossmeter has remained unchanged.
The conventional glossmeter is widely used to assess the visual quality of test
panels and product surfaces; however the human eye can see certain surface
defects that are not detected with this instrument. This is a particular problem
where finishes are given high gloss values but rated by observers as having a poor
appearance.
The reason for differences between observed quality and measured gloss is
because light entering a glossmeter is recorded as one value without the detection
of variation. In the human eye the reflected image activates a compact array of
light sensors known as cones, the detailed signal from these cones allows the eye
to see subtle textures on a surface that are not recorded with a glossmeter.
The Novo-Gloss IQ, with its array of light sensors mimics the effect of reflected
light in the human eye. More detailed information from this instrument allows the
user to measure and control surface defects that are undetectable with a standard
glossmeter.