Method and system for measuring color difference

Abstract

A method and system are provided for automatically and quantitatively measuring color difference between a color distribution of an object and a reference color image using "color distance" in a color system. A template representing the reference color image is stored in a memory of a machine vision system. The machine vision system generates a sample color image of the object and processes the template together with the sample color image to obtain a total color distance. Color distance may be measured either in a Euclidean or "City Block" fashion. Preferably, a look-up table stores the template. The color system may be either intensity dependent or independent. The total color distance can either be presented or displayed to an operator of the machine vision system or else can be used in an automatic feedback loop of a controller of a machine or process.

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