Assigning a Standard

Figure. Assigning a Standard

· To create a standard, select the Set as Standard option. The system will then ask, ‘are you sure you want to set this sample as standard?’. If yes, then the sample is renamed as Standard.

· To rename the sample or standard, use the Rename function.

· To delete the sample or standard, use the Delete function.

· For more information on reading a sample or standard, click here.

Auto-export Data Directly to a Computer

Note that this method requires additional hardware in the form of an Ethernet cable, Crossover adapter, Ethernet to RS-232 Connector, RS-232 to USB (optional).

Steps to Setup the direct connection

1) Configure Ethernet to RS-232

a) Set up Ethernet to RS-232 adaptor with static IP address and Port Number.

2) Connect Vista to Computer:

a) Plug Ethernet cable into RJ-45 Ethernet connection at rear of Vista. Plug other end of cable into Crossover Adapter.

b) Plug other end of the Crossover Adapter into Ethernet port of Ethernet to RS-232 adaptor.

c) Plug Ethernet to RS-232 adaptor into serial port of computer (if D-9 serial port is present) or into RS-232 to USB converter for connection to USB port. Plug power into Ethernet to RS-232 adaptor.

Figure. Cable Configuration for Direct Computer Connection

3) Configure the Vista: (Note: Requires Essentials Rev 14 or higher)

(a) Configure the Ethernet port of Vista. Select Jobs Menu: Preferences and Select Config Network Settings. Uncheck the box next to ‘Use DHCP for Ethernet Configuration’ as shown in the Figure. Enter a valid IP address for the Ethernet port. In this example, the following parameters are selected.

IP Address: 192.168.0.110

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.0.1

Preferred DNS: 192.168.0.1

Alternate DNS: 192.168.0.1

Figure. Configuration Parameters for Ethernet

(b) Press Apply on the Ethernet Configuration and then Apply on the Preferences

(d) Go to Preferences and select Auto Network Data Export.

Figure. Preferences : Auto Network Data Export

(e) For a direct connection between Vista and data collection computer, set up the Vista as a Client.

(f) Set the IP Address to match the settings of the Ethernet to RS-232 converter, in this case 192.168.0.100 and the Port as 10001. Press Apply and then press Apply on the Read Options screen to continue.

Figure. Export Configuration

(g) Vista is now ready to send data.

4) Configure the Computer:

(a) Connection configurations differ depending on data collection software. In this example, Hyperterminal is use to demonstrate connectivity.

(b) The data collection computer will be set up as a Server.

1. Select the Com port that represents the USB or Serial port connection.

2. Define the Connection:

Bits per second: 9600

Data Bits: 8

Parity: None

Stop Bits: 1

Flow Control: None

5) Send Data from the Vista:

(a) Configure the Color Data Table with the color scale and parameters to be transmitted.

i. Standardize the instrument.

ii. Select Color Scales, Indices & Illuminant and Obs (Workspace:Color Scales)

iii. Hit Read Button, data will be transferred to the computer. The data string is shown as follows:

<STX:<PACKET SIZE:$T<SCALE-LABEL:$T<ill/Obs:$T<LABEL NAME1:< $T:<VALUE1: $T<LABEL NAME2:<$T:<VALUE2:<$T:<LABEL NAME3: $T<VALUE3:$T ..... <LABEL NAME N:<$T: <VALUE N:$T<CHKSUM:<ETX:

Where, <STX: is the Start of Text (value =0x02)

<ETX: is the End of Text (value =0x03)

$T is the default delimiter.

<SCALE-LABEL: is the Scale Label (e.g. CIELAB)

<ill/Obs: is the ill/Obs name (e.g. D65/10)

<PACKET SIZE: is the Total size (HEX String) of the Packet excluding the <STX: and <ETX:

<LABEL NAME: is the label name (e.g. L*, a*, b*, dE* etc..)

<VALUE: is the value for the preceding Label Name

<CHKSUM: is the Checksum (HEX String) - the sum of all the ASCII values in the total packet play load starting from <PACKET-SIZE: and till <CHKSUM:

Auto-export Data to a Network

Note that this method requires additional hardware in the form of an Ethernet cable and hub connecting both the Vista and the computer to the same network.

1) Configure the Vista:

(a) Set up the Vista as the Server. Go to Preferences and select Auto Export Measurement using a check and select Configure. Choose Vista as Server and put Port number as 11111.

Figure. Auto Export Measurement

(b) To define the data export, go to Jobs: Preferences and Select ‘Config Network Settings’. Uncheck the DHCP box for Ethernet Configuration.

IP Address: the IP address of the Vista can be determined from the on-board Diagnostics program.

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.0.1

Preferred DNS: 192.168.0.1

Alternate DNS: 192.168.0.1

Figure. Jobs:Preferences:Ethernet Configuration

(c) Press Apply on the Ethernet Configuration and then Apply on the Preferences Page to complete. The Vista is now ready to send data.

2) Configure the Computer Using HyperTerminal Software

(a) Go to the computer and open HyperTerminal.

(b) Make a new connection:

i. Enter a name for the connection

Figure. Setup for HyperTerminal

ii. Connect using TCP/IP(Winsock)

iii. Enter the Vista IP address and Port Number

Figure. HyperTerminal Connection to Vista

3) Send Data from the Vista:

a) Configure the Vista for the Color Data Screen:

iv. Select Color Scales, Indices & Illuminant and Obs (Workspace : Color Scales)

v. Standardize the instrument. (Workspace : Standardize)

vi. Read sample and view the data on the computer. The data string is shown as follows:

<STX:<PACKET SIZE:$T<SCALE-LABEL:$T<ill/Obs:$T<LABEL NAME1:< $T:<VALUE1: $T<LABEL NAME2:<$T:<VALUE2:<$T:<LABEL NAME3: $T<VALUE3:$T ..... <LABEL NAME N:<$T: <VALUE N:$T<CHKSUM:<ETX:

Where, <STX: is the Start of Text (value =0x02)

<ETX: is the End of Text (value =0x03)

$T is the default delimiter.

<SCALE-LABEL: is the Scale Label (e.g. CIELAB)

<ill/Obs: is the ill/Obs name (e.g. D65/10)

<PACKET SIZE: is the Total size (HEX String) of the Packet excluding the <STX: and <ETX:

<LABEL NAME: is the label name (e.g. L*, a*, b*, dE* etc..)

<VALUE: is the value for the preceding Label Name

<CHKSUM: is the Checksum (HEX String) - the sum of all the ASCII values in the total packet play load starting from <PACKET-SIZE: and till <CHKSUM:

Auto Read

Read Options: Auto Read

This feature performs measurements continuously. In Auto Read mode, measurements are initiated and stopped using the Read Button. The minimum value of the Read interval is 1 second and it will read as fast as it can update. When in Auto Read mode, the Read Button is enhanced with a checkmark.

Figure. AutoRead

To stop the Auto Read, press the Read button.

AutoSave

Read Options: Auto Save Job

This selection will automatically save a job. Once this feature is selected, a dialog box will be displayed to name the job.

Figure. Auto Save Job

AutoTolerance

AutoTolerance can be calculated under Workspace : Tolerances. AutoTolerances are calculated for CMC by considering the values as l:C – 2:1 with auto correction factor = 0.75 and commercial factor = 1. However, these ratios can be modified as needed.

Figure. AutoTolerance Configuration

Once the tolerance parameters are selected, press Apply and then Calculate AutoTolerances. The calculated tolerances are displayed under the AutoTolerance tab. If AutoTolerances are selected, the user cannot manually enter tolerances.

Averaging

Under Workspace : Read Option, the number of readings to average can be set. Select the number of readings to average to produce the final measurement. The total number of readings to be averaged can be no less than two. Close the screen and press Read to initiate Readings.

Figure. Reading and Averaging

Once the Read button is pressed, the instrument will display a unique dialog box to Read and Average the readings. The second reading is taken using the dialog box button, ‘Read’. Once all readings are taken, press Average to obtain the results.

Bias Correction

‘Index Bias Correction’ is provided in Workspace : Read Options dialog menu.

When the option ‘Index Bias Correction’ is checked, the application provides an option to Configure and store the Gain and Bias values to match other instrument values for specific Indices as shown below.

Figure. Select Index Bias Configuration

The user can select any Index from the list of Indices and input the desired Gain and Bias values. After selecting (Checking) the required Indices, click the Apply button to save the selected Indices values and update the Views accordingly.

Figure. Select Index to use in Bias Correction

This above methodology will provide an option to the user to apply the Bias Correction to each individual Index configured in Workspace.

The Bias Corrected Index value (INDEX*) will be calculated as:

INDEX*=(Gain * INDEX) + Bias, where INDEX is the actual value of the Index under consideration. The Bias Corrected Indices will be marked with * (eg: APHA *10mm) in the respective view display.

Color Scales & Differences

COLOR SCALES provide four screens to configure the Scales, Indices, Differences and Illuminant and Observer (Ill and Obs).

Figure. Color Measurement Scales

This screen shows the 5 scales available for measurement. Select the absolute scale (3 parameters) and color difference scales (3 parameters) if needed. Press Apply and begin to read your samples.

Figure. Illuminant and Observer Configuration

Figure. Indices Configuration

Figure. Color Measurement Differences

To incorporate your selections, press Apply. To use the default set in the current Workspace, press Default.

Date and Time

To set the current date and time, go to Jobs: Preferences : General and Adjust Clock.

Figure. Jobs : Preferences :General Page

Deleting a Sample or Standard

A long press on the name will show a menu with the following options:

a) Set as Standard – to set the sample as Standard

b) Rename – to rename the sample

c) Delete – to delete the sample.

Figure. Changing, Renaming or Deleting a Sample

A long press on the Standard name will show a menu with the following options:

a) Rename – to rename the standard

b) Delete – to delete the standard. The deleted Standard is reverted into the samples list with its original name.

c) Hitch – to Hitch the standard

Figure. Renaming, Deleting, or Hitching a standard

Deleting a Job, Standard, Workspace, or Diagnostics

· From Jobs : Data Management : Delete, a Job, Standard or Workspace can be deleted.

Figure. Deleting a Job, Standard, Workspace or Diagnostic

Diagnostics

· Diagnostics can be found under Workspace: Diagnostics.

Email a Job

· Saved data can be emailed if there is an active internet connection. When Jobs : Data Management : Email is selected, the following screen is shown prompting the user to browse and enter the recipient mail address.

Figure. Enter an Address to Email a Job

· Click ‘Settings’ button to configure the SMTP mail server configuration (Port, Server) as shown below. The mail settings configuration is mandatory to enable the mail job feature in the application.

Figure. Enter SMTP Mail Server Information

· Click ‘Send’ button to send the mail based on the Mail configuration settings.

Email Settings

· From Jobs : Data Management : Email screen, select Settings button to configure the SMTP mail server configuration (Port, Server) as shown below. The mail settings configuration is mandatory to enable the mail job feature in the application.

Figure. Enter SMTP Mail Server Information

Enabling Security and Setting Up User’s Accounts

Security can be enabled on the Vista to ensure that operators cannot modify or delete folders or files and limit functionality. An administrator is identified and sets up the users groups with their privileges.

To begin, go to Jobs: User Manager to set up Create Administrative Groups first followed by Create User Groups.

Once the groups have been established, Users can be assigned to these groups. To do this, go to Jobs : User Manager.

Figure. Create a Group

Figure. Create a User

The administrative user then assigns the required application access privileges to the user type accounts as shown below:

Figure. User Privileges

Any user with privileges can delete groups and users and reset passwords.

To begin enabling security, go to Jobs : Preferences : General and select Enable Security on the right side.

Figure. Enable Security

When the user selects the ‘Enable Application Security’, they must create an administration user account before logging out of Essentials. Otherwise, they will not be able to login again.

For convenience, the user can check the box under Jobs : Preferences : General to use the ‘last login credentials’. This eliminates the need for a user name and password each time.

Figure. Enable Last Login Credentials

Export

· Data can be one file, multiple files or all files. Please note that all selected files should be in the same file path location.

· Data can be exported to a CSV or EZM file on a flash drive for use in Excel or other database program. This feature allows the user to export the below data from instrument into a USB flash drive:

· Job file

· Standard

· Workspace

· Diagnostics

· Export Job: This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Job file (.ezm) or the current active Job data and copy into a USB flash drive either in CSV or EZM file format. While exporting into CSV format, the current active Workspace settings can be applied.

Figure. Export Current Job

· Export Standard

This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Standard in the database and copy into the USB flash drive as a file (.std).

· Export Workspace

This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Workspace in the database and copy into the USB flash drive as a file (.wsp).

· Export Diagnostics

This option allows the user to export Diagnostic results onto a USB flash drive.

To use the above functions, a USB flash drive must be present in the port.

Haze Measurements

· Select Haze measurements from the Color Data Screen, using Workspace : Color Scales : Indices.

· Select Standardization : TTRAN and check the box beside ‘Include Haze’.

Figure. Standardization for Haze

· Install the sample holder needed to measure your samples against the sphere port for TTRAN

Hitch Standard

· Hitch standardization is a process by which two or more instruments of similar design can be made to read the same color values on a group of specimens. This process is very useful in expanding the communications of color around the world or between vendor and customer.

· The process of hitch standardization also known as transfer standardization involves assigning one instrument to be the reference, or master, unit and mathematically adjusting the secondary, or slave, unit(s) to read the ‘same’ values. In this way, two or more instruments can be hitched together. Hitching a secondary unit to a reference instrument requires that a specimen be read on both units and the values compared and adjusted accordingly. This specimen, known as the hitch standard, is first read on the reference instrument and its values recorded as spectral data or colorimetric (tristimulus) data. The hitch standard is then physically moved to the secondary instrument where it is reread and the values from the reference unit are input into the secondary instrument’s processor.

Figure. Hitch Standardization

· A long press on the standard name, will provide a selection for Hitch standardization.

Illuminant

· Illuminant & Standard Observer combinations can be selected from the Workspace: Color Scale Menu.

Figure. Illuminant and Observer Configuration

Import

· This feature allows the user to import the below data from a USB flash drive into the instrument. Data can be one file, no file, multiple files or all files.

· Job file

· Standard

· Workspace

· Diagnostics

Figure. Import Data Type

· Import Job

This option allows the user to browse and select a Job file from the USB flash drive and import into the instrument.

Figure. Import Job

· Import Standard

This option allows the user to browse and select a Standard file (extension .std) from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Figure. Import Standard

· Import Workspace

This option allows the user to browse and select a Workspace file (extension .wsp) from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Figure. Import Workspace

· Import Diagnostics

This option allows the user to browse and select a Diagnostics file from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Note: To use the above functions, a USB flash drive must be present in the port.

Indices

Figure. Indices Configuration

Jobs

Under the Job function, the following tasks can be accomplished:

Figure. Job Menu

What is a Job?

A job consists of standard and samples measured into a specific workspace. A workspace is a template with measurement conditions such as Color Scale, Indices, illuminant, etc. There can be only one job open at a time. A new job will use the current loaded workspace settings. The user can change the settings and these changes are applied into the current job. The last loaded workspace settings are applied automatically when the user creates a new job. The main tool bar provides the options to create a new job, open an existing job and save a job.

Jobs: New

Create a new empty Job. Select New Job and the current job is replaced with a blank screen.

Figure. Creating A New Job

Jobs: Open

· A list of available jobs under the current path are displayed for selection. If the job that is needed exists in another folder, then it is an option to change the folder (New Folder). When the job to be opened is displayed select the appropriate button and press ‘Open’.

Figure. Open A Job

Jobs: Save & Save As

· To save a job, select the folder, name the job and save the Job contents into a file. These files have an ‘ezm’ extension.

Figure. Save A Job

Jobs: Print

· Print an open Job using the parameters set up under Preferences. Drivers included in the Vista are shown below.

Printer	Driver
Canon	Canon Print Service 4.4+
HP	HP Print Service Plugin 4.1+
Epson	Epson Print Enabler 4.4+
Konica Minolta	Konica Minolta Print Service Plugin 4.4+
Kyocera	Kyocera Print Service Plugin 4.4+
Lexmark	Lexmark Print Service Plugin 4.4+
Samsung	Samsung Print Service Plugin 4.4+
Sharp	Sharp Print Service Plugin 4.4+
Xerox	Xerox Print Service Plugin 4.4+

· Additional drivers can be added under Workspace : Diagnostics : Advanced.

Figure 1. Advanced Menu

· To upload a new print driver, download the apk file needed from the internet onto a flash drive. Place the flash drive into the instrument (front port) so that it can access the list of apk files. Select the driver to upload and press OK.

Figure 2. Insert USB with Printer Driver

Figure 4. Updating Printer Drivers

· The Vista will install the new printer driver and it will be then available to use.

Figure 6. Printer Page

Jobs: Preferences

· This menu item shows a dialog box with two pages General & Print as shown below, where the General page contains the options to configure.

· Load the last used workspace and job

· Set standardization time interval

· Set screen brightness and date and time

· Enable novice tooltip

· Enable application security

· Use last login credentials

· Configure and enable network data export

· Configure network settings

Figure. Jobs : Preferences : General Page

· To Load the Last Workspace at Startup, check this box and press Apply.

· To Load the last Job at Startup, check this box and press Apply.

· The Standardization Time Interval is a useful reminder to restandardize after time (hours). Press Apply to set the new interval. When the time has lapsed, a prompt to restandardize will be displayed before measurements can be taken.

· Set the screen Brightness using a sliding scale and press Apply.

· Set the Date and Time, time zone, date and time format using the Adjust Clock feature.

· Enable Novice Tooltips by checking on the box. Once enabled, on screen tips can be are displayed for 3 seconds. To display again, roll over the ‘lightbulb icon’ on the lower right part of the screen.

· The Print page allows the user to configure:

· The Readings to print

· The option to Preview before print.

· Print report Title and Logo

· Orientation of the report (Portrait or Landscape) orientation.

To save changes, press Apply.

Figure. Jobs : Preferences : Configure Print Page

Jobs: Data Management

· The data contains the standards and sample measurements saved in a Job and database along with the sensor information. The saved measurements are also associated to respective Workspace and Job.

The Data Management contains the features to:

· Recall the measurements from the database.

· Import a Job, Standard, Workspace and Diagnostics from a USB flash drive.

· Export the Job, Standard, Workspace and Diagnostics to a USB flash drive.

· Delete a Job, Standard, Workspace or Diagnostics.

· Email the selected Job(s).

· Backup the Job Files and Database into a USB Flash drive.

· Restore the Job files and Database from a USB Flash drive.

The Data Management menu provides a way to Recall, Import, Export or Email a Job and Backup and Restore.

Figure. Data Management Menu

Recall Data

· Recall measurements that have been stored to a job:

The database contains the standards and sample measurements saved in a Job along with the sensor information. The saved measurements are also associated to respective Workspace and Job.

This feature enables the user to recall the Standard(s) or Sample(s) stored in the Database into the current running Job.

Click Recall option in Data Management, a dialog will be displayed where the user can recall the measurements from the database by Selecting the Type:

· Show Standards associated to a Category

When this option is selected, the standards list is filled with the standards associated with the selected Category (i.e. like Pale Ale) from the Select Standard Category list. All of the samples matching are filled into the sample list. To narrow the list, the user can select the samples only associated with the selected standard.

· Show all the measurements in selected Job

When this option is selected, the standards list is filled with the standards contained in the selected Job from the Select Job drop down list. All of the samples are filled into the sample list. To narrow the list, the user can select the samples only associated with the selected standard.

· Show the Standards and Samples in the Current Workspace

When this option is selected, the standards list is filled with the standards associated to the current workspace. All samples are filled into the sample list. To narrow the list, the user can select the samples only associated with the selected standard.

· Show the Imported Standards

When this option is selected, the standards list is only filled with the standards imported into the database.

After selecting the measurements click Recall to recall them into the active Job.

Figure. Recall Measurements

Data Import

This feature allows the user to import the below data from a USB flash drive into the instrument.

· Job File

· Standard

· Workspace

· Diagnostics

Figure. Import Data Type

· Import Job

This option allows the user to browse and select a Job file from the USB flash drive and import into the instrument.

Figure. Import Job

· Import Standard

This option allows the user to browse and select a Standard file (extension .std) from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Figure. Import Standard

· Import Workspace

This option allows the user to browse and select a Workspace file (extension .wsp) from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Figure. Import Workspace

· Import Diagnostics

This option allows the user to browse and select a Diagnostics file from the USB flash drive and import into the database.

Figure: Import Diagnostic job

Note: To use the above functions, a USB flash drive must be present in the port.

Export

· Data can be exported to a CSV or EZM file on a flash drive for use in Excel or another database program. This feature allows the user to export the below data from instrument into a USB flash drive:

· Job File

· Standard

· Workspace

· Diagnostics

Figure. Export Current Job

· Export Standard

This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Standard in the database and copy into the USB flash drive as a file (.std)

· Export Workspace

This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Workspace in the database and copy into the USB flash drive as a file (.wsp).

To use the above functions, a USB flash drive must be present in the port.

· Export Diagnostics

This option allows the user to brown and select a Diagnostics file to copy to a USB flash drive. To use this function, a USB must be present in the port.

Delete A Job, Standard, Workspace or Diagnostic

· From Jobs: Data Management : Delete, a Job, Standard, Workspace or Diagnostic file can be deleted.

Figure. Deleting a Job, Standard or Workspace

Email A Job

· Saved data can be emailed if there is an active internet connection. When the Email option is clicked, the following screen is shown prompting the user to browse and select a user and enters the recipient mail address.

Figure. Enter an Address to Email a Job

· Click the Settings button to configure the SMTP mail server configuration (Port, Server) as shown below. The mail settings configuration is mandatory in order to enable the mail job feature in the application.

Figure. Enter SMTP Mail Server Information

· Click the Send button to complete the Email operation.

Jobs: User Manager

· To enable security and set up the User Manager use this link.

Jobs: About

· The About menu provides information about HunterLab and the current Essentials version and allows you to update the firmware. The current version of EasyMatch QC Essentials is found on the screen.

Figure. Job : About the Software

· To Update the software, download the current version from the HunterLab Support site to a USB. Load the USB in the port and press Update.

· To view information on the instrument, press Info. The serial number, IP address and hardware versions are shown on the screen.

Figure. Info Screen

Read

· Samples and Standards are read using this key.

· This tool can be moved around the screen by pressing and moving the icon.

· Assigning a Standard is done by pressing and holding the sample number and following the onboard instructions.

Recall

Recall can be applied to Jobs where Standards and Samples can be recalled. For more information, click here.

Standard

After reading one or several samples, one can be selected as a Standard for difference measurements. A long press on the name will show a menu with the following options:

a) Set as Standard – to set the sample as Standard

b) Rename – to rename the sample

c) Delete – to delete the sample.

Figure. Changing a Sample to a Standard

Standard Observer

Illuminant and Standard Observer combinations can be selected from the Workspace: Color Scale Menu.

Figure. Illuminant and Observer Configuration

Standard Category

· Read Options : Prompt For Standard Category: When this option is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the category name to which the standard can be assigned.

Figure. Prompt for Standard Category

· A category is a product type (i.e. Pale Ale) to which multiple standards can be associated. This can also be used to recall a group of standards.

Standardization

· To perform a Standardization, go to the Workspace menu and select Standardization. Then choose Total or Regular Transmittance for measurement. For HAZE, select TTRAN and check the option ‘Include Haze’. Place the samples against the sphere port (TTRAN).

Press Standardization, the instrument will initiate a standardization and report the status in the system status bar on lower left screen.

The Time interval for the re-Standardization can be entered under Jobs: Preferences.

Figure. Standardize

Taking a Simple Measurement

Once inside the software, the main measurement screen is displayed – Color Data Table (D65/10).

Figure. Measurement Screen

The instrument is automatically connected and this connection is reported on the status bar. Next, the unit must be Standardized.

Press the Workspace icon and select Standardization. Select a mode and press ‘Standardize’ to initiate a standardization. The status will be reported in the lower left screen.

Figure. Standardization Parameters

To Read, press the Read button on the Screen. The Read button can be moved around the screen by pressing on the icon, holding and then moving your finger to a new location.

Main Measurement Screen. The Color Data Table view shows the configured Workspace, i.e. Color Scale, Color Differences and Indices data for the Standard and Sample measurements in the job. The configured Tolerances can be applied to the Job and Pass or Fail values results also be displayed.

To add a product standard, see Standard. To change the color scale, etc., see Workspace : Color Scales. To add tolerances, see Workspace : Tolerances. To save these setups as a job or output, see Jobs : Data. To change the views, select Views under Workspace.

Figure. Main Measurement Screen

A long press on the Sample name will show a menu with the following options:

a) Set as Standard – to set the sample as Standard

b) Rename – to rename the sample

c) Delete – to delete the sample.

Figure. Changing, Renaming or Deleting a Sample

A long press on the Standard name will show a menu with the following options:

a) Rename – to rename the standard

b) Delete – to delete the standard. The deleted Standard is reverted back into the samples list with its original name.

c) Hitch – to Hitch the standard

Figure. Standard Menu

Navigating the Essentials screen

The Easy Match Essentials Tools and Status features are shown below.

Figure. Essentials Screen

Read

· Samples and Standards are read using this key.

· This tool can be moved around the screen by pressing and moving the icon.

· Assigning a Standard is done by pressing and holding the sample number and following the onboard instructions.

View Flippers

Switching between Views can be accomplished by using the semi-transparent ‘Next’ and ‘Prev’ buttons placed at the side edges of the screen or by swiping left or right with two fingers on the screen.

Sensor Status

The Vista serial number is shown at the bottom left side of the System Bar and the current state of standardization is reported in the same area.

Job : Workspace Status

Job : Workspace Status is reported on the bottom right side of the System Bar.

View Options

This menu shows the configuration options for the active view.

Workspace

The Workspace menu provides color scale, illuminant, index and difference selection for measurements.

Jobs

· A job is a collection of all the data views (displays) and measurements (standards and samples) used for a particular task, product, or customer. Jobs are the ‘documents’ of EasyMatch Essentials, analogous to word processing documents containing text and formatting.

· Jobs can be created for many different reasons, such as to hold data for a certain customer or a specific product line. Each operator may maintain their own job with preferences, or create separate jobs for different operations.

Standard Category

· Read Options: Prompt for Standard Category: When this option is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the category name to which the standard can be assigned.

Figure. Prompt for Standard Category

· A category is a product type (i.e. Pale Ale) to which multiple standards can be associated. This can also be used to recall a group of standards.

View Options

· There are six screens for viewing data on the Vista (Color Data, Spectral Data, Color Plot, Spectral Plot, EZ View, Trend Plot). Each one of these screens has its own set of unique options.

View Options: EZ View

This view provides a simple display of Standard vs. Sample with rendering and pass or fail results.

Figure. EZ View Display

· View Options include the selection of Pass or Fail, selection of font size and opportunity to exclude a Color Scale.

Figure. EZ View Options

View Options: Color Data

· The Color Data Table view shows color scale, color difference, and index data for the standards and samples in the job.

Figure. Color Data Display

· Options such as Tolerances, Pass or Fail, Date and Time, Data Order and Tolerances can be selected using the View Options.

Figure. Color Data Screen: View Options

· A long press on the ‘Sample’ can enable the user to make the sample into a Standard, change the name or delete the reading.

· To delete a Sample (or Standard), select delete and then confirm the action.

Figure. Delete the Sample Measurement

View Options: Spectral Data

· The Spectral Data Table displays percent transmittance or absorbance values for each selected measurement at the wavelengths being measured. When transmittance or absorbance is being displayed, the cell representing the wavelength of minimum transmittance (maximum absorbance) for each measurement is shaded pink. An example of this view is shown below.

Figure. Spectral Data Table

Figure. Spectral Data Table Options

View Options: Spectral Plot

· This view provides a plot of wavelength vs. spectral measurement parameter.

Figure. Spectral Plot View

· Press Clear All to remove all the samples to display. Press Select All to enable display of all samples. To select an individual sample, click on the respective Sample in the list located on the right edge of the screen.

· Uncheck the option Show Background, to display the plot with white background color.

· Check Auto Range option to scale the contents to fit into plot.

· Note: The Samples List is paginated. Click the left and right arrow buttons below the samples list to navigate between pages.

Figure. Spectral Plot Options

View Options: Trend Plot

· This tool can be used to study the trends in production and identify color variations. There are four parameters of color measurement (three scale values and optional indices) which can be represented in four traces. If a sample point is selected in one of the four traces, it is highlighted in the other 3 traces in blue. The name is shown at the bottom right hand corner of the View. The Average and Standard Deviation can be shown as per the view configuration settings.

Figure. Trend Plot

Figure. Trend Plot Options

· View Options for the Trend Plot include the type of display, the statistics and the number of readings per display. Continuing with the View Options : Traces, this dialog box sets the ranges for the traces or allows selection of AutoRange. Trace 1 to 3 uses the current Color Measurement Scale and Trace 4 will allow for measurement of differences or an index. The user can select which Traces to view and set control limits as a percent.

Figure. Trend Plot Traces

View Options: Color Plot

· This shows the sample location in two-dimensional Color Space with respect to the standard for difference measurements or the samples in absolute measurement. For differences, the standard is the center point of the plot and the samples are plotted separately on the graph.

· All displayed samples are listed in a list box on the right of the screen. The color plot can be zoomed and all data points can be viewed in detail.

· The tolerance plot is available in rectangular and elliptical when tolerances are applied. The pass or fail sample points are shown in green and red, respectively.

Figure. Color Plot View

· Press and hold on the left and right page arrows to show a small dialog box. This dialog allows you to select the number of records per page to display and the default page number to display.

Figure. Color Plot Options

Workspace

A workspace is a collection of user preferred parameters (Color Scales, Indices, Tolerances, etc.) as a template. When a user exits Easy Match Essentials and returns, the last used Workspace will be loaded if the user has selected that option in Jobs: Preferences.

Jobs vs. workspace: A job consists of standard and samples measured into a specific workspace. There can be only one job open at a time. A new job will use the current loaded workspace settings. The user can change the settings and these changes are applied into the current job. The last loaded workspace settings are applied automatically when the user creates a new job. The main tool bar provides the options to create a new job, open an existing job and save a job.

Under the Workspace Function, the following tasks can be accomplished:

Figure. Workspace Parameters

Workspace: Color Scales

Color Scales provides four screens to configure the Scales, Indices, Differences and Illuminant and Observer (Ill & Obs).

Figure. Color Measurement Scales

This screen shows the 5 scales available for measurement. Select the absolute scale (3 parameters) and color difference scales (3 parameters) if needed. Press apply and begin to read your samples.

Figure. Illuminant & Observer Configuration

Figure. Indices Configuration

Figure. Color Measurement Differences

Workspace: Read Options

Shows a dialog box to configure options like Averaging, Auto Save, Auto Read, Prompt for Standard Category, Index Bias and Prompt for Name. The Read command performs the operation based on the configured options.

Figure. Read Options

· Read Options: Average

Select the number of readings to average to produce the final measurement. The total number of readings to be averaged can be no less than two. Close the screen and press Read to initiate Readings.

Figure. Reading and Averaging

Once the Read button is pressed, the instrument will display a unique dialog box to Read and Average the readings. The second reading is taken using the dialog box button, ‘Read’. Once the readings are taken, press Average to obtain the results.

· Read Options: Auto Read

Figure. AutoRead

To stop the Auto Read, press the Read button.

· Read Options: Auto Save Job

This selection will automatically save a job. Once this feature is selected, a dialog box will be displayed to name the job.

Figure. Auto Save Job

· Read Options: Prompt for Standard Category: When this option is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the category name to which the standard can be assigned.

Figure. Prompt for Standard Category

A category is a product type (i.e. Pale Ale) to which multiple standards can be associated. This can also be used to recall a group of standards.

· Read Options: Index Bias Correction.

This option allows the user to input a custom slope and intercept correction for APHA. The user can select any Index from the List of Indices and input the desired Gain and Bias values. After selecting (Checking) the required Indices, Click Apply button to save the selected Indices values and update the Views accordingly. The Bias-corrected Indices will be marked with * (eg: APHA *10mm) in the respective view display.

To calculate the slope and bias correction, read a series of samples around the target values of interest. The adjustment can be calculating using the following methods:

a) Create a y=mx + b relationship comparing actual readings to target values, where target values is on the Y-axis and actual readings are on the x-axis. Enter the slope correction under Gain and the intercept correction under Bias.

b) To correct for the slight offset between, the assigned values for their standards and the values measured by the instrument using two standards.

Example: Standard Values Measured Sample Values

APHA = 2 APHA = 2.4

APHA =10 AHPA = 10.6

Gain Correction= (Standard Value 1-Standard Value 2)/(Measured Value 1- Measured Value 2), such that:

Gain=(10-2)/(10.6-2.4)

Gain= 0.975 and,

Bias Correction=Target Value 1-(Measured Value 1*Gain)

Bias= 10-(0.975*10.6)

Bias=-0.34

Index*=0.975*m+(-0.34)

To check the equation, reintroduce the Measured values to be corrected,

Index*=0.975*2.4+(-0.34) = Index*=2.0

c) User has one standard data point.

Standard Values: APHA = 2

Measured Sample Values: APHA = 2.4

· Read Options: Prompt for Sample or Standard Name

Select this feature to input the Sample (or Standard) name manually during the measurement cycle so that the Sample measurement will be inserted with the specified name. If this option is not selected, the Samples will be inserted with the specified default sample name suffixed with the auto incremented index number. Press Apply when done.

Workspace: Tolerances

This command can be used to specify the Tolerances, for which are selected in View Options dialog box.

Figure. Tolerances Configuration

· Tolerances can be entered manually for a selected scale, indices and difference, or can be auto-calculated using Autotolerance. Tolerances will be displayed on the measurement screen if enabled under the View Options for the Color Data and the Color Plot Screens. Pass or Fail based on these tolerances can be used on the EZ View Screen.

Figure. Indices Tolerance Configuration

Figure. Difference Tolerance Configuration

· AutoTolerances are calculated for CMC by considering the values as l:C – 2:1 with auto correction factor = 0.75 and commercial factor = 1. However, these ratios can be modified as needed.

Figure. AutoTolerance Configuration

Once the tolerance parameters are selected, press Apply and then Calculate AutoTolerances. The calculated tolerances are displayed under the Autotolerance tab. If Auto Tolerances are selected, the user cannot manually enter tolerances.

Workspace: Views

Views are used to select the screens for viewing results. Simply check on the box of the screen needed. Press Apply to save one or all of the screens. The default screen is the Color Data Table. To navigate between screens once the selections have been applied, use the View Flippers on the left and right of the screen.

Figure. Workspace Views

Workspace: Load Workspace

· Press ‘Load Workspace’ to recall any previously saved workspace from the database. The newly loaded workspace settings will be applied to the job and all existing measurements within the job will be adjusted accordingly.

Figure. Load Workspace

Note: When a user exits Easy Match Essentials and returns, the last used Workspace will be loaded when the option ‘Load Last Workspace at Startup’ is selected in Job : Preferences dialog.

Workspace: Save Workspace

The current workspace parameters are saved into a database with a user specified name. Saved workspaces can be moved up to the ‘Switch To’ area if desired by dragging and dropping. If no workspaces have been saved, then only default will be present.

Figure. Save Workspace

Workspace: Standardization

Perform a Standardization. From the Workspace menu select Standardization and then choose Total or Regular Transmittance for measurement. For Haze, select TTRAN and check the option ‘Include Haze’. Place the samples against the sphere port (TTRAN).

Press Standardization, the instrument will initiate a standardization and report the status in the system status bar on lower left screen.

The Time interval for the re-Standardization can be entered under Jobs : Preferences.

Figure. Standardize

Workspace: Diagnostics

Four performance diagnostics are included with software version 1.01.0023 and higher. These are Repeatability, ND Filter, a Didymium Filter and a Haze Standard Test.

Auto Diagnostics is for use by the service department at HunterLab and not recommended for customer use. It runs all tests and detailed readings for short term repeatability, ND filter, Didymium Filter and Haze Standard performance are available by opening the CSV file.

Advanced Tests are primarily for use by HunterLab’s Service Department. However, this menu supports the upload of Printer Drivers and Restarting the Communications with a computer.

For updated software, please check support.hunterlab.com.

Figure. Performance Diagnostics Menu

Testing the Vista for Colorimetric Repeatability:

The Repeatability Test assesses how consistently the instrument can measure color. To begin, standardize the instrument. Then, thirty readings of air are taken with each individual reading showing pass or fail. All sample readings must pass to for the test to ‘Pass’. The sample compartment should be free of samples and obstacles.

Figure. Set up for Colorimetric Repeatability

A table of the difference between the current reading and the first reading (Standard) is shown after every measurement. By comparing each reading to the tolerance, a Pass or Fail assessment is shown.

Figure. Repeatability Readings with Pass or Fail

When all 30 readings have been made, the final test result is shown and saved automatically. To Print the results, press Repeatability Test and Open the file.

Figure. Repeatability Results

Reading the Neutral Density Filter

This test requires that you enter the target values for the ND filter that you are using in the test.

Figure. Input Target Values for ND Filter

Once the target values have been entered, then remove all samples from the transmittance compartment and press Start.

Figure. Press Start to Begin Standardization

After Standardization, insert the ND filter next to the sphere and press Start.

Figure. Reading the ND Filter

Figure. ND Test Result

Reading the Didymium Filter on the Vista.

The wavelength test allows you to assess readings of the didymium filter that is provided with the instrument. This checks for wavelength accuracy of the instrument and should be done on a regular basis (i.e., weekly or bi-weekly) as part of your routine instrument performance check. To begin, input the target values for the Didymium filter at 430nm and 570nm.

Figure. Select Didymium Target Values

Standardization: Remove all samples from the instrument and Standardize in RTRAN on air.

Figure. Standardize in RTRAN

Place the didymium filter at the lens side of the instrument. Note: The didymium filter should be clean and free of finger prints.

Figure. Didymium Test Results

Results are an average of the 10 readings. When all 10 readings have been made, the final test result is shown and saved automatically. To Print the results, press Didymium Test and Open the file.

Reading the Haze Standard

The Haze test reads the haze standard and provides a pass or fail evaluation based on an average of 5 readings and the value associated with the standard.

Figure 7. Starting the Haze Test

Select New to initiate the Haze Test. Standardize the instrument and then enter the value of the Haze Standard. Note that the tolerance used is 10% of the standard value.

Figure. Prepare to Standardize

Figure. Enter Value of Haze Standard

When all readings have been taken, the results are shown. This test is automatically saved and can be printed by pressing Haze Standard Test : Open : Print.