The position of the light trap in Conditions 3 (SCE) and 4 (SCE), as displayed in Figure 24 in
Part III-1
, show how the specular reflectance is excluded from the color measurement of the sample.
If this trap is replaced with a white plug, as in Conditions 5 (SCI) and 6 (SCI),
the specular reflectance will be included in the color measurement. The method of color measurement,
which excludes the specular reflectance, is called SCE (Specular Component Excluded).
If the specular reflectance is included in the color measurement, by completing the sphere
with a specular plug, it is called SCI (Specular Component Included).
In SCE mode, the specular reflectance is excluded from the measurement
and only the diffuse reflectance is measured. This produces a color evaluation
which correlates to the way the observer sees the color of an object.
When using the SCI mode, the specular reflectance is included with the diffuse reflectance
during the measurement process. This type of color evaluation measures total appearance independent of
surface conditions.
These criteria must be thoroughly considered when an instrument is selected. Some instruments can measure
both SCE and SCI simultaneously.