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Propagation of random errors in spectrophotometric colorimetry
Author(s) -
Fairchild Mark D.,
Reniff Lisa
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
color research and application
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.393
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1520-6378
pISSN - 0361-2317
DOI - 10.1002/col.5080160605
Subject(s) - random error , propagation of uncertainty , a priori and a posteriori , standard deviation , observational error , calibration , mathematics , range (aeronautics) , colorimetry , optics , statistics , physics , materials science , philosophy , epistemology , composite material
Every physical quantity with an a priori range of numerical values constituting a continuum is subject to error in its measurement. It is important to report the highest amount by which any measured quantity might be in error. Optical radiation measurements are typiclly based on determination of the ratio of the instrumental reading of a calibrated standard to the instrumental reading of the test sample. There are random and systematic errors in both the instrumental readings and the calibration values. The uncertainty in a calculated value due to random error in its constituents can be determined using well known techniques of error propagation. Examples of error propagation through spectral reflectance factor measurements and colorimetric calculations are presented. The standard deviations of CIELAB coordinates for typical measurements can be as high as 0.258 due only to random errors in the calibration chain.