Feasibility of Low-Cost Color Sensors In Graphic Communications Virtual Classroom Learning

This work presents the process of selecting and assessing a low-cost color sensor suitable for illustrating essential concepts within pre-established graphic communications curricula for virtual learning. The suitability of the device was determined based on its ability to evaluate concepts presented in the curriculum, such as the whiteness and opacity of the substrates; and the optical density, tone reproduction, color balance, hue error, grayness, and overprint trapping of inks. Many of these evaluations require measurement of color and optical density. The selected sensor provides measurement of CIE L*a*b*. Established conversions can then translate the L*a*b* values into optical densities. The evaluations performed by the low-cost color sensorsmwere compared to those from a standard device, X-Rite eXact, for the purpose of explaining similar observations. The comparison was conducted in the virtual classroom, with the actual learning delivery and device exploration taking place in parallel.mThe initial collection of data from the virtual classroom indicates statistically significant differences between the low-cost device and X-Rite eXact; however, the concept illustration was not impeded by the differences.