Konica Minolta Launches the CA-527, a Next-generation Display Color Analyzer Offering Industry-leading Ultra-low Luminance Measurement and High Speed

Quickly Meeting the Needs of Development and Production Sites of Evolving Next-generation Displays

ca-527Ramsey, New Jersey (4/1/2024) – Konica Minolta Sensing Americas is pleased to introduce the launch of the CA-527, a color analyzer that meets the needs for evaluating ever-evolving cutting-edge displays, such as OLEDs and microLEDs.

The CA-527 is an optical measuring device used for inspection and adjustment of white balance,*1 gamma,*2 and flicker*3 at sites that develop and produce displays for TVs and smartphones, among others. This is the latest flagship model of the Display Color Analyzer series, which is reputed for its high-speed, accurate measurement.

The CA-527 offers industry-leading*4 low luminance measurement and high speed. The application function has also been enhanced in line with the technology trend of cutting-edge displays. The product meets the latest evaluation needs of high-resolution next-generation displays, such as increasingly higher-dynamic-range (HDR) OLEDs and microLED displays.

 

Value Provided by the CA-527 Display Color Analyzer

  1. Further expansion of the accuracy-guaranteed luminance range

Compared to the conventional CA-VP427A model, the measurement dynamic range has been expanded to cover from 0.0001 cd/m2, which is one third the brightness in low luminance, up to 10,000 cd/m2, which is twice the brightness in high luminance. The CA-527 guarantees the measurement accuracy and repeated measurement performance over a wider range, meeting the need for more accurate evaluation of luminance*5 and chromaticity*6 of high-resolution next-generation displays, such as OLEDs and microLEDs, with their ever-higher contrast ratio and wider color gamut.

  1. Increase in measurement speed

Thanks to the state-of-the-art optical design, the CA-527 significantly reduces the measurement time at low luminance in particular compared to the conventional Color Analyzer series. This is not only useful for R&D on displays but also reduces the takt time*7 during the manufacture of displays.

  1. Enhancement of the application function*8 that meets the technology trend of cutting-edge displays

1) Significant performance improvement of the display light-emitting waveform measurement function

Compared to the conventional Color Analyzer series, the CA-527 can conduct measurement in the lower luminance ranges at higher sampling frequencies. This can more accurately determine the display light-emitting waveforms, which are becoming increasingly complex, in line with the recent trend of display development technology, including OLED displays, toward higher contrast ratio, and cutting-edge microLED displays, which use the time-sharing drive method.

2) New implementation of the variable refresh rate (VRR) flicker measurement function

The function to measure the flicker that could be caused by the variable refresh rate (VRR), which is becoming a standard feature of cutting-edge displays, has been newly implemented in addition to the high-performance flicker measurement function, including the JEITA method offered by the conventional Color Analyzer series. The CA-527 aims to become the new de facto standard with industry-leading*4 flicker measurement performance for evaluating the quality of the latest displays which offer higher video quality and consume less power.

ca-527

Main Specifications

To read more information on Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. products, visit us at:
https://sensing.konicaminolta.us/us/products/ca-527-color-analyzer/

*1：White balance is the process of adjusting the light intensity ratio of light in the three primary colors - red, green, and blue – for accurate reproduction of white.

*2：Gamma is a measure of tonal response. Gamma correction makes the brightness and color of the black and white halftone appear more natural and smooth to the eye.

*3：Flicker is a visible change in brightness on a display. Physically, it is the blinking or fluctuation of light. Flicker also refers to a state that can be perceived by the human eye. Because the human eye cannot observe high-frequency phenomena, flicker may be evaluated by taking into account the frequency characteristics of sensitivity.

*4：As a luminance colorimeter of the photoelectric tristimulus colorimetry type as of March 14, 2024

*5：Luminance is the quantified brightness per unit area of light emitted from the light source. It is the psychophysical quantity of brightness perceived by individuals. In the International System of Units, the unit is candela per square meter (cd/m2).

*6：Chromaticity is the quantified color of the light source perceived by individuals. The most typical evaluation index is the XYZ color space (CIE 1931) defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in 1931.

*7：Takt time is the operating time required until one product is manufactured in the production process. Reducing the takt time improves production capacity, and thus generally reduces cost.

*8：The application function is used by users depending on the purpose.

*9：HSI is a method that uses a camera with narrow bandwidth over a wide spectral range from the visible to mid-infrared wavelength region to identify substances in an area. It is expected to be used for applications such as recycling, material/resource identification, food analysis, environmental safety, product surface condition analysis, etc.

Company profile of Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta, Inc., Sensing Business Unit is recognized as the international leader of industrial color and light measurement. The company is responsible for product lines that continuously revolutionize how visual perception is measured by the world. KMSA’s corporate headquarters, located in Ramsey, New Jersey is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art service center, technical support center, and a focused sales force dedicated to both the North American and South American regions. When it comes to color and light measurement, the world looks to Konica Minolta.

Contact:
Peter Roos, Marketing Manager
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
Phone: (201) 236-4300
Toll Free: (888) 473-2625
Web: https://sensing.konicaminolta.us          Email: marketing.sus@konicaminolta.com

 

Terms and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their

respective holders and are hereby acknowledged.

 

by Mary-Anne Milne

Konica Minolta to Release the CS-3000HDR Spectroradiometer Capable of Measuring Ultra-low Luminance Areas up to the Highest Levels in the World

New Jersey (May 11, 2023) - Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced that the company will release the CS-3000HDR spectroradiometer capable of measuring ultra-low luminance areas up to the highest levels in the world*1 as well as the CS-3000 and CS-2000Plus (the three models hereinafter collectively referred to as “the CS-3000 series”) in July 2023.

The CS-3000HDR is the succeeding model of the CS-2000A, which was highly evaluated for its outstanding measurement performance and was indispensable for developing and manufacturing various light-emitting devices, including high-definition displays. The CS-3000HDR is the flagship spectroradiometer model. While maintaining data compatibility with the CS-2000 series, the CS-3000HDR expanded the measurement range from low luminance to high luminance and achieved higher speed and automation of measurement.

The lineup of the CS-3000 series also includes the CS-3000, which is the standard model, and the CS-2000Plus, which is the cost-effective model, in addition to the CS-3000HDR, to contribute to the development of displays and lower process cost at manufacturing sites.

Value Proposition by the CS-3000 Series

 

1. Achieving accurate measurement with a high dynamic range from ultra-low luminance to high luminance

In response to measurement needs for displays, which continuously evolve to provide ever more vivid and higher-definition output, the CS-3000HDR achieves accurate measurement in a wide dynamic range down to 0.0001 cd/m2,*2 which is one-fifth the darkness measured by the CS-2000A for low luminance, and up to 10,000,000 cd/m2,*3 which is 20 times the brightness for high luminance. In addition to the LCD and OLED types commonly used today, it can measure standard values in high dynamic range (HDR) displays that use micro- or mini-LEDs.

2. Improving work efficiency by reducing the measurement time

In quality assurance and control of displays, reducing the measurement time in R&D and at production sites contributes greatly to improving work efficiency. The CS-3000HDR and CS-3000 feature the Super Fast mode, which performs calculations even faster than the conventional Fast mode. This Super Fast mode can significantly reduce the time, such as the gamma measurement time, which is one of the display calibration items, to 25% or less of the time needed with conventional equipment.*4

3. Fully automatic measurement system achieved by powered switching of the measurement angle

The CS-3000 series enables the user to select the measurement angle setting from 1°, 0.2°, and 0.1°. The CS-3000HDR and CS-3000 can be used in a fully automatic measurement system by powered switching using communication commands. This helps improve work efficiency at display development and production sites.

The minimum measurement diameter is φ0.5 mm, while the use of an optional close-up lens enables measurement of φ0.1 mm. This supports the measurement of light sources in tiny areas, such as instrument panels for vehicles and aircraft, as well as indicators for car audio systems, in addition to general displays.

CS-3000 Series Specifications

Model CS-3000HDR CS-3000 CS-2000Plus
Measurement wavelength range 380 to 780 nm
Spectrum wavelength width 5 nm max. (Half width value)
Luminance range with guaranteed accuracy
(Standard light source A)		 1° 0.0001 to 100,000 cd/m2 0.0005 to 5,000 cd/m2 0.003 to 5,000 cd/m2
0.2° 0.0025 to 2,500,000 cd/m2 0.0125 to 125,000 cd/m2 0.075 to 125,000 cd/m2
0.1° 0.01 to 10,000,000 cd/m2 0.05 to 500,000 cd/m2 0.3 to 500,000 cd/m2
Measurement time Standalone Minimum of 1 second to approx. 190 seconds Minimum of 1 second to approx. 242 seconds
Communication* Approx. 0.07 second Approx. 0.08 second
Measurement angle switching Powered Manual
Interface RS-232C, USB 2.0
Size Spectroradiometer: 158 x 262 x 392 (W x H x D) mm
Weight Approx. 7.0 kg

*:When the settings are Manual 33.333 ms and Intelligent Dark

*1: As a polychromator-type spectroradiometer as of April 1, 2023
*2: At 1° measurement angle
*3: At 0.1° measurement angle
*4: Simulation conditions: 100 cd/m2 (white); 0.1 cd/m2 (black); 64 gradations; Wγ measurement; using Intelligent Dark function

Contact:
Peter J Roos
Marketing Manager
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas
Phone: (201) 236-4300 Toll Free: (888) 473-2625

by Mary-Anne Milne

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc. partners with Southern Cross, Inc. to enhance gas leak detection business in the US Market

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.

Ramsey, New Jersey, 2/27/2023

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (Konica Minolta Sensing Americas), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta, Inc. (4902: Tokyo Stock Exchange) announced that it has entered into a partnership to provide state-of-the-art natural gas leak detection and emission reduction solutions with Southern Cross, Inc. (Southern Cross), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sparus Holdings, based in Georgia.

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas handles the portable gas monitoring camera GMP02, which can detect hydrocarbon gas originally made by Konica Minolta, Inc.

Southern Cross is a leading provider of a complementary suite of outsourced field and professional services for utility and industrial customers with over 76 years of experience providing safe and high-quality services.

Southern Cross will be able to further expand its diverse business by adding Konica Minolta’s portable gas monitoring camera GMP02 to its product lineup. And Konica Minolta Sensing America will be able to expand its sales channels in the U.S. utility field. The expansion of Konica Minolta’s GMP02 sales will strengthen its industry business, contributing to the prevention of accidents in the energy industry and the reduction of emissions with high global warming potential.

“GMP02 has superior detection performance compared to other Optical Gas Imaging cameras in the market,” said Jody Boyles, Vice President, Business Development at Southern Cross.  GMP02 can contribute to the early detection of leaks and reduction of emissions of hydrocarbon gases, especially methane gas, which is required in the energy sector (utilities, oil and gas) and is also compliant with the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) Subpart OOOOa, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Richard Summers, President, and CEO of Sparus Holdings commented: “We are extremely pleased to partner with Konica Minolta Sensing Americas and bring state-of-art gas sensing technologies to the energy sector. We believe that technology is changing the industries capabilities to identify and quantify greenhouse gas emissions and the GMP02 optical gas detector is a critical component in helping energy sector improve safety, reduce leak-related losses and drive data to assist in identifying greenhouse gas emissions.”

"It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce our partnership with Southern Cross. We expect the capabilities and features of the GMP02 such as quantification, which work to estimate a flow rate for a gas plume; unique image processing that simplifies leak interpretation by the inspector; and straightforward data management and utilization will lead to a safer and more stable operation for utility and other companies that Southern Cross holds a firm relationship with," said Yoshiki Fukai, General Manager of Imaging IoT Solutions Business Unit, Konica Minolta, Inc.

About Konica Minolta:

Konica Minolta, Inc. (TSE: 4902), headquartered in Tokyo, is a global leading manufacturer and solution provider with its advanced technologies in imaging, materials, optics and nano-fabrication and has been developing businesses based on the imaging IoT expertise. Konica Minolta started the business of Gas Monitoring Solution from 2019 in the US and launched new portable gas monitoring camera “GMP02” in 2022.

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. has operated in the US for more than 16 years and provide measuring instruments for Color & Appearance and Light & Display. While remaining committed to its traditional portfolio of products and services in North, Central and South America, the company has broadened its business platform over the past few years to include a Gas Monitoring Solution for utilities and oil and gas industry.

Contacts:
Jody Boyles
Southern Cross
Vice President Business Development
Email: jboyles@sparusholdings.com
Phone: 919-799-3701

Ryo (Ryan) Minegishi
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas
Business Development Manager, Monitoring Business
E-mail ryou.minegishi@konicaminolta.com
Phone: 201-739-3243

 

by Mary-Anne Milne

Display Measurements with Probe Diameters of 2.1mm, 4.0mm and 10.0mm Offers Small Spot and Multiple Angle Measurements Highlighted at Photonics West 2023

Ramsey, N.J. (January, 2023) Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (Konica Minolta) highlights its progressive technology at Photonics West booth #3181 with its display measurement product line. Konica Minolta’s latest advanced high-sensitivity probes measuring ⌀27mm (model CA-VP427A) and ⌀10mm (model CA-VP410A) offer the same respected quality and performance expected from our full-line of probes but at a more sensitive threshold.

The CA-VP427A (advanced high-sensitivity probe) has a measuring area diameter of ⌀27mm and is applicable for displays sized at 5 inches and above with best repeatability for OLED displays evaluation such as smartphones and TVs. With its acceptance angle of +/- 2.5 degrees. The updated features include an accuracy guaranteed range for luminous intensity (Lv) of 0.0003 to 5000 nits.

The CA-VP410A (advanced high-sensitivity probe) has a measuring area diameter of ⌀10mm and is applicable for displays sized between 2 and 10 inches and above, with best repeatability for OLED displays such as smartwatches. The updated features include an accuracy guaranteed range for luminous intensity (Lv) of 0.0001 to 3000 nits.

Konica Minolta Sensing’s reputable line of probes also include our ⌀2.1mm (model CA-VP402), ⌀4mm (model CA-VP404) and viewing angle characteristics (CA-VP410T) of displays. These progressive instruments for AR/VR microdisplays and curved OLED displays for Lvxy/u’v’, FMA, JEITA ,VESA and flicker use the new CA-410 probes to measure ⌀2.1mm, ⌀4mm and viewing angle characteristics.

The CA-VP402 (small spot probe ⌀2.1mm) has a measuring area diameter of ⌀2.1mm. The dedicated optical system and operation algorithm provides both guaranteed accuracy at low luminance and small measurement area. Suitable for applications requiring small-area measurements ranging from low luminance measurements, such as for gamma adjustment of micro-OLED, to that of high-speed, high-accuracy measurements. The CA-VP404 (small spot probe ⌀4mm) has a measuring area diameter of ⌀4mm. The guaranteed accuracy from 0.004 cd/m2 enables high-speed, high-accuracy measurements of small areas such as smartwatch OLEDs, smartphones, and small APL (average pixel level) windows.

Also available in the collection is the the high sensitivity probe (⌀27mm, ⌀10mm) which is primarily used for OLED displays and offers superb chromaticity repeatability on lower-level luminance displays. The ⌀10mm long-working distance probe (model CA-VP410T) has a measurement distance of 200mm to the sample and is extremely valuable in viewing angle measurements. Its ability to take multi-angle measurements of in-vehicle displays or smartphone OLEDs is due to its ability to measure displays regardless of its directionality. In addition, the long working distance probe is used in applications when distance from the item being measured is important. This valuable feature is used in production measurement systems when the need to avoid collisions with the item being measured is imperative.

These probes are compatible with Konica Minolta’s Display Color Analyzer CA-410 instrument. The CA-410 is used for high-speed measurement of precise luminance, chromaticity and flicker of HDR displays, including curved OLED screens. Users can accurately measure and adjust the chromaticity and white balance of displays that have a wide color gamut. It can also easily integrate into an existing automatic measurement system and capture flicker measurement with the wider frequency measurement range that covers all types of displays.

CA-410 Probes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas prides itself in offering exceptionally advanced optical technology that precisely measures color and light. Its light and display measurement instruments provide reliable results in research, quality control, and display performance industries. Its instruments are used in labs to measure luminance, illuminance, chromaticity, color temperature and flicker of light sources for quality control, government testing, photography and cinematography worldwide.

Also exhibiting at Photonics West will be our sister company, Instrument Systems at booth #4106 highlighting their latest high-resolution spectroradiometers in combination with innovative camera systems for the measurement of VCSELs, microLEDs and AR/VR displays.

Company profile of Konica Minolta Sensing Americas
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta, Inc., Sensing Business Unit is recognized as the international leader of industrial color and light measurement.
The company is responsible for product lines that continuously revolutionize how visual perception is measured by the world. Konica Minolta Sensing Americas' Ramsey, New Jersey corporate headquarters is fully  equipped with a state of the art service center, technical support center, and a focused sales force dedicated to both the North American and South American regions. When it comes to color and light measurement, the world looks to Konica Minolta.
Contact:
Peter J Roos
Marketing Manager
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas
Phone: (201) 236-4300 Toll Free: (888) 473-2625
Web: https://sensing.konicaminolta.us Email: marketing.sus@konicaminolta.com
Terms and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged

 

by Mary-Anne Milne

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AR/VR Portfolio

AR/VR devices are used in various applications including use in production, medical fields, transportation industries and the entertainment segment. Display and calibration errors interfere with a wearer's realistic perception of a virtual environment. Quality assurance is vital in this exciting field of AR/VR and display measurement and the constantly evolving demands it faces. Find out more about our AR/VR Testing Portfolio, we walk through the details of how our products work and can be applied. View our AR/VR Industry Page.

by Mary-Anne Milne