NIX QC User manual
i
Color
Sensor
TM
nx
User
Manual
Nix QC
2 3
NIX QC: MANUAL
Table of Contents
Product Mission
Industry Uses
Contents
Diagram of Parts
Downloading the App
Turning On & Charging your Device
Device Set-Up
Using the Reference Tile
Proper Scanning Technique
Proper Care & Cleaning
Recertication
Business Solutions
Specications
Warranty
5
6
8
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22
Contains patented and
patent pending elements.
Model Number: NIXPRO002
FCC ID: 2AMKINIXPRO002
IC: 22848-NIXPRO002
HVIN: NIXPRO002
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex. It
takes a touch of genius —and a lot of courage— to move in the
opposite direction. – E. F. Schumacher
For a digital manual with up-to-date
information, please visit:
www.nixsensor.com/nix-qc-manual
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NIX QC: MANUAL
Product Mission
It might seem obvious, but every object in the world has a color.
If you’re in the business of researching, manufacturing, producing,
inventing, purchasing, or distributing these objects, at some point you
must consider a color quality control solution. In the past, this has typically
meant either expensive and dicult to use lab equipment, or analog
swatches, inspected by eye.
Our goal with the Nix Quality Control Color Sensor (Nix QC) was to hit the
elusive sweet spot of highly accurate and innovative technology that’s also
extremely easy to use, and in turn provides a high level of color condence.
To do this we had to build not just a tool, but a system of hardware,
software, and adapters that could easily be recongured to t the
demanding needs of your particular workow.
The product that you hold in your hands today is the culmination of years
of hard work from a dedicated team of professionals at our home base in
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We will always push the boundaries and we will
always keep innovating to make your life easier, so be sure to keep your
software updated for the latest and greatest features.
On behalf of the entire Nix team I hope that you enjoy your purchase and
that it will help you to bring excellence in color quality control to your
workplace.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sheridan
CEO and Founder of Nix Sensor Ltd.
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NIX QC: MANUAL
Industry Uses
The Nix Quality Control Color Sensor (Nix QC) is capable of seamlessly
tting into the work ow of any industry. This is because of the Nix QC’s
unique ability to measure the color of almost any product – whether it be
a solid, liquid, powder, or gel (some materials may require adapters, see
page 7).
If you are using the Nix QC on liquids, powders, gels, or textured and soft
surfaces, please check the link below for information on special adapters,
scanning techniques, and custom solutions.
www.nixsensor.com/nix-adapters
For detailed case studies on how the Nix QC has been used to test various
materials and to see how it can add value to your work ow, please visit the
link below:
www.nixsensor.com/qc-studies
LIQUIDS
Liquid/powder adapter needed
Wines & Beverages
Stains / inks / dyes
Liquid foundation
& other makeup
Honey
Blood
Cleaning solutions / chemicals
SOLIDS
Plastics
Metal
Paper / Pulp
Wood
Vinyl
Rock / stone / brick
POWDERS
Liquid/powder adapter needed
Spices
Soil
Coee
Pigments
Concrete
Grains
TEXTURED & SOFT SURFACES
Flat adapter may be needed
Fabrics
Carpeting
Skin
Food products
Agricultural products
Fur / feathers
A look at some of the materials scanned by the
Nix Quality Control Color Sensor
8 9
NIX QC: MANUAL
Contents
1
4
6
5
7
8
2
910
3
1. Industrial Carrying Case
2. Reference Tile
3. Cleaning Spray
4. Micro USB Charging Cable
5. Nix Lanyard
6. Microber Cloth
7. Microber Carrying Pouch
8. Nix Quality Control Color Sensor
9. Manual
10. Inspection Certicate
10 11
NIX QC: MANUAL
Diagram of Parts
USB Charging
Port
Blue LED
Charging
Indicator
Lanyard
Attachment
Point
Factory
Firmware
Reset Button
Aperture
(14 mm diameter)
Broad Spectrum White LEDs
2x 5000K, calibrated for D50
2x 6500K, calibrated for D65
Damage and crack
resistant lens
12 13
NIX QC: MANUAL
Turning On
& Charging your Device
Downloading the App
The Nix QC arrives in a “sleep”state. To wake it up, plug in the provided
micro USB charging cable into the USB port on the device (plug the
other end into a wall adapter or PC). Once charging, a small blue LED will
illuminate on the left side of the USB port on the Nix QC to indicate it’s
connected to power. For a full charge, keep your device plugged in for
four hours.
You can check the battery level of your device by connecting to the Nix QC
app. Select the slider icon to see charge information. Your device must
be connected to the app to see this information (see page 14 for details on
connecting). Generally one charge will last for 25,000 scans.
A low battery icon will appear in the top left of the screen when a
recharge is required.
Note: The Nix QC does not need to be turned o. It will automatically
hibernate when the Nix QC app is closed.
The Nix QC hardware requires the installation of the Nix QC app,
compatible with Android and iOS. The Nix QC hardware is also compatible
with the Nix Paints, Nix Digital, and Nix Pro Color Sensor apps.
Download the apps at: www.nixsensor.com/apps
Nix QC App
Compatible with iOS (11.0 or newer) or Android (4.4 Kit Kat or newer)
With the Nix QC app, you can control and monitor the variance of color in your
studied samples. Visualize color deviation between your scanned samples
using the color space target zone and identify the direction in which your
sample diers from the reference by lightness and hue. For example, learn if
a sample contains more yellow than your reference, or if it is darker or lighter.
If a sampled color doesn’t meet your set threshold, the scan will be agged
and logged so it can later be referenced. Custom quality control libraries can
be imported, and QC thresholds can be set by managers. The color dierence
(Delta E or ΔE) value to the reference color can be seen for all scans in the
sample set.
• Results displayed in CIELAB and compared to reference color
• Log of scans in comparison to the reference sample
• Set custom pass/fail color dierence (ΔE) thresholds for sampled colors
• Multiple color dierence (ΔE) modes available, including CIE76, CIE94,
CIE2000, and CMC
• Multiple illuminant and observer scan settings (D50, 2° and D65, 10°)
• Set multi-point averaging
• Import custom libraries and export scan data
(see www.nixsensor.com/qc-import for details and instructions)
• Allows the user to verify that the Nix QC device is performing within
advertised specications (see pages 20-21) using the provided reference
tile
Blue LED
Charging
Indicator
14 15
NIX QC: MANUAL
Device Set-Up
Connecting to Bluetooth
Before attempting to connect to your Nix QC, be sure the device has
been woken up and has a charge (see page 13). On your Android/iOS
smartphone or tablet, ensure Bluetooth is enabled in your settings. Open
the Nix QC app (see page 12 for app details). The app may request to access
your location (this is necessary for Bluetooth connectivity), accept the
request.
Place your Nix QC next to your smartphone or tablet. Press the inactive
device connection icon at the top left of your screen (indicating
that a device is not connected). If prompted, select the device with the
highest signal strength from the list. Typically it takes 15-20 seconds to
connect, but may take up to 60 seconds. You should see an active device
connection icon when connected.
Setting the Delta E and Scan Settings
The default Delta E type is CIE2000 and default scan settings are D50, 2°,
but these can be customized for your needs. Select the slider icon in
the top right to change these settings. Under“Scan Settings” you’ll nd
options to change:
• Illuminant & Observer
• Delta E Type
• Delta E Threshold
Remember: Every time the settings are adjusted your new scan logs will be
recorded in a new batch and previous scans will be cleared from the plot. To
access your data, click on the history icon from the main screen.
Using the Reference Tile
You will periodically be required to conrm that the Nix QC is within
advertised specications (see pages 20-21). The app may request access to
your camera to scan the QR code accompanying the reference tile (used for
the verication process), accept the request.
The app will remind you to verify your Nix QC device by displaying a
warning icon at the top left of the screen. Press the icon to start the
process. Remember to remove any adapters you may have attached to the
Nix QC. Follow the instructions on the app, which will conrm whether or
not the device is calibrated to the factory settings.
If you neglect to perform this step when the warning icon is present, each
scan will be agged as being out of spec. You can verify your device at
any time from within the settings (slider icon ) by selecting “Device
Verication” under “Device Information.”
See page 17 for instructions on cleaning the reference tile.
Remember: Always close the reference tile container and store in the
included carrying case to prevent dirt or dust buildup which can impact
future measurements.
16 17
NIX QC: MANUAL
Proper Care & Cleaning
To prevent dust buildup and other damage, always store the Nix QC in the
provided Industrial Carrying Case.
Dust can be removed by gently wiping the device with the provided
microber cloth. To thoroughly clean the Nix QC body, lens, or LEDs, spray
the provided cleaning solution onto the cloth and gently wipe down the
device. Never spray the device directly.
If your reference tile requires cleaning, wipe it with a dry microber
cloth (provided). Never use any cleaning solution on the tile. Use only
the provided cloth, as other materials may be dyed and can stain the
reference tile.
Remember: Only use the cleaning solution provided. Avoid other solvents or
cleaning products that may degrade the lenses over time.
Proper Scanning Technique
Place your Nix QC at on any solid, opaque surface and start scanning
(for information on scanning other surfaces and materials, see below).
Remember to keep the device ush with the surface to block out all
ambient light for the most accurate results.
If you are using the Nix QC on liquids, powders, gels, or textured and soft
surfaces, please check the link below for information on special adapters,
scanning techniques, and custom solutions.
www.nixsensor.com/nix-adapters
18 19
NIX QC: MANUAL
Recertification Business Solutions
The Nix QC device should be recertied once per year or if the app
indicates that the device calibration falls outside of the factory settings (see
page 15).
Due to the sensitivity of the Nix QC and the specialized equipment that is
required, the Nix QC must be sent to Nix Sensor Ltd.’s facility in Canada for
recertication.
Nix Sensor Ltd. oers a full-service recertication and inspec-
tion that includes:
1. Recertication using Nix Sensor Ltd.’s proprietary 24 color array
(comprehensive, extended gamut)
2. Full inspection of the device
3. Cleaning of lenses and LED light pipes
Recertication services can be purchased at:
www.nixsensor.com/qc-recertification
For questions on recertication, contact us here:
Email qc.support@nixsensor.com
Phone +1.905.581.6363
+1.800.649.1387 (Toll Free N.A.)
Remember: Recertication services can only be conducted by
Nix Sensor Ltd. Both the Nix QC and reference tile are required for
recertication.
HARDWARE
Our engineers have developed many
award winning innovative designs
that are user friendly, cost-ecient,
and consistently deliver industry
leading accuracy.
SOFTWARE
A dedicated team leader from our
Software Team will work with you
to ensure your project is completed
within your timeline and budget.
COLOR SOLUTIONS
There’s not always going to be a
“one-size-ts-all” solution to color
problems. We will work with you to
develop a system that best ts your
needs.
COLOR CONSULTATION
We live and breathe color. We can
oer our professional color advice,
help you become more ecient, cost
eective, and diagnose problems
before they occur.
At Nix Sensor Ltd. we are all about color and how it applies to your
business. We take great pride in leading the industry with aordable,
accurate, and revolutionary color measurement systems that are improving
businesses around the world. We can create anything, from simple white-
labeled versions of our o the shelf products all the way to brand new,
industry disruptive devices. Our dynamic team of innovators have deep
technical and industry knowledge, with expertise in:
To get in touch with our solutions team, contact us here:
Email: qc.support@nixsensor.com
Phone: +1.905.581.6363
+1.800.649.1387 (Toll Free N.A.)
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