Rhopoint Instruments IDTX User manual

Thank you for purchasing this Rhopoint product.
Please read these instructions carefully before operating this product and retain them for future reference.
The images shown in this manual are for illustrative purposes only.
English
Operating Instructions
Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter
IDTX

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This instruction manual contains important information about the setup and use of
the Rhopoint ID Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter. It is therefore essential
that the contents be read before powering up and using the instrument.
If this instrument is passed to other users you must ensure that the instruction manual
is supplied with the instrument. If you have any questions or require additional
information about this product, please contact the Rhopoint Authorised Distributor for
your region.
The technology and components used in the device are based on state-of-the art optic
and electronics. As part of Rhopoint Instruments commitment to continually improving
the technologies used in their products, they reserve the right to change information
included in this document without prior notice.
© Copyright 2020 Rhopoint Instruments Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rhopoint is a registered trademark or trademark of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd in the
UK and other countries.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective owner.
No portion of the software, documentation or other accompanying materials may be
translated, modified, reproduced, copied or otherwise duplicated (with the exception
of a backup copy), or distributed to a third party, without prior written authorisation
from Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
Rhopoint House
Enviro 21 Business Park
Queensway Avenue South
St Leonards on Sea
TN38 9AG UK
Tel: [phone]
Email: sa[email protected]
Website: https://www.rhopointinstruments.com
Issue F - August 2021

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Contents
Storage and Handling................................................................................................................3
About the Rhopoint ID Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter ...........................................4
Measurement Technology.........................................................................................................4
Measurement Parameters.........................................................................................................5
Accessories................................................................................................................................8
Optional Accessories.................................................................................................................8
Functional Overview..................................................................................................................9
Icons Used...............................................................................................................................10
Power.......................................................................................................................................12
Switching the Unit On/Off ........................................................................................................12
Warming Up the Unit................................................................................................................12
Keeping the Instrument Clean.................................................................................................12
Taring the Unit .........................................................................................................................13
Measuring ASTM Haze, Sharpness, Clarity and Waviness with the Rhopoint IDTX.............15
Measuring the Checking Standard..........................................................................................17
Taking an In-Contact Measurement........................................................................................18
Assessing Distance Dependency or Matching End Use Applications....................................19
Measuring ASTM Haze & Sharpness......................................................................................20
Starting a Measurement –Single Reading .............................................................................21
Starting a Measurement –Multipoint Average........................................................................23
Settings Menu..........................................................................................................................25
Rhopoint ID-L Transmission Appearance Analysis Software.................................................26
Connecting the Instrument to the PC......................................................................................27
Using the IDTX Sofware on Multiple Screens.........................................................................29
Setting Up the Connection.......................................................................................................30
Navigating the ID Software......................................................................................................32
ID Instrument View...................................................................................................................32
ID Results Table ......................................................................................................................33
IDTX Software –Live-view and Captured Images..................................................................43
IDTX Software –Visual Analysis of Results: Sharpness........................................................43
IDTX Software –Visual Analysis of Results: Haze.................................................................44
IDTX Software –Visual Analysis of Results: Waviness..........................................................45
IDTX Software –Expanding the Viewing Window..................................................................47
IDTX.........................................................................................................................................49

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Storage and Handling
To ensure safe and reliable operation of this instrument it should be placed
on a rigid, flat, level surface.
Prevent exposure of the instrument to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of
time and to continuous humidity and condensation.
Do not place the instrument near electromagnetic fields or in an environment
with excessive vibrations.
The instrument’s metal body and touchscreen are resistant to a variety of
solvents; however, the recommended cleaningmethod is by using a soft damp
cloth.
Only use approved accessories and spare parts. All spare parts are available
from Rhopoint Instruments Ltd and approved distributors.
Do not attempt to open the instrument. There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Please contact Rhopoint Instrument or an approved distributor for your
service requirements.

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About the Rhopoint ID Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter
The Rhopoint ID Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter (IDTX) quantifies the
transmission appearance of transparent, semi-transparent and translucent samples
such as plastic, films, glass and liquids.
The instrument uses a high specification camera to take images of a specially
designed target graticule through the sample to be analysed.
These images are analysed using digital imaging techniques to quantify the
appearance qualities of the material in metrics that are highly correlated to human
visual perception.
The images can then be analysed using the optional viewer software to compare the
transmission characteristics of materials in conditions that replicate the final use of the
material.
Uniquely the instrument can quantify the see-through quality of a sample in contact
with an object or at variable viewing distances up to 45mm.
The instrument is supplied in 2 formats-
IDTX-E: a stand-alone, low cost instrument designed for the QA environments.
IDTX-L: a laboratory instrument with additional software for R&D environments.
Measurements made with the IDTX-E & IDTX-L are identical.
IDTX-E instruments can be upgraded at any time to IDTX-L version.
Measurement Technology
A backlit, high accuracy, reference target graticule functions as the viewed object,
creating a highly defined pattern of light intensities with optimally sharp transitions
between the backlit and masked areas.
A sample placed in direct contact (or at the desired separation) with the graticule is
photographically imaged and analysed to quantify the reduction in sharpness of the
backlit-to-masked (i.e. light-to-dark) transitions of the graticule compared with its
reference image.
At a separation distance of 7.86mm (referred to as 8mm) the instrument measures
transmission haze by calculating the reduction of contrast in black and white areas of
the target graticule.

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Measurement Parameters
Haze: Certain transparent materials exhibit an optical property known as haze; light
scattered during transmission through the material causes any object viewed through
it to have less contrast and appear grey and milky.
•When materials with high haze are observed the material becomes visually
intrusive and the viewed object becomes less distinct.
•Samples with low haze have better transmission contrast and are much less
visually intrusive, the viewed object has high contrast.
The Rhopoint IDTX measures Haze at any distance, however at 8mm distance using
the supplied haze spacer the results conform to specifications written for traditional
sphere instrument which comply to ASTMD1003.
Inter-instrument Haze agreement between traditional sphere instruments and
Rhopoint ID for commercial plastic films (0-30 HU, <1000 µm) has been verified as
<0.5% H (SD).
Inter-instrument Haze agreement between traditional sphere instruments and
Rhopoint ID for transparent plastic materials (0-30 HU, <6mm) has been verified as
<1.5% H (SD).
Sharpness: Quantifies any reduction in the optical sharpness of an object viewed
through the tested material. Poor optical sharpness is often caused by surface
roughness or irregularities in the material.
This optical effect is observed as an increase in blurriness when viewing an object
through the sample. Sharpness values are expressed as a percentage (0-100%),
100% represents a material with perfect sharpness.
Many materials have optical properties where the amount of blurriness is dependent
on the distance between the material and the viewed object.
Anisotropic Sharpness- the process of extruding materials can cause marked
optical differences in the direction of extrusion and orthogonal to that direction.
These differences can appear as a increased blurring in a single direction or feint
lines in the material. The Rhopoint ID software quantifies this effect as sharpness-
this can be expressed as an average S or in horizontal SH or vertical Svdirections.
Clarity: Quantifies the blurriness of an object when viewed through a material, results
are proportionate with Sharpness, but measurement scale is compressed and
measurement resolution is reduced.

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Clarity is a scale used by traditional haze and clarity meters, when measured using
the 8mm adaptor plate Rhopoint ID Clarity measurements conform to specifications
written for these meters.
Inter-instrument Clarity agreement between Rhopoint ID and traditional sphere
instruments for commercial plastic films (<1000µm) is typically <0.4% C (SD).
Inter-instrument Clarity agreement between traditional sphere instruments and
Rhopoint ID for thick transparent plastic materials (<6mm) is typically <0.5% C (SD).
Waviness this is an optical effectcaused by large structures (0.1-2mm) on the surface
of the material. If the structure is homogeneous it is often described as orange peel-
the surface resembles the peel of an orange.
If the effect is anisotropic visible lines can often be seen when looking through the
material
Unlike sharpness these larger structures can cause dynamic distortion when the film
is moved over a target image/object which has straight edges- the edges appear to
distort and wave as the material is moved.
Waviness measures the visible distortion of the ID graticule edges through the
material- W is the standard deviation of the edge deformation in µm.
Waviness homogeneity is assessed by comparing W (average waviness) with WH
(horizontal waviness) and Wv(vertical waviness) using Rhopoint ID software.
Note: Sharpness and Clarity scales are only displayed on the instrument screen when
the ASTM Haze spacer is in place, to measure at varying distances the IDTX PC
software (provided with IDTX-L) must be used.
Transmission: The Rhopoint ID measures VISIBLE TRANSMISSION- this is the
amount of light transmitted through the sample to be captured by the imaging camera.
The amount of light transmitted to the camera is dependent on the ID of the sample
and the separation distance.
Visible transmission is correlated to the perceived intensity of light reflected from a
viewed object when viewed through the sample.
Distance Dependence- The Rhopoint IDTX-L (see note) can quantify this relationship
between distance and optical performance by measuring in contact or at defined
separation distances.
The ability of the IDTX-L to measure at definable separation distances means that the
suitability of materials for applications with different air gaps can be directly compared.

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Thin films and plastic materials often demonstrate a reduction in sharpness and
increase in haze which peak with a separation distance of 2-4mm between the sample
and material.
Rhopoint instruments offer bespoke adaptor plates or 3D CAD models for local
manufacture of 3-D printed plates.

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Accessories
The instrument is supplied as a standard package complete with all accessories
required to power and operate the unit.
IDTX-E & IDTX-L
•RHOPOINT IDTX Imaging Transmission Appearance Meter
•Calibration certificate
•1 x checking standards
•IDTX Haze 8mm spacer
•5mm spacer
•DC power supply and mains cable (UK,. EU & US)
•USB with operating manual
•Cleaning cloth
IDTX-L
•USB 2 to LAN adaptor
•LAN cable
•USB with operating manual and software
Optional Accessories
Distance haze measurement pack (B3100-001): 2 x 5mm spacers and 5 x 2mm
spacers
Abrasion tester (B3100-002)
Wet sample adaptor (B3100-003)

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Functional Overview
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Display and touch-screen
2
Camera optics
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Illuminated graticule
4
Levelling feet
6
Power socket
7
USB socket
8
Power button

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Icons Used
S-Sharpness the blurriness of a viewed object (%).
T-Visible Transmission the intensity of light from a viewed object.
H-Haze the contrast of a viewed object, cloudiness, milkiness.
H-HazeASTM c Is measured with the ASTM 8mm adaptor plate in place- measurements
are verified to comply to ASTM D1003.
W-Waviness isa measure of the wavy distortion of objects viewed through the material.
C-Clarity the blurriness of a viewed object (%). Measurements made with the ASTM
8mm adaptor plate in place are verified to comply to specifications written for Sphere
Haze and Clarity Meters (BYK)
Return to Main Menu
Return to Main Menumain menu
Switch to Settings Menumenu
Take a single measurement
Take 3 measurements & display statistics
Tare
Power off instrument

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Adjust volume

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Power
The Rhopoint IDTX is powered by a low voltage DC power supply connected to the
instrument’s power input connector.
Switching the Unit On/Off
The Rhopoint IDTX has a builtin CPU which takes approximately 30 seconds from
power up to boot into measurement mode.
It is important that the power up and power downprocedures are followed.
To power up the instrument press and hold the powerbutton until the targetgraticule
illuminates (3 seconds), release the button and the instrument will continue in the boot up
sequence- please note the frontscreen remains OFF until the boot sequence is
complete (25 seconds).
It is not advisable to switch off the power during boot up as the instrumentmay enter
recovery mode. If this occurs contactRhopoint Service for instructions on re-initializing
the instrument.
To power down the unit press on the settings iconand then press and hold the power
icon (2seconds) until the instrument begins the power down cycle, indicated by the
screen turning off.
Warming Up the Unit
For highest accuracy measurement it is advised that the instrument light source is left to
achieve stability for 4 minutes prior to initial tare.
Keeping the Instrument Clean
The measurement graticule is hardwearing but can be scratched with sharp objects;
always place samples and spacers with care.
The measurement may be affected by grease residues or dust on the graticule. It is
good practice to wipe the graticule before first use daily or more often if used in a high
contamination environment.
Please use the enclosed optical cloth.
For heavy contamination use any commercially available lens cleaning solution on the
graticule.
Avoid touching the camera lens- if this becomes contaminated please contact Rhopoint
Service for further advice.

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Taring the Unit
After power up it is necessary to tare (zero) the unit. Before the unit is tared the
measurement buttonsare unavailable (greyed out).
To tare the unitpress and hold the tare symbol (3 sec)on the touch screen.

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Once taring is complete measurement buttons are available and the instrumentis ready
for use.
Tolerance on tared values-
After tare the instrument will measure the graticule as follows- (average of 5 readings after 4
min warm up period)
H- 0.0% (+/- 0.1%)
T- 100% (+/- 0.3%)
S- 100% (+/- 0.2%)

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Measuring ASTM Haze, Sharpness, Clarity and Waviness with the
Rhopoint IDTX
Place the 8mm Haze spacer on the instrument.
The spacer is held in place by magnets and automatically detected by the unit.
Once in place ASTM Haze measurementand Sharpness will become available on the
instrument screen.

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Touch the S or to toggle between sharpness and Clarity modes.
The ID-L instrumentalso has the ability to measure waviness- press the T button* to
toggle between transmission and waviness.
*function only available in the Rhopoint ID-L Transmission Appearance Analysis Software

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Measuring the Checking Standard
It is recommended thatthe checking standard is measured weekly or after moving or
transporting the unit.
Visuallyinspectthe standard before measurement- it should be free ofdust and
contamination
Place the standard on the instrument.
The standard is held in place by magnets; ensure thatthe back of the standard is aligned
with the edges of the instrument body.
Press the READ icon.
Compare the measured values with those recorded on the checkstandard,if the values
are within the stated tolerance the instrument isready to use.
Please note thatthe Sharpness value is sensitive to positioning, slightly adjust the
position of the standard if the value is out of tolerance.
Cleaning ofthe checking standard- the surface of the checking standard is delicate and
should notbe touched with any cleaning cloth.
If dust or debris ispresenton the standard blow the surface with an optical grade dryair
aerosol.
If the standard becomes damaged or contaminated please contact
[e-mail] for more advice.
In case of the standard measuring out of tolerance- repeat the tare process and re-
measure, if the problem persists contact [e-mail] for more
advice.

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Taking an In-Contact Measurement
In-contact measurement is used to measure the optical impact on a viewed object when
the sample is in direct contact. To perform a measurement, place the sample directly on
to the measurementgraticule.
For fasteasy manipulation high clarity samples with low distance dependency can be
manually held and moved.
Wear gloves if it is necessary to avoid contaminating the samples.

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Assessing Distance Dependency or Matching End Use Applications
To measure distance dependency the sample should be spaced awayfrom the platen. It
is recommended that the optional Rhopoint IDTX spacers are used. Multiple spacers
can be stacked to achieve the required distances.
To match an end use application the distance between the sample and platen should be
chosen to match those in the real world application.