Detection based on “Light”
What is a Colour sensor?

Sensors come in a wide variety, and each type has strengths and weaknesses. This section provides a detailed look at colour sensors.

Outline

A colour sensor is a type of "photoelectric sensor" which emits light from a transmitter, and then detects the light reflected back from the detection object with a receiver.
A colour sensor can detect the received light intensity for red, blue and green respectively, making it possible to determine the colour of the target object.

Principle

There are two types of colour sensors. One illuminates the object with broad wavelength light and differentiates the three types of colour in the receiver. The other type illuminates the object with the three types of light (red, blue, and green) independently.
In both scenarios, the received light intensity of red, blue and green are detected, and the ratio of light received is calculated.

If light containing the red, blue, and green wavelengths is shown on a red object, only red light will be reflected.
* The white circle in the diagram represents a white light source.

Principle

For a white object, all three colours of red, blue, and green are reflected.
* The white circle in the diagram represents a white light source.

Principle

The ratio of the red, green, and blue reflections vary according to the colour of the object.

Object colour Reflected light
Red Green Blue
Red ✓
Yellow ✓ ✓
Green ✓
Blue ✓
White ✓ ✓ ✓
Black

By calculating the ratio of the intensity of the red, green, and blue light received, it is possible to distinguish differences in the colour or appearance of the object.

Differences can be detected
Left: Received light ratio 1:1:1
Right: Received light ratio 4:4:1

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