Are mark sensors and color sensors the same?

Mark sensors and color sensors are different sensing technologies. Although both relate to color, their application scope, working principle, and performance differ. Atonm compares these two sensor types below.

1. Color sensors

Color sensors identify an object's color by detecting the wavelength distribution of reflected light. They are used in automation, robotic vision, quality inspection, and more. A color sensor typically includes a light source, optics, spectral analyzer, and signal processor.

Color identification sensors emit light at specific wavelengths onto the object and analyze the reflected spectrum to identify color.

Color sensors feature high sensitivity, high resolution, fast response, and stability and are widely used in food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, printing and packaging, textiles, and automotive industries.

2. Mark sensors

Mark sensors detect registration marks to determine position and orientation. They are commonly used on automated production lines.

Mark sensors work by shining specific wavelengths onto the mark; the reflected signal is processed to determine mark position and orientation for alignment tasks.

In summary, although color and mark sensors both involve color, their application domains, principles, and performance differ.