3. Application: example of an acceptability study

Color control has often been carried out by visual inspection of samples. This type of control, based on human judgement, is highly subjective and fraught with error (repeatability not guaranteed, non-standardized control procedure, etc.). Yet supplier-customer relations have never been so crucial: it is increasingly important for dyers to supply dyed products that show little color difference from one batch to the next. The customer is entitled to demand that the supplier supply color-coordinated parts.

So, even if the supplier has a specialist perfectly trained in color vision, the subjectivity of a human observer (tiredness, irritation...) means that in the long run, it is difficult for him to give an objective opinion in terms of acceptance/rejection, which can lead to conflicts or disputes between suppliers and customers.

Likewise,...