ISO 10617:2010

Overview

ISO 10617:2010 - Textiles: Standard data format for colorimetric communication defines a common, XML‑based colorimetric data exchange format (cdf) for communicating spectral data and associated metadata between measurement instruments and software. Originally developed for the textile industry (dye measurement and recipe formulation), the standard supports accurate, portable color specification and enables interoperability between spectrophotometers, color‑management and recipe‑prediction systems.

Key SEO keywords: ISO 10617:2010, colorimetric data, spectral data, textiles, XML color format, spectrophotometer, dye recipe formulation.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Primary data focus: exchange of spectral reflectance data (the fundamental data behind color calculations).
• File format: XML document containing a structured header and one or more measurement data blocks.
• Sample identification (Section A): name, reference, description, backing, originator, unique identifier, comments and an approximate sRGB colour preview (hex code e.g., #FF0000) for visual reference.
• Measurement data blocks (B–G): support multiple blocks per sample to represent different geometries or simultaneous measurements (examples: ABB, ABBC). At least one measurement block must be present.
• Spectral data requirements: wavelength, value (%) and uncertainty (±%). A minimum of 16 evenly spaced spectral points is recommended (example: 400–700 nm at 20 nm intervals) to produce meaningful colorimetric results.
• Instrument and measurement metadata: date/time, number of measurements averaged, relative humidity, temperature, aperture size, bandpass/bandwidth, configuration (specular included/excluded), influx/efflux geometry, instrument manufacturer/model/serial, source/filter/polarization, reference standards (white/black/UV) and UV cut‑off settings.
• Optional fields and defaults: none of the fields are mandatory; omitted fields assume default values where specified. The greater the metadata provided, the higher the confidence in downstream processing.
• Normative computation basis: colorimetric calculations are expected to follow established CIE/ISO colorimetry standards.

Practical Applications and Who Uses It

• Textile industry: dye measurement, recipe formulation, quality control and remote colour approval.
• Related industries: pigment formulation for plastics and paints, colour management in graphic arts and colour reproduction workflows.
• Users: instrument manufacturers, laboratory technicians, colour scientists, software developers (QC and recipe systems), and supply‑chain teams needing interoperable color data exchange.

Related Standards

• CIE Publication 15:2004 (Colorimetry)
• CIE Publication 17.4:1987 (International Lighting Vocabulary)
• ISO/IEC XML tooling and common CIE/ISO colorimetric calculation methods

ISO 10617:2010 enables reliable, machine‑readable color communication across equipment and software - improving consistency, traceability and speed in textile and other colour‑critical industries.