Color display device

Abstract

A color display apparatus and method for displaying colors using radiation sources uses displays that may include multiple radiation sources, a display surface and control hardware and software that enable accurate and reproducible color display. Another apparatus provides means for generating colors upon request and communicating digital information regarding the generation of the color spectrum to local or remote display devices. The apparatus may be used in selecting and ordering colors subject to supplier constraints. Methods for displaying colors and enabling display of the colors in remote locations, as well as methods for conducting business by communicating the color display information are all provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 216,918, filed Aug. 12, 2002 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 312,290 filed Aug. 14, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a color display and to a method for displaying color. In particular, this invention relates to a system for the production, communication and display of color. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A wide gamut of colors can be generated and displayed by intermixing red, green, and blue primary light sources in different ratios. In general, a color that matches any particular color sample can be produced on a display using the three primary colors. [0004] The ratios of the red, green, and blue primaries that produce a color that matches any particular sample, however, depend on the ambient light used to illuminate the color sample. Moreover, especially when only the three primary colors are used, it is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a display apparatus that can produce a variety of colors using a prismatic structure and a radiation emitter. The apparatus includes a front end with a viewing window and a back end with a first and second reflector. The first reflector has a concave inner surface and the second reflector has a concave inner surface and a smaller effective diameter. The apparatus also includes one or more radiation sources and a diffuse display surface. The technical effects of the patent include the ability to produce a variety of colors using a prismatic structure and a radiation emitter, and the ability to control the intensity of the emitted radiation to provide the desired color."

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, especially when only the three primary colors are used, it is possible to produce a color that some people see as a match to a sample, but that other people see as a mismatch.

The problem of providing uniform illumination over a desired size target area using even a single light source is a vexing one.

One problem with this arrangement is that the source is located off to one side of the display area, which leads to asymmetries in the display because the light is introduced in an asymmetrical manner.

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