Transmissive color gradation chart, transmissive color gradation chart device, and gray gradation chart

Abstract

This invention provides a transmissive color gradation chart that enables accurate color calibration of imaging equipment and other devices. [Solution] A transmissive color gradation chart 10 is provided, comprising a color chart member 1 having at least one color bar 3 in which transmitted light exhibits a chromatic color, and a gray gradation chart member 2 having a plurality of transmissive regions 4 in which transmitted light exhibits achromatic colors and has different brightness levels, wherein the color chart member 1 and the gray gradation chart member 2 are stacked such that the color bar 3 and the plurality of transmissive regions 4 overlap in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmissive color gradation chart, particularly a transmissive color gradation chart for imaging devices, a transmissive color gradation chart device, and a gray gradation chart.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of imaging devices, the resolution of output images is being improved, and in terms of color, high color reproducibility that faithfully reproduces color tones is required, and the color gamut is being expanded. That is, the reproduced colors in imaging devices have a wider color gamut. Here, the "color gamut" refers to a specific range within the visible region, and for example, as shown in FIG. 13, it can be represented using the xy chromaticity diagram of the XYZ color system (CIE1931-XYZ color system) defined by the CIE (International Commission on Illumination). The color gamut can be shown as a triangle in the xy chromaticity diagram by determining the chromaticity coordinates at the vertices of each color of R, G, and B and connecting them with straight lines.

[0003] The color gamut has conventionally been defined by various color gamut standards, and in the video industry including imaging devices, for example, standards that cover a wide color gamut such as BT.709 and BT.2020 standards as shown in FIG. 13 are used. In the xy chromaticity diagram shown in FIG. 13, the CIE standard light source D65 that becomes the white point is indicated by a circle.

[0004] In order for an imaging device to display an output image with correct reproduced colors, for example, using a color chart as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the reproduced colors in the imaging device are compared with the reproduced colors in the color chart, and if there are differences in the reproduced colors, it is calibrated based on the above color chart.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In contrast, conventional color gradation charts designed colors by assigning RGB values ​​from (0,0,0) to (255,255,255), which divided the intensity of each RGB color into steps. Therefore, they were created as color charts that also included the element of brightness (Figure 14(A)).

[0007] However, a detailed analysis of color charts created using RGB value design revealed a problem: even when the design only reduced brightness, color shifts occurred in the actual product. Figure 13 shows how reducing brightness (arrow in Figure 13) causes a shift in the chromaticity position on the xy chromaticity diagram (a shift in saturation). Therefore, a transmissive color gradation chart that could perform more accurate color calibration was needed.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide a transmissive color gradation chart that can perform accurate color calibration of imaging equipment and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In other words, the present disclosure provides a transmissive color gradation chart comprising a color chart member having at least one color bar in which transmitted light exhibits a chromatic color, and a gray gradation chart member having a plurality of transmitted regions in which transmitted light exhibits achromatic colors and has different brightness levels, wherein the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member are stacked such that the color bar and the plurality of transmitted regions overlap in a plan view.

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to precisely adjust colors, including brightness, and to accurately calibrate the colors of imaging equipment.

[0011] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that the covering portions of the multiple transparent regions are formed using a black coloring agent or metal. This is because it allows for more precise color adjustment than using multiple chromatic colors.

[0012] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that the plurality of transparent regions are composed of transparent dot regions in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged. This is because brightness can be adjusted more accurately.

[0013] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that a spacer is placed between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, and that the spacer has an opening in the overlapping transparent region. This is because a gap equal to the thickness of the spacer is created between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, which can suppress the appearance of Newton's rings.

[0014] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that a mark for determining the field of view of the imaging device to be calibrated by the transmissive color gradation chart is formed on a main surface of the color chart member that is different from the main surface of the gray gradation chart member. This is because, when calibrating the imaging device, the color chart member side is used as the imaging device side, and as described above, by focusing on the color chart member surface, chromatic aberration can be suppressed.

[0015] In this disclosure, it is preferable that the distance between adjacent transparent regions in the plurality of transparent regions is at least half the width of the transparent region. This is because it prevents light leakage from adjacent transparent regions from entering, enabling more accurate calibration.

[0016] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a transmissive color gradation chart apparatus characterized by comprising two protective substrates and the transmissive color gradation chart described above, sandwiched between the two protective substrates. This makes it possible to suppress the adhesion of solvents, etc., to the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, as well as physical contact, and to suppress the occurrence of problems such as a decrease in the color density of the color bars of the color chart member or the occurrence of pigment changes.

[0017] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a gray gradation chart in which a gray gradation chart structure having a plurality of transparent regions of different brightness levels is stacked so that the plurality of transparent regions overlap in a plan view, and the plurality of transparent regions are characterized in that the plurality of transparent regions are composed of transparent dot regions in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged.According to this disclosure, it is possible to create a gray gradation chart in which brightness, i.e., light transmittance, can be precisely and easily calibrated.

[0018] In this disclosure, it is preferable that the distance between adjacent dot regions is at least half the width of the dot region. This is because it prevents light leakage from adjacent dot regions from entering, enabling more accurate calibration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The transmissive color gradation chart disclosed herein has the effect of enabling precise and easy adjustment of colors, including brightness, and accurate color calibration of imaging equipment and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] (A) A schematic diagram showing an example of the transparent color gradation chart of the present disclosure, and (B) A schematic top view of the transparent color gradation chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] (A) A schematic top view showing an example of a color chart member in this disclosure, and (B) an image graph showing the transmittance for each wavelength shown by the color chart member in Figure 2(A). [Figure 3] (A) Schematic top view showing an example of a gray-scale chart member in the present disclosure, (B) Image graph showing the transmittance for each wavelength indicated by the gray-scale chart member in Fig. 3(A). [Figure 4] xy chromaticity diagram showing the color gamut of the transmissive color gradation chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Transmittance for each wavelength indicated by the transmissive color gradation chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Schematic top view showing an example of the transmissive color gradation chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing an example of the transmissive color gradation chart device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] (A)(B) Photos of interference fringes generated when using a conventional gray-scale chart member, (C) Graph showing the transmittance for each wavelength indicated by the conventional gray-scale chart member. [Figure 9] (A) Schematic diagram showing an example of the gray-scale chart structure of the present disclosure, enlarged photograph of the dot area in Fig. 9(A), (C) Schematic top view of the transmissive color gradation chart using the gray-scale chart structure in Fig. 9(A). [Figure 10] Graph showing the transmittance for each wavelength indicated by the gray-scale chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Graph representing the luminance of the transmitted light in each transmission area of the gray-scale chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Explanatory diagram for explaining the usage method of the transmissive color gradation chart of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] xy chromaticity diagram showing the color gamut of the color chart member fabricated with the conventional RGB value design. [Figure 14] (A) Schematic top view of a conventional color chart member, (B) Image graph showing an example of the transmittance for each wavelength indicated by the conventional color chart member. [Figure 15] Light intensity diagram measuring the degree of light leakage when irradiating light on the transmission area. [Figure 16] Schematic top view showing an example of the coating part in the transmission area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] As mentioned above, in recent years, the color gamut of imaging devices has widened, and there is a growing demand for higher accuracy in the color calibration of image sensors. On the other hand, when the inventors conducted a detailed analysis of color chart components created using conventional RGB value design based on the shades of RGB, they discovered that when the design reduced only the brightness of the same color, a problem arose in that the actual product would have a discrepancy in saturation.

[0022] In other words, the inventors discovered that, as shown in Figure 14(B), the transmission spectrum of conventional color chart members shifts in peak wavelength as the transmittance decreases, resulting in noise. Specifically, they found that color chart members manufactured based on RGB value design suffer from saturation shifts, particularly at low brightness levels.

[0023] To solve the above problems, the inventors of this disclosure conducted diligent research and found that by combining and superimposing a color chart member and a gray gradation chart member, it is possible to simultaneously adjust brightness and saturation, resulting in a transmissive color gradation chart that enables accurate color calibration of imaging equipment. The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure will be described below.

[0024] A. Translucent Color Gradation Chart The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure comprises a color chart member having at least one color bar in which transmitted light exhibits a chromatic color, and a gray gradation chart member having a plurality of transmissive regions in which transmitted light exhibits achromatic colors and has different brightness levels, wherein the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member are stacked such that the color bar and the plurality of transmissive regions overlap in a plan view.

[0025] The transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 1(A) is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure, and Figure 1(B) is a schematic top view of the transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1(A), the transmissive color gradation chart 10 of the present disclosure comprises a color chart member 1 having a transparent substrate 5 and at least one chromatic color bar 3 formed on the transparent substrate 5, and a gray gradation chart member 2 having achromatic colors and a plurality of transmissive regions 4 with different light transmittances, wherein the color chart member 1 and the gray gradation chart member 2 are arranged such that at least one or more color bars 3 in the color chart member 1 and a plurality of transmissive regions 4 with different transmittances in the gray gradation chart member 2 overlap in a plan view, forming an overlapping transmissive region.

[0027] Figures 1(A) and 1(B) show that three transparent regions 4 are arranged so that they overlap in a plan view on each color bar, and overall, nine transparent regions 4 are arranged so that they overlap in a plan view on the three color bars 3. In this case, the transparent color gradation chart 10 has nine calibration patches. The following describes the configuration of the transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure.

[0028] 1. Color chart component The color chart member in this disclosure has at least one color bar in which transmitted light exhibits a chromatic color. The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 2(A) is a schematic top view showing an example of the color chart member in this disclosure. Figure 2(B) is an image graph showing an example of the transmittance for each wavelength shown by the color chart member in Figure 2(A).

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 2(A), the color chart member 1 in this disclosure comprises a transparent substrate (not shown) and a color bar 3 exhibiting at least one chromatic color formed on the transparent substrate. In Figure 2(A), four color bars are formed: a red color bar 3R, a green color bar 3G, a blue color bar 3B, and a white color bar 3W. The color bar group 33 is composed of these four color bars arranged in a pattern in no particular order. A light-shielding portion 6 for the color chart is provided around each color bar on the transparent substrate 5. A color chart holding frame 7 is arranged around the outer periphery of the color bar group 33 and the light-shielding portion 6 for the color chart. The white color bar 3W is normally transparent. The following provides a detailed explanation of these color chart components.

[0030] (1) Color bar In this disclosure, the color bars exhibit chromatic colors when transmitted light, and at least one is formed. When multiple color bars are formed, they constitute a group of color bars arranged in a pattern in no particular order. While such color bars are not particularly limited, they are usually formed on a transparent substrate.

[0031] (a) Types of color bars The color bars arranged in the color chart member used in this disclosure may be, for example, a total of four color bars (color bar group) having the three primary colors and white, as shown in Figure 2(A) above, or it may be just one color bar exhibiting a single chromatic color. In the color chart member of this disclosure, the number and type of color bars can be appropriately selected depending on the application.

[0032] For example, when calibrating an image sensor capable of representing a wide color gamut such as BT.709 or BT.2020, it is preferable to use a corresponding color chart member. Specifically, the color bar group described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-187756 can be used. The following describes color chart members used for such applications.

[0033] In a transmissive color chart member, light incident from the back is spectrally separated according to the selective transmittance of the chromatic color bars, excluding white (W), that constitute the color bar group, and the transmission spectra of each color appear within the visible light region. In the color bar group of the color chart member in this disclosure, it is preferable that the transmission spectra of each color bar have separate peak tops. "The transmission spectra of each color bar have separate peak tops" means, for example, as shown in Figure 2(B), that the transmission spectra of each color in the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color bars each have independent bell-shaped waveforms. This is because by making the transmission spectra of each color bar constituting the color bar group bell-shaped, the brightness of the color bar group can be made uniform.

[0034] The transmission spectra of each color bar can be obtained by measuring the transmittance in the visible light region from 380 nm to 780 nm using an Olympus Corporation OSP-SP200 microspectrometer or a Topcon Techno House Corporation SR-5000 2D spectroradiometer (any light source) with a colorless (transparent) white color bar as the background.

[0035] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that the transmission spectra of each color bar, excluding W which constitutes the color bar group, are arranged in a balanced manner with peaks at desired intervals within the visible light region.

[0036] Specifically, the following color chart members described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-187756 can be used. Specifically, the device comprises a transparent substrate and a group of color bars formed on the transparent substrate. The group of color bars consists of at least six color bars, red, green, blue, a first color, a second color, and white, arranged in a pattern in no particular order. The coordinate points of the first color are located within the region enclosed by the four points (0.351, 0.649), (0.547, 0.453), (0.380, 0.506), and (0.433, 0.464) on the xy chromaticity diagram. The coordinate points of the second color are located within the region enclosed by the four points (0.125, 0.489), (0.112, 0.229), (0.270, 0.407), and (0.224, 0. A color chart member can be used that lies within the region enclosed by the four points in 242), and has the following characteristics: the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the red color bar is 600 nm to 680 nm, the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the green color bar is 495 nm to 570 nm, the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the blue color bar is 430 nm to 490 nm, the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the first color bar (yellow (Ye) color bar) is 540 nm to 595 nm, and the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the second color bar (cyan (Cy) color bar) is 470 nm to 515 nm.

[0037] The transmission spectra of the first and second color bars each have separate peak tops and can be represented as bell-shaped waveforms. Furthermore, the transmission spectra of the R, G, and B color bars typically also have separate peak tops and can be represented as bell-shaped waveforms.

[0038] When forming each color bar, the peak wavelength position of the transmission spectrum of the color bar can be adjusted according to the type of color bar and the method of its formation. For example, if a dyed substrate using one type of dye is used as a color bar, the peak wavelength of the color bar's transmission spectrum can be adjusted by adjusting the dye concentration.

[0039] Furthermore, when using a dyed substrate formed by mixing two or more dyes as a color bar, the peak wavelength of the transmission spectrum of the color bar can be adjusted by changing the mixing ratio of the two dyes. Specifically, a green (G) color bar can be formed by a dyeing method using two types of dyes: a yellow dye and a blue dye. The peak wavelength position can be adjusted by increasing the mixing ratio of the yellow dye to shift the peak wavelength toward longer wavelengths, and by increasing the mixing ratio of the blue dye to shift it toward shorter wavelengths.

[0040] (b) Size of the color bar The size of the color bars is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed to easily achieve the desired effect depending on the application of the transmission color gradation chart of this disclosure. For example, the size of the transmission color gradation chart of this disclosure can be designed according to the image being used. Specifically, when the transmission color gradation chart of this disclosure is used for color evaluation and color correction of output images of measurement samples captured through a microscope of a pathological imaging device, it can be a microimaging color chart in which a group of color bars of a size corresponding to the magnification of the microscope's objective lens is formed.

[0041] Furthermore, when the transmission-type color gradation chart of this disclosure is used, for example, for color evaluation and color correction of the output image of a measurement sample captured at 1:1 magnification by an imaging device, it can be used as a macro imaging color chart in which a group of color bars of a size corresponding to the size of the captured image is formed.

[0042] Specifically, the color bar can have a length of 250mm to 3.5mm in the long axis direction and a length of 190mm to 0.8mm in the short axis direction.

[0043] (c) Others In the color bar group presented here, each color bar is arranged in a pattern in no particular order. The arrangement pattern of each color bar may be a line pattern in a single row, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2(A), or it may be a grid pattern or a circular pattern, although these are not illustrated. Furthermore, the arrangement order of each color bar is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed to easily achieve the desired effect depending on the application of the transparent color gradation chart presented here.

[0044] Each color bar may be divided into multiple sections, as shown in Figure 1(A), for each section that overlaps in a plan view with each transparent section 4 of the gray gradation chart member 2 described later, but it may not be divided. As mentioned above, when a color bar is divided into multiple sections, it is generally preferable that the light-shielding sections for the color chart, as described later, be placed in the divided sections.

[0045] Each color bar can be any material that exhibits a desired transmission spectrum, and can be formed using conventionally known methods such as vapor deposition, dyeing, printing, transfer, and inkjet. In particular, for the dyeing method of forming color bars, for example, a silver salt emulsion prepared by adding potassium bromide to a silver nitrate solution and gelatin can be used, the silver salt emulsion can be applied to a chip substrate such as a glass plate, the silver can be removed from the dried silver halide photographic plate, and the color bars can be dyed with dyes corresponding to the colors of the color bars. Alternatively, the dyed substrate can be formed by pre-mixing a dye with gelatin (solution) to obtain a predetermined color, and then applying the resulting material to a chip substrate such as a glass plate.

[0046] Furthermore, the color bar group can be formed, for example, by arranging each color bar formed by the method described above in a desired pattern on one side of a transparent substrate (described later), and sandwiching them between the transparent substrate and a cover glass.

[0047] (2) Transparent substrate The color bars of this disclosure are not particularly limited, but are preferably formed on a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate used in this disclosure is not particularly limited as long as it can support the group of color bars and the light-shielding portion for the color chart and has the desired light transmittance, and can be the same as the transparent substrates used in conventionally known color chart members. Specifically, inorganic substrates such as glass substrates or resin substrates can be used. The resin substrate may be in the form of a plate, film, or sheet.

[0048] (3) Shading section for color chart The color chart member in this disclosure is typically provided with a light-shielding portion for the color chart to define the transparent region of the color bar. Examples of such light-shielding parts for color charts include those arranged on the transparent substrate so as to surround the color bars, if the color bars are formed on the transparent substrate. Specifically, the light-shielding part 6 for color charts shown in Figure 2(A) can be cited.

[0049] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, a light-shielding cover, which is positioned separately from the color bar, may be used as the light-shielding part for the color chart. The light-shielding portion for the color chart can be any material that has the desired light-shielding properties, such as a metal film like a chromium thin film or a printed layer formed with black ink. Regarding the method for forming the light-shielding portion for the above color chart, conventionally known methods can be used depending on the material used.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, the light-shielding portion for the color chart in this disclosure may be arranged to define the divided color bar 3a, for example, as shown in Figure 1(A) when the color bar 3 is formed by being divided.

[0051] (4) Marks for determining the field of view The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure is positioned so that the color chart member is on the imaging device side when in use. Therefore, a field of view determination mark is formed on the surface of the color chart member opposite to the gray gradation chart member to determine the field of view of the imaging device. Figure 6 shows an example of a field of view determination mark, in which a field of view determination mark 11 for the image sensor is provided on the surface of the color chart member opposite to the gray gradation chart member so as to indicate the boundary between the light-shielding part 6 for the color chart and the color bar holding frame 7.

[0052] The shape and size of the image sensor angle of view determination mark 11 are not particularly limited, as long as they are recognizable as marks indicating the angle of view of the image sensor, and can be adjusted as appropriate according to the design of the transmissive color gradation chart, etc. On the other hand, since the grayscale chart component is positioned on the light source side, such angle-of-view determination marks are usually not provided.

[0053] (5) Others Furthermore, the color chart member in this disclosure may have an IR cut filter. When each color bar is formed by a dyeing method, due to the characteristics of the dye, the transmission spectrum tends to transmit light easily in the wavelength region of 650 nm or higher, resulting in high light transmittance. In particular, the dyes used for the yellow (Ye), orange (O), and red (R) color bars tend not to absorb light on the longer wavelength side from around 650 nm. As a result, the transmission spectra of each color overlap in the long wavelength region.

[0054] In contrast, by combining a color bar with an IR cut filter that removes a predetermined area, the transmission spectrum of each color can be separated, preventing color mixing. IR cut filters can be selected by considering the wavelength range to be blocked, in accordance with the transmission spectral characteristics of each color bar. Conventional known IR cut filters can be used.

[0055] In addition to the configuration described above, the color chart member in this disclosure may also include alignment marks, recognition codes, cover glass, a color bar holding frame, and a transparent protective plate with a light-shielding portion. The recognition code can be, for example, a code that records information from a test chart. The alignment marks can be marks that record positional information, but they may also function as recognition codes that record information from a test chart. These may be provided on a transparent protective plate with a light-shielding section.

[0056] 2. Gray gradation chart component The grayscale chart member in this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 3(A) is a schematic top view showing an example of a grayscale chart member. Figure 3(B) is an image graph showing the transmission spectrum of each transmission region of the grayscale chart member in Figure 3(A).

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 3(A), the gray gradation chart member 2 in this disclosure exhibits achromatic colors and has a plurality of transparent regions 4 with different brightness levels. In Figure 3(A), eight brightness gradation regions are formed, each having a total of eight transparent regions 4 with different brightness levels. A light-shielding portion 6' for the gray gradation chart is provided around the brightness gradation region. A gray gradation chart holding frame 7' is arranged around the outer periphery of the light-shielding portion 6' for the gray gradation chart. The following provides a detailed explanation of these gray-toned components.

[0058] (1) Multiple transparent regions As shown in Figure 3(A), the gray gradation chart member in this disclosure has a plurality of transparent regions 4 with different light transmittances. The plurality of transparent regions in the gray gradation chart member are arranged so that at least one region overlaps with one of the color bars in the color chart member in a plan view.

[0059] (a) Shape of multiple transparent regions The arrangement of the transparent regions for each gradation with different transmittances is not particularly limited, but they can be arranged in a row or grid so that the transmittance changes in steps. For example, they can be arranged so that the transmittance decreases from the area with the highest light transmittance (whitest area) to the area with the lowest light transmittance (blackest area).

[0060] In Figure 1, one color bar 3 of the color chart member 1 and three transparent regions 4 of the gray gradation chart member 2 are arranged to overlap in a plan view. When the color chart member in Figure 2 and the gray gradation chart member in Figure 3 are superimposed, a total of 16 transparent regions, each containing one of the two horizontally aligned brightness gradation regions of the corresponding color bar 3 and the gray gradation chart member 2, are arranged to overlap in a plan view. Thus, the number of transparent regions of the gray gradation chart member that overlap a single color bar in a plan view is not particularly limited as long as there are multiple regions, but for example, it can be between 2 and 256.

[0061] The planar shape of each transparent region is not particularly limited, but it can usually be rectangular. The size of each transparent region can be appropriately designed to easily achieve the desired effect depending on the application of the transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure, but for example, it can be 250 mm × 190 mm to 3.5 mm × 0.8 mm.

[0062] Multiple transmissive regions with different light transmittances that overlap in a plan view on a single color bar may be formed continuously, but it is preferable that the transmissive regions with different transmittances are formed separately. This is because the separate formation of transmissive regions with different transmittances prevents the influence of leaked light from adjacent transmissive regions, thereby enabling accurate calibration.

[0063] Figure 15 shows an HDR (High Dynamic Range) gradation chip with a transparent area of ​​10 mm x 10 mm (corresponding to one of the transparent areas of the gray gradation chart component mentioned above), with a brightness of 4500 cd / m². 2The results (shown as a 2D map of brightness distribution) were measured using a Topcon Techno House SR-5000 2D spectroradiometer when irradiated with the light source. As shown in Figure 15, the amount of light leaking outside the transmission area is about 10% at a distance of 5 mm and almost none at a distance of 10 mm.

[0064] In other words, the brightness is 4500 cd / m². 2 When illuminated with this light source, light leakage outside the transmitted region is approximately 10% of the transmitted region's luminance at a distance of half the width of the transmitted region from the edge of the transmitted region, and almost zero at a distance equal to the width of the transmitted region. The luminance ratio shown on the vertical axis of the graph in the figure represents the luminance ratio of the surrounding region when the luminance of the transmitted region is set to 1.

[0065] Based on the above experimental results, when the transparent regions with different transmittances are formed separately, the distance between adjacent transparent regions with different transmittances is preferably at least half the width of the transparent region, and in particular preferably at least the same width as the transparent region. The width of the transparent region refers to the distance from one side of the transparent region adjacent to the transparent region to the opposite side of that side.

[0066] By setting the value to be greater than or equal to the above value, it becomes possible to prevent light leakage between adjacent transparent regions. When the transparent regions are formed separately in this manner, a light-shielding section for the gray gradation chart, as described later, is usually formed between adjacent transparent regions.

[0067] (b) Configuration of multiple transparent regions The gray gradation chart member is not particularly limited as long as it has multiple transmission regions with different light transmittances, but examples include a transparent support with light transmittance such as glass or film on which multiple metal films of different thicknesses are formed, a transparent support on which stripe-shaped or halftone-shaped coatings are formed, a silver halide film or a laminate thereof. Figure 16 shows an example of a covered area, specifically an enlarged view of an example where a halftone-like covered area 41 is formed in the transparent region 4.

[0068] It is preferable that the covering portion in such multiple transparent regions is formed using a black coloring agent or black-colored paper, film, glass, or metal. This is because using multiple chromatic colors as light-shielding regions within the above multiple transparent regions may introduce saturation noise into the transmitted light.

[0069] The gray gradation chart member in this disclosure is preferably a gray gradation chart structure or a laminate of this gray gradation chart structure, which includes a translucent dot region in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged, and a light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart arranged around the dot region. This is because it is possible to accurately adjust the brightness, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of moiré patterns when the gray gradation chart structure is laminated in order to accurately adjust the brightness. The grayscale chart structure described above will be explained in detail in the section "C. Grayscale Chart" below.

[0070] (c) Others Methods for forming grayscale chart members include, for example, sputtering, which involves forming multiple metal films of different thicknesses on a transparent support such as glass or film, and printing, inkjet, and photolithography methods, which can form stripe-shaped or halftone-shaped coatings of different coverage areas on a transparent support.

[0071] (2) Light-shielding section for gray gradation chart In the gray gradation chart member in this disclosure, it is preferable that a light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart is provided on the outer periphery of a plurality of transparent regions, or on the outer periphery of each transparent region. By providing a light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart, it is possible to prevent light from coming in from the side. Examples of light-shielding portions for the gray gradation chart are the same as those described in "1. Color chart member (3) Light-shielding portion for color chart" above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a light-shielding cover, which is positioned separately from the multiple transparent regions, may be used as the light-shielding section for the gray gradation chart.

[0072] In this disclosure, it is preferable that the area of ​​the opening of the light-shielding portion for the color chart is smaller than the area of ​​the opening of the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart. In the transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure, the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member are stacked such that the light-shielding portion for the color chart and the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart overlap in a plan view, forming an overlapping transmissive region. When calibrating an imaging device using a transmissive color gradation chart with such a configuration, the illumination device is placed on the gray gradation chart member side of the transmissive color gradation chart, and the imaging device is placed on the color chart member side. This is because when the imaging device focuses on the transmissive color gradation chart, chromatic aberration can be suppressed by focusing on the surface of the color chart member. In this case, if the area of ​​the opening of the light-shielding portion for the color chart in the overlapping transmissive region is equal to or larger than the area of ​​the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart in the overlapping transmissive region, both the ends of the light-shielding portion for the color chart and the ends of the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart will be photographed by the imaging device when calibration is performed, which may cause problems in focusing and other operations.

[0073] (3) Transparent support The plurality of transparent regions and the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart member are not particularly limited, but are preferably formed on a transparent support. The transparent support is not particularly limited as long as it can support the plurality of transparent regions and the light-shielding portion for the gray gradation chart and has the desired light transmittance, and can be the same as the transparent substrate used in conventionally known grayscales. Specifically, an inorganic substrate such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate can be used. The resin substrate may be in the form of a plate, film, or sheet.

[0074] (4) Others Furthermore, the gray gradation chart member in this disclosure may also have, in addition to the above-described configuration, alignment marks, a cover glass, a gray gradation chart holding frame, and a transparent protective plate with a light-shielding section.

[0075] 3. Spacer The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure preferably has a spacer disposed between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, and it is preferable that this spacer has at least an opening in the region of the color chart member that overlaps with the color bars in a plan view. This is because by providing a spacer, a gap equal to the thickness of the spacer is created between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, which can suppress the appearance of Newton's rings. Examples of spacers include cardboard, film, etc., that have at least an opening in the region that overlaps with the color bars in a plan view.

[0076] The thickness of the spacer is adjusted appropriately according to the size of the gap to be created between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, and is not particularly limited. Specifically, it should be 10 μm or more, preferably 20 μm or more. By having the spacer thickness within the above range, it is possible to create a gap that is small enough to suppress the filing of Newton's rings.

[0077] In this disclosure, the spacer may be a light-shielding cover as described in section B. Transmissive Color Gradation Chart Apparatus 2. Light-shielding Cover. In this case, the light-shielding cover may have the functions of a light-shielding section for the color chart and a light-shielding section for the gray gradation chart, and may be provided separately from the color chart light-shielding material and the light-shielding section for the gray gradation chart.

[0078] 4. Others The transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure is formed by superimposing the color chart member described in section "1. Color Chart Member" above and the gray gradation chart member described in section "2. Gray Gradation Chart Member", and is characterized in that at least one color bar in the color chart member and multiple transparent regions in the gray gradation chart member are arranged to have overlapping transparent regions that overlap in a plan view.

[0079] The color chart member and the gray gradation chart member are superimposed by methods such as fixing them with adhesive while interposing the above-mentioned spacers, fixing them using a jig for a separate process, or using a solid adhesive that allows for air gaps, as necessary.

[0080] The transparent color gradation chart of this disclosure has multiple calibration patches by superimposing "1. Color chart member" and "2. Gray gradation chart member" as described above.

[0081] The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure allows for color adjustment using the color chart component and brightness adjustment using the gray gradation chart component, making it possible to adjust brightness without changing saturation. Specifically, the xy chromaticity diagram obtained using the transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure is shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the transmission spectra of each calibration patch obtained using the transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure are shown in Figure 5. In Figure 4, it can be seen that the chromaticity position on the xy chromaticity diagram remains almost unchanged even when the brightness is reduced. In Figure 5, it can be seen that there is no shift in the peak wavelength of the transmitted light and no noise even at low brightness levels.

[0082] 5. Color calibration method using a transmissive color gradation chart The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure can be used, for example, to calibrate imaging equipment such as cameras, i.e., to evaluate color reproducibility. To evaluate the color reproducibility of a camera, first, as shown in Figure 12, an illumination device 12 is placed on one side of the transmissive color gradation chart 10. Then, while illuminating the transmissive color gradation chart from one side with the illumination device 12, an image of the transmissive color gradation chart is captured from the other side with a camera 13. After capturing the transmissive color gradation chart, the camera's calculation circuit compares a calibration patch on the captured image with a reference color patch stored in the camera's memory and calculates an evaluation value for the camera's color reproducibility based on the chromaticity of both. After calculating the evaluation value for color reproducibility, the camera's color correction circuit calibrates the camera by correcting the camera's parameters correlated with color reproducibility so that the color difference is minimized.

[0083] In this disclosure, it is preferable that the transmissive color gradation chart is used with the color chart member facing the camera and the gray gradation chart member facing the lighting device. This is because when the camera focuses on the chart, chromatic aberration can be suppressed by focusing on the surface of the color chart member.

[0084] 6.Applications The transmissive color gradation chart of this disclosure can be used in imaging equipment, video equipment, and all peripheral equipment that require color calibration. It is particularly suitable for use in pathological imaging equipment.

[0085] B. Transmissive Color Gradation Chart Device The transmissive color gradation chart device of this disclosure is characterized by comprising two protective substrates and the transmissive color gradation chart described above, sandwiched between the two protective substrates.

[0086] The transmissive color gradation chart device of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transmissive color gradation chart device of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the transmissive color gradation chart device 100 of this disclosure includes a transmissive color gradation chart 10, a protective substrate 101 (hereinafter referred to as the first protective substrate) disposed on the color chart member 1 side of the transmissive color gradation chart, and a protective substrate 102 (hereinafter referred to as the second protective substrate) disposed on the gray gradation chart member 2 side of the transmissive color gradation chart. The first protective substrate 101 and the second protective substrate 102 are arranged to face each other via the color bars in the color chart member and a plurality of transparent regions in the gray gradation chart member, and have at least a transparent portion in the region that overlaps with the color bars in the color chart member in a plan view.

[0087] Thus, by having a structure in which the above-mentioned transmissive color gradation chart is sandwiched between a pair of protective substrates (i.e., a first protective substrate and a second protective substrate), it is possible to suppress the adhesion of solvents, etc., to the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member, as well as physical contact, and to suppress the occurrence of problems such as a decrease in the color density of the color bars of the color chart member or the occurrence of pigment changes.

[0088] The following describes the various components of the transparent color gradation chart device described herein. 1.Protective base material The two protective substrates in this disclosure are arranged opposite each other via a transmissive color gradation chart. The protective substrate is preferably a member having at least a transmissive portion in a region that overlaps with the color bars of the color chart member in a plan view. Here, "transmissive portion" means a region that transmits at least visible light.

[0089] The size of the protective substrate is appropriately selected according to the size of the transmissive color gradation chart device of this disclosure and is not particularly limited.

[0090] The material used for the protective substrate is preferably a material that can protect the color chart member or gray gradation chart member, which is sandwiched between a pair of protective substrates, from scratches and dust. Specific examples of protective substrates include transparent substrates such as glass or plastic. When the transmissive color gradation chart device of this disclosure is used in a microscope with an imaging device, glass is usually used as the material for the protective substrate. Alternatively, a transparent protective plate with a light-shielding section having a light-shielding section with a pattern similar to that of the light-shielding cover described later can also be used as the protective substrate.

[0091] 2. Light-blocking cover In the transmissive color gradation chart apparatus of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that light-shielding covers 103 and 104 are placed between the first protective substrate 101 and the transmissive color gradation chart 10, and between the second protective substrate 102 and the transmissive color gradation chart 10. Hereinafter, the light-shielding cover 103 between the first protective substrate 101 and the transmissive color gradation chart 10 will be referred to as the first light-shielding cover, and the light-shielding cover 104 between the second protective substrate 102 and the transmissive color gradation chart 10 will be referred to as the second light-shielding cover. In this case, the spacer for the transmissive color gradation chart described above can be made of the third light-shielding cover 105.

[0092] Examples of the first to third light-shielding covers include cardboard, film, etc., having at least an opening in the area that overlaps with the color bars of the color chart member in a plan view.

[0093] The openings in each light-shielding cover only need to be formed in the predetermined positions described above. For example, the position and width of the openings in each light-shielding cover may be the same or different. In this disclosure, the position and width of the openings in each light-shielding cover can be the same. This is because the outline of the color bar becomes clearer, resulting in a higher quality transmissive color gradation chart device.

[0094] Also, when the position and width of the opening in the light-shielding cover are different, it is preferable that the regions of the above-described spacer (the third light-shielding cover) and the second light-shielding cover are not observed from the observation side (camera side) of the transmissive color gradation chart device. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the width of the opening of the first light-shielding cover 103 is w1, the width of the opening of the spacer (the third light-shielding cover 105) is w2, and the width of the opening of the second light-shielding cover 104 is w3, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship of w1 < w2 < w3. By doing so, it is possible to prevent light leakage of light incident obliquely.

[0095] In the example shown in FIG. 7 above, the first light-shielding cover 103 and the second light-shielding cover 104 also function as spacers, and it is possible to suppress Newton rings generated due to contact between the protective base material and the transmissive color gradation chart. Also, the third light-shielding cover 105 also functions as a spacer, and it is possible to suppress Newton rings generated due to contact between the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member.

[0096] Also, the specific size of the light-shielding cover and the width of the opening are appropriately adjusted according to the design of the transmissive color gradation chart device and are not particularly limited.

[0097] 3. Transmissive Color Gradation Chart The transmissive color gradation chart used in the transmissive color gradation chart device of the present disclosure can be the same as the content described in the above "A. Transmissive Color Gradation Chart", and thus the description here is omitted.

[0098] C. Gray Gradation Chart In recent years, dynamic range image output devices have been developed that can acquire brightness information of subjects with large differences in brightness with high resolution. Improvements in display device technology have increased peak brightness and expanded the dynamic range. Specifically, while the brightness ratio in conventional standard dynamic range (SDR) was 1:1000, the brightness ratio in high dynamic range (HDR) is 1:100,000. Therefore, there has been a need for gradation charts that allow for subtle adjustments in units of 0.0001% transmittance at low brightness levels.

[0099] However, conventional grayscale charts adjusted brightness using a single grayscale chart, making it extremely difficult to obtain brightness levels that enabled accurate calibration at low brightness levels. As a result of their investigation into this matter, the inventors found that stacking grayscale charts could potentially yield a brightness level that enables accurate calibration at low brightness levels, and they conducted further investigations.

[0100] Our investigation revealed that conventional grayscale charts, which use regular halftone dots or line-and-space patterns, present a problem when overlaid for transmittance adjustment: interference fringes (moire patterns) are generated.

[0101] Figure 8(A) shows the interference pattern that occurs when a regular halftone dot pattern is used, and Figure 8(B) shows the interference pattern that occurs when a line-and-space pattern is used. In such interference patterns, the transmittance may change subtly. Furthermore, because the transmittance differs for each wavelength, there was a problem that malfunctions may occur when using it in combination with the color chart member as the gray gradation chart member of the aforementioned transmission-type color gradation chart. Figure 8(C) shows the transmittance for each wavelength of the gray gradation chart in Figure 8(A).

[0102] The present invention solves the above problem by using a gray gradation chart structure in which a plurality of transparent regions with different brightness levels are arranged, wherein the plurality of transparent regions are composed of transparent dot regions in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged, and stacking these gray gradation chart structures.

[0103] In other words, the gray gradation chart of the present disclosure is a gray gradation chart in which a gray gradation chart structure having a plurality of transparent regions of different brightness levels is stacked such that the plurality of transparent regions overlap in a plan view, and the plurality of transparent regions are composed of transparent dot regions in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged.

[0104] The grayscale chart described in this disclosure will be explained in detail below. Figure 9(A) is a schematic plan view of each layer (gray gradation chart structure) of a gray gradation chart in which four gray gradation chart structures 21 are stacked from the first to the fourth layer, and Figure 9(B) is an enlarged view of a dot area in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged. The gray gradation chart structure 21 consists of a transmissive dot area 22 in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged, and a light-shielding part 23 of the gray gradation chart structure in which the dots are not arranged. When these gray gradation chart structures 21 are superimposed, a gray gradation chart is formed that has multiple transmissive areas with different light transmittances.

[0105] Figure 10 shows the transmittance of each transparent region of the gray gradation chart of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the transmittance of the gray gradation chart of this disclosure is almost constant for each wavelength. Therefore, when used in combination with a color chart member, that is, when used as the gray gradation chart member of the transmissive color gradation chart described above, it becomes possible to adjust saturation and brightness simultaneously, and to adjust quickly and accurately. Figure 9(C) shows a schematic top view of a transmissive color gradation chart in which the gray gradation chart of this disclosure is superimposed on a color chart member.

[0106] 1. Grayscale chart structure In this disclosure, the gray gradation chart structure has a translucent dot region in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged, and a light-shielding portion of the gray gradation chart structure that has light-shielding properties. As shown in Figure 9(A), the gray gradation chart structure is composed of a plurality of dot regions defined by the light-shielding portion of the gray gradation chart structure.

[0107] Such a grayscale chart structure is used as a grayscale chart by stacking multiple layers of grayscale chart structures in which the dot regions described above are arranged in parallel. In this case, it is preferable that each stacked grayscale chart structure has a different length in the direction perpendicular to the parallel direction of the dot regions, and that each grayscale chart structure has a different number of dot regions.

[0108] With the above configuration, when used as a grayscale chart, multiple dot regions are stacked to form transparent regions. By changing the number of stacked dot regions and the transmittance of each dot region, the transmittance in each transparent region can be changed. In particular, since adjusting the transmittance at low brightness is extremely difficult with a single layer, this method of adjusting transmittance by stacking dot regions is extremely effective.

[0109] As for the stacking method of the above gray gradation chart structure, it is preferable to stack them so that the length in the direction perpendicular to the parallel direction of the dot regions, that is, the number of dot regions in the gray gradation chart structure, changes sequentially. In this case, as shown in Figure 9(A), for example, one stacking method is to align one end of the gray gradation chart structure in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] In the example shown in Figure 9(A), the right side of the drawing has a larger number of layers of grayscale chart structures, resulting in lower transmittance in the transparent region of the grayscale chart. On the other hand, the left side of the drawing has a smaller number of layers of grayscale chart structures, resulting in higher transmittance in the transparent region of the grayscale chart.

[0111] (1) Dot area In this disclosure, the dot region is a transmissive region in which light-shielding dots are randomly arranged. Random means that the arrangement does not have a periodicity as if it were perfectly aligned. Specifically, random numbers can be generated and arranged using a Mersenne twister or error diffusion method.

[0112] In particular, it is desirable that the randomization be a random arrangement that does not repeat within the dot region or between stacked dot regions. Because the dots are arranged randomly in this way, interference patterns can be suppressed when grayscale chart structures are superimposed. Figure 9(B) shows a magnified view of the dot area.

[0113] The transmittance of a dot region can be adjusted by adjusting the density of the dots it contains. It is preferable to have multiple dot regions in a single grayscale chart structure. In this case, the multiple dot regions in a single grayscale chart structure may have the same dot density (same transmittance) or they may have different dot densities (different transmittance).

[0114] The planar shape of the dot is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a roughly square shape, a roughly circular shape, a rectangular shape, or a shape including a circle.

[0115] The dot size is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is a size that does not resolve even when captured at 8K resolution. Specifically, it is preferable that it does not resolve even when captured at 8K resolution (pixel count, horizontal 7680 x vertical 4320) at a distance of 50 cm from the camera on the effective surface of a 230 mm x 170 mm test chart. Therefore, it is preferable that it is approximately 30 μm (230 mm / 7680) x 40 μm (170 mm / 4320) or less. Furthermore, there is no particular limit to the lower limit, but it is preferable that it is 2 μm or larger so that no wavelength change occurs even at near-infrared wavelengths.

[0116] The dot area can be obtained by forming a random dot pattern on a support such as a translucent substrate or film using printing, lithography (drawing), or other methods.

[0117] The planar shape of the dot regions is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they are arranged in a line with sequentially changing brightness, as shown in Figure 9(A), for example. Specifically, it is preferable that rectangular, elliptical, or oblong dot regions are arranged in parallel. Alternatively, they may be arranged in multiple rows, as shown in Figure 3.

[0118] In a grayscale chart structure, accurate calibration cannot be performed if light from an adjacent dot area is mixed in with the surrounding light. Therefore, to prevent light leakage into adjacent dot areas, the distance between adjacent dot areas (d in Figure 9) is preferably at least half the width of the dot area, and particularly preferably at least the same width as the dot area.

[0119] The reasons why this range is preferable, and the definition of the width of the dot area, etc., are the same as those explained in section "A. Transmissive Color Gradation Chart 2. Gray Gradation Chart Member (1) Multiple Transmissive Areas (a) Shape of Multiple Transmissive Areas," so the explanation will be omitted here. Note that in the above explanation, the dot area is described as a transparent area.

[0120] (2) Gray gradation chart structure light-shielding part Furthermore, the gray gradation chart structure in this disclosure preferably has a light-shielding portion of the gray gradation chart structure around the dot area to prevent light from diffusing. It is also preferable to form a light-shielding region on the end face of the gray gradation chart structure. Examples of the light-shielding portion of the gray gradation chart structure are the same as those described in "A. Transmissive color gradation chart 2. Gray gradation chart member (2) Light-shielding portion for gray gradation chart" above.

[0121] 2. Grayscale Chart The grayscale chart of this disclosure is formed by superimposing multiple grayscale chart structures such that their dot regions overlap in a plan view. The transmittance of each transmitted region can be adjusted by changing the dot density of the dot region in each grayscale chart structure, as well as by changing the number and method of superimposing the grayscale chart structures. Therefore, the brightness of the transmitted light can be precisely adjusted, and a grayscale chart having multiple transmitted regions with different brightness, i.e., light transmittance, can be easily manufactured.

[0122] Figure 11 shows the number of each transmitted region (gray step) on the horizontal axis of the grayscale chart of this disclosure, and the luminance of the transmitted light shown by each transmitted region on the vertical axis. As shown in Figure 11, the grayscale chart of this disclosure is 0.005 cd / m². 2 It can accurately achieve the desired brightness. Furthermore, for example, the minimum difference in brightness between multiple transmittance regions in a low-brightness region is 0.005 cd / m². 2 If so, it is possible to form it.

[0123] 3. Others Furthermore, the grayscale chart of this disclosure may also include, in addition to the above-described configuration, a cover glass, a grayscale chart structure holding frame, and a transparent protective plate with a light-shielding section.

[0124] 4.Applications The grayscale chart disclosed herein can be used in imaging equipment that requires fine adjustment of brightness, such as Super Hi-Vision (4K, 8K HDR) compatible cameras. Furthermore, it can also be used as "A. Transmissive color gradation chart 2. Gray gradation chart component" as described above.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above are illustrative, and any configuration that is substantially identical to the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention and achieves similar effects is included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1… Color chart component 2… Gray gradation chart component 3… Color bar 4 … Transparent area 10… Transparent color gradation chart 21… Grayscale chart structure 22… Dot area 100... Transmissive color gradation chart device 101,102...protective base material 103, 104, 105… Light-blocking cover

Claims

1. A color chart member having at least one color bar in which transmitted light exhibits a chromatic color, It comprises a gray gradation chart member having multiple transmitted regions with different brightness levels and exhibiting achromatic light transmission, The plurality of transparent regions are formed separately from each other. The distance between adjacent transparent regions is more than half the width of the transparent region. A transmissive color gradation chart is formed by stacking the color chart member and the gray gradation chart member such that the color bar and the plurality of transmissive regions have overlapping transmissive regions that overlap in a plan view.

2. The transmissive color gradation chart according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of transmissive regions have a coating formed using a black coloring agent or metal.

3. The transmissive color gradation chart according to claim 2, characterized in that the coating portion is a thin chromium film or a black ink layer.

4. A transmissive color gradation chart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distance between adjacent transmissive regions is greater than or equal to the width of the transmissive region.

5. A transmissive color gradation chart according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a light-shielding portion around the plurality of transmissive regions.

Images