Color generation system, color generation program, method for producing dye or light emitter, dye, and light emitter

Abstract

A color generation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a reference spectrum that is the spectrum of a reference color and a subject model indicating the color vision system of a subject; a response calculation unit that calculates, as a reference response, a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision person who visually recognizes the reference color on the basis of the reference spectrum and a predetermined reference model indicating the color vision system of the reference color vision person; a spectrum calculation unit that calculates a conversion spectrum for causing the subject model to output a response that matches or approximates the reference response; and a generation unit that generates a correspondence spectrum that is a spectrum of a corresponding color corresponding to the reference color on the basis of the conversion spectrum.

Description

Color generation system, color generation program, method for manufacturing dye or illuminant, dye, and illuminant

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a color generation system, a color generation program, a method for manufacturing a dye or illuminant, a dye, and an illuminant.

[0002] Color processing that takes color-blind people into consideration has been known for some time. For example, a color processing device described in Patent Document 1 acquires color values ​​to be processed, calculates a color vision degree coefficient that represents the degree of color vision deficiency based on the population distribution of test results obtained from a color vision test administered to a predetermined group, calculates color conversion coefficients used to convert the acquired color values ​​based on the correspondence between the color vision degree coefficients and the sensitivity characteristics of L-, M-, and S-cones, and performs color conversion processing on the color values ​​using the color conversion coefficients.

[0003] Patent No. 5924289

[0004] A mechanism for providing colors that take color vision variability into account is desired.

[0005] A color generation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model that represents the color vision system of a subject; a response calculation unit that calculates a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color as a reference response based on a predetermined reference model that represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; a spectrum calculation unit that calculates a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; and a generation unit that generates a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum.

[0006] A color generation program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquiring a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model, which represents the color vision system of the subject; calculating a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color, as a reference response, based on a predetermined reference model, which represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject, and the reference spectrum; calculating a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; and generating a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum.

[0007] In these aspects, a transformation spectrum that allows a subject to perceive a reference color in the same way as a reference color vision person is calculated, and a spectrum of a corresponding color (corresponding spectrum) that corresponds to the reference color is generated based on the transformation spectrum. This corresponding spectrum makes it possible to provide colors taking color vision diversity into consideration.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a pigment or illuminant according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of obtaining a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model, which represents the color vision system of a subject; calculating a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color, as a reference response, based on a predetermined reference model, which represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject, and the reference spectrum; calculating a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; generating a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum; and manufacturing a pigment or illuminant of the corresponding color based on the corresponding spectrum.

[0009] In this aspect, a conversion spectrum that allows a subject to perceive a reference color in the same way as a reference color vision person is calculated, and a spectrum of a corresponding color (correspondence spectrum) corresponding to the reference color is generated based on this conversion spectrum. Then, a dye or illuminant of the corresponding color is manufactured based on this correspondence spectrum. By using this dye or illuminant, it is possible to provide colors taking color vision diversity into consideration.

[0010] A dye according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum, which is a spectrum of a reference color, and the reflectance exhibited by the corresponding spectrum is 0.025 or less in the range of 540 to 560 nm, and the corresponding spectrum includes regions where the reflectance is 0.2 or more in each of the ranges of 380 to 540 nm and 560 to 730 nm.

[0011] By using a dye having such properties, it becomes possible to provide colors that take into account color vision diversity.

[0012] An illuminant according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum, which is a spectrum of a reference color, and the ratio of the maximum intensity in the range of 380 to 540 nm of the corresponding spectrum to the maximum intensity in the range of 540 to 560 nm of the corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more, and the ratio of the maximum intensity in the range of 560 to 730 nm of the corresponding spectrum to the maximum intensity in the range of 540 to 560 nm of the corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more.

[0013] By using an illuminant with such properties, it becomes possible to provide colors that take into account color vision diversity.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, colors can be provided taking color vision variability into account.

[0015] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a color generation system; FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an example of sensitivity characteristics of L cones, M cones, and S cones; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the color generation system; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the reference spectrum and the corresponding spectrum; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the reference spectrum and the corresponding spectrum; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the functional configuration of the color generation system; and FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the color generation system.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0017] [System Overview] The color generation system according to the present disclosure is a computer system or control system for providing colors taking into account color vision variability. Color vision variability refers to situations in which people differ in their perception or discrimination of colors. The color generation system can be used to provide a common understanding of colors among people with different color vision, or to promote mutual understanding regarding color perception or discrimination.

[0018] There are five types of color vision: C type (Common), P type (Protanope), D type (Deuteranope), T type (Tritanope), and A type (Acromatic).

[0019] Type C is a group that has three types of cones: L cones, M cones, and S cones. L cones are photoreceptor cells that are highly sensitive to light in the long wavelength range, such as red. M cones are photoreceptor cells that are highly sensitive to light in the medium wavelength range, such as green. S cones are photoreceptor cells that are highly sensitive to light in the short wavelength range, such as blue. In the case of Japanese people, 95% of men and 99% of women belong to type C. Type C people are also said to have general color vision.

[0020] Meanwhile, people with P, D, T, and A types are also called colorblind. P type is a group consisting of P type strong (Protanopia) who do not have L cones and P type weak (Protanomaly) in which the sensitivity of L cones is shifted and similar to that of M cones. D type is a group consisting of D type strong (Deuteranopia) who do not have M cones and D type weak (Deuteranomaly) in which the sensitivity of M cones is shifted and similar to that of L cones. T type is a group that does not have S cones. A type is a group that has only one type of cone or no cones at all. P type and D type account for the majority of colorblind people, with T type and A type accounting for an extremely small proportion.

[0021] As an example of promoting the common recognition or mutual understanding described above, the color generation system according to the present disclosure may be used to allow a person with color blindness to experience colors perceived by a person with normal color vision, or to allow a person with normal color vision to experience colors perceived by a person with color blindness. Alternatively, the color generation system may be used to provide colors that are perceived in the same way by both people with normal color vision and people with color blindness. The color generation system may also be used to promote the common recognition or mutual understanding of colors among people with C-type, P-type, D-type, T-type, and A-type blood types.

[0022] The color generation system generates a corresponding color, which is another color that takes color vision variability into consideration, based on a reference color. The reference color is a color specified for generating the corresponding color. The corresponding color can be said to be a color that corresponds to the reference color. In one example, the color generation system generates a corresponding spectrum, which is a spectrum of the corresponding color, based on a reference spectrum, which is a spectrum of the reference color. In another example, the color generation system produces a pigment or illuminant of the corresponding color based on the corresponding spectrum.

[0023] [System Configuration] The color generation system is composed of one or more computers. When multiple computers are used, these computers are connected via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet to logically construct a single color generation system.

[0024] A computer constituting a color generation system generally includes hardware devices such as a processor, memory, a communication interface, an input device, and an output device. Examples of processors include a CPU and a GPU. The memory may be configured with a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The communication interface may be configured with a network card or a wireless communication module. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a microphone, a sensor, and a camera. Examples of output devices include a monitor, a touch panel, a head-mounted display (HMD), and a speaker.

[0025] The color generation program for causing a computer to function as a color generation system includes program code for implementing each functional module of the color generation system. This color generation program may be provided in a form non-temporarily recorded on a tangible recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the color generation program may be provided via a communications network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave. The provided color generation program is recorded in, for example, a memory.

[0026] The configuration of an example color generation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the color generation system 1.

[0027] The color generation system 1 includes a color conversion system 10. The color conversion system 10 is a computer system that generates a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum. The color conversion system 10 may be composed of a single computer or multiple computers connected to each other via a communication network. The color conversion system 10 includes a processor 101 and a memory 102. In one example, the processor 101 functions as an acquisition unit 11, a response calculation unit 12, a spectrum calculation unit 13, and a generation unit 14. The memory 102 pre-stores a predetermined reference model, which is data representing the color vision system of a reference color vision person. At least one of a normal color vision person and a color-blind person is assumed as the reference color vision person. Reference models may be prepared for both normal color vision people and color-blind people. When a color-blind person is assumed as the reference color vision person, reference models may be prepared for each type of color vision; for example, a P-type reference model, a D-type reference model, a T-type reference model, and an A-type reference model may be prepared. Furthermore, reference models may be prepared that take into account differences in the severity or severity of color deficiency.

[0028] The acquisition unit 11 is a functional module that acquires input data indicating a reference spectrum, a subject model, and a consideration ratio. The subject model is data indicating the color vision system of the subject. The subject is a person who is assumed to be the target for whom the corresponding color is provided. The subject may have normal color vision or may be a specific type of color blind person such as P-type or D-type. The consideration ratio is an index that indicates the degree of change from the reference color to the corresponding color.

[0029] The response calculation unit 12 is a functional module that calculates a reference response, which is a response from the color vision system of a person who views a reference color. The response calculation unit 12 calculates the reference response based on the reference spectrum and the reference model. The response corresponds to an electrical signal transmitted from the L-cones, M-cones, and S-cones to the brain through the optic nerve.

[0030] The spectrum calculation unit 13 is a functional module that calculates a transformation spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response. A "response that matches or approximates the reference response" refers to a response whose difference from the reference response is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0031] The generator 14 is a functional module that generates a corresponding spectrum based on at least the transformed spectrum. In one example, the generator 14 generates the corresponding spectrum based on the reference spectrum, the transformed spectrum, and the consideration ratio.

[0032] The color generation system 1 may further include a manufacturing device 20. The manufacturing device 20 is a device or a group of devices that manufactures a pigment 40 of a corresponding color from one or more pigment materials 30 prepared in advance based on the corresponding spectrum. A pigment is a substance that imparts color to an object. The pigment may be a dye or a pigment.

[0033] [Color Vision Model] Both the reference model and the subject model can be considered color vision models that represent the human color vision system. In one example, the color vision model shows the sensitivity characteristics of L cones, M cones, and S cones. The sensitivity characteristics are also called spectral characteristics. Figure 2 is a graph showing examples of the sensitivity characteristics of each cone for a person with normal color vision and a person with color deficiency. The horizontal and vertical axes of the graph represent wavelength (nm) and relative sensitivity, respectively. The color deficiency person shown in Figure 2 corresponds to P-type color deficiency. Compared to a person with normal color vision (C-type), the sensitivity characteristics of the M cones and L cones overlap to a greater extent. These differences in sensitivity characteristics result in differences in color recognition or discrimination.

[0034] [System Operation] A color generation method executed by the color generation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the color generation system 1 as a processing flow S1.

[0035] In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a reference spectrum, a subject model, and a consideration ratio. In one example, a user of the color conversion system 10 inputs a reference color, the subject's color vision type, and the consideration ratio. The acquisition unit 11 accepts the input and reads out a reference spectrum corresponding to the reference color and a subject model corresponding to the color vision type from a predetermined storage device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 11 may accept input of the reference spectrum, the subject model, and the consideration ratio. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 11 may receive this data from another computer.

[0036] In one example, the reference spectrum is represented by the reflectance (%) at each wavelength (nm) in the visible light range. The reference spectrum may be expressed as a spectral function that indicates the relationship between wavelength and reflectance.

[0037] In one example, the subject model represents the sensitivity characteristics of each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones as shown in FIG. 2 . The subject model may be expressed by a sensitivity function that indicates the relationship between wavelength and relative sensitivity. This sensitivity function may be prepared for each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones. As described above, the subject model represents the color vision system (color vision model) of either a person with normal color vision or a person with color deficiency. The subject model may be a color vision model obtained by measuring the sensitivities of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of an individual (subject), or may be a color vision model based on representative values ​​such as P-type acuity, D-type acuity, etc.

[0038] In one example, the consideration ratio is represented by a numerical value greater than 0% and equal to or less than 100%. When the consideration ratio is 0%, the corresponding color is the same as the reference color. When the consideration ratio is 100%, the color perceived by the subject who views the corresponding color matches or is close to the color perceived by the reference color vision person who views the reference color. In other words, when the consideration ratio is 100%, the subject can experience through the corresponding color the situation in which the reference color vision person views the reference color. When the consideration ratio is within a specific numerical value or numerical range, the colors perceived by both the subject who views the corresponding color and the reference color vision person can match or nearly match. Such a consideration ratio can be, for example, 20% or a value close to it.

[0039] In step S12, the response calculation unit 12 calculates a reference response based on the reference spectrum and the reference model. The reference response may be defined by a response α from an L cone, a response β from an M cone, and a response γ from an S cone, and in the present disclosure, this reference response is expressed as (α, β, γ).

[0040] In one example, the response calculation unit 12 calculates the response from each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the reference color vision subject when the cones sense a reference color as follows: The response calculation unit 12 calculates the product of the relative sensitivity of the cone and the reflectance shown in the reference spectrum at each wavelength in the visible light range. This product can be said to indicate the degree of excitation. The response calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of the products at each wavelength as the response from the cone.

[0041] Let the wavelength be represented by x, and let the sensitivity functions of the L cone, M cone, and S cone be fＬ (x), f Ｍ (x), f Ｓ Let the spectral function of the reference color be expressed as (x) and the spectral function of the reference color as g(x). In this case, the responses α, β, and γ can be expressed as equations (1) to (3), respectively. α = ∫f Ｌ (x)g(x)dx…(1) β=∫f Ｍ (x)g(x)dx…(2) γ=∫f Ｓ (x)g(x)dx…(3)

[0042] That is, the response calculation section 12 can calculate the integral of the product of the sensitivity function and the spectral function for each cone as the reference response (α, β, γ).

[0043] In step S13, the spectrum calculation unit 13 calculates a transformed spectrum based on the reference spectrum, the subject model, and the reference response. In one example, the spectrum calculation unit 13 generates a candidate spectrum by modifying at least a portion of the reference spectrum. The spectrum calculation unit 13 then inputs the candidate spectrum into the subject model and calculates a response from the color vision system of the subject who visually recognizes the color indicated by the candidate spectrum as the subject response (α', β', γ'). The spectrum calculation unit 13 determines whether the subject response (α', β', γ') matches or approximates the reference response (α, β, γ). While modifying at least a portion of the reference spectrum, the spectrum calculation unit 13 searches for a subject response (α', β', γ') that matches or approximates the reference response (α, β, γ), ultimately identifying the transformed spectrum. The transformed spectrum can also be considered a corresponding spectrum when the consideration ratio is 100%.

[0044] In step S14, the generation unit 14 generates a corresponding spectrum based on the reference spectrum, the transformed spectrum, and the consideration ratio. In one example, the generation unit 14 generates the corresponding spectrum by combining the reference spectrum and the transformed spectrum using a linear combination based on the consideration ratio. The reference spectrum, the transformed spectrum, and the consideration ratio are respectively denoted as S ｄ , S ｖ , r, the corresponding spectrum S ｃis expressed by Equation (4), where r is greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. When r=1, that is, when the consideration rate is 100%, the generation unit 14 sets the converted spectrum as the corresponding spectrum as it is. S ｃ = (1 - r) S ｄ +r・S ｖ …(4)

[0045] In step S15, the manufacturing device 20 manufactures a pigment 40 of a corresponding color based on the generated corresponding spectrum. In one example, the manufacturing device 20 refers to the corresponding spectrum to select one or more pigment materials 30 from a plurality of pigment materials 30 prepared in advance and determines a mixing ratio for each of the selected pigment materials 30. The manufacturing device 20 then mixes the selected one or more pigment materials 30 according to the determined mixing ratio to manufacture the pigment 40. The manufacturing device 20 may also generate the pigment 40 according to one or more pigment materials 30 and mixing ratios selected by an operator. In either case, the pigment 40 has a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum and contributes to color expression that takes color vision diversity into consideration.

[0046] [Dye] The structure of the dye 40 manufactured by the color generation system 1 (manufacturing apparatus 20) will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figures 4 to 7 are all graphs showing the relationship between the reference spectrum and the corresponding spectrum. In each graph, the horizontal axis and vertical axis represent wavelength (nm) and reflectance (%), respectively.

[0047] 4 shows four examples 310, 320, 330, and 340. Each of these examples shows a pair of a Gaussian-type reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum generated for a P-type person based on the reference spectrum. Example 310 shows reference spectrum 311 and corresponding spectrum 312 generated based on reference spectrum 311 with a consideration rate of 100%. Corresponding spectra 322, 332, and 342 correspond to reference spectra 321, 331, and 341, respectively. The consideration rate for corresponding spectra 322, 332, and 342 is also 100%.

[0048] 5 shows three examples 350, 360, and 370. Each of these examples shows a pair of a step-function-type reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum generated for a P-type person based on the reference spectrum. Corresponding spectra 352, 362, and 372 correspond to reference spectra 351, 361, and 371, respectively. The consideration rate for corresponding spectra 352, 362, and 372 is also 100%.

[0049] 6 shows four examples 310A, 320A, 330A, and 340A. Each of these examples shows a pair of a Gaussian function-type reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum generated for a type D person based on the reference spectrum. Corresponding spectra 313, 323, 333, and 343 correspond to reference spectra 311, 321, 331, and 341, respectively. The consideration rate for each of the corresponding spectra 313, 323, 333, and 343 is 100%.

[0050] 7 shows three examples 350A, 360A, and 370A. Each of these examples shows a pair of a step-function-type reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum generated for a type D person based on the reference spectrum. Corresponding spectra 353, 363, and 373 correspond to reference spectra 351, 361, and 371, respectively. The consideration rate for corresponding spectra 353, 363, and 373 is also 100%.

[0051] 4 to 7, the corresponding spectrum and the pigment 40 obtained by the color generating system 1 may have the following two characteristics: The reflectance exhibited by the corresponding spectrum is 0.025 or less in the range of 540 to 560 nm, and the corresponding spectrum includes regions in which the reflectance is 0.2 or more in each of the ranges of 380 to 540 nm and 560 to 730 nm.

[0052] The pigment 40 is the result of largely omitting the 540-560 nm range, where the L and M cones tend to overlap significantly in P-type and D-type lenses, and actively utilizing the reflectance in the long wavelength range, which is absorbed mainly by L cones. This pigment 40 makes it possible for a color-blind person to experience situations in which a person with normal color vision perceives reference colors, and vice versa.

[0053] The pigment 40 may be used to manufacture various articles. For example, the pigment 40 may be used in paints or inks, in stationery such as writing implements, sticky notes, and notebooks, or in publications such as picture books, paintings, and photo books. Alternatively, the pigment 40 may be used in other articles such as clothing, fabrics, furniture, accessories, and signs. Articles using the pigment 40 can foster a common understanding of color between people with normal color vision and those with color blindness, and promote mutual understanding regarding color recognition or discrimination. It is also possible to provide color-blind people with the same opportunity to enjoy using articles as people with normal color vision. Alternatively, articles using the pigment 40 can be expected to give color-blind people confidence in their color selections and reduce errors in color selection.

[0054] [Luminescent Body and Its Production] The configuration of a color generation system 1A according to an example will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the color generation system 1A. The color generation system 1A includes the above-described color conversion system 10 and a production device 50. The production device 50 is a device or a group of devices that produces luminescent bodies 60 of corresponding colors based on corresponding spectra. A luminescent body is an item that emits light when excited by excitation energy (electrical energy, chemical energy, light energy, etc.). As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , the color conversion system 10 can be used not only to produce pigments but also to produce luminescent bodies.

[0055] A color generation method executed by the color generation system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the color generation system 1A as a process flow S1A. The process flow S1A differs from the process flow S1 in that it includes step S15A instead of step S15. Step S15A will be described below.

[0056] In step S15A, the manufacturing apparatus 50 manufactures a light emitter 60 of a corresponding color based on the generated corresponding spectrum. In one example, the manufacturing apparatus 50 references the corresponding spectrum to select one or more colors from a plurality of colors prepared in advance and determines the mixing ratio of phosphors for each selected color. The manufacturing apparatus 50 then manufactures a light emitter 60 having one or more phosphors corresponding to the selected one or more colors in the determined mixing ratio. The phosphors of each color prepared for manufacturing the light emitter 60 may be manufactured, for example, by the method disclosed as Example 1 in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-161372. The quantum dots (quantum dot phosphors) disclosed in this document have a sharp emission spectrum with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 30 nm. The manufacturing apparatus 50 may also generate the light emitter 60 according to one or more colors (i.e., one or more phosphors) and mixing ratios selected by an operator. In either case, the light emitter 60 has a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum, contributing to color representation that takes color vision diversity into consideration.

[0057] Like the dye 40 described above, the illuminant 60 manufactured by the color generation system 1A (manufacturing apparatus 50) also exhibits a relationship between a reference spectrum and a corresponding spectrum, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. In the case of the illuminant 60, the vertical axis of each graph in FIGS. 4 to 7 indicates relative intensity. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the corresponding spectrum and illuminant 60 obtained by the color generation system 1A can have the following two characteristics: - The ratio of the maximum intensity Mb of the corresponding spectrum in the range of 380 to 540 nm to the maximum intensity Ma of the corresponding spectrum in the range of 540 to 560 nm is 8.0 or greater. That is, Mb / Ma≧8.0. - The ratio of the maximum intensity Mc of the corresponding spectrum in the range of 560 to 730 nm to the maximum intensity Ma of the corresponding spectrum in the range of 540 to 560 nm is 8.0 or greater. That is, Mc / Ma≧8.0.

[0058] The illuminant 60 is the result of almost completely omitting the 540 to 560 nm range, where the L and M cones tend to overlap greatly in P-type and D-type illuminants, and actively utilizing the intensity of the long wavelength region that is absorbed mainly by L cones. This illuminant 60 makes it possible for a color-blind person to experience situations in which a person with normal color vision perceives reference colors, and vice versa.

[0059] The illuminant 60 may be used to manufacture various articles. The illuminant 60 may be a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material. The illuminant 60 may be used, for example, in displays, traffic lights, lighting, wavelength conversion films, backlights, indicators, luminescent dyes, luminescent paints, or luminescent inks. Articles using the illuminant 60 can help people with normal color vision and those with color blindness to have a common understanding of color and promote mutual understanding regarding color recognition or discrimination. It can also provide people with color blindness with the opportunity to enjoy using articles in the same way as people with normal color vision. Alternatively, articles using the illuminant 60 can be expected to give color blind people confidence in their color selections and reduce errors in color selection.

[0060] [Modifications] The technology according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above based on various examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. The technology according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0061] In the above example, the color conversion system 10 generates a corresponding spectrum based on the consideration ratio. However, if the color generation system (conversion system) sets the converted spectrum as the corresponding spectrum as is, i.e., if a corresponding spectrum with a consideration ratio of 100% is generated, the color generation system (conversion system) does not need to acquire or use the consideration ratio.

[0062] The manufacturing equipment for producing the corresponding color pigments or phosphors may be located in a computer system or control system separate from the color generation system.

[0063] The processing steps of the method executed by at least one processor are not limited to the above examples. For example, some of the above steps may be omitted, or the steps may be executed in a different order. Furthermore, any two or more of the above steps may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be executed in addition to the above steps.

[0064] In the present disclosure, when comparing the magnitude of two numerical values, either of the two criteria "greater than or equal to" and "greater than" may be used, or either of the two criteria "less than or equal to" and "less than" may be used.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the expression "at least one processor executes a first process, executes a second process, ... executes an nth process" or an expression corresponding thereto indicates a concept including a case where the entity executing the n processes from the first process to the nth process, i.e., the processor, changes midway through. In other words, this expression indicates a concept including both a case where all n processes are executed by the same processor and a case where the processor changes among the n processes according to an arbitrary policy.

[0066] Articles using the dyes or illuminants according to the present disclosure are classified into various categories. The categories include, for example, food, clothing, and shelter, clothing / fashion, school / children, brand / advertising, toys, and others. Specific examples of articles included in these categories are as follows: Articles related to food, clothing, and shelter include, for example, clothing, food containing coloring agents, tableware, tablecloths, wallpaper, furniture, and bedding. Articles related to food, clothing, and shelter may also be combinations of wallpaper, furniture, bedding, and the like with lighting. Examples of clothing / fashion-related items include umbrellas, hats, hairpins, hair ties, headbands, hair bands, glasses, sunglasses, earrings, pierced earrings, earphones, cosmetics, nail art items (nail polish, gel, stickers, etc.), necklaces, ties, scarves, mufflers, shawls, tie pins, inner tops, outer tops, inner bottoms, outer bottoms, gloves, wristbands, bracelets, watches, smart watches, rings, smartphone cases, bags, belts, socks, leggings, tights, stockings, anklets, shoes, sandals, geta (wooden clogs), slippers, fans, folding fans, handkerchiefs, towels, etc. Examples of school / child-related items include stationery, notebooks, letter sets, tool cases, school bags, textbooks / teaching materials, uniforms, gym clothes, indoor shoes, paint sets, lunch boxes, crayons, sticky notes, files, binders, etc. Examples of brand / advertising related items include items with logos, signs, advertising items, and packaging (drinks, sweets, book covers, CD jackets). Examples of toy related items include stuffed toys / dolls, play kitchen supplies, and clay. Other items include candles, soap, and business cards. As such, the items according to the present disclosure are diverse, and each category includes specific items. This makes it possible to accommodate a variety of uses or situations.

[0067] [Supplementary Notes] As can be seen from the various examples above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects: (Supplementary Note 1) A color generation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model that represents the color vision system of a subject; a response calculation unit that calculates a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color, as a reference response, based on a predetermined reference model that represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; a spectrum calculation unit that calculates a transformed spectrum for outputting a response that matches or approximates the reference response from the subject model; and a generation unit that generates a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the transformed spectrum. (Supplementary Note 2) The color generation system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires a consideration ratio that represents the degree of change from the reference color to the corresponding color, and the generation unit generates the corresponding spectrum based on the reference spectrum, the transformed spectrum, and the consideration ratio. (Supplementary Note 3) The color generation system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the generation unit generates the corresponding spectrum by combining the reference spectrum and the converted spectrum by linear combination based on the consideration ratio. (Supplementary Note 4) The color generation system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the generation unit sets the converted spectrum as the corresponding spectrum. (Supplementary Note 5) The color generation system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the subject model represents sensitivity characteristics of each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the subject, the reference model represents sensitivity characteristics of each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the reference color vision subject, the response calculation unit calculates responses from each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the reference color vision subject as the reference responses, and the spectrum calculation unit calculates the converted spectrum based on the responses from each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the subject.(Supplementary Note 6) A color generation program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model that represents the color vision system of the subject; calculating a reference response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color based on a predetermined reference model that represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; calculating a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; and generating a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum. (Supplementary Note 7) A method for manufacturing a pigment or illuminant, comprising the steps of: acquiring a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model, which represents the color vision system of a subject; calculating a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color, as a reference response, based on a predetermined reference model, which represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject, and the reference spectrum; calculating a transformation spectrum for causing the subject model to output a response that matches or approximates the reference response; generating a correspondence spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the transformation spectrum; and manufacturing a pigment or illuminant of the corresponding color based on the correspondence spectrum. (Supplementary Note 8) A pigment, which has a correspondence spectrum based on the reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of the reference color, (Supplementary Note 9) A light emitter having a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum that is a spectrum of a reference color, wherein a ratio of a maximum intensity in a range of 380 to 540 nm of the corresponding spectrum to a maximum intensity in a range of 540 to 560 nm of the corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more, and a ratio of a maximum intensity in a range of 560 to 730 nm of the corresponding spectrum to a maximum intensity in the range of 540 to 560 nm of the corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more.

[0068] According to Supplementary Notes 1 and 6, a conversion spectrum that allows a subject to perceive a reference color in the same way as a reference color vision person is calculated, and a spectrum of a corresponding color (corresponding spectrum) that corresponds to the reference color is generated based on this conversion spectrum. This corresponding spectrum makes it possible to provide colors taking color vision diversity into consideration.

[0069] According to Supplementary Note 2, the consideration ratio can be used to generate a desired corresponding spectrum in detail. For example, it is possible to generate a color spectrum that is recognized in the same way by both people with normal color vision and people with color deficiency.

[0070] According to Supplementary Note 3, the reference spectrum and the transformed spectrum are synthesized by linear combination, so that the corresponding spectrum can be generated by simple calculation.

[0071] According to Supplementary Note 4, the converted spectrum is set as the corresponding spectrum as it is, so that it is possible to allow a person with color-blindness to experience colors that a person with normal color vision perceives, and vice versa.

[0072] According to Supplementary Note 5, a subject model and a reference model that mimic the actual human color vision system are used, so that the corresponding spectrum can be generated more accurately.

[0073] According to Supplementary Note 7, a conversion spectrum that allows a subject to perceive a reference color in the same way as a reference color vision person is calculated, and a spectrum of a corresponding color (correspondence spectrum) corresponding to the reference color is generated based on this conversion spectrum. Then, a dye or illuminant of the corresponding color is manufactured based on this correspondence spectrum. By using this dye or illuminant, it is possible to provide colors taking color vision diversity into consideration.

[0074] According to Supplementary Note 8, by using a dye having the above properties, it is possible to provide colors taking into account color vision diversity.

[0075] According to Supplementary Note 9, by using an illuminant having the above characteristics, it is possible to provide colors taking into account color vision diversity.

[0076] 1, 1A...color generation system, 10...color conversion system, 11...acquisition unit, 12...response calculation unit, 13...spectrum calculation unit, 14...generation unit, 20...manufacturing apparatus, 30...dye material, 40...dye, 50...manufacturing apparatus, 60...illuminant.

Claims

1. A color generation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model that represents the color vision system of a subject; a response calculation unit that calculates a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color as a reference response based on a predetermined reference model that represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; a spectrum calculation unit that calculates a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; and a generation unit that generates a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum.

2. The color generation system of claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires a consideration ratio indicating the degree of change from the reference color to the corresponding color, and the generation unit generates the corresponding spectrum based on the reference spectrum, the converted spectrum, and the consideration ratio.

3. The color generation system according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit generates the corresponding spectrum by synthesizing the reference spectrum and the converted spectrum by a linear combination based on the consideration ratio.

4. The color generating system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit sets the converted spectrum as the corresponding spectrum.

5. A color generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the subject model indicates the sensitivity characteristics of each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the subject; the reference model indicates the sensitivity characteristics of each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the reference color vision person; the response calculation unit calculates responses from each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the reference color vision person as the reference responses; and the spectrum calculation unit calculates the conversion spectrum based on the responses from each of the L cones, M cones, and S cones of the subject.

6. A color generation program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model that represents the color vision system of a subject; calculating a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color as a reference response based on a predetermined reference model that represents the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; calculating a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; and generating a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum.

7. A method for manufacturing a pigment or illuminant, comprising the steps of: obtaining a reference spectrum, which is the spectrum of a reference color, and a subject model representing the color vision system of a subject; calculating a response from the color vision system of a reference color vision subject who visually recognizes the reference color as a reference response based on a predetermined reference model representing the color vision system of the reference color vision subject and the reference spectrum; calculating a conversion spectrum for outputting a response from the subject model that matches or approximates the reference response; generating a corresponding spectrum, which is the spectrum of a corresponding color that corresponds to the reference color, based on the conversion spectrum; and manufacturing a pigment or illuminant of the corresponding color based on the corresponding spectrum.

8. A dye having a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum which is a spectrum of a reference color, the reflectance shown by said corresponding spectrum being 0.025 or less in the range of 540 to 560 nm, and the corresponding spectrum including regions in which the reflectance is 0.2 or more in each of the ranges of 380 to 540 nm and 560 to 730 nm.

9. A light emitter having a corresponding spectrum based on a reference spectrum which is a spectrum of a reference color, wherein a ratio of a maximum intensity in a range of 380 to 540 nm of said corresponding spectrum to a maximum intensity in a range of 540 to 560 nm of said corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more, and a ratio of a maximum intensity in a range of 560 to 730 nm of said corresponding spectrum to a maximum intensity in a range of 540 to 560 nm of said corresponding spectrum is 8.0 or more.

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