Chewing Ability Measurement Using Color-Calibrated Smartphone Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining chewing ability using chewing check gum lack objectivity and accuracy, and color difference meters are expensive and not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a dedicated mount with chromatic reference colors, gum position detection markers, and a gray color for illuminance correction, combined with image analysis using a smartphone camera and application, to objectively and accurately measure the gum's color change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual comparison with color scale is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the color scale embedded in a QR code, which can be photographed and displayed on a smartphone screen. This digital replica serves as the reference standard, replacing physical color charts while enabling automated image analysis for precise color measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison with automated image processing algorithms. The smartphone camera captures the gum color, and software automatically analyzes the color values, substituting the mechanical/visual process with computational analysis to achieve both ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If color difference meter is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable color difference meters with a disposable smartphone camera and free image processing software. The smartphone, which most users already possess, serves as the measurement device, eliminating the need for specialized expensive equipment while maintaining measurement precision through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement system universal by using a smartphone camera that can perform multiple functions (photography, color measurement, image analysis) instead of a dedicated color difference meter. The same device used for everyday photography becomes a precise measurement instrument through software processing.
3Measurement precision
If automated image analysis is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by embedding the color scale reference in a QR code that can be photographed along with the gum. The system pre-processes the image to locate the QR code, extract color values, and automatically compare them against the embedded reference, eliminating the need for users to manually set up or calibrate the measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by using the smartphone's built-in camera and processing capabilities. The image analysis software automatically detects the gum color, extracts color values, compares them with the reference scale, and determines chewing ability without requiring external equipment or complex user operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables objective, accurate, and cost-effective determination of chewing ability by analyzing the gum's color change through image processing, overcoming the limitations of visual comparison and expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A post-chew gum, which is placed on a dedicated mount, is photographed and analyzed with the use of a camera
Implementation Method 2
the gray color is provided around the chromatic reference colors (color chart), making it possible to correct the illuminance unevenness of the chromatic reference colors (color chart) (lighting conditions and the like)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method capable of objectively, accurately and readily measuring the color of a post-chew chewing check gum is desired. The post-chew chewing check gum is placed on a dedicated mount 10 provided with chromatic reference colors 12, and the dedicated mount 10 is photographed by a camera. A photographed image of the chromatic reference colors 12 is compared with the chromatic reference colors 12 provided on the dedicated mount 10, and a color correction amount of the photographed chromatic reference color image is calculated. Then, the correction amount is applied to the color of a chewing check gum image to detect the true color of the chewing check gum placed on the dedicated mount 10. The true color of the post-chew chewing check gum is applied to a preliminarily stored chewing ability determination color scale to measure the chewing ability of a person who has chewed the chewing check gum.