Color-Chip Spectral Approximation for Device-Independent Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image analysis methods require time-consuming and labor-intensive calibration for each imaging device due to differences in spectral sensitivity, and using color chips with different coloring materials can lead to inaccurate reproduction of object image signal values.
Innovation Solution
An image analysis method that approximates the spectral characteristics of an object using a plurality of color chips with different coloring materials, allowing estimation of image signal values without relying on the spectral sensitivity of the imaging device, using an approximation expression with coefficients set within a specific range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each imaging device to correct spectral sensitivity differences, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to time-consuming and labor-intensive calibration for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spectral characteristic database that serves as a reference model representing ideal spectral characteristics. Instead of calibrating each imaging device individually, the system captures images of color chips with known spectral characteristics, compares them against the database, and generates correction values. This copying approach allows multiple devices to use the same reference standard, eliminating repetitive calibration work while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements by capturing images of color chips with known spectral characteristics before actual object measurement. These preliminary actions generate correction values that are stored and reused for subsequent measurements. By performing the calibration work in advance and storing the results, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration before each measurement session.
2Ease of operation
If color chips with different coloring materials are used to substitute for objects, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spectral characteristic differences between coloring materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces color chips with known spectral characteristics as an intermediary between the imaging device and the actual object. These color chips serve as a bridge that allows the system to measure and compare spectral characteristics without requiring the actual object to be present. The known spectral characteristics of the color chips enable accurate correction values to be generated, which then apply to images of the actual object, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct object characteristics to color chip characteristics with known spectral properties. By measuring the color chips instead of the objects directly, and using the known spectral characteristics of the chips to calculate correction values, the system maintains measurement accuracy while greatly simplifying the operational process. The correction values compensate for any spectral differences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color chips with different colors are used for approximation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for spectral characteristic acquisition and approximation expression calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral characteristic approximation into discrete color chip components. Instead of attempting to model all possible colors continuously, the system uses a finite set of color chips with known spectral characteristics. Each color chip represents a segment of the color space, and the system determines which segments are needed based on the object being measured. This segmentation approach maintains adaptability across different colors while limiting the complexity to a manageable number of discrete elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the complexity parameter by using a fixed set of color chips with predetermined spectral characteristics rather than requiring continuous spectral measurement. The approximation expression uses these fixed parameters, and the system only needs to determine which color chips are relevant for each measurement. This approach maintains versatility for different colors while keeping the processing complexity bounded by the fixed color chip set.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image analysis method, an image analysis device, a program, and a recording medium capable of accurately estimating an image signal value of an object color-developed by using a specific coloring material by using an image signal value of a color chip.The embodiment of the present invention acquires a spectral characteristic of an object color-developed by using a specific coloring material, acquires a spectral characteristic of each of a plurality of color chips formed of coloring materials different from the specific coloring material, approximates the spectral characteristic of the object by using an approximation expression including the spectral characteristic of each of the plurality of color chips as variables, acquires an image signal value, which is obtained by imaging each of the plurality of color chips by an imaging device and which corresponds to color of a captured image, for each color chip, and estimates the image signal value, which is obtained in a case where the object is imaged by the imaging device, based on the acquired image signal value for each color chip and the approximation expression.