Color Measurement Data Comparison for Component Boundary Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for comparing colors of components in assembly manufacturing are subjective and lack a quantified approach, leading to potential visual recognition of color differences at boundaries between components.

Innovation Solution

A color measurement data processing device and system that enables quantified comparison of colors between first and second components via a networked system, allowing component manufacturers to measure and compare colors independently, with an assembly manufacturer performing the final comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual comparison method is used to compare colors of components, then the comparison process is simple, but the comparison result is subjective and may lead to visual recognition of color differences at boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of comparison processVSAvoidobjectivity of color comparison
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual comparison method with an optical measurement system. Colorimeters or spectrophotometers objectively measure color values (L*a*b* coordinates) of components, converting subjective visual assessment into quantifiable data that can be precisely compared and analyzed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces color measurement data as an intermediary between the components and the comparison process. Instead of directly comparing visual appearances, the system measures and compares colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, b* values), providing an objective basis for determining color compatibility at boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If assembly manufacturer conducts visual comparison between colors of first and second components, then the comparison can be performed, but the burden on assembly manufacturer increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantified color comparisonVSAvoidefficiency of assembly manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary color measurement and evaluation by component manufacturers before components are supplied to the assembly manufacturer. Color compatibility is assessed in advance, and only components meeting color specifications are supplied, eliminating the need for time-consuming comparisons at the assembly stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the color comparison task into separate segments: component manufacturers perform color measurement and self-evaluation of their components, while the assembly manufacturer receives pre-evaluated components. This segmentation distributes the workload and improves overall manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If component manufacturers measure colors independently and provide data to assembly manufacturer, then the burden on assembly manufacturer is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of assembly manufacturingVSAvoidcomplexity of color measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal color measurement standards (CIE L*a*b* color space) and common instrumentation that can be used by any component manufacturer. The same measurement principles and data formats apply across different manufacturers and component types, simplifying the overall system despite multiple independent measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms color information into standardized parametric form (L*, a*, b* coordinates) that can be easily transmitted, stored, and compared. This parameter transformation simplifies data exchange between component manufacturers and the assembly manufacturer, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3239669B1Colorimetric data processing device, colorimetric data processing system, colorimetric data processing method, and colorimetric data processing program
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3239669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3239669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3239669B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A color measurement data receiving section (45) receives, via the Internet (3), first color measurement data representing a color exhibited by a first component constituting a product, and second color measurement data representing a color exhibited by a second component different from the first component and constituting the product. A comparative data generation section (47) generates comparative data capable of enabling the color exhibited by the first component and the color exhibited by the second component to be compared with each other, using the first color measurement data and the second color measurement data received by the color measurement data receiving section (45).