Color Filter Selection Using Chromatic Visual Performance Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing color filter selection methods rely on subjective preferences, failing to optimize visual performance for specific tasks and environments due to the lack of objective quantification of visual performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for selecting a color filter by submitting a subject to a colored spatio-temporal visual stimulus with varying chromaticity, evaluating visual performance, and choosing a filter based on objective measurements to enhance visual tasks in given environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple color filters are measured and evaluated to ensure optimal performance, then the quality and consistency of light transmission is improved, but the time and complexity of the selection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor filter performance consistencyVSAvoidfilter selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex multi-parameter evaluation of color filters into a single dominant parameter (luminous flux) by using photopic and scotopic luminous flux measurements. This parameter transformation allows rapid comparison and selection of filters without requiring comprehensive measurement of all optical properties, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement thoroughness and selection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces luminous flux as an intermediary metric that mediates between the complex spectral characteristics of color filters and the practical requirement for rapid selection. By using luminous flux values (particularly the ratio of photopic to scotopic luminous flux), the system provides a simplified comparison mechanism that maintains quality assurance while dramatically reducing selection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If color filters are selected based on comprehensive spectral measurements, then the accuracy of color rendering is improved, but the device complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor rendering accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential information needed for color filter selection by focusing on luminous flux measurements under different illuminants rather than requiring complete spectral characterization. This extraction approach captures the critical performance aspects (color rendering under various lighting conditions) while eliminating the need for complex spectral measurement equipment and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive photometric measurements (luminous flux under standard illuminants) instead of expensive and complex spectral radiometry equipment. This approach uses accessible, well-established measurement methods that provide sufficient accuracy for practical filter selection without requiring sophisticated instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the selection process considers multiple illuminants and viewing conditions, then the adaptability of the lighting system is improved, but the complexity of evaluation and selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting system adaptabilityVSAvoidevaluation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal selection criterion (luminous flux ratio under photopic and scotopic conditions) that works across multiple illuminants and application scenarios. This single evaluation metric provides multi-functionality by assessing filter performance under various lighting conditions (daylight, incandescent, fluorescent, LED) without requiring separate evaluation procedures for each condition, thus maintaining adaptability while simplifying the process.

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

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

The method optimizes visual performance by personalizing color filters to individual chromatic sensitivity, enhancing contrast sensitivity and other visual functions based on objective evaluation, accounting for environmental and task-specific needs.

Implementation Method 1

a first color filter of a first plurality of color filters, each color filter having different spectral transmittance characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtration: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a photopic luminous flux, which corresponds to a luminous flux measured under a photopic illuminant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopic vision:

Implementation Method 3

a scotopic luminous flux, which corresponds to a luminous flux measured under a scotopic illuminant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScotopic vision:

Data Source

PatentEP3721288B1Method and system for selecting a color filter, optical article comprising such a color filter
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3721288B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3721288B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for selecting a color filter intended to be worn by a subject in order to improve his visual performance for a given visual task to be realized in a given environment. According to the invention, said method comprises the steps of: - submitting said subject to a colored spatio-temporal visual stimulus adapted to evaluate said visual performance for said given visual task, said stimulus being designed so that its chromaticity may be modified; - evaluating the visual performance of the subject based on his visual perception of said visual stimulus, the chromaticity of the visual stimulus taking at least two distinct values, each chromaticity being uniform; and - selecting said color filter based on the results of said evaluation. The invention further proposes an optical article comprising such a color filter. The invention finally provides a system for selecting a color filter using said method.