Colorimetric System with Dynamic Reference Color Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing colorimetric systems lack a user interface that effectively supports various use cases, particularly when the reference color is not an existing color or the sample color has not been subjected to colorimetry, leading to difficulties in determining color changes and matching.

Innovation Solution

A colorimetric system that includes an acquiring unit for colorimetric values, a display processing unit for displaying a comparison graphic combining reference and sample color graphics, and a comparison processing unit for comparing color values, allowing users to visually recognize changes and match colors across different use cases by toggling the reference color state between locked and unlocked modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional colorimetric system compares reference color with sample color, then color matching can be achieved, but the system cannot effectively support various use cases where reference color is not an existing color or sample color has not been subjected to colorimetry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various use casesVSAvoiddifficulty in determining color changes and matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The colorimetric system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an acquiring unit for obtaining colorimetric values, a display processing unit for generating comparison graphics, and a comparison processing unit for analyzing color differences. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of colorimetry independently, enabling the system to adapt to various use cases while maintaining ease of operation through specialized processing for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic reference color management where the reference color can be switched between a fixed predetermined color and a flexible measured color based on the specific use case. The display processing unit dynamically generates comparison graphics that adapt to different scenarios, allowing users to easily determine color changes and matching regardless of whether the reference color is pre-defined or measured during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the reference color is fixed to a predetermined color, then color matching is simplified, but the system cannot handle cases where the reference color needs to be a measured color

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of color matchingVSAvoidability to handle measured reference colors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The acquiring unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple scenarios: it can acquire colorimetric values for both predetermined reference colors and measured reference colors. The comparison processing unit universally compares any reference color (whether predetermined or measured) with sample colors, making the system adaptable to various use cases while maintaining consistent and simple color matching operations across all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the system displays only colorimetric values, then data accuracy is maintained, but users cannot visually recognize color changes and matching results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of colorimetric dataVSAvoidvisual recognition of color changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display processing unit acts as an intermediary between the raw colorimetric data and the user's visual perception. It generates comparison graphics that visually represent color differences while being based on accurate colorimetric values from the acquiring unit and comparison processing unit. This intermediary function preserves measurement precision while enabling intuitive visual recognition of color changes and matching results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display processing unit utilizes color changes in the generated comparison graphics to represent and communicate color differences between reference and sample colors. By translating colorimetric data into visual color representations, the system maintains measurement accuracy while providing users with intuitive visual feedback for recognizing color changes and matching outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS11928324B2Colorimetric system, colorimetric method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A colorimetric system includes an acquiring unit that acquires a colorimetric value obtained by performing colorimetry by a colorimetric unit, a display processing unit that performs a process of displaying a comparison graphic obtained by combining a reference color graphic of a reference color region with a sample color graphic of a sample color region, and a comparison processing unit that compares a color value of a reference color set in the reference color region with a color value of a sample color set in the sample color region.