Colorimetry Device Patch Alignment via Reference Chart Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In colorimetry devices, accurately positioning measurement regions over patches in color charts with increasing numbers of colors and smaller patch sizes becomes challenging, leading to difficulties in automatic recognition and requiring manual corrections, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetry device and method that utilize reference chart definition information to align the colorimetry unit with patch positions, using imaging and movement units to ensure accurate color measurement even when automatic recognition is difficult, by comparing the color chart with a reference chart and adjusting positions based on stored patch position information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of colors and patches in the color chart increases, then the color adjustment capability improves, but the patch size decreases and automatic recognition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the color chart, and uses image processing algorithms as a mediator to automatically detect and recognize patch positions. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the increased patch density and the ability to automatically locate and measure each patch accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and visual recognition with an automated optical imaging system and computer-based image processing. The camera captures the entire color chart, and software algorithms automatically identify patch boundaries and centers, eliminating the need for manual positioning despite the increased number of smaller patches.
2Measurement precision
If manual correction is performed for unrecognized patches, then measurement accuracy improves, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and correcting its own measurement positions through image processing. When patches are not initially recognized, the system uses image analysis to locate them and adjusts measurement positions automatically without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the color chart, compares detected patch positions with expected positions, and automatically adjusts measurement locations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate measurement while eliminating manual correction steps, as the system self-corrects any recognition errors in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
In a colorimetry device and a colorimetry method of the present invention, reference chart definition information including at least reference chart identification information about a reference color chart and patch position definition information indicating a position of each of plurality of patches in the reference color chart is stored, and whether the obtained color chart is matched with the reference color chart is determined based on the reference chart identification information. When the obtained color chart is determined to be matched with the reference color chart, a position of a colorimetry unit with respect to the color chart is relatively moved to the position of each of the plurality of patches in the color chart based on the reference chart definition information, and the colorimetry unit measures the color of each of the plurality of patches.