Image Analysis Device Differential Color Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colorimeter devices face difficulties in accurately measuring subject colors due to external light interference, either requiring light-shielding members or pre-prepared color profiles that are challenging to select in varying illumination conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image analysis device captures a subject with and without illumination, using differential color information between these images to estimate the subject's color, thereby isolating external light effects without needing color samples or pre-defined profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light-shielding member is used to prevent external light interference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external light interference component by capturing an image without the light source and subtracting it from the image captured with the light source. This mathematical extraction eliminates the need for physical light-shielding members while achieving the same goal of removing external light influence from measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image (the image captured without light source illumination) that serves as a mediator to represent external light effects. By using this intermediary image for calculation, the system can separate external light interference from the actual subject reflection, achieving accurate measurement without complex light-shielding hardware.
2Measurement precision
If pre-prepared color profiles for multiple illumination conditions are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to profile selection difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine the appropriate color profile by capturing an image without light source illumination and analyzing the spectral characteristics. The system self-adapts to the current illumination conditions without requiring manual profile selection, eliminating the operational burden while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach from using fixed pre-prepared color profiles to dynamically determining color profiles based on captured images without light source illumination. By analyzing the spectral data from these images, the system adapts the color profile parameters to match the actual illumination conditions, eliminating the need for manual selection.
3Measurement precision
If color samples are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and device simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color information directly from the subject by capturing images with and without light source illumination and calculating the differential. This eliminates the need for separate color samples and reference charts, allowing direct measurement of the subject's color properties without requiring additional measurement objects or complex calibration procedures.
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
This method allows for accurate and easy color measurement of subjects by removing external light influence, enhancing measurement accuracy without the need for color samples or complex profile selection.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit that emits light to the subject; an image capturing unit that captures a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image analysis device according to the present invention includes: an image capturing unit that captures a subject; a light emitting unit that emits light to the subject; a control unit that causes the image capturing unit to capture a first image of the subject while causing the light emitting unit to emit light and causes the image capturing unit to capture a second image of the subject while not causing the light emitting unit to emit light; and an estimation unit that estimates color of the subject based on a differential value between color information on the first image and the color information on the second image.