Image Capturing Unit for Stable Color Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color measurement techniques in image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving stable imaging due to variations in image-capturing conditions and positional relations between the subject, reference color chart, and camera, leading to instability in color measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing unit that simultaneously captures a subject and a reference chart, using a sensor unit and a calculating unit to calculate color measurement values based on the images of both, ensuring accurate and stable color measurement by maintaining consistent imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrum measurer is used to perform color measurement with high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an imaging apparatus to capture images of the color measurement target and reference color chart, creating a digital copy that can be processed to obtain color measurement values. This replaces the need for expensive spectrum measurers while maintaining measurement capability through image analysis and color space conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a color video camera or imaging apparatus with image sensor, which are considerably cheaper than spectrum measurers. These imaging devices capture the necessary color information through RGB values that can be converted to standard color space values, providing a cost-effective alternative for color measurement.
2Ease of manufacture
If a color video camera is used to image the subject and reference color chart, then cost is reduced, but stability of imaging deteriorates due to variations in image-capturing conditions and positional relations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging of the subject and the reference color chart into a single captured image. By positioning the reference color chart adjacent to the subject within the same field of view, both are imaged simultaneously under identical conditions, eliminating the need for separate measurements and ensuring consistent lighting and angular conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the RGB data from the reference color chart captured in the same image to correct the RGB data of the subject. This feedback mechanism compensates for variations in image-capturing conditions by comparing the subject's colors against the known reference colors under the same lighting and viewing conditions.
3Reliability
If the reference color chart is positioned near the subject, then stable imaging is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The reference color chart serves multiple functions: it provides a reference for color correction, enables stabilization of imaging conditions, and acts as a positional reference. By integrating these functions into a single component positioned adjacent to the subject, the patent reduces the need for separate positioning systems and complex alignment 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 approach enables stable and accurate color measurement, enhancing the reproducibility of images by correcting for device-specific characteristics and variations in image-capturing conditions, thereby improving the overall quality of output images.
Implementation Method 1
an image of a subject and a reference chart, which is arranged in a predetermined area of the subject and captured with the subject by the sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing unit includes a sensor unit that image-captures a predetermined area including a subject; and a reference chart unit that is arranged in the predetermined area and captured with the subject by the sensor unit.