Mobile Device Color Detection Using Flash Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color detection systems are not suitable for mobile communication devices due to their large size and high cost, and current phone cameras provide limited accuracy in color measurement, often distorted by ambient light.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a color sensing circuit or module into a mobile device, which can measure surface colors accurately without being disturbed by ambient light, allowing for color detection and matching capabilities, and adjusting the device's cover color to match the detected color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated color sensing system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase making it unsuitable for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the color sensing function with the mobile device's existing camera system. The camera, which is already present in mobile devices, is utilized for color detection by capturing images under controlled lighting conditions, thereby integrating color sensing into an existing device rather than adding a separate dedicated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's camera is made multi-functional by using it not only for general photography but also for color measurement. The system processes camera images to extract color information, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes: imaging and color sensing.
2Device complexity
If a camera is used for color detection, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient light distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by using a flash device to illuminate the target object before ambient light can distort the color measurement. The flash provides controlled, consistent lighting that pre-empts the harmful effect of variable ambient light conditions, ensuring accurate color capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of ambient light into a benefit by using the flash to create controlled lighting conditions. The flash transforms the uncontrolled ambient environment into a controlled measurement scenario, where the lighting is standardized and reproducible, turning a challenging condition into an advantage for accurate color detection.
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
Enables portable and accurate color sensing and matching on mobile devices, allowing users to compare colors and adjust the device's appearance to match detected colors, enhancing usability in various applications such as furniture or clothing selection.
Implementation Method 1
measure surface colors accurately without being disturbed by ambient light
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a color of a cover of the mobile communication device to correspond to the detected color
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes a detecting at least one color on a substrate using a mobile communication device, identifying the detected color and outputting a result of the identification with the mobile communication device.