MR Color Code Overlay for Faded Industrial Markings

Solution Overview

Problem

Color codes in industrial environments may fade or become obscured by factors like steam, dust, or colored fumes, making it difficult for workers and robots to accurately recognize objects and perform tasks.

Innovation Solution

A mixed reality (MR)-based system using a head-mounted display with a camera, processor, and machine learning network to analyze images and overlay the intended color codes onto objects, correcting for fading or obscured colors based on predefined standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If color codes are applied to items in industrial settings, then item recognition is improved, but color fading and obscuration occur over time reducing visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor code visibilityVSAvoidcolor code durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the color code information and overlays it onto the physical item through augmented reality. Instead of relying solely on the physical paint which fades, the color code is reproduced digitally and superimposed on the camera feed, allowing workers to see the correct color information even when the physical marking is obscured or faded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera, processing unit, and display device that mediates between the physical item and the worker's perception. The camera captures the item, the processor identifies and corrects color information, and the display presents the corrected view to the worker, effectively bridging the gap between faded physical markings and required visual information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical color codes are used on items, then recognition is straightforward, but environmental factors like steam, dust, and fumes obscure the colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor recognition easeVSAvoidenvironmental obscuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the color code information and overlays it onto the physical item through augmented reality. Instead of relying solely on the physical paint which fades, the color code is reproduced digitally and superimposed on the camera feed, allowing workers to see the correct color information even when the physical marking is obscured or faded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the color code information from the physical dimension (paint on the item surface) to a digital/virtual dimension (overlay on camera feed). This dimensional shift allows the color information to exist independently of environmental conditions that affect physical markings, as the digital overlay can be maintained regardless of steam, dust, or fumes in the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12620144B2Mixed reality (MR) based color code correction and creation in an environmental setting

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer-implemented method includes receiving an image of an area, identifying an item in the area, determining an intended color of the item according to a predefined color code, analyzing the image for determining if the intended color of the item is diminished on and/or absent from the item, and outputting a mixed reality (MR) image of the area in which the intended color is overlayed on the item in response to determining that the intended color of the item is diminished and/or absent.