Custom Ostomy Pouch Color Matching via Digital Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for customizable ostomy pouches and pouch covers that can closely match a user's skin tone and include personalized decorative elements, as existing prefabricated products cannot be manufactured in a wide range of colors to accommodate individual preferences and skin types.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a calibrated color gauge and direct-to-textile printing or transfer media lamination to apply custom colors and designs onto ostomy pouch covers and comfort panels, allowing for precise color matching and personalization based on user-provided images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prefabricated off-the-shelf ostomy pouches are manufactured in standard colors only, then manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements are reduced, but the ability to match individual skin tones and user preferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary color analysis by processing user-provided images of their skin tone against a calibrated color gauge to identify precise color values before manufacturing. This allows the custom color to be determined in advance, enabling selective printing only when needed rather than maintaining extensive inventory of all possible colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the color parameter dynamically by receiving image data, processing it through color analysis algorithms, and outputting customized color values that can be applied to the pouch. This transforms the manufacturing process from static standard colors to dynamic parameter-based customization without requiring physical inventory of every possible color variant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of custom colors is offered to match all skin tones, then user satisfaction and comfort are improved, but the number of product variants and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing physical variants for every possible skin tone, the system creates a digital copy of the user's skin tone color data through image processing. This digital color profile is then used to generate customized pouches on demand, eliminating the need to produce and inventory physical variants for all 110 skin tone shades while still achieving precise color matching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom colors are applied using traditional painting or dyeing methods, then color customization is achieved, but manufacturing precision and consistency of color application are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical painting or dyeing methods with a digital printing system that uses controlled ink deposition. The printing process is guided by digitally processed color data from the calibrated color gauge, enabling precise and consistent color application that matches the analyzed skin tone exactly, while eliminating the variability inherent in manual or traditional dyeing processes.
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 accurate color matching to individual skin tones and personal preferences, enhancing user comfort and aesthetics while reducing manufacturing complexity for ostomy appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The color of the subject can be printed and applied directly onto at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the ostomy pouch cover and the integrated ostomy comfort panel. A direct to textile printer can be utilized for printing the color of the subject directly onto at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the ostomy pouch cover and the integrated ostomy comfort panel.
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the color of the subject can be printed and applied onto a transfer media and the color of the subject can be laminated from the transfer media onto at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the ostomy pouch cover and the integrated ostomy comfort panel. A heated laminator can be utilized for laminating the color of the subject from the transfer media onto at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the ostomy pouch cover and the integrated ostomy comfort panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing at least one of an ostomy pouch cover and an integrated ostomy comfort panel is disclosed herein. The method can comprise receiving a color image depicting a subject and a calibrated color gauge. The color image can be processed with the calibrated color gauge to identify a color for the subject. The color can correspond to a matched color selected from a population of predetermined colors. The color of the subject can be printed and applied to at least a portion of a surface of at least one of the ostomy pouch cover and the integrated ostomy comfort panel. An ostomy pouch cover and an ostomy pouch having an integrated comfort panel with printing applied thereto is further provided according to methods presented herein.