Profile Generation for Color Matching with Laminating Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating profiles for color matching of protective-film-covered prints are time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they require extensive colorimetric measurement of various combinations of prints and laminating films, and do not accurately account for the spectral transmittance variations of different laminating films and observational light sources.

Innovation Solution

A profile generating apparatus and method that calculates colorimetric values using stored spectral data for prints, protective films, and observational light sources, reducing the need for extensive measurements and allowing for the generation of profiles that account for different film and light source combinations, including the use of a camera with a composite optical filter to acquire spectral data of light sources without expensive non-contact spectral colorimeters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extensive colorimetric measurement of various combinations of prints and laminating films is performed, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but the number of man-hours required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproduction accuracyVSAvoidnumber of man-hours

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-measuring and storing spectral data of multiple laminating films and light sources in databases before actual profile generation. This allows the system to retrieve and combine pre-existing spectral data through calculation rather than performing extensive new measurements, significantly reducing man-hours while maintaining color reproduction accuracy through the use of comprehensive pre-collected spectral information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation (profile) of the protective-film-covered print's colorimetric characteristics based on spectral data, rather than physically measuring each print-film combination. The profile serves as a copy or model that can be stored and reused, eliminating the need for repeated physical measurements while preserving color reproduction accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If spectral data of multiple laminating films and light sources are stored and combined through calculation, then the number of measurements is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional profile generating apparatus that can handle multiple types of laminating films, various light sources, and different print conditions through a single integrated system. The apparatus uses universal databases storing spectral data for multiple materials and a unified calculation process that works across different combinations, reducing the need for separate measurement systems for each scenario while managing complexity through standardized data structures and processing routines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If a camera with composite optical filter is used instead of non-contact spectral colorimeter, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of measurement equipmentVSAvoidspectral data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a composite optical filter as an intermediate component between the camera and the subject. This filter breaks down light into spectral components, allowing the camera to capture spectral information indirectly. The optical filter acts as a mediator that translates complex spectral measurements into a form the camera can record, achieving acceptable spectral data accuracy with lower-cost equipment by using the filter as an intermediary device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Significantly reduces the number of man-hours required to produce and measure protective-film-covered prints while maintaining high color reproduction accuracy, by efficiently generating profiles for various print and film combinations and light sources.

Implementation Method 1

the use of a camera with a composite optical filter to acquire spectral data of light sources without expensive non-contact spectral colorimeters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering and spectral separation: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS8699105B2Profile generating apparatus, profile generating method, computer-readable recording medium with profile generating program recorded therein, and printing system

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A group of spectral data of print mediums and a group of laminating film spectral data are stored, which correspond to a plurality of colors on a color chart. The type of print medium and the type of laminating film are entered. From the group of spectral data of print mediums and the group of laminating film spectral data, spectral data corresponding to the entered type of print medium are entered as first spectral data, and spectral data corresponding to the entered type of laminating film are entered as second spectral data. Colorimetric value data of the colors are calculated using the first spectral data and the second spectral data.