Smartphone Color Measurement Attachment Using Reference Chart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color measurement systems are often too sophisticated for informal applications, and there is a need for a more accessible and accurate method to measure colors in everyday situations, such as matching paint colors on walls, without the use of dedicated equipment like spectrophotometers.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device attached to a smartphone with an integrated color camera, equipped with an array of light emitting diodes and reference colors, captures images under known illuminants to estimate the color of a target using image processing and color matching functions, allowing for accurate and repeatable color measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated color measurement equipment like spectrophotometers is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a color camera with a light source and reference color chart into a single integrated device that attaches to the smartphone. This merging of components enables accurate color measurement functionality while maintaining the simplicity and portability of a smartphone-based solution, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference color chart with known reflectance values as an intermediary element. This reference chart serves as a mediator that enables the smartphone camera to calculate unknown color values by comparing target colors against the known reference colors under the same lighting conditions, achieving spectrophotometer-level accuracy without the complexity of dedicated equipment
2Measurement precision
If dedicated color measurement equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the color measurement functionality into a smartphone attachment, the system leverages the widespread ownership and ease of use of smartphones. Users can perform accurate color measurements using a device they already have and know how to operate, eliminating the need for specialized training required for dedicated color measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform color measurements themselves using their own smartphone and the attached apparatus. The automated image capture and processing eliminate the need for professional operators, allowing any user to conduct accurate color measurements independently
3Ease of operation
If smartphone technology is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference color chart acts as an intermediary that compensates for the limitations of smartphone cameras. By providing known reference colors with documented reflectance spectra, the system enables the smartphone to calculate accurate color values for unknown targets through comparison, overcoming the inherent precision limitations of consumer camera sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the smartphone camera from a simple image capture device into a color measurement instrument by introducing controlled parameters: known reference color reflectance values, standardized lighting conditions via the integrated LED, and systematic image processing algorithms. These parameter changes enable precision measurements while maintaining ease of operation
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 highly accurate and user-friendly color measurement by leveraging smartphone technology, providing a portable solution for color matching and evaluation in various industries and everyday use.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light emitting diodes positioned inside the housing, between the first aperture and the second aperture
Implementation Method 2
an array of reference colors having known reflectance spectra, the array of reference colors being removably positioned inside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting in measuring a color of a target includes an enclosed housing having a first aperture formed in a first end and a second aperture formed in an opposite second end and aligned concentrically with the first aperture, an array of light emitting diodes positioned inside the housing, between the first aperture and the second aperture, and an array of reference colors having known reflectance spectra, the array of reference colors being removably positioned inside the housing, between the array of light emitting diodes and the second aperture.