Spectral Color Management for Accurate Multi-Substrate Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color management systems, such as the ICC workflow, struggle to achieve high color accuracy and flexibility required by industries like textiles, particularly in managing color under different illuminants and substrates, and face limitations in predicting color interactions and gamut limitations.
Innovation Solution
A color management system that determines target colors and matches them with predicted optical information based on output device characteristics, substrate, illuminants, and observer vision, allowing for precise colorant recipes and adjustments, including non-metameric color matching and opacity functions, to produce accurate color outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ICC color management workflow is used, then color transformation between devices can be achieved, but color accuracy and flexibility under different illuminants and substrates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of color management by transitioning from device-dependent ICC profiles to device-independent spectral power distribution (SPD) measurements. This allows color to be defined by its physical optical properties rather than device-specific characteristics, enabling accurate color reproduction across different illuminants and substrates. The system measures and manages the complete spectral characteristics of colors rather than relying on standardized transformation matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral power distribution (SPD) as an intermediary between the color source and the observer. Instead of directly transforming between device color spaces, the system uses SPD measurements as a universal mediator that captures the complete optical information of colors. This intermediary enables accurate color prediction and reproduction under varying illuminant and substrate conditions by providing a comprehensive physical description of color that is independent of any specific device.
2Ease of operation
If device-dependent ICC profiles are used, then device color space transformation can be achieved, but prediction of color interactions and gamut limitations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ICC profile transformation system with a physics-based spectral measurement and prediction system. Instead of using predefined lookup tables and transformation matrices that work within device constraints, the system uses spectral power distribution measurements and optical modeling to predict color behavior. This substitution enables accurate prediction of color interactions and gamut limitations by calculating the physical optical properties rather than relying on empirical device-specific data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard ICC colorimetric transformation is used, then cross-platform color management can be achieved, but non-metameric color matching and opacity functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the spectral dimension to color management by measuring and managing the complete spectral power distribution across the visible spectrum rather than relying on three-channel colorimetric data. This dimensional expansion from 3D color space to full spectral characterization enables the system to predict and control metamerism, opacity, and color interactions under different illuminants. The spectral dimension provides the additional information needed to reliably predict non-metameric color matching and opacity functions while maintaining cross-platform compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer readable media for color management are described. In some implementations, the method can include accessing one or more buildup curves associated with a combination of a substrate, one or more colorants and a colorant dispenser. The method can also include accessing a design file specifying a design and including one or more layer files each specifying a layer color. The method can further include generating, for each layer color, a corresponding colorization recipe based on the one or more buildup curves. The method can also include creating a production job instruction/metadata file having a link to the design instruction/metadata file and including parameters associated with the colorant dispensing job to be carried out using the design instruction/metadata file.