Low-Resolution Spectrophotometer Color Data Translation Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating custom-tinted coatings that match preexisting surfaces are limited by the need for expensive and bulky spectrophotometers, which are often impractical for on-site use, and colorimeters cannot account for metamerism, leading to suboptimal color matches.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a low-resolution spectrophotometer, a color data translation engine, and a tinter that uses high-resolution spectral data derived from low-resolution measurements to generate custom tint formulas, allowing for on-site color matching with a portable device and minimizing metamerism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution spectrophotometer is used to measure color data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a low-resolution spectrophotometer to capture color data and then creates a virtual copy of the high-resolution spectral curve through mathematical modeling and interpolation. This virtual spectral curve is then used for tint formula calculations, effectively copying the functionality of an expensive high-resolution instrument without the hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of a high-resolution spectrophotometer with a computational model that processes low-resolution measurements. By substituting physical measurement capability with algorithmic processing, the system achieves high-resolution spectral data from inexpensive hardware.
2Ease of operation
If a portable spectrophotometer is used for on-site color matching, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from direct high-resolution spectral measurements to low-resolution measurements that are then mathematically transformed into virtual high-resolution spectral curves. By changing how spectral data is represented and processed, the system maintains measurement precision while using portable, low-resolution hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that bridges the gap between low-resolution measurements and high-resolution requirements. This intermediary translates simple portable device readings into detailed spectral curves through mathematical interpolation and modeling, enabling on-site use without sacrificing precision.
3Device complexity
If colorimeter is used to measure color, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for metamerism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple optical filtering mechanism of colorimeters with a spectrophotometric approach that uses multiple narrow-band filters across the visible spectrum. This substitution enables the system to capture full spectral reflectance data, accounting for metamerism while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the visible spectrum into multiple narrow wavelength bands using individual narrow-band filters, rather than using broad filters as in colorimeters. This segmentation allows the system to measure reflectance at multiple specific wavelengths, enabling accurate detection of metamerism while keeping each individual filter simple and the overall device manageable.
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, on-site production of custom-tinted coatings that match preexisting surfaces without the need for expensive equipment, while reducing metamerism and improving color consistency across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spectrophotometer is a device capable of sensing the amount of light a colored surface reflects at various wavelengths. Generally, spectrophotometers can measure the reflectance (in percent) at intervals across the visible spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and software applications for transmitting high-resolution spectral curve data to a tinter for generating a tint formula usable to custom-tint a base paint or coating to match the color of a sensed surface. The high-resolution spectral curve data is derived from low-resolution or wideband spectral data obtained via a low resolution or wideband spectrophotometer. Additional user information, order information, or location information may be transmitted to the tinter.