UV Visualizer for Color Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring and matching colors under varying UV light conditions, particularly due to the non-linear behavior of printing materials with optical brighteners, which leads to inconsistent color perception and high costs associated with bi-spectral measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a UV visualizer system that generates UV profiles or charts for individual print materials, allowing for the determination of UV levels without measuring the excitation pattern or spectra of the illuminating light, enabling true color reading and matching across different lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bi-spectral measurement method is used to measure color on materials with optical brighteners, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the UV component's effect on color measurement by separately measuring the UV-induced fluorescence and the visible light reflection. This allows the UV effect to be quantified and compensated independently, achieving accurate color measurement without requiring complex bi-spectral equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing UV level detection as an additional measurable parameter. By detecting the UV component intensity and using it to adjust the color measurement calculation, the system achieves accurate color measurement under varying UV conditions without complex hardware modifications.
2Measurement precision
If bi-spectral measurement method is used to measure color on materials with optical brighteners, then measurement precision is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive measurement components, such as standard spectrophotometers combined with UV level detection, rather than expensive dedicated bi-spectral systems. This approach provides sufficient measurement precision at a lower implementation cost for most industrial applications.
3Measurement precision
If sequential measurement course is used in bi-spectral method, then measurement completeness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of UV levels before conducting the main color measurement. By预先 detecting the UV component intensity, the system can quickly adjust measurement parameters or apply pre-calculated compensation factors, avoiding time-consuming sequential measurements while maintaining measurement completeness.
4Stability of the object's composition
If blockers are introduced in printing paper to dampen UV effects, then color consistency is improved, but measurement challenge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by detecting UV levels and using this information to adjust color measurements. The system continuously monitors UV conditions and compensates for their effect on the measured color values, maintaining measurement accuracy even when blockers are present in the paper.
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
This approach enhances color measurement precision and matching by accounting for UV light variations, providing a cost-effective and reliable method to correct for UV-induced color shifts, ensuring consistent color representation across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Optical brighteners typically absorb light in the UV wavelength range of 320 to 410 nm and reemit fluorescence light in the visual blue spectral range between 420 to 550 nm
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to address the potential impact of lighting conditions/tight sources on color measurement and/or color matching, particularly as such light variation relates to UV levels. The systems and methods generally include a UV visualizer that is adapted to establish and/or compare UV profiles for individual substrates/samples, e.g., print materials, under various illuminating conditions. According to the disclosure, it is possible to determine both (i) how a sample (e.g., a printing material) responds to UV light, and (ii) the amount ofUV light under which the sample is viewed without the need to measure the excitation pattern of the sample/paper or the spectra of the illuminating light. In this way, a true color reading and/or color match may be achieved. Color corrections may be implemented that necessarily address the level of color brightener, if any, in the substrate or paper to be printed upon.