By Shade Or Color Patents (Class 356/402)
  • Patent number: 10432927
    Abstract: A 3D test chart, an adjusting arrangement, a forming method, and an adjusting method thereof are disclosed. The 3D test chart provides a plurality of test patterns arranged at different depths. When testing a photographic arrangement, the photographic arrangement is only required to move for one time or even does not need to be moved, so as to obtain an image containing information of different depths, so that the testing and adjusting process of the photographic arrangement can be easily achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ningbo Sunny Opotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mingzhu Wang, Baozhong Zhang, Chunmei Liu
  • Patent number: 10417404
    Abstract: A mobile, wireless biometric identification system includes a biometric capture device which enables a smartphone, using a commercially established wireless communication networks, to capture a digital image of a human biometric (iris, fingerprint, etc.) for transmission to a central server. The biometric capture device captures a high quality image for encoding and comparison, while the overall system leverages the existing cellular communication network. The device can be used as an interface to medical databases and devices used to diagnose and treat patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: BI2 Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Mullin
  • Patent number: 10404897
    Abstract: A method for the automated generation of reference color values for color control purposes in a printing machine by using a computer includes, within a process of setting up the printing machine for a print job, initially carrying out printing operations and using a spectrophotometer to determine coloration values for every process color used in the print job. For every process color that is used in the print job, the computer automatically selects that coloration value of a process color that has the smallest deviation from a color set point that has been established at the beginning of the job and saves this coloration value as a new reference value for this process color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Bernd Utter
  • Patent number: 10401224
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for predicting visual texture parameters of a paint having a known paint formulation. The visual texture parameters of the paint are determined using an artificial neural network on the basis of a number of color components used in the known paint formulation. The method includes determining a value of at least one characteristic variable describing at least one optical property using a physical model for the known paint formulation. The method also includes assigning the value to the known paint formulation, and transmitting the value to the artificial neural network as an input signal for determining the visual texture parameters. The value describes the at least one optical property for at least some of the number of color components of the known paint formulation. The method further includes training the neural network using a plurality of color originals each having a respective known paint formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: BASF Coatings GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Bischoff, Martin Schmitz, Donald R Baughman
  • Patent number: 10401227
    Abstract: A colorimetry device and a colorimetry method according to the present invention relatively move the position of a color measuring unit with respect to a color chart to the position of each of a plurality of patches obtained based on an image of the color chart by a moving unit for a chart region selected by a user out of chart regions extracted based on the image of the color chart, and measure the color of each of the plurality of patches by the color measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Koji Harada, Satoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 10387746
    Abstract: A shade selection program is disclosed that predicts the shade choice with the smallest CIEDE2000 color difference for dental composite resin restorations when given a backing and target shade. By utilizing generated regression models, a database of spectral reflectance information, and principles of Kubelka-Munk layering, a highly accurate shade selection program was designed. Additionally, a blending model for quantification of color adjustment potential was developed. Systems and methods for correlating RGB data from the VITA Linearguide 3D Master and VITA Bleached Guide 3D Master shade guides with their spectroradiometric correlates through a regression model while indicating a methodology for validation of accuracy of digital imaging systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Melody Noelle Carney, William Michael Johnston
  • Patent number: 10387937
    Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. A kiosk at a retail store or other location can assist customers in determining what products are right for them and then purchase them from the retailer. The kiosk can include a scanning device is used to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. This skin-tone identifier is used by a software program (e.g., executing on a tablet computer) to determine and output a listing of products that are appropriate for the person's skin tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Sephora USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucie Tuan, Savio Thattil, Erin Grody, Rauvan Dulay, Julie Bornstein, Margarita Arriagada
  • Patent number: 10379059
    Abstract: A defect of a film is accurately inspected. A film inspection device includes: a light-receiving device generating a signal by receiving light which returns via a film after having been applied to the film, the signal being for detecting a defect included in the film; and a reflecting roller carrying the film while supporting the film from a side opposite to the light-receiving device in a field of view of the light-receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Genjiro Nishikata, Yuji Tanabe, Tatsuya Kataoka
  • Patent number: 10332174
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of systemized preparation and sale of individualized cosmetics, more precisely it belongs to the field of systems, devices and processes for creation of own cosmetic products and the sale method of said products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: VASTOK D.O.O.
    Inventor: Danijel Hubman
  • Patent number: 10275815
    Abstract: A method and a system to present samples of products to customers by transporting the samples to the customer's location with an autonomous vehicle. The sample can be a product, a component of a product, a material or a device to gather information in defining the product. The autonomous vehicle is adapted for off road travel and may enter buildings, it can be carried to a nearby location by a street adapted vehicle. Information may be transmitted electronically but physical presence is essential. The customer or the customer's agent receives a presentation of the product definer and a selection of a final product is made. In other cases the autonomous vehicle delivery separate or installed technical equipment to examine the presentation location and assist in the final product selection. For example, photographs from multiple locations can measure a room for installation of carpets or draperies, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
  • Patent number: 10198234
    Abstract: By setting the color temperatures of displays included in a display system to a desired value, the life of the displays and display system is extended. A method for this includes acquiring outputable maximum luminances of the displays at each of multiple color temperatures, comparing the outputable maximum luminances of the displays at the same color temperature and determining the lowest maximum luminance value for each of the color temperatures, a color temperature corresponding to the highest of the lowest maximum luminance values identified for each of the color temperatures, and setting color temperatures of at least two of the displays to the common set color temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: EIZO Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Sakai
  • Patent number: 10178351
    Abstract: A computer implemented method. The method includes performing at least one of a visual evaluation and an instrument measurement of a target coating on a target sample to generate colorimetric information, and identifying, using a processor, a bulk toner that is present in the target coating by determining a color and a color intensity at different viewing angles relative to the target sample. The method also includes identifying, using the processor, at least one specific toner that is present in the target coating by detecting a presence and an orientation of colored and/or non-colored pigmentation effects that are present in the target coating, and outputting, using the processor, a formulation of the target coating that includes at least the at least one specific toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Beymore, James Pereksta
  • Patent number: 10166340
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to generate sensor output dependent on an intensity of light incident on the sensor and having a field of view directed at an external surface in use; an illumination source configured to emit light onto the external surface in use; a window located such as to allow light to pass from the illumination source to the external surface and to allow light to pass to the sensor from the external surface in use; a shield coupled to or integral with the window, the shield being substantially opaque to substantially all wavelengths of light detectable by the sensor and defining an aperture which limits the field of view of the sensor; and a processor configured to use the sensor output to determine information associated with reflection characteristics of the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Gertrud Blei, Gunter Heumann
  • Patent number: 10132490
    Abstract: Ecosystems and related devices, methods, and systems are provided. An ecosystem includes a sensing implement that has one or more sensing implement light sources, one or more remote accessories that has one or more accessory light sources, and control circuitry that communicably couples the sensing implement to the one or more remote accessories. The control circuitry in operation determines a color of an object based on one or more signals received indicative of the color of the object, and generates one or more signals to cause the one or more sensing implement light sources to illuminate the sensing implement in a color that substantially matches the color of the object. The control circuitry in operation can also generate one or more signals to cause the one or more accessory light sources to illuminate the one or more remote accessories in a color that substantially matches the color of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fung Academy Limited
    Inventors: Giorgio Olivero, Carlos Conde Bande, Mathias Dahlstrom, Edward Lynn Tsai, Lisa Hopey
  • Patent number: 10132745
    Abstract: Implementations described herein comprise systems, apparatus and methods for calibration of imaging, radio frequency or spectroscopic instruments that can be used to validate, calibrate or confirm the calibration thereof. In one aspect, a calibration target is provided. The calibration target has a tissue interface and an instrument interface. The instrument interface has a first storage means having a first set of calibration data encoded therein and a second storage means having a second set of calibration data encoded therein. The first storage means and the second storage means are selected to comprise different storage modalities. Both the first and second set of calibration data are necessary to perform calibration of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Mark A. Samuels
  • Patent number: 10078061
    Abstract: A differential calorimeter with flux measurement to measure a heat flux emitted by radioactive materials contained in a container, including: a measurement cell including measurement plates distributed around a container reception containment; and a reference cell including reference plates and a reference sample. The reference plates are placed behind the measurement plates from the container when the container is in the reception containment and the reference sample is under the reception containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, KEP NUCLEAR
    Inventors: Guillaume Jossens, Christophe Mathonat, Jean-Charles Hubinois, Alain Godot, Franck Bachelet
  • Patent number: 10044986
    Abstract: A computer implemented method. The method includes performing at least one of a visual evaluation and an instrument measurement of a target coating on a target sample to generate colorimetric information, and identifying, using a processor, a bulk toner that is present in the target coating by determining a color and a color intensity at different viewing angles relative to the target sample. The method also includes identifying, using the processor, at least one specific toner that is present in the target coating by detecting a presence and an orientation of colored and/or non-colored pigmentation effects that are present in the target coating, and outputting, using the processor, a formulation of the target coating that includes at least the at least one specific toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Beymore, James Pereksta
  • Patent number: 10041834
    Abstract: A color measurement device includes a light source for illuminating an object with light; a dispersing portion for spectrally dispersing light emitted and reflected by the object; a light receptor for receiving the light dispersed by the dispersing portion; and a controller for effecting color measurement based on a result of light reception of the light receptor from the object which is an image formed on a recording material; wherein the emitted light has a first intensity of light in a first wavelength range and a second intensity lower than the first intensity in a second wavelength range, and wherein the controller deduces a value relating to color measurement for the second wavelength range on the basis of a result of light reception of the light receptor for the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nakai, Hitoshi Furukawa, Akihiko Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 10036668
    Abstract: A color measurement device obtains edge information based on an image of a color chart. The color measurement device statistically processes the edge information to obtain edge statistic information. Based on the edge information and the edge statistic information, the color measurement devices obtains the position of each patch of a number of patches of the color chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiroh Nagai
  • Patent number: 10031460
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, and a measuring unit configured to measure reflected light from the sheet, a backup roller configured to convey the sheet while pressing the sheet toward the measuring unit, and a generating unit configured to control the backup roller to convey the sheet, control the measuring unit to measure the reflected light from the sheet, and generate profile data corresponding to measurement results of the reflected light from a plurality of positions in a direction in which the sheet is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masami Hano
  • Patent number: 10008481
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an illumination device, a color tone of each of a plurality of light emitting devices having different color tones is detected. In which region among a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, a fifth region, and a sixth region on a chromaticity diagram the color tone of each of the plurality of light emitting devices is determined based on the detected color tone. The chromaticity diagram has a first color tone area and a second color tone area in which the first color tone area is provided. The second color tone area is divided into the first region through the sixth region. The plurality of light emitting devices are classified into the first region through the sixth region based on the determined color tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeharu Yamauchi, Nobuyuki Furukawa
  • Patent number: 10009605
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to determining characteristics of a display panel by using capturing images through multiple filters where the multiple filters include at least two filters that collectively enable replicating of a color matching function. At least two filters of the multiple filters have transmission profiles that correspond to the same color matching function (x color matching function) in different wavelength ranges. Image capturing devices capture the display panel through respective filters. The captured images are processed to the display characteristics of pixels or regions of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Ye Yin, Simon Hallam, Evan M. Richards, Shizhe Shen
  • Patent number: 10002383
    Abstract: A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters that permit organizational advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLC
    Inventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9997888
    Abstract: A spectral feature of a pulsed light beam produced by an optical source is controlled by a method. The method includes producing a pulsed light beam at a pulse repetition rate; directing the pulsed light beam toward a substrate received in a lithography exposure apparatus to expose the substrate to the pulsed light beam; modifying a pulse repetition rate of the pulsed light beam as it is exposing the substrate. The method includes determining an amount of adjustment to a spectral feature of the pulsed light beam, the adjustment amount compensating for a variation in the spectral feature of the pulsed light beam that correlates to the modification of the pulse repetition rate of the pulsed light beam. The method includes changing the spectral feature of the pulsed light beam by the determined adjustment amount as the substrate is exposed to thereby compensate for the variation in the spectral feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Cymer, LLC
    Inventors: Willard Earl Conley, Eric Anders Mason, Joshua Jon Thornes
  • Patent number: 9990672
    Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLC
    Inventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9964445
    Abstract: Provided are a color-matching apparatus and a color-matching method for a repair paint capable of sufficiently supporting a color-matching operation that has been conventionally performed by experience and intuition, mainly at an automobile repair shop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: CAR CONVENI CLUB CO., LTD
    Inventor: Makoto Ueno
  • Patent number: 9849431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing, applying and evaluating coating compositions are disclosed. The amounts of components contained in the coating compositions may be monitored, along with processing parameters when the coating compositions are applied to various substrates. In certain embodiments, the characteristics of a produced sample coating are compared with the characteristics of a target or reference coating to determine if they are sufficiently matched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PPG industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lewis, Walter J. Robertson, Mary Kimbro, Nathan Goodnow
  • Patent number: 9820356
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting fixture (10) that illuminates a presentation object or surface. The lighting fixture includes a first member (18) that at least partially surrounds or encompasses the presentation object and has a plurality of LED-based light sources (12) which can create a variety of lighting effects based on one or more characteristics of the presentation object. The lighting fixture further has a sensor (34) that detects a characteristic of the presentation object, and a controller (26) connected to the sensor such that, as a result of the individual addressability of the LED-based light sources, create or modify a directional lighting effect based on the detected characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Philip Steven Newton, Tim Dekker, Bram Knaapen
  • Patent number: 9797874
    Abstract: An optical testing system includes: a testing probe, a collecting unit, and a processing unit, wherein the testing probe includes a plurality of spectrum photodiodes used for emitting and casting monochromatic light to a sample, wherein the wavelength of the light emitted by at least one spectrum photodiode is different from that of any other. The collecting unit collects multi-way signal light obtained after the emitted monochromatic light is reflected by the sample surface. The processing unit includes a photoelectric conversion module, an adding module and a testing module. The photoelectric conversion module converts the collected multi-way signal light respectively to multi-way electrical signals. The adding module performs an adding operation for the multi-way electrical signal to obtain an operation result. The testing module tests a quality parameter of the sample according to the operation result, and outputs a testing result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: China Agricultural University
    Inventors: Yankun Peng, Juan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9796120
    Abstract: An injection molding system for making a molded item freely fall in demolding process from a mold, the injection molding system comprising: a molded item photographing device, an image analysis device, and a molded item classification device, wherein the image analysis device is configured to perform analysis of appearance feature of the molded item, and make the item classification unit classify the molded item based on result of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuatsu Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 9759606
    Abstract: A method of determining a recipe for providing a desired color and a desired effect, for example, a pearlescent effect, comprises: i. Providing a group of different effect materials, which suitably includes no more than 20 members, for inclusion in the recipe; ii. Selecting an effect from said group which is closest to the desired effect; iii. Directing a match prediction system to use the selected effect material to determine a recipe, wherein the match prediction system determines a recipe based on the selected effect material and color information relating to the color to be matched. A method of preparing a liquid color/effect formulation for addition to plastics is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: David Andrew Chisnall
  • Patent number: 9762752
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a forming unit configured to form a set of reference patches corresponding to different density regions through an image forming unit while making the reference patches correspond to screen types, an input unit configured to input a comparison result between each of the reference patches and criterial patches having densities as criteria at each of the screen types, and a generation unit configured to generate information for correcting a density of an image formed by the image forming unit at each of the screen types by using the comparison result input by the input unit, wherein the information generated by the generation unit for correcting an image in a highest density region from among the density regions is commonly generated according to the comparison result input with respect to each of the reference patches formed at each of the screen types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sanae Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9671795
    Abstract: A colorimeter, webcam, camera, spectrophotometer, scanner or other instrument measures the color composition and conditions and texture of a person's body part or presented beauty product and an individual custom formulation is produced. A presented beauty product may include foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner and eye shadow. The produced custom formulation may comprise foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, eye shadow or other consumer products. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a colorimeter 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Larry Y. Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9638579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and the corresponding system for checking the color quality of preforms (2) intended for the manufacture of containers, in particular beverage bottles, the preforms (2) being transported to a collection vessel (4) by a transport device (3), and an image of the preforms (2) being made by means of an imaging device (6) and being transmitted to a processing device for checking, in which the preforms (2) are led unsorted into the collection vessel (4) upon leaving the transport device (3), the image being made between the leaving of the transport device (3) and the collection vessel (4), and in which the image is processed by the processing device in such a way that the color quality of the preforms (2) and/or defective preforms (2) are discovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FINATEC HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Matthias Hermle, Fridolin Maibach, Beat Schlup
  • Patent number: 9623225
    Abstract: This invention describes an electronic skin care device including therein a specimen dispenser. Specimens are dispensed from the device after the specimen information stored in the storage component located in the dispenser is processed by the device. The user skin information stored in another storage component located in the device may also be utilized so that dispensed specimens have desired properties for the user's skin care need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: La Pierres, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuchen Zhou, Hieu Tieu, Chao Uei Wahng, David Hu
  • Patent number: 9615037
    Abstract: A method of operating a video camera includes capturing a scene of imaging data using the video camera, wherein the imaging data is characterized by a first bit depth and processing the imaging data to provide display data characterized by a second bit depth less than the first bit depth. The method also includes framing the imaging data and the display data and outputting the framed imaging and display data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Christison, Chris Reed, Bracey J. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 9519927
    Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. A kiosk at a retail store or other location can assist customers in determining what products are right for them and then purchase them from the retailer. The kiosk can include a scanning device is used to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. This skin-tone identifier is used by a software program (e.g., executing on a tablet computer) to determine and output a listing of products that are appropriate for the person's skin tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sephora USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucie Tuan, Savio Thattil, Erin Grody, Rauvan Dulay, Julie Bornstein, Margarita Arriagada
  • Patent number: 9500525
    Abstract: In a multi-angle colorimeter, a light detecting portion 40 includes a main light receiving window disposed in a predetermined position on a main geometry plane, and first and second auxiliary light receiving windows disposed on a secondary geometry plane, and a main photoelectric conversion element for converting a main component light received by the main light receiving window in a light reflected from a measurement point into an electrical main signal and first and second auxiliary photoelectric conversion elements for converting first and second auxiliary component lights received by the first and second auxiliary light receiving windows in the reflected light respectively into first and second electrical auxiliary signals. A calculating portion corrects the electrical main signal based on the first and second electrical auxiliary signals to obtain color information about the measurement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Teraoka, Katsutoshi Tsurutani, Yuta Yamanoi
  • Patent number: 9488468
    Abstract: A displacement sensor includes a light source unit configured to apply light with different plural wavelengths in a direction oblique to a measurement region of a planar measured object, a spectroscope configured to measure spectral distribution of light reflected by the measurement region, a feature amount extracting module configured to extract a feature amount of the spectral distribution, and a displacement calculating module configured to calculate displacement of the measurement region based on the extracted feature amount and a relation between displacement and a feature amount acquired previously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Tsujii, Naomichi Chida, Kazufumi Nishida
  • Patent number: 9491331
    Abstract: The present invention is a spectral image processing method including the steps of selecting observed spectral information from a multispectral image of a scene, generating a constraint on a spectral distribution of an illumination and a constraint on a surface reflectance of an object using a basis vector of the illumination and a basis vector of the surface reflectance, generating an observation equation that takes as parameters a weight coefficient of the basis vector of the illumination and a weight coefficient of the basis vector of the surface reflectance using the observed spectral information, the constraint on the spectral distribution of the illumination, and the constraint on the surface reflectance of the object, and calculating the spectral distribution of the illumination and the surface reflectance of the object of the scene from the observation equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Kaneko, Masato Tsukada, Gaku Nakano
  • Patent number: 9481694
    Abstract: The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide; solid solution pigment nanoparticles having a homogeneous solid solution ratio; a method for producing solid solution pigment nanoparticles having a homogeneous solid solution ratio in each primary particle; and a method for controlling the solid solution ratio of solid solution pigment nanoparticles. The solid solution pigment nanoparticles are prepared by precipitating at least two types of pigment by mixing a pigment precipitation solvent and; at least one type of pigment solution wherein at least two types of pigment are dissolved in a solvent: or at least two types of pigment solution wherein at least one type of pigment is dissolved in a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: M. TECHNIQUE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Maekawa, Kaeko Araki, Hideyuki Oka, Daisuke Honda, Masakazu Enomura
  • Patent number: 9478043
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for measuring the whiteness of teeth. This is accomplished by analyzing an average pixel value of teeth taken from a digital image. The pixel value is mathematically standardized to create an indicator that quantifies teeth whiteness. This eliminates subjectivity in measuring teeth whiteness and permits precise communication of the level of teeth whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Abdullaibrahim Abdulwaheed
  • Patent number: 9462162
    Abstract: In a method to control a color printer or color copier, a color separation of a first color and a color separation of a second color are applied to a printing substrate to generate a print image. Also, with aid of a printing unit, at least a first control field is printed on the printing substrate. The first control field has a predetermined pattern that includes at least the first color and the second color and is designed such that a color value of the first control field changes depending on a registration error between the first and the second color separations. A reference field is also printed on the printing substrate, a pattern of the reference field being predetermined such that it has a same color value independent of the registration error. The color value of the first control field is measured with a color value sensor. The color value of the reference field is also measured with the color value sensor and a desired color value is determined depending on the color value of the reference field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Océ Printing Systems GmbH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Paul
  • Patent number: 9454339
    Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a photonic crystal array which is arranged on at least one side of the display panel and displays an image based on an applied voltage, an electrode which applies voltage to the photonic crystal array, and a controller which controls so that voltage is applied to the photonic crystal array based on image information displayed on the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-ran Han, Ju-yong Kim, Hee-won Lee, Kyoung-oh Choi, Hyun-mook Choi
  • Patent number: 9442494
    Abstract: A colorimeter, webcam, camera, spectrophotometer, scanner or other instrument measures the color composition and conditions and texture of a person's body part or presented beauty product and an individual custom formulation is produced. A presented beauty product may include foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner and eye shadow. The produced custom formulation may comprise foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, eye shadow or other consumer products. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a colorimeter 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Larry Y. Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9435747
    Abstract: A reflectance spectroscopy measuring and sampling system for gemstone testing is disclosed. The system includes a first light source (1), a second light source (2), a light filtering element, an integrating sphere (S), an optical fiber (9), a spectroscopic detection module (10), an analog-digital conversion module (11) and a data processing terminal (12), wherein the integrating sphere (S) is provided with an entrance port, a sampling opening (6) and a reflected light exit port (7). A reflectance spectroscopy measuring and sampling method for gemstone testing is also disclosed. The system and the method have an excellent performance and can be widely used in the gemstone identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Biaoqi Electronics Technology, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guangjun Song, Xiangli Zheng, Jianfeng Wu, Ling Gao
  • Patent number: 9389122
    Abstract: A set of images of an object are captured from a set of lenses positioned at different angles. A common point is determined, which has a color value that differs among the images. Color at the point is mathematically expressed as a set of equations. The equations comprise a recorded color value for the point, an ambient contribution, a diffuse contribution, and a specular contribution. The ambient and diffuse contributions are set as equal across the equations. The specular contribution is determined, such as by quantifying the light sources and solving for the specular contribution using a Phong lighting model equation. True color for the point, which is based on the ambient and diffuse contribution, is determined by solving a set of simultaneous equations once the specular contribution is known. An image is created where the point has the true color as determined above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Dmitry Kozko, Ivan G Onuchin, Nikolay Shturkin
  • Patent number: 9384542
    Abstract: The method and system may be used to provide an indication of a color value for a particular siding sample and to color match a specific siding product to the color value of the siding sample. The system receives a digital image of a siding sample and a desired color value to be matched. A color query module plots this desired color value as a desired color point in a multidimensional color space together with a plurality of color reference points. Each color reference point represents the color value of an existing siding product. The system determines a “distance” between the desired color point and each plotted color reference point within the color space and identifies the siding product associated with the color reference point that is located the shortest distance to the desired color point within the color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMONILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Maurer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Lee C. Drinan
  • Patent number: 9367013
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: a housing having an opening in a surface thereof facing a subject; a light source that irradiates the subject with light; a two-dimensional image sensor that captures, from inside of the housing through the opening; an image of the subject illuminated by the light source; an optical member that is disposed between the two-dimensional image sensor and the opening and that transmits light reflected off the subject; and a contamination inspection member that is disposed between the opening and the optical member and that causes inspection light for inspecting contamination on the optical member to be incident upon the two-dimensional image sensor via the optical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Morita, Nobuyuki Satoh, Mamoru Yorimoto, Masayuki Fujii, Daisaku Horikawa, Suguru Yokozawa, Masahiro Hiranuma, Masaya Kawarada
  • Patent number: 9347877
    Abstract: A laser gas analyzer includes a wavelength-variable laser having a wide wavelength-variable width, a light-split module configured to split an output light of the wavelength-variable laser into a measurement light and a reference light, a first gas cell into which gases to be measured are introduced, and the measurement light is made to be incident, and a data processor configured to obtain an absorption spectrum of each of the gases to be measured based on a reference signal related to the reference light and an absorption signal related to an output light of the first gas cell, and to obtain concentrations of the respective gases to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki Hirata, Yasuhiko Mitsumoto, Masaya Ooyama, Nobuhiko Kanbara, Naoyuki Fujimura, Minoru Maeda, Tadashi Sugiyama, Alan Cowie, Jie Zhu