With Reflective Multicolor Chart Or Standard Patents (Class 356/421)
  • Patent number: 10709534
    Abstract: A system having at least one dental blank and an associated shade guide. The dental blank exhibits a non-uniform color shading, and the shade guide comprises a plurality of shade specimens each exhibiting a particular color shading representing the same color shading present in a partial area within the dental blank. A method of making a dental restoration includes the use of the system. The invention facilitates making a dental restoration having a color shading resembling the color shading of a natural tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malte Korten, Helmar B. Mayr
  • Patent number: 10621647
    Abstract: Included is a method for providing a customized product recommendation to a user. Information is collected from a user regarding issues experienced by the user after cutting and/or removing hair selected from the group consisting of discomfort, dry skin, missed hairs, hair not cut close enough, nicks, cuts, trapped hairs, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, blemishes, acne, razor burn, irritation, redness, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and itching. The information collected from the user is analyzed. A product for the user is selected from at least two available products based upon the information collected from the user. The selected product is recommended to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Gillette Company LLC
    Inventors: Susan Clare Robinson, Paul Leslie Warrick
  • Patent number: 10527599
    Abstract: A kit for determining if a shock treatment is required for a water source may comprise a test strip having at least two chemically treated test areas. One of the areas is responsive in color to a concentration of free chlorine in the water and another test area is responsive in color to a concentration of total chlorine in the water. A chlorine indicator scale may be provided on a substrate, such as a label, and comprises a plurality of pairs of colored indicia and each pair of colored indicia representing a color pattern indicating a concentration, or range of concentrations, of total chlorine and free chlorine in the water. An alphanumeric designation may be provided adjacent to each pair of indicia indicating whether a shock treatment is required for the water source based on a color pattern the associated indicia pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: HACH COMPANY
    Inventors: Teresa Lynn Swanson, Ronald P. Merwin
  • Patent number: 10482522
    Abstract: Included is a method for providing a customized product recommendation to a user. Information is collected from a user regarding a type of shaving stroke the user takes when shaving. The information collected from the user is analyzed. A product for the user is selected from at least two available products based upon the information collected from the user. The selected product is recommended to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Gillette Company LLC
    Inventors: Susan Clare Robinson, Paul Leslie Warrick
  • Patent number: 10430457
    Abstract: A captured image obtained by capturing a surface on which a color chart is disposed such that color information representing a color included in the color chart can be derived is acquired, the color information is derived from the captured image, and the color of the color chart that is contained in the captured image is extracted. Then, the derived color information and the extracted color are registered in association with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoya Honjo
  • Patent number: 9445087
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for a color calibration device formed from a flexible, elongate strip of material that is formable into a headband. The color calibration device includes a first color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips and a second color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips, wherein the first color correction region and the second color correction region are positioned on opposite sides of a mid-point of the flexible, elongate strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Greg George Hillebrand, William Paul Halas, Mani V. Thomas, Patricia Alison Lafleur, Le-Hai Minh Vu
  • Patent number: 8988686
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for a color calibration device formed from a flexible, elongate strip of material that is formable into a headband. The color calibration device includes a first color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips and a second color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips, wherein the first color correction region and the second color correction region are positioned on opposite sides of a mid-point of the flexible, elongate strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Greg George Hillebrand, William Paul Halas, Mani V. Thomas, Patricia Alison Lafleur, Le-Hai Minh Vu
  • Publication number: 20150030243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to charts, stacks and methods for evaluating skin color of a mammalian subject. The chart may include a substrate and an indicia visible from a first side of the substrate that includes a plurality of images of mammalian skin tones having varying degrees of yellowness, wherein each indicia is correlated with an index value. Also, the present invention relates to packaged topical cosmetic products that include a skin chart as well as to methods for evaluating anti-aging and skin lightening products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Di Qu, Yulia Park
  • Patent number: 8934099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of color measurement instruments, in particular goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a non-transparent (opaque) substrate coated with a multi-layer coating, said multi-layer coating comprising: A) a pigmented ground coat, wherein said pigmented ground coat is opaque and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one achromatic solid pigment, B) a pigmented mid-coat, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one transparent interference pigment and at least one transparent or semi-transparent solid pigment, and C) a clear top coat made of a transparent clear coat coating composition on top of the mid-coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Patent number: 8922775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of color measurement instruments, in particular goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a non-transparent (opaque) substrate coated with a pigmented coating, wherein: A) said non-transparent (opaque) colored substrate is colored with at least one achromatic solid pigment, and is coated with a pigmented mid-coat, wherein said pigmented mid-coat I is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one transparent interference pigment and at least one transparent or semi-transparent solid colored pigment, or, B) said non-transparent (opaque) colored substrate is colored with at least one opaque solid color pigment, and is coated with a pigmented mid-coat II, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one transparent interference pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Patent number: 8913244
    Abstract: A testing box for testing light sources, the testing box comprising: an enclosure comprising an opening for receiving a light source; a sensor of a light property for light emitted inside the enclosure; and a comparator of the light property sensed by the sensor and a shifted test box boundary for the light property, wherein the shifted test box boundary is based on a correlation between a measured light property of a test light source in an integrating sphere and a measured light property of the test light source in the testing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Kevin Charles Broughton
  • Patent number: 8908183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of color measurement instruments, in particular goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a transparent substrate coated with a multi-layer coating, said multi-layer coating comprising: A) a pigmented mid-coat applied to the transparent substrate, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one transparent interference pigment, and B) a pigmented ground coat, wherein said pigmented ground coat is opaque and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one opaque solid colored pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Patent number: 8908182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of color measurement instruments, in particular goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a non-transparent (opaque) substrate coated with a multi-layer coating, said multi-layer coating comprising: A) a pigmented ground coat, wherein said pigmented ground coat is opaque and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one opaque solid colored pigment, and B) a pigmented mid-coat, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one transparent interference pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Axalta Coating Systems IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • CA
    Publication number: 20140285806
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to methods and means for calibrating and matching colors and light. Some embodiments of the methods and means of the invention also incorporate additional functionality including, but not limited to communication, sensing, display and data processing elements. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Alfred M. Haas
  • Patent number: 8760655
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for inspecting a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface. The method includes providing, based on a relationship between a first parameter indicative of a thickness of the porous alumina layer and a color parameter indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer, first color information which represents a tolerance of the first parameter of a porous alumina layer which has an uneven structure that is within a tolerance; providing a mold which is an inspection subject, the mold having a porous alumina layer over its surface; obtaining a color parameter which is indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer of the inspection subject mold; and determining a suitability of the first parameter of the inspection subject mold based on the obtained color parameter and the first color information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hayashi, Takao Imaoku
  • Patent number: 8736840
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method for finding an aim position of a measuring device may include building a color model for an imaging device, initializing a color encoding image, displaying or printing the image on the imaging device, acquiring measurement with the measuring device, converting the measurement into imaging device code values using the color model, calculating said aim position from said device code values. The color encoding image sets one-to-one relationship between coordinates and colors. The image is output on the imaging device and measured by the measuring device. The measurement is converted using the color model to the device code values. The aim position then calculated from position of the device code values in the encoding image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Arkady Ten
  • Publication number: 20140125982
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a measurement image on a sheet, a measurement unit configured to emit light to the measurement image, and measure light reflected from the measurement image, a selection unit configured to select one of a first mode for feeding a sheet, forming a measurement image on the sheet with the image forming unit, and measuring the measurement image on the sheet with the measurement unit, and a second mode for feeding a chart on which a measurement image has already been formed, and measuring the measurement image on the chart with the measurement unit without performing image formation with the image forming unit, and a control unit configured to control the measurement unit to perform measurement of the measurement image according to the mode selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 8680993
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals obtain both an accurate color value for a sample as well as an accurate gloss value while using a spectrophotometer and an integrated gloss meter device. The present invention allows for accurate color and gloss value analysis of samples using improved compensation values by using a reference sensor to correct the variations in intensity of a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Datacolor Holding AG
    Inventors: Zhiling Xu, Taeyoung Park
  • Patent number: 8659757
    Abstract: This invention comprises a method of visually comparing the chromatic aberration in two or more optical devices. The test reveals differences in the ability of an optical product to minimize chromatic aberration, so that ideally, various colors (corresponding to specific wavelengths) will have a sharp focus at almost the same distance away from the last optical element. The method provides a consistent way to test the chromatic aberration in various optical products that is more visually observable than the process of noting the halo of colors that appears along the edge of a dark object on a light background. The test is especially geared toward comparing binoculars with different optical material composition such as ED glass (Extra-low Dispersion) or FL (Fluorite) glass to those with conventional types of glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Carson Optical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michelle L. Hyers
  • Publication number: 20140022550
    Abstract: First spectral data (spectral transmittance) of a printed object, and second spectral data (spectral reflectance) of the printed object are obtained. Further, third spectral data (spectral radiance distribution) of a transmissive light source, and fourth spectral data (spectral radiance distribution) of a reflective light source are obtained. Then, using the first, second, third and fourth spectral data, colorimetric value data of the printed object in a given observational environment is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shuhei HORITA
  • Patent number: 8603772
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Bug Lab LLC
    Inventors: Martin P. Debreczeny, Jaime Romero, Ethan Petersen
  • Patent number: 8587783
    Abstract: A device measures a spectral distribution with respect to each of a plurality of color charts, sets default values to band specification data, and computes a camera output signal based on spectral sensitivity of the multiband camera and spectral feature of light from each of the plurality of charts. The device computes a candidate value of a spectral estimation parameter from the measured spectral distribution of each color chart and the computed camera output signal. The device successively varies the band specification data from the default values to make an evaluation function approach a target value, determines a spectral estimation parameter corresponding to the band specification data when the evaluation function reaches the target value. The evaluation function is defined to correlate the measured spectral distribution of each color chart to a spectral estimation value computed from the candidate value of the spectral estimation parameter and the camera output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Arai
  • Patent number: 8564770
    Abstract: A system detects a plant's exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) through plant leaf imaging. White light impinging upon a plant's leaf interacts therewith to produce interacted light. A detector is positioned to detect at least one spectral band of the interacted light. A processor coupled to the detector performs comparisons between photonic energy of the interacted light at the one or more spectral bands thereof and reference data defining spectral responses indicative of leaf exposure to TCE. An output device coupled to the processor provides indications of the comparisons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark David Lewis, Daniel J. Anderson, Lee A. Newman, Amy G. Keith
  • Publication number: 20130250292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of colour measurement instruments, in particular of goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a transparent substrate coated with a multi-layer coating, said multi-layer coating comprising: A) a pigmented mid-coat applied to the transparent substrate, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one transparent interference pigment, and B) a pigmented ground coat, wherein said pigmented ground coat is opaque and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one opaque solid coloured pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: U S COATINGS IP CO LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Publication number: 20130250291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of colour measurement instruments, in particular of goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a transparent substrate coated with a multi-layer coating, said multi-layer coating comprising: A) a pigmented mid-coat applied to the transparent substrate, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one transparent interference pigment and at least one transparent or semi-transparent solid pigment, and B) a pigmented ground coat applied to the pigmented mid-coat, wherein said pigmented ground coat is opaque and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one achromatic solid pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: U S Coatings IP Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Patent number: 8542360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for producing color elements of a shade guide. To this end, color values of known color elements (15) of shade guides (10) with similar lightness values, hues and chromata are initially ascertained. In another method step, the color values of each new color element are determined while increasing a color distance (16) between the lightness values, hues and chromata of the previously ascertained color values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Harald Kerschbaumer
  • Patent number: 8542361
    Abstract: A color matching device including a flexible template having at least three windows extending from a front face through a back face of the template, the windows sized to allow visual comparison of colors located in the windows, wherein at least a first separation distance between first and second windows is different than a second separation distance between the second and third windows. A method for evaluating colors utilizing the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: Louisa Meijer
  • Publication number: 20130242306
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check-tile for validating instrument scales of colour measurement instruments, in particular of goniospectrophotometers, said check-tile comprising a non-transparent (opaque) coloured substrate coated with a pigmented coating, wherein (A) said non-transparent (opaque) coloured substrate is coloured with at least one achromatic solid pigment, and is coated with a pigmented mid-coat I, wherein said pigmented mid-coat I is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition I comprising at least one transparent interference pigment and at least one transparent or semi-transparent coloured solid pigment, or, (B) said non-transparent (opaque) coloured substrate is coloured with at least one opaque solid colour pigment, and is coated with a pigmented mid-coat II, wherein said pigmented mid-coat is translucent and made of a base coat coating composition II comprising at least one transparent interference pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: U S Coatings IP CO LLC
    Inventors: Wilhelm Kettler, Uwe Johansson
  • Patent number: 8525997
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals obtain an accurate color value for a sample regardless of the reflectance properties. The present invention allows for the generation of high precision reflectance information using improved composite measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Datacolor, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhiling Xu
  • Publication number: 20130208285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for measuring the properties of a surface. The device comprises means for producing illuminating light, which means are arranged to aim the illuminating light at the surface to be measured using at least two different wavelengths and at least two different angles, as well as means for directing the light reflected or scattered from the surface to a detector, in order to create an image of the surface to be measured. The device according to the invention further comprises at least one reference surface, the contents of which can be placed in the vicinity of the surface to be measured, in such a way that the illuminating light is also aimed at the reference surface and the light reflected or scattered from the reference surface can also be directed to the detector. The invention makes possible excellent measurement precision and repeatability, using a simple device construction with low production costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Jari Miettinen, Heimo Keranen, Karri Niemela
  • Patent number: 8467060
    Abstract: A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and color patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and color data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and color patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ferrand D. E. Corley
  • Publication number: 20130057866
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for a color calibration device formed from a flexible, elongate strip of material that is formable into a headband. The color calibration device includes a first color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips and a second color correction region comprising a plurality of color chips, wherein the first color correction region and the second color correction region are positioned on opposite sides of a mid-point of the flexible, elongate strip of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Greg George Hillebrand, William Paul Halas, Mani V. Thomas, Patricia Alison Lafleur, Le-Hai Minh Vu
  • Patent number: 8305665
    Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes: a color conversion unit color-converting an image signal of a first color space into that of a second color space by using a color conversion characteristic defining a correspondence relationship between the image signals of the first and second color spaces; an adjustment unit adjusting the image signal of the second color space, in accordance with a change in the color conversion characteristic; a correction unit correcting a conversion factor group for adjustment used when the image signal of the second color space is adjusted; and a judgment unit judging whether the conversion factor group needs to be corrected, on the basis of a color measurement result of a second color sample group including color samples the number of which is smaller than that of color samples in a first color sample group on which color measurement is performed to create the conversion factor group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaomi Sakamoto, Yoshiharu Hibi, Ryouichi Satoh, Toshifumi Takahira, Pauvi Sulistio, Kazuyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120162649
    Abstract: A color chart having a plurality of mirror-image color blocks arranged in a matrix, with each color block a mirror image of an adjacent color block, each color block having rows and columns of color patches, wherein the concentration of a first color of the multiple colors changes unidirectionally across color patches in any given row of a color block, the concentration of a second color of the multiple colors changes unidirectionally across color patches in any given column of a color block, and the concentration of a third color of the multiple colors remains unchanged across all the plurality of color patches within a color block and differs only between color blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi ISHIZAKI, Tadashi Kitai, Hitomi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8144326
    Abstract: A fabric whiteness guide comprising at least one visual scale of whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Norman Batchelor, Sara Louise Mawhinney, Douglas Mesquita Rocha, Carol Wendy Ward
  • Publication number: 20110249264
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a brine composition for freezing an item is in a desired balance, the brine composition having an effective amount of dye. The method includes cooling the dye composition to a pre-determined temperature, and comparing the color of the brine composition to a pre-established correlation of color and brine composition at the pre-determined temperature, thereby determining whether the brine composition is in the desired balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Winterlab Limited
    Inventors: Barnet L. Liberman, Peter H. Glidden, Kevin C. Vandervoort, Robert J. Peacock
  • Patent number: 7999822
    Abstract: In order to obtain colorimetric data close to the color appearance under an actual viewing condition, a plurality of conversion data for converting colorimetric data measured under the first geometric condition of colorimetry into that measured under the second geometric condition of colorimetry are held, and the information of a viewing illuminant and colorimetric data measured under the first geometric condition of colorimetry are obtained. Conversion data which corresponds to the information of the viewing illuminant is interpolated from the plurality of conversion data which are held. The colorimetric data measured under the first geometric condition of colorimetry is converted into that measured under the second geometric condition of colorimetry using the interpolated conversion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7990536
    Abstract: There are disclosed a system and a method for measuring reflectance of an object. The system for measuring reflectance of an object according to the present invention includes: a light source unit including a light source irradiating light to the object; a light source position adjusting unit that adjusts a position and a direction of the light source unit; a light receiving unit that acquires image data by detecting light reflected on the object; and a reflectance acquiring unit that acquires the reflectance of the object from the image data. According to the present invention, it is possible to more precisely acquire the reflectance of the object within a shorter time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kwan Heng Lee, Duck Bong Kim, Kang Su Park, Kang Yeon Kim, Myoung Kook Seo
  • Publication number: 20110090457
    Abstract: A method of producing an ophthalmic imaging apparatus includes the steps of producing an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an image subject in visible light and infrared light; adjusting the color tone of the imaging unit using a color-tone adjustment unit having a first optical member configured to absorb infrared light; and connecting the adjusted imaging unit and an optical system having a second optical member whose characteristic is the same as a characteristic of the first optical member and configured to capture an optical image of an eye to be examined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masao Shikaumi, Yasuhiro Nakahara
  • Patent number: 7894065
    Abstract: A method for the correction of measurement errors caused by surface effects induced by ink splitting during the color measurement of a printed sheet on a running printing device, includes scanning the printed sheet photoelectrically point by point and forming color and/or density measured values from scanning signals from the scanned points. Those scanned points which have a brightness exceeding a limiting value are identified, and the measured values are corrected by using the identified scanned points. In particular, during the formation of the color and/or density measured values, the scanning signals from the identified scanned points are not taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Adrian Kohlbrenner, Peter Ehbets, Wolfgang Geissler
  • Publication number: 20110019192
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a spectral characteristic measuring system, a spectral characteristic measuring instrument, a data processing apparatus, and a program, which make it possible to appropriately correct an influence of an illumination light variation caused by a temperature rise in a semiconductor light-emitting element due to light emission, in a scanning type color measurement system or the like which sequentially measures many color samples 1n and in which a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED is used as a light source and a reference system is not provided. Spectral distributions of illumination lights which are measured before and after the color sample is measured are interpolated, to thereby estimate a spectral distribution of an illumination light at the time when a spectral distribution of the color sample is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA SENSING, INC.
    Inventor: Kenji Imura
  • Patent number: 7830514
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to address the potential impact of lighting conditions/light 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 of UV 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: X-Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: James William Vogh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100253946
    Abstract: A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and colour patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and colour data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and colour patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ferrand D.E. Corley
  • Publication number: 20100033721
    Abstract: There are disclosed a system and a method for measuring reflectance of an object. The system for measuring reflectance of an object according to the present invention includes: a light source unit including a light source irradiating light to the object; a light source position adjusting unit that adjusts a position and a direction of the light source unit; a light receiving unit that acquires image data by detecting light reflected on the object; and a reflectance acquiring unit that acquires the reflectance of the object from the image data. According to the present invention, it is possible to more precisely acquire the reflectance of the object within a shorter time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Gwangji Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kwan Heng LEE, Duck Bong KIM, Kang Su PARK, Kang Yeon KIM, Myoung Kook SEO
  • Publication number: 20100006463
    Abstract: A fabric whiteness guide comprising at least one visual scale of whiteness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Norman Batchelor, Sara Louise Mawhinney, Douglas Mesquita Rocha, Carol Wendy Ward
  • Patent number: 7633648
    Abstract: Upon observing homogeneity in page image by the human eye, a permissible level associated with color reproduction with respect to an identical color signal changes depending on the distance from an interest point. Since the conventional homogeneity in page image evaluation scheme doesn't take the above characteristics into consideration, the correlation between a finished image and the evaluation result cannot be exploited fully. Hence, image data, which forms an image with identical density within a range to be evaluated in one page, is output to a printer to measure reflection characteristics of the image at points on output of the printer. One point is set as a reference point, and distances between the reference point and the remaining points, and differences of the reflection characteristic between the reference point and the remaining points are calculated. The image quality within the range is evaluated based on the distances and differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuatsu Sasanuma, Tomohisa Itagaki, Masami Tomita, Toshio Saishoji, Satoshi Takayama, Miyoko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7626728
    Abstract: Color reproducibility needs to be evaluated in consideration of the influence of homogeneity in page image. Hence, a first chart is formed from an image of a uniform density of a region to be evaluated, and data associated with the spectral reflectances of plural points on the first chart are input. Based on the data obtained from the first chart, color differences between a predetermined point and other points on the first chart are calculated. When the calculated color differences fall within a permissible range of heterogeneity of colors in the region, a second chart is formed from an image corresponding to a color target, and data associated with the spectral reflectances of plural points on the second chart are input. Color differences are calculated from the data obtained from the second chart and data associated with the spectral reflectance of the color target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohisa Itagaki, Nobuatsu Sasanuma, Masami Tomita, Toshio Saishoji, Satoshi Takayama, Miyoko Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090168063
    Abstract: A dental color measurement tool disposed opposite an opening portion for capturing light from an artificial tooth to undergo color measurement with a color measurement device includes at least one pair of guide posts having an engaging portion corresponding to an engaging portion on the color measurement device side, and an abutment post disposed between the pair of guide posts and having a pointed convex shape to which the artificial tooth can be mounted. The abutment post has a color measurement reference surface in a color measurement light axis direction as the vicinity of a focus position of the color measurement device in a photographing state. When performing color measurement photographing, the artificial tooth is mounted to the abutment post to position the front thereof at the color measurement reference surface. Thus, the artificial tooth can be stably retained at a suitable position with respect to the color measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 7426033
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that print a set of similar color patches using a color output device, determine colorimetric values for each color patch, calculate a standard deviation value for each of the colorimetric values, and calculate a numerical value that is a function of the standard deviation values and that represents the colorimetric deviation of the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Cumming
  • Publication number: 20080113167
    Abstract: Tools for matching the color of a coating on an article are disclosed. These tools include (a) a color chip that includes a coating exhibiting gonio-apparent properties; and (b) a window disposed directly adjacent to at least one side of the color chip, wherein the window has dimensions sufficient for an observer to view the gonio-apparent properties of a coating on an underlying article and compare it to the gonio-apparent properties of the coating on the color chip. Also disclosed are paint chip books that include one or more pages having a plurality of such color tools and method for matching the color of a coating on an article utilizing such color tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Henry