JP2003270044A - Toning support apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a colorant such as a paint with toning efficiently in a short time. SOLUTION: In toning support, a plurality of colorant characteristic data, a plurality of reference colors and a database of colorant mixing ratios for each reference color, and a first screen, a second screen and a third screen are displayed. Data to be stored is stored. A first screen for designating one reference color from a plurality of reference colors is provided via a network, and an input for designating a reference color is received. Next, a plurality of color candidates having different color components from the designated reference color by an arbitrary difference are obtained, and a second screen showing the designated reference color and the color candidate is provided via a network, and Receive the specification of one color candidate. Next, the mixing ratio of the coloring agent that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is determined based on the characteristic data of the coloring agent, and the determined mixing ratio is provided via the network.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to toning of colorants such as pigments, paints, dyes and inks.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When painting a wall of a building such as a house, first, a paint color is decided between a customer and a painter. Next, in order to realize the determined color, the compounding ratio of the plurality of paints is determined. This is called toning. Then, the paint having the determined blending ratio is mixed, and the coating is performed. In addition to paints, pigments, dyes, inks, plastics, etc. are mixed with a plurality of basic colorants in an arbitrary ratio to create a desired color, but similar toning is performed here. Be seen.

Color swatches are provided by paint manufacturers for selection of paint colors. The customer searches for the desired color from the colors listed in the color sample book. When a customer selects a desired color from the color sample book by preparing a composition table in which the composition ratio (composition recipe) for each color is entered in advance, the painter describes the color. Obtain the blending ratio from the recipe. Therefore, the paint can be speedily created after the color determination.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] If the desired color is not found in the color sample book, the formulation table cannot be used. Therefore, the paint is mixed based on the desired color and the colors are adjusted visually (by hand).
Here, the customer expresses the desired color with words such as "brighter", "reddish", "yellowed" than the color of the sample in the color sample book. The painter mixes the paints with reference to this request to make a sample coated plate of that color. The contractor is
Look at the sample coated plate to determine if it is the desired color.
If the desired color cannot be created, repeat the creation of the sample coated plate until the color requested by the orderer is reproduced. Therefore, if the desired color is not found in the color sample book, the color is determined by trial and error, and it takes a huge amount of time and man-hours to determine the desired color. It is possible to calculate the blending ratio based on the desired color, but an expensive device is required for the calculation.

An object of the present invention is to enable toning in a short time efficiently in a colorant such as a pigment, paint, dye or ink.

[0006]

The toning support method according to the present invention comprises a plurality of colorants (pigments, paints, dyes, inks, etc.).
Characteristic data, color information of a plurality of reference colors (reflectance, XYZ
Tristimulus value) and a database of colorant blending ratios for each reference color, and the following first screen, second screen,
A storage unit that stores data for displaying the third screen is provided. Data for displaying a first screen for designating one standard color among the standard colors stored in the database is provided via a network, and an input for designating the standard color is received on the first screen. Next, a plurality of color candidates having different color components are obtained from the designated reference color, and data for displaying a second screen showing the designated reference color and the color candidates is provided via the network. Receives a designated input of one of the color candidates displayed on the screen. Next, data for displaying the third screen showing the blending ratio of the colorant for realizing the designated color candidate based on the characteristic data of the colorant stored in the database, and showing the decided blending ratio. Are provided via a network.

[0007] Preferably, in the color matching support method, the spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture is calculated using the Kubelka-Munk extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula in the determination of the blending ratio, and then the The color component of the colorant mixture is obtained, and the blending ratio of the color candidate colorant is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the designated color candidate so as to match the color component of the designated color candidate.

Further, preferably, in the above-described color matching support method, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color can also be set on the first screen. The color component is, for example, L
It is represented by the ab color system. On the first screen, the input of the designation of the reference color and the input of the difference of the color components from the designated reference color are also received, and the plurality of color candidates are obtained from the received reference color and the difference. Further, for example, on the first screen, the difference between the color components can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the first screen, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

A color matching support device according to the present invention provides a communication device communicating via a network and a first screen for designating one reference color from a plurality of reference colors via the network. 1 output means and the first screen,
The shown a first specified input means for receiving an input of designation of the reference color, means for determining a plurality of color candidate having different specified reference color or al color component, the specified reference color and a plurality of color candidates Second output means for providing two screens via a network, second designation input means for receiving a designation input of one of the color candidates shown on the second screen, and realizing the color of the designated color candidate And a third output means for providing a third screen showing the determined blending ratio through a network, the blending ratio determining means for determining the blending ratio of the plurality of coloring agents based on the characteristic data of the coloring agent, The characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a database of the plurality of reference colors and a colorant mixture ratio for each reference color, and data for displaying the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen. Storage means for

[0010] Preferably, in the color matching support device, the blending ratio determining means calculates the spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture using the Kubelka-Munk extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula, and then The color component of the colorant mixture is obtained, and the mixing ratio of the color candidate colorant is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the designated color candidate so as to match the color component of the designated color candidate.

Further, preferably, in the above-described color matching support device, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color can be set on the first screen. The color component is, for example, L
It is represented by the ab color system. The first designation input means receives, on the first screen, the input of the designation of the reference color and the input of the difference of the color component from the designated reference color,
The color candidate setting means obtains a plurality of color candidates from the received reference color and the difference. For example, on the first screen, the color component difference can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the first screen, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

The toning support program executed by the computer according to the present invention is characteristic data of a plurality of colorants,
A step of storing a database of a plurality of standard colors and a colorant mixture ratio for each standard color, and data for displaying the following first screen, second screen, and third screen in a storage means; Providing data for displaying a first screen for designating one standard color from the stored standard colors via a network, and receiving an input for designating the standard color on the first screen, and providing a step of obtaining a plurality of color candidate having different specified reference color or al color component, the data for displaying a second screen showing a specified reference color and the color candidate over the network, The step of receiving one designated input of the color candidates displayed on the second screen and the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate are recorded in the database. Determining based on the characteristic data of the colorant that is, the third indicating the determined blending ratio
Providing the data for displaying the screen via the network. Preferably, in the step of determining the blending ratio, the absorption coefficient of Kubelka-Munk
Calculate the spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture using the scattering coefficient and Duncan's equation, and then determine the color components of the colorant mixture,
The blending ratio of the colorant of the color candidate is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the designated color candidate so as to match the color component of the designated color candidate. A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention records the color matching support program.

[0013] Preferably, in the color matching support program, the first screen can further set a difference in color component from a designated reference color. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system. In the step of receiving the input of designation of the reference color on the first screen, together with the designation of the reference color, the setting of the difference of the color component from the designated reference color is also received, and then in the step of obtaining the color candidates, A color candidate is obtained from the designated reference color and the set difference. For example, on the first screen, the color component difference can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the first screen, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

According to the toning method of the present invention, the data for displaying the screen for designating the reference color is received through the network, the screen is displayed on the display device, and the designation of the reference color is input on the screen. If so, the designated standard color is transmitted. Next, the specified standard color, and
Data for displaying a screen showing a plurality of color candidates having different color components from the reference color is received via the network, and the screen is displayed on the display device. Next, on the second screen, when there is one designated input from the displayed color candidates, the designated reference color is transmitted. Next, the data for displaying the screen showing the mixing ratio of the colorant for realizing the designated color candidate is received via the network, and the screen is displayed on the display device.

Preferably, in the above-described color matching method, on the screen for designating the reference color, it is also possible to set the difference of the color component from the designated reference color. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system. On the first screen,
Along with the input of the designation of the reference color, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color is transmitted, and then the plurality of color candidates that differ from the received reference color by the difference are obtained. For example, on the first screen, the color component difference can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the first screen, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

A color matching terminal according to the present invention is a communication device that communicates via a network, a display device, an input device for inputting on a screen displayed on the display device, and a screen for designating a reference color. Receiving the data for displaying via the network, displaying the screen on the display device, and transmitting the reference color designated by the input means on the screen, the first display means, and the reference color designated by the input means, , Receives data for displaying a screen showing a plurality of color candidates having different color components from the reference color via the network, displays the screen on the display device, and displays the color candidate designated by the input means on the screen. The second display means for transmitting and a screen showing the mixing ratio of the colorant for realizing the color of the color candidate designated by the input means are displayed. The data to be received through the network, third and display the screen on the display device
Display means.

Preferably, in the above terminal, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color can also be set. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system. Corresponding to the designation of the reference color on this screen and the setting of the color component difference from the designated reference color, the plurality of color candidates differ in color component from the reference color by the difference. Ask for. For example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

The toning support method according to the present invention is provided with storage means for storing characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors, and a database of the mixing ratio of the colorants for each reference color. The screen for displaying is displayed on the display device. Next, in response to the designation of the reference color on this screen, a plurality of color candidates having different color components are obtained from the designated reference color, and the designated reference color and the plurality of color candidates are displayed. Display on the device screen.
Next, in response to the designation of one of the color candidates displayed on this screen, the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is calculated from the characteristic data of the colorant stored in the database. Based on this, the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is displayed on the screen of the display device. Preferably, in the determination of the blending ratio, Kuberka ·
The spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture is calculated using the Munch's extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula, and the color component of the colorant mixture is calculated from the reference color so that it matches the color component of the designated color candidate. The mixing ratio of the colorant of the color candidate is calculated from the difference of the color components of the color candidate designated as.

Preferably, in the color matching support method, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color can be set on the screen for designating the reference color. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system. In this screen,
Along with the input of the reference color designation, the input of the difference of the color components from the designated reference color is also received, and the plurality of color candidates are obtained from the received reference color and the difference. Also,
For example, on this screen, the color component difference can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on this screen, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

The toning support apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage device for storing characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors, and a database of a colorant mixture ratio for each reference color, a display device, and a display. Corresponding to the input device for inputting on the screen displayed on the device, the first display means for displaying the screen for designating the reference color on the display device, and the designation of the reference color by the input means on the screen, Color candidate setting means for obtaining a plurality of color candidates having different color components from a designated reference color, and second display means for displaying the designated reference color and the plurality of color candidates on a screen of a display device. And a database of the compounding ratios of the colorants that realize the colors of the designated color candidates corresponding to the designation by the input means, which is one of the color candidates displayed on the screen. A mixing ratio determining means for determining based on the stored characteristic data of the colorant was, and a third display means for displaying a compounding ratio of the colorant determined by calculation means on the screen of the display device.

[0021] Preferably, in the color matching support device, the blending ratio determining means calculates the spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture using the Kubelka-Munk extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula, and then The color component of the colorant mixture is obtained, and the mixing ratio of the color candidate colorant is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the designated color candidate so as to match the color component of the designated color candidate. Further, preferably, in the above-mentioned color matching support device, the difference of the color component from the designated reference color can be set on the screen for designating the reference color. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system.
The color candidate setting means obtains a plurality of color candidates having different color components from the designated reference color by the difference in correspondence with the designation of the reference color and the setting of the difference on the screen. Further, for example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

The toning support program executed by the computer according to the present invention is characteristic data of a plurality of colorants,
A database of a plurality of standard colors and a colorant mixture ratio for each standard color, and a step of storing data for displaying the following first screen, second screen and third screen in a storage means, and designating the standard colors To display a first screen on a display device, and to obtain a plurality of color candidates having different color components from the specified reference color, corresponding to the specification of the reference color on the first screen, A designated reference color and a second indicating the plurality of color candidates
The step of displaying the screen on the display device and the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate corresponding to the designation of one of the color candidates displayed on the second screen are stored in the database. And a step of displaying on the display device a third screen showing the blending ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate. A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention records the color matching support program.

Preferably, in the above-mentioned color matching support program, on the above-mentioned screen for designating the reference color, it is also possible to set the difference of the color component from the designated reference color. The color component is represented by, for example, the Lab color system. On the screen, the input of the designation of the reference color and the input of the difference of the color components from the designated reference color are also received, and then the plurality of color candidates are selected from the received reference color and the difference. Ask. Further, for example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be selected from a plurality of preset values. Further, for example, on the screen for designating the reference color, the difference between the color components can be set as an arbitrary input value.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a system for assisting toning. The terminal 100 is installed at a business place where color matching work is performed, such as a color matching factory of a painter, a paint dealer, or a paint maker. A terminal 100 of a painter or the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as a painter) uses a color matching support device 30 via a network (Internet or the like) 200.
Can be connected to 0. A color sample book is prepared by the painter to determine the paint color. The color sample book is created by a paint trader, for example. The orderer looks for the desired color by looking at the color sample book. If you have the desired color, just like before,
The blending ratio of the color can be obtained from the blending table. On the other hand, if the desired color is not found in the color sample book, the terminal 100 accesses the color matching support device 300 via the network 200. The toning support program of the toning support device 300 displays candidates for desired colors on the screen. When the desired color is determined from among them, the blending ratio of the paint for realizing that color is calculated and output. The painter mixes the paint based on the obtained mixing ratio, and paints with a desired color. In this way, the desired color can be determined and toned in a short time.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the terminal 100 of the painter. The terminal 100 has the same configuration as a normal computer. In the terminal 100, the CPU 102 includes a ROM 104 for storing programs and the like, a RAM 106 as a work area, an internal hard disk device 108,
The communication device 110 for transmitting and receiving via the network 200 is provided. The CPU 102 is further connected to a color display device 112, an input device 114 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a color printer 116, and the like. The hard disk device 108 stores a program such as a web browser in addition to the OS program. The toning support apparatus 300 can be used via the network 200 using a web browser. Therefore, the painter can accurately meet the request of the orderer through the network without purchasing an expensive color matching support device.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the color matching support device 300. In this device, a CPU 302 includes a ROM 304 for storing programs and the like, and an RA as a work area.
An M306, a built-in hard disk device 308, a communication device 310 for transmitting and receiving via the network 200, and the like. The CPU 302 further includes an input device 3 such as a color display device 312, a keyboard and a mouse.
14, a color printer 316, a spectroscopic measurement device 318 that reads colors of printed matter, an external storage device (hard disk device) 320, and the like. Hard disk device 3
In the hard disk 321 of 20, the OS program 32
2 and the web server 324, paint data, paint database 326 including the color of the color sample in the color sample book, the mixing ratio, and the like, and a toning support program 328, which simulates the result of actual painting. Color-matching simulation program 330, web page 332 that displays a screen for using the color-matching support program or color-matching simulation program, server program for linking the processing by the color-matching support program or color-matching simulation program to the web page (for example, CGI program) It also stores 334, a web browser 336, and the like. From the terminal 100, the web browser can use the toning support program 328 and the color arrangement simulation program 330 via the web server 324.

Tables 1 and 2 show paint data and blending ratio data contained in the paint database 326.

[Table 1] Table 1 Contents of paint data in the paint database

[Table 2] Table 1 Contents of color data in the paint database

The use of the color matching support program and the color arrangement simulation program in the color matching support device 300 is charged, and the customer pays the usage fee. Alternatively, it may be made available only to members who have applied in advance. In such a case, the color matching support device 300 is provided with a screen for inputting a name and others when using the program, a billing program, etc., but a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows a flow for determining the coating color. The paint orderer first looks at the color sample book and searches for the desired color (color sample) from the colors listed therein (S1).
0). If there is a desired color (YES in S12), the composition ratio of the paint is obtained from the prepared composition table (S
14).

Table 3 shows an example of the formulation table. In this table, the color of the corresponding color code is printed in the "color sample" column.

[Table 3] Table 3 Recipe list in sample book

When the desired color is not found in the color sample written in the color sample book (NO in S12), the color matching support program 328 of the color matching support apparatus 300 is executed from the terminal 100 via the network 200. Use it to select the desired color. Here, the web server 324 and the web page 332
And the server program 334 is used. The web browser of the terminal 100 of the painter accesses the web server 334 of the color matching support device 300 to display a screen (see FIG. 5) for using the color matching support program 328 on the color display device 112. On the screen, the color M closest to the desired color is selected from the color sample book and displayed (S16). If necessary, the color printer 116 is used to print the color.

Further, in order to facilitate color selection, a plurality of colors close to the colors specified in the color sample book are displayed on the screen of the display device 114 of the terminal 100. As a result, various colors that are not in the sample book are proposed as candidates. Here, based on the selected color M, color components (ΔL, Δa, Δb) such as brightness, redness, and yellowness and (ΔL,
A color with increased or decreased ΔH, ΔS) is created, displayed on the screen, and printed (S18). The orderer determines a desired color M ′ from those colors. It should be noted that the luminescent color displayed on a display device using a luminescent light source such as a CRT is different from the non-luminescent color of the actual paint. Therefore, if there is a desired color or a color close to it, the actual color can be confirmed by printing it with the color printer 116 on the painter side. In this way, the orderer can determine any color that was not in the sample book as the desired color.

When the desired color M'is determined in the terminal 100, the toning support program next corrects the mixing ratio of the color M in the color sample book to obtain the mixing ratio of the desired color M '. calculate. That is, when the determined desired color M ′ is input, the difference in color component between the color M of the color sample book and the desired color M ′ is obtained (S20), and then the M searched for from the recipe is selected. Based on the mixture ratio, the mixture ratio of the desired color M ′ is calculated using the paint database such as the color and mixture ratio of the color sample book (S2
2). The obtained mixture ratio is displayed on the screen of the terminal 100. The painter mixes the paints based on the obtained mixing ratio to create a paint of a desired color and then paints. Therefore, even if a color that is not included in the sample book is desired, the desired color can be determined without creating a sample board or the like, which shortens the delivery time.

FIG. 5 shows a screen of a graphic user interface for using the toning support program via the network. The user can
Accurately express the desire for the desired color. A sample book block 130 for designating a color in the sample book is provided on the upper left side of the screen. Here, when the name of the sample book (for example, ABCD) is set, a plurality of colors included in the sample book are displayed as a set of the color name and the color. When any color (for example, A00) included in the sample book is designated by clicking any one, next, in the color adjustment block 132, a color close to the designated color is displayed as a candidate for selection. Specifically, a color candidate in which any one of the color components of lightness (L), red-greenish (a), and yellow-blueish (b) is increased or decreased by an arbitrary difference around the designated color. Are displayed in three 3 * 3 matrices 134.
(In the figure, the symbols + and-indicate increase and decrease.) In each matrix, the central color is the designated color, and the eight peripheral colors are obtained by increasing or decreasing the color components by an arbitrary difference. It is a color candidate of a color close to the designated color. Therefore, 2
Five colors are displayed. Although the color components are represented here by the Lab color system, other color systems may be used. The term “arbitrary” in the term “arbitrary difference” is used to mean that it may be any appropriate value. In the present embodiment, the adjustment amount box 136 allows the increase / decrease amount to be selected as one of large, medium, and small preset values. Therefore, it is close to 7
Two colors can be displayed as candidates. It should be noted that here, in order to display a color close to the designated color, it is displayed using a 3 * 3 matrix and the adjustment amount is set in three stages, but various modifications can be easily considered. For example, it may be displayed in a 5 * 5 matrix. Further, when only the preset value is used as the increase / decrease amount, the adjustment amount box may not be provided. In addition, the amount of increase / decrease is calculated in the adjustment amount box 136.
If you can input a numerical value in, it can be set steplessly. When the print button 138 is pressed in the combination calculation block 138, these matrices are printed by the printer 116 on the terminal side. In the color adjustment block 132, a desired color M ′ is designated from the displayed colors, and the calculation button 142 of the combination calculation block 140 is pressed,
Calculation for determining the blending ratio using the paint database 326 including the colors of the color sample book and the blending ratio thereof (FIG. 6)
Is executed. Then, the calculation result including the desired color (changed color) is displayed. In this GUI screen, a part for designating a reference color, a part for displaying a plurality of color candidates and designating a desired color, and a part for showing a combination calculation result are arranged on one screen. However, various forms of display are possible. For example, even if a first screen for designating a reference color, a second screen for displaying a plurality of color candidates and designating a desired color, and a third screen for showing a combination calculation result are displayed in order. Good.

The color matching support device 300 provides a website for color matching support. Data (included in the web page 332) for displaying various screens (including the screen of FIG. 5) for the website are stored in the storage device 318. FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing (steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 4) in the toning support system in more detail.

When the website of the color matching support device 300 is accessed by a web browser on the terminal 100 (S
60), the web server of the color matching support device 300 provides, via the network 200, data displaying the sample book block 130 for designating one standard color from the standard colors stored in the database 326. (S4
0). In the terminal 100, the data for displaying the sample book block 130 for designating the standard color is transmitted to the network 200.
To receive the sample book block 130 on the screen (S62). Here, the user inputs the designation of the reference color in the sample book block 130 (S64).

In the color matching support device 300, when the reference book designation input is received in the sample book block 130 (S4).
2) A plurality of color candidates having different color components from the designated reference color are obtained (S44). Then, the color adjustment block 132 indicating the designated reference color and the color candidate.
Is displayed via the network 200 (S46). The terminal 100 receives, via the network 200, data indicating a designated reference color and a color adjustment block 132 indicating a plurality of color candidates in which color components differ from the reference color by an arbitrary difference, and the data is displayed on the screen. The color adjustment block 132 is displayed (S66). here,
The user specifies one of the displayed color candidates in the color adjustment block 132 (S68).

When the toning support apparatus 300 receives an input for designation of one of the color candidates displayed in the color adjustment block 132 (S48), the mixing ratio of the colorant for realizing the color of the designated color candidate. Is determined based on the characteristic data of the colorant stored in the database (S50, see FIG. 7). Then, the data displaying the combination calculation block 140 indicating the determined combination ratio is provided via the network 200 (S52). In the terminal 100, the data for displaying the mixture calculation block 140 indicating the mixture ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is displayed on the network 200.
And the combination calculation block 140 is displayed on the screen (S70).

FIG. 7 shows the flow of calculation of the mixture ratio of the desired color M ′ in the toning support program 328. For the calculation of the blending ratio, methods such as isometric match and metameric match are known, but here, it is calculated using the Kubelka-Munk extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula applicable to paints, dyes, etc. To do.

(1) When the desired color M'is determined, the color component is input (S100) and converted into tristimulus values Xs, Ys, Zs independent of the measuring device (S102).

(2) On the other hand, to realize the desired color M '
Of paint combinations (here 3 colors and white paint)
It is set (S104). This is the desired color in the sample book
Specified based on the mixing ratio of the most similar color (reference color) M to
Be done. And from the paint database, the paint used
Spectral reflectance data ρ_iλ(Where i is the type of paint
Where λ represents the wavelength), the absorption coefficient K obtained from_iλ
And scattering coefficient S_iλIs input (S106). Also paint
Read the mix ratio of the reference color M from the database 326
The initial value C of the mixing ratio₁, C_Two, C_Three, C_WSet as
To do. C here _WIs the mixture ratio of white.

(3) Next, based on those data, the paint
Tristimulus value X of the mixed result_M, Y_M, Z _MTo calculate. Well
First, the absorption coefficient and scattering coefficient of Kubelka Munch and Duncan
Using the formula, the compounding ratio C₁, C_Two, C_Three, C_WMixed in
K of the paint after doing_Mλ/ S_MλThe individual K_iλ, S_iλ
Is calculated from (S108).

[Equation 1] This expression is an approximate expression when the background and white scattering coefficients are sufficiently large. Next, K _{M λ} / S _Mλ is _defined as the spectral reflectance ρ _Mλ
(S110). That is,

[Equation 2] Then, the tristimulus values X _M , Y _M , and Z _M of the mixing result are _calculated from the spectral reflectance ρ _Mλ (S112).

(4) Further, X, Y, Z are C ₁ , C ₂ ,
Nine partial differential coefficients obtained by differentiating with C ₃ are obtained (S11
4). Here, the compounding ratio C ₁ in the above calculation,
Instead of C ₂ and C ₃ , the following three prescriptions, C ₁ + ∂
C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ ; C ₁ , C ₂ + ∂C ₂ , C ₃ and C
₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ + ∂C ₃ (where ∂C _i is a minute amount of C _i )
Tristimulus values for X ₁ , Y ₁ , Z ₁ ; X ₂ , Y ₂ , Z ₂
And X ₃ , Y ₃ and Z ₃ are obtained. And these three
From the difference between the tristimulus value of the set and the tristimulus value by ρ _Mλ , ∂X,
∂Y and ∂Z are obtained, and the partial differential coefficient is obtained from the relationship between this and ∂C _i . The obtained partial differential coefficient is used later for solving the correction equation.

(5) Next, tristimulus values X _M and Y of the mixed result
Color differences ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ between _{M 1} , Z _M and the desired color tristimulus values Xs, Ys, Zs are determined (S116). That is, ΔX = Xs−X _M , ΔY = Ys−Y _M , ΔZ = Zs−Z _M Next, the following correction equations for the color differences ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ are solved, and the mixing ratios C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , the correction densities ΔC ₁ , ΔC ₂ , and ΔC ₃ are calculated (S118).

[Equation 3]

[Equation 4]

[Equation 5] Then, the obtained difference ΔC₁, ΔC_Two, ΔC_ThreeAccording to
Total ratio C₁, C_Two, C_ThreeIs corrected (S120). like this
And a new blending ratio C₁+ ΔC₁, C_Two+ ΔC _Two, C
_Three+ ΔC_ThreeIs obtained.

Next, step S is performed using the new blending ratio.
The calculation after step 108 is repeated to calculate the tristimulus values X _M , Y _M , and Z _M of the new mixing result, and the tristimulus values X of the desired color are calculated.
Compare with s, Ys, and Zs. The tristimulus values X _M , Y _M , and Z _M of the mixed result of the paint are the tristimulus values X of the desired color M ′.
Continue until s, Ys, Zs match. When they match, the items to be displayed on the screen such as the blending ratio are output (S1
22) and ends the calculation.

In the embodiment described above, the color components ΔL and ΔL are based on one color designated by the customer in the sample book.
Colors having different a and Δb are calculated, and matrix display is performed with the designated color as the center. Other various display forms are possible. For example, when the customer specifies two colors in the sample book, a color between those two colors may be calculated and displayed. In this case, the sample book block 13
When two colors are designated at the same time in 0, a plurality of calculated colors close to the designated color are displayed as candidates for selection in the color adjustment block 132.

Next, the application to the color arrangement simulation will be described. Displaying the shape and color on the screen during new construction or renovation of a building such as a house makes it easier to understand. Therefore, various simulation systems are provided to provide services to customers. A system for displaying the shape and color of the whole (building, etc.) including the painted part on the screen is also known. The color arrangement simulation program 330 shown in FIG. 8 is one such system. Here, if the above-mentioned color matching support program is used, selection of the coating color becomes easy.

In the color arrangement simulation program 330, for example, when painting the outer wall of the building, a simulation image of the appearance including the outer wall of the building is created. First, input the outside shape and color data of the building from the drawing etc. showing the outside shape of the building provided by the customer (S
200), and based on that, the building is displayed on the screen of the display device 112 (S202). Further, the color of the painted portion of the building displayed on the screen is set (S204) and displayed (S206). If the customer wishes, print the simulation results on a color printer. If the color is not preferable, or if it is desired to display another color, the process returns to step S204 and the color of the painted portion is changed and displayed.
Thus, in the simulation image, the color of the painted portion can be displayed according to the customer's wish. Here, the paint color is selected from the colors of the sample book, but if there is no desired color in the sample book, the program of the blending ratio calculation (FIG. 7) in the color matching support program 328 is executed in step S204. Call to determine the desired color and mix proportion for that.

Further, in the color matching support device 300, the color matching support program 328 and the color arrangement simulation program 330 can be directly used. FIG. 8 shows the flow of toning support processing in this case. When the toning support program 328 is accessed by the web browser 336, the database 326
A sample book block 130 for designating one reference color from the reference colors stored in is displayed on the screen (S8).
0). Here, the user inputs the designation of the reference color in the sample book block 130 (S82). Next, a plurality of color candidates whose color components differ from the designated reference color by an arbitrary difference are obtained (S84), and the color components differ from the designated reference color and the reference component by an arbitrary difference. A color adjustment block 132 showing a plurality of color candidates is displayed on the screen (S86). Here, the user designates one of the displayed color candidates in the color adjustment block 132 (S88). When one designated input of the color candidates is received, the blending ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is determined based on the colorant characteristic data stored in the database (S90, FIG. 7). Then, a combination calculation block 140 showing the determined combination ratio is displayed on the screen (S90). Color scheme simulation program 33
0 can be used directly as well. Needless to say, even in the terminal 100 of the painter, the color matching support device 3
A similar toning support device can be configured by providing the necessary parts of 00.

In the above description, the determination of the compounding ratio of an arbitrary color in the case of paint has been described. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is equally applicable to other colorants such as pigments, inks, dyes, plastics and the like.

[0051]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION With regard to colorants such as pigments, paints and dyes, when the desired color is not found in the sample book, the desired color combination can be determined in a short time. As a result, the delivery time such as painting can be shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to make a sample board, the cost can be reduced.

Since any desired color can be selected for the colorant, the degree of freedom in color selection is increased. Therefore, the appeal to customers is increased.

The customer's request can be accurately expressed via the network without purchasing an expensive color matching support device.

Further, even as a stand-alone color matching support device, when the desired color is not in the sample book, the customer's request can be accurately expressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is a block diagram of a system for toning.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color matching support device.

[Fig. 4] Flow chart for determining coating color

Figure 5: Graphical user interface screen diagram for determining the desired color

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in the color matching support system.

FIG. 7: Flow chart for calculation of mixture ratio

FIG. 8 Flowchart of color combination simulation

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of color matching support in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 terminals such as painters, 102 CPU,
110 communication device, 112 color display device,
116 color printer, 200 network, 300 color matching support device, 302 CPU,
310 communication device, 320 external storage device,
324 web server, 326 paint database, 328 color matching support program, 330 color scheme simulation program, 332 web page, 334 server program, 336 web browser.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yoshinori Komatsu             2-3-4 Kutaro-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             Issue Kurashiki Spinning Co., Ltd.Osaka headquarters F-term (reference) 2G020 AA08 DA02 DA03 DA04 DA05                       DA14 DA16 DA22 DA31 DA34                       DA35 DA43 DA45                 4J038 LA06

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of colorant characteristic data, a plurality of reference colors, and a database of colorant mixture ratios for each reference color, and the following first screen, second screen and third screen.
A storage means for storing data for displaying a screen is provided, and one of the reference colors stored in the database is stored.
The data for displaying the first screen for designating one standard color is provided through the network, the input for designating the standard color is received on the first screen, and a plurality of color components having different color components from the designated standard color are received. The color candidates are obtained, data for displaying the second screen showing the designated reference color and the color candidates is provided through the network, and the designated input of one of the color candidates displayed on the second screen is received. , The blending ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate,
A toning support method which determines based on characteristic data of a coloring agent stored in a database and provides data for displaying a third screen showing the determined blending ratio via a network. 2. The spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture is calculated using the Kubelka-Munk extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's formula in the determination of the blending ratio, and the color component of the colorant mixture is then determined. The compounding ratio of the colorant of the color candidate is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the specified color candidate so as to match the color component of the specified color candidate. Color matching support method. 3. A communication device for communicating via a network, a first output means for providing a first screen for designating one standard color from a plurality of standard colors via the network, and a first screen. First to receive input of standard color specification in
Provide a designated input means, a color candidate setting means for obtaining a plurality of color candidates having different color components from a designated reference color, and a second screen showing the designated reference color and the plurality of color candidates via a network Second output means, second designation input means for receiving one designated input from the color candidates shown on the second screen, and a mixture ratio of a plurality of colorants for realizing the color of the designated color candidate. And a third output means for providing a third screen showing the determined mixture ratio via a network, and a mixture ratio determining means for determining the mixture ratio based on the characteristic data of the colorants; , A plurality of reference colors and a database of the mixing ratio of the colorant for each reference color, and storage means for storing data for displaying the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen Support device. 4. A characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors and a database of a mixing ratio of the colorants for each reference color, and data for displaying the following first screen, second screen and third screen. Is stored in the storage means, and 1 is selected from the reference colors stored in the database.
To provide data for displaying the first screen for designating one standard color via the network, receiving an input for designating the standard color on the first screen, and if the color component is different from the designated standard color. A plurality of color candidates displayed, a step of providing data showing a second screen showing the designated reference color and the color candidates via the network, and a step of providing the color candidates displayed on the second screen. The step of receiving one specified input of, and the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the specified color candidate,
It consists of the step of making a decision based on the characteristic data of the colorant stored in the database, and the step of providing the data for displaying the third screen showing the decided mixture ratio via the network. Color support program. 5. In the step of determining the blending ratio, the spectral reflectance of the colorant mixture is calculated using Kubelka-Munk's extinction coefficient / scattering coefficient and Duncan's equation, and then the color components of the colorant mixture are calculated. The compounding ratio of the colorant of the color candidate is calculated from the difference between the reference color and the color component of the specified color candidate so as to match the color component of the specified color candidate. The described color matching support program. 6. A computer-readable recording medium in which the color matching support program according to claim 4 or 5 is recorded. 7. When a data for displaying a screen for designating a standard color is received via a network, the screen is displayed on a display device, and a standard color is designated on the screen, the designated standard is designated. A color is transmitted, a designated reference color and data for displaying a screen showing a plurality of color candidates with different color components from the reference color are received via a network, and the screen is displayed on a display device. On the 2nd screen, when one of the displayed color candidates is designated, the designated reference color is transmitted, and a screen showing the mixing ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is displayed. A toning method that receives data to be displayed via a network and displays the screen on a display device. 8. A communication device for communicating via a network, a display device, an input device for inputting on a screen displayed on the display device, and data for displaying a screen for designating a reference color via the network. First display means for receiving and receiving and displaying the screen on the display device and transmitting the reference color designated by the input means on the screen, the reference color designated by the input means, and the color component from the reference color. Second display means for receiving data for displaying a screen showing a plurality of different color candidates via the network, displaying the screen on the display device, and transmitting the color candidate designated by the input means on the screen. Data that displays a screen showing the blending ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the color candidate specified by the input means is displayed on the network. Receive via the click, the terminal for toning and a third display means for displaying the screen on the display device. 9. A display device is provided with storage means for storing characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors, and a database of colorant mixture ratios for each reference color. In response to the designation of the reference color on this screen, a plurality of color candidates having different color components are obtained from the designated reference color, and the designated reference color and the plurality of color candidates are displayed. A colorant stored in the database is displayed on the screen of the device, and the compounding ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate is stored in the database in correspondence with the designation of one of the color candidates displayed on this screen. A color-matching support method of determining the compounding ratio of a colorant that realizes a specified color candidate on the screen of a display device, based on the characteristic data of. 10. Storage means for storing characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors, and a database of a mixture ratio of the colorants for each reference color, a display device, and an input on a screen displayed on the display device. An input device for performing a reference color, first display means for displaying a screen for designating a reference color on a display device, and a color component from the designated reference color corresponding to the designation of the reference color by the input means on the screen. A color candidate setting means for obtaining a plurality of different color candidates, a designated reference color, and a second display means for displaying the plurality of color candidates on a screen of a display device; One of the color candidates is specified by the input means, and the compounding ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the specified color candidate is calculated based on the characteristic of the colorant stored in the database. Calculation means for deciding on the basis of the sex data, third display means for displaying the blending ratio of the colorant decided by the calculation means on the screen of the display device, and a toning support device. 11. A characteristic data of a plurality of colorants, a plurality of reference colors and a database of a mixture ratio of the colorants for each reference color, and data for displaying the following first screen, second screen and third screen. In a storage means, displaying a first screen for designating a reference color on a display device, and corresponding to the designation of the reference color on the first screen, a color component is designated from the designated reference color. A step of obtaining a plurality of different color candidates, a step of displaying a designated reference color and a second screen showing the plurality of color candidates on a display device, and a step of displaying the color candidates displayed on the second screen. Corresponding to one designation in the colorant, the step of determining the blending ratio of the colorant that realizes the color of the designated color candidate based on the characteristic data of the colorant stored in the database; It was the third screen showing the compounding ratio of the colorant to achieve the color of the candidate and a step of displaying on the display device, toning support program executed by a computer. 12. A computer-readable recording medium in which the toning support program according to claim 11 is recorded.