Color separation for colored fiber blends based on the fuzzy C‐means cluster

Colored fibers can be blended in a certain proportion to achieve a specific color. It is a very hard task for the colorist to find a good recipe to meet the final product without the aid of computer. In this article, a color separation method for the colored fiber blends is discussed to substitute for some manual work. The fuzzy C‐means cluster is a way to group the color in the colored fiber blends image. The distance index, which is a key factor during the fuzzy C‐means cluster process, is calculated in the RGB color space and the HSV color space with some transformation. The final experiment result proved that the colors of each pixel in the blends' image can be replaced by corresponding cluster center associating colors in the HSV color space, and the main texture as well as the main color information about the fibers in the image is preserved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012     

An intelligent system for fashion colour prediction based on fuzzy C‐means and gray theory

For design and manufacturing industries, to be able to capture the fashion trend is an essential factor that leads to winning a sale. However, colour predicting process in many organizations is not visible to the public. In order to provide colour trend to industries in advance, a predicting method is proposed in this study. In the method, the fuzzy c‐means was used to separate the collected colour data, then the minimum mean‐square error was used to place the similar colour clusters within different time point together and the gray model was adopted for prediction. In order to verify the prognostication of the system, four data announced by Pantone from spring 2014 to fall, 2015 were taken as the predicted samples and the colour for spring 2016 was predicted to compare with that in Pantone spring, 2016. The results show that the system has a high accuracy for predicting colour. The residual modified model constructed with the colour samples rearranged with MMSE has the best‐predicted result that ranged from 83.3% to 99.4%. It indicates that the result obtained with the rearranged samples is higher than that without rearrangement. Besides, the accuracy of the gray predicted results with residual modification would be more precise than the one without residual modification. Moreover, the value of mean squared error is quite low, which was ranged from 0.000025 to 0.0277. Therefore, the current intelligent predicting system satisfies the criteria of capturing colour in trend for enterprises. Moreover, it enables industries to make decisions for selecting the colour trend. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 273–285, 2017     

Skin‐color correction method based on hue template mapping for wide color gamut liquid crystal display devices

The development of wide color gamut (WCG) liquid crystal display (LCD) plays an important role in the high‐quality television (TV) field. Nowadays, people want their TV or display devices to have the capability of showing vivid colors while keeping skin colors as natural as they remember. Therefore, it is necessary to develop color‐correction technologies for WCG LCD system. A new color‐correction method named “natural skin‐color mapping algorithm” (NSCMA) for WCG LCD is proposed in this study. It can solve the skin‐color contour problem in color‐corrected images with simple skin‐color detection. Its development is based on the concepts of performing color mapping between source hue colors and target hue colors on each hue page. The polynomial regression is also applied to calculate the color mapping conversion matrices. Two color mapping factors called template‐size factor and tone‐compression factor are designed in NSCMA. The template‐size factor is used to adjust target template sizes adequately. The tone‐compression factor is designed to control the degrees of image enhancement. For facial skin‐color pictures, the appropriate settings of template‐size factor and tone‐compression factor will get suitable color image rendering on the WCG LCD. It is demonstrated that the WCG LCD can be corrected to show vivid color pictures and keep facial skin colors as natural as possible when the proposed NSCMA is performed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011     

A study on Fuzzy C‐means application in Austronesian language cultural and creative product colors

As culture has brought unlimited possibility and business opportunities, the countries propose the cultural and creative industry to strengthen the distinctive feature of their own, to distinguish the cultural differences of every country, and to avoid assimilation of powerful countries and neighbor countries, thereby revitalize the economy of that country. In countries affected by Austronesian culture, such as Taiwan and New Zealand, the rules by the Western colonial powers caused impact of different cultural uniqueness, which led to cultural differences. It is important to figure out the way to integrate exclusive cultures into diverse cultures in order to identify the cultural features of the country, promote the country's culture to others and realize the goal of the cultural and creative industry. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to provide the application of Fuzzy C‐means on cultural and creative products for designers. Finally, through the result of the design of case, cultural and creative products developed from Taiwan and New Zealand, fulfilled the purpose that the theory has been realized in practice, and the products successfully entered the markets.     

Research on the detection of fabric color difference based on T‐S fuzzy neural network

T‐S fuzzy neural network algorithm is used to establish the mapping relationship from the RGB space to the L*a*b* space, which avoids the complex process of color space conversion. Meanwhile, the block method is adopted to detect color difference of dyed fabric that is wide format and wide viewing angle. Color differences in different regions can be calculated with Color Measurement Committee color difference formula based on T‐S fuzzy neural network. Experimental results are in accordance with the spectrophotometer measurement, which proves that T‐S fuzzy neural network algorithm used in real‐time color detection process is effective and feasible. Workers can make corresponding adjustment on‐line according to the deviation to ensure the quality of fabric color and reduce the loss.     

Optimization of color reproduction on CRT‐color monitors

In the present experimental study, we quantify the influence of the brightness and contrast levels of a CRT‐color monitor in the color reproduction of 60 Munsell chips distributed throughout the chromatic diagram. The images were captured by two CCD cameras, and the color differences were evaluated after reproducing the chips on a color monitor (the experiment was performed with 3 different monitors) for 9 combinations of brightness‐contrast levels. We evaluated the color differences with 3 different formulas: CIELAB, CIELUV, and CIE94. The results indicate that the optimal settings of a monitor, to minimize the color differences, is a medium or minimum brightness level in combination with a maximum contrast level. This combination ensures a more faithful color reproduction with respect to the original image. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 24, 207–213, 1999     

Media‐dependent color appearance modeling based on artificial neural networks

In this study, we tried to consider various color appearance factors and device characterization together by visual experiment to simplify the across‐media color appearance reproduction. Two media, CRT display (soft‐copy) and NCS color atlas (hard‐copy), were used in our study. A total of 506 sample pairs of RGB and HVC, which are the attributes of NCS color chips, were obtained according to psychophysical experiments by matching soft copy and hard copy by a panel of nine observers. In addition, a set of error back‐propagation neural networks was used to realize experimental data generalization. In order to get a more perfect generalizing effect, the whole samples were divided into four parts according to different hues and the conversion between HVC and R_HVCG_HVCB_HVC color space was implemented. The current results show that the displays on the CRT and the color chips can match well. In this way, a CRT‐dependent reproduction modeling based on neural networks was formed, which has strong practicability and can be applied in many aspects. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 218–228, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20209     

Color vision assessment‐3. An efficient,two‐step,color assessment protocol

Color vision tests and multi‐test protocols in current use often fail to detect small changes in red/green (RG) and yellow/blue (YB) color vision due to poor sensitivity. The tests also have low specificity. In this study, we examine how improved understanding of within‐ and inter‐subject variability in RG and YB color vision and accurate assessment of the differences in color thresholds between the least‐sensitive, age‐matched normal trichromats, and the least‐affected deutans and protans can be used to design an efficient color vision screener (CVS) test. To achieve this objective, we examined two extensive data sets from earlier studies and carried out new experiments to provide better estimates of within‐subject variability in color thresholds and to validate the CVS test. The data sets provide essential information on inter‐subject variability, the effects of normal aging on RG and YB thresholds, and the spread in RG color thresholds in deutan and protan subjects. A statistical model was developed to optimize the parameters of the CVS test and to predict the limits of what can be achieved in color assessment. The efficiency and repeatability of the CVS test were then assessed in 84 subjects. The results match model predictions and reveal close to 100% test efficiency. The test takes between 140 and 160 seconds to complete and has close to 100% repeatability. An efficient, “two‐step” protocol based on the initial use of the CVS test followed by full color assessment in only those who fail the CVS test is also described.     

An efficient nonlinear polynomial color characterization method based on interrelations of color spaces

A well-known color characterization method is to take an image of a color chart and then to find the mapping matrix from the digital RGBs to the corresponding known CIEXYZs. However, the prediction errors are generally large in CIELAB color space because of the nonlinear transformation from CIEXYZs to CIELABs. In this article, we propose an efficient and simple nonlinear method for the color characterization of input devices. The approach for deriving a colorimetric mapping between digital RGB signals and CIELAB tristimulus values uses the polynomial modeling by considering the interrelations among the standard CIE color spaces. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of solution, we take the polynomial root terms extension. Our algorithm is simple to implement because only a least-squares mapping should be solved. Various computational results are given to demonstrate the efficiency and capability of the proposed method.     

Assessing color performance of whole‐slide imaging scanners for digital pathology

The color performance of two commercial whole‐slide imaging (WSI) scanners was compared against the ground truth and a hypothetical monochrome scanner. Three biological tissue slides were used to test the WSI scanners. A multispectral imaging system was developed to obtain the color truth of the biological tissue slides at the pixel level. The hypothetical monochrome scanner was derived from the color truth as a lower bound for comparison. The CIEDE2000 formula was used to measure color errors. Results show that color errors generated by the modern commercial WSI scanner, the legacy commercial WSI scanner, and the monochrome WSI scanner are in the range of [8.4, 13.0], [18.0, 26.33], and [17.4, 17.6] ΔE₀₀, respectively. The legacy commercial WSI scanner was outperformed by not only the modern commercial WSI scanner but also by the hypothetical monochrome scanner.     

Digital color reconstructions of cultural heritage using color‐managed imaging and small‐aperture spectrophotometry

There are many examples of cultural heritage having optical properties that have changed with the passage of time. Examples include the yellowing, darkening, and fading of paints and varnishes caused by light exposure and atmospheric pollution. When it is infeasible to treat an object, an image simulation can provide a view to the past, known as a color reconstruction. A technique is described that relies on a color‐managed image, spectral reflectance factor measurements of the object, an optical model of colorant mixing, an optical database of artist materials, spreadsheet software, and image editing software. Spectral calculations are used to create adjustment curves where segmented portions of an object's image are translated in color. This approach has been used to produce color reconstructions of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Georges Seurat. This colorimetric translation methodology is described and an example shown for the Chicago version of Vincent van Gogh's Bedroom. The methodology is compared with pixel‐based processing.     

Video‐based analysis for facial skin appearance with automatic face tracking

In this article, a video‐based analysis for facial skin appearance with an automatic face tracking technique is proposed. The change of skin appearance under various illuminations is observed by illuminating the face from various light source positions, and the changes in facial appearance are recorded as a video stream during this measurement. The recorded video stream is then analyzed to obtain the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) at each position of the facial skin. Automatic face tracking is necessary to compensate the facial movement in order to obtain an accurate BRDF measurement at each position. Since conventional face tracking techniques cannot be used for a face illuminated from various light source positions, a new face tracking technique that is robust to the various face shadings has been developed. Experimental studies show the effectiveness of both the proposed video‐based analysis technique and the automatic face tracking technique. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 477–484, 2008     

Dictionary‐based estimation of spectra for wide‐gamut color imaging

With the widespread use of commercialized wide‐gamut displays, the demand for wide‐gamut image content is increasing. To acquire wide‐gamut image content using camera systems, color information should be accurately reconstructed from recorded image signals for a wide range of colors. However, it is difficult to obtain color information accurately, especially for saturated colors, if conventional color cameras are used. Spectrum‐based color image reproduction can solve this problem; however, bulky spectral imaging systems are required for this purpose. To acquire spectral images more conveniently, a new spectral imaging scheme has been proposed that uses two types of data: high spatial‐resolution red, green, and blue (RGB) images and low spatial‐resolution spectral data measured from the same scene. Although this method estimates spectral images with high overall accuracy, the error becomes relatively large when multiple different colors, especially those with high saturation, are arranged in a small region. The main reason for this error is that the spectral data are utilized as low‐order spectral statistics of local spectra in this method. To solve this problem, in this study, a nonlinear estimation method based on sparse and redundant dictionaries was used for spectral image estimation—where the dictionary contains a number of spectra—without loss of information from the low spatial‐resolution spectral data. The estimated spectra are represented by a mixture of a few spectra included in the dictionary. Therefore, the respective feature of every spectrum is expected to be preserved in the estimation, and the color saturation is also preserved for any region. Experiments performed using the simulated data showed that the dictionary‐based estimation can be used to obtain saturated colors accurately, even when multiple colors are arranged in a small region. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013     

Long‐term changes in Japanese women's facial skin color

It has been suggested that skin color changes not only with advancing age but also with the times. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in Japanese women's facial skin color over 25 years, as well as the changes in skin pigmentation that affect skin color. First, skin color changes in terms of Munsell color values were investigated. A total of 3181 Japanese women residing in the greater Tokyo area were enrolled, and datasets were collected using spectrophotometers, designated as the 1991, 2001, 2005, and 2015 data. The mean Munsell hue, value, and chroma were calculated for each measurement year. Next, the concentrations of melanin and hemoglobin were calculated from spectral data, to investigate changes in skin pigmentations. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to verify that the suggested changes in skin pigmentations brought about skin color changes. As a result, skin color significantly changed toward high lightness, low saturation, and high yellowness from the 1991 data to the 2001 data. From the 2005 to 2015 data, the skin color distribution shifted toward lower saturation and increased redness. In addition, the concentration of hemoglobin decreased significantly from the 1991 data to the 2001 data, while the melanin concentration decreased significantly from the 2005 data to the 2015 data.     

Applying image‐based color palette for achieving high image quality of displays

In the highly competitive display market, manufacturers continuously develop new technologies to improve the image quality of displays. However, color measurement and visual assessment are time‐consuming to production lines. A new method to measure and improve color quality of the displays automatically therefore, is urgently needed to the manufacturers. This article proposes a familiar color correction strategy to optimize the colors of different displays by means of creating an image‐based color palette which enables color correction for familiar objects (e.g., facial skin, blue sky, or green grass) in the multidisplay systems. To produce the image‐based color palette, the 8‐bit RGB value of each pixel in an image is transformed to L*d*n* (lightness/dominant color/nondominant color) color channels, and the dominant‐color regions in an image are subsequently extracted from the dominant color (d*) channel. The memory color data of familiar objects can be set in reference monitor in advance to determine the dominant color (d*) channel. Then a series of palette colors are generated around a displayed image. The color palette will be displayed as a target for two‐dimensional colorimeter shooting to obtain the measured color data. The familiar color correction model was established based on a first‐order polynomial regression to achieve a polynomial fit between the measured color data and the reference color data on the color palette. The proposed method provides a solution to correct familiar colors on a displayed image, and maintains the original color gamut and tone characteristic in the multidisplay systems simultaneously. It is possible to achieve the preferred intent of the displayed images by using the proposed familiar color correction method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 154–168, 2014     

An algorithm for the selection of high‐contrast color sets

Nominal color coding is the aesthetic and functional use of color to convey qualitative information in graphical environments. The specification of high‐contrast color sets is a fundamental step in this process. We formulate the color‐coding problem here as a combinatorial optimization problem on graphs and present an algorithm that performs well and does not require that the function used to code the similarity between colors be a distance function. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 24, 132–138, 1999     

An integrated color‐appearance model using CIELUV and its applications

A new type of color‐appearance model is presented together with its formulations. It is named In‐CAM(CIELUV), which means the integrated color‐appearance model using CIELUV space. Using the In‐CAM(CIELUV), we can integrate its fields of applications in both colorimetric engineering and artistic color design. Various applications are introduced in colorimetric and color design fields. The In‐CAM(CIELUV) connects directly colorimetric color space and perceptual Hue‐Tone color order systems. In other words, the In‐CAM (CIELUV) gives a colorimetric basis for Hue‐Tone system. The three color attributes in the In‐CAM(CIELUV) space are mutually independent. This is a very convenient feature for selecting color combinations. Some two‐color combinations selected systematically in the In‐CAM(CIELUV) space are shown. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 125–134, 2008     

13C‐NMR study on cure‐accelerated phenol‐formaldehyde resins with carbonates

Both liquid‐ and solid‐state carbon‐13–nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C‐NMR) spectroscopies were used to investigate the cure acceleration effects of three carbonates (propylene carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate) on liquid and cured phenol‐formaldehyde (PF) resins. The liquid‐phase ¹³C‐NMR spectra showed that the cure acceleration mechanism in the propylene carbonate‐added PF resin seemed to be involved in increasing reactivity of the phenol rings, whereas the addition of both sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate into PF resin apparently resulted in the presence of ortho–ortho methylene linkages. Proton spin‐lattice rotating frame relaxation time (T_1ρH) measured by solid‐state ¹³C cross polarization/magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy was smaller for the cure‐accelerated PF resins than that of the control PF resin. The result indicated that the cure‐accelerated PF resins are less rigid than the control PF resin. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1284–1293, 2000     

Comparing the visibility of low‐contrast color Landolt‐Cs: Effect of aging human lens

We measured response time, the number of nonresponses, response error, and subjective visibility evaluation for color Landolt‐Cs with a gray color background presented on a CRT display to young and old adults (mean ages: 22.3 and 65.9 years, respectively) and to the same young adults wearing glasses with filters simulating an aging human crystalline lens. Comparing the results of elderly and young subjects without the filter, the results of the elderly subjects showed a longer response time, higher nonresponse ratio, slower response speed, and lower visibility, particularly for gray and blue stimuli. Conversely, the results for the young subjects who were fitted with the filters showed tendencies similar to those of the elderly subjects. These results indicate that the yellowing of the human lens strongly influences the visibility of color targets in the elderly and that wearing the filters enables young adults to simulate the visibility of the elderly. It suggests that the simulated filter as well as the aging human lens modifies the effective luminance, effective luminance contrast, and color difference between the color target and the background on the retina. Moreover, the relationship between the subjective evaluation and the response speed changes remarkably with age, regardless of the filters, suggesting that not only the subjective evaluation but also the evaluation of the performance, such as response speed, is important in estimating visibility and controllability in the elderly. The filter used in the present study will be an effective tool for the young to evaluate the visibility of elderly adults in terms of both response speed and subjective evaluation of visibility. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 5–12, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20071