EP0850469A1

EP0850469A1 - Colour-code marking of items

Info

Publication number: EP0850469A1
Application number: EP96923144A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Sigurdsson; Lars Sundholm; Lars-Ake WIKSTRÖM
Original assignee: PX Idea AB
Current assignee: PX Idea AB
Priority date: 1995-07-07
Filing date: 1996-06-28
Publication date: 1998-07-01
Also published as: SE9502501D0; AU6373696A; SE9502501L; WO1997003427A1; SE9502501A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a frame (20) for marking items industrially with a coulour code with the aid of geometric symbols based on the classic shapes square, circle and triangle, and combinations thereof in an ordered configuration. The invention also relates to a colour-coding system with regard to the symbols and their positions in the configuration. The purpose of the invention is to provide a system for effective colour perception and colour coding.

Description

COLOUR-CODE MARKING OF ITEMS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and to a frame for colour-code marking of items with the aid of geometric symbols based on the classic shapes, square, circle and triangle. More specifically, the invention relates to a coding method for marking items, a frame structure for colour-coding with colour nuances and shades, and an alpha- numerical colour code.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The present invention is based on scientific investigations into the validity of symbols, i.e. that symbols are known and scientifically accepted in tests of different kinds. The term visual pregnance (clarity) is used in research in this particular technical field, i.e. the clarity of symbols formed by the classic square, circular and triangular shapes. One reason for using such symbols is found in the endeavours of human beings to retain the feeling of an unchanged and constant world. A diligent use of these symbols can be observed in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Those phenomena that are ever evident in this regard are size, shape and colour. Human beings first observe an entirety and then the details, whereafter the brain interprets and coordinates the material so as to provide a final perception of the interpre¬ tation as a whole, i.e. perceives a pattern of a presenta- tion. Too much information to be coordinated will result in visual noise, wherewith much of the information content will be lost.

Each symbol shall be clear and concise, so that when taken as a whole the symbols will form images of objects to be illustrated or presented. The classic symbols have been used scientifically in different types of tests, for instance Minnesota shape tests or in conjunction with IQ tests.

The symbols have also been used technologically. A large part of the data used in the design of technical constructions derives from psychological principles in which the basic shapes have been applied. This applies above all to instru¬ ments, wheels, levers, etc., (design of displays, design of controls, control systems, etc.).

Different pedagogic teaching aids comprised of the classic square, circular, triangular shapes and combinations of these shapes are used as early as the nursery school stage of children and even earlier.

These shapes are used in different kinds of tests and for different purposes as the children become older.

The classic shapes are found in industry in different types of instruments, for instance in the automobile industry and aircraft industry and also in the process industry. One of the reasons why this is so is because the basic symbols are interpreted positively by people, that is to say "correctly", on the basis of their configuration.

Further examples of the use of these shapes is found in traffic signs, which are configured with squares, circles, triangles and combinations of these shapes.

The Romans also use the basic symbols (capitalistic quad- rates) as mathematical symbols in different contexts, in which the symbols have a specific relationship with one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide logically, pedagog- ically and visually a method and a frame for symbols which give a unitary colour pregnancy or clarity with the aid of a basic symbol design language in which basic symbols are applied industrially to different types of items or articles, e.g. printed thereon.

A related object is one of enabling colour nuances and shades to be perceived by partially sighted and colour-blind persons.

Another object of the invention is achieved with the aid of frame compositions on items or articles in which the frames form rasters that give a limited understanding of the appearance of a composition-created replica as a motif.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system for coding colours and colour combinations and nuances.

These objects are achieved with a method of marking items with colour codes with the aid of geometric symbols based on the classic shapes square, circular and triangular. A basic composition of symbols denotes primary colours, where each symbol in the composition or array denotes a primary colour, wherein nuances of primary colours and mixtures of complemen¬ tary colours are denoted by the number of symbols, symbol combinations and symbol positions, where at least one symbol is placed within a predetermined surface area. Symbols within this predetermined surface area may be placed in rows and columns.

The predetermined surface area may be a symbol-enclosing frame. In one embodiment, the frame is square. If the rows and columns within the predetermined surface area or frame are marked by squares, the squares may contain a symbol from the aforesaid symbol array.

Alternatively, the predetermined surface area may be marked by the distance to the next predetermined surface area in a row and a column as the surface area belonging to a composi¬ tion of predetermined symbol-containing surface areas.

In accordance with another alternative, the predetermined surface area may lack any visible delimitation marks, wherein overlapping of mutually adjacent text, characters or symbols constitute the limit of the predetermined surface area.

In certain cases, groups of predetermined and mutually adjacent surface areas may form a raster so that the pattern which the surface areas are intended to present when coloured will be discernible in rough outlines, i.e. something can be perceived.

It is also possible in accordance with the invention to rotate the basic symbols in relation to one another so as to produce another colour nuance.

According to still another alternative of coding colour nuances, colour is removed or omitted from in basic symbols such as to mark primary colour nuances or shades.

The basic symbol composition or array is comprised of eight symbols, of which a completely filled square denotes the colour green, a completely filled circle denotes the colour red, a square rotated through 45° denotes the colour blue, a completely filled equilateral triangle denotes the colour yellow, a filled square containing an empty circle denotes the colour brown, a completely filled isosceles triangle denotes the colour grey, and an empty square that contains a completely filled isosceles triangle denotes black or dull black.

In accordance with the inventive method, symbols and/or predetermined surface areas may be in relief, so that partially sighted and blind people are able to interpret their meaning. The objects and purposes of the invention are also achieved with a frame or marked framing of items and articles with colour codes with the aid of geometric symbols, wherein a basic array of symbols denotes primary colours, and wherein each symbol in the array denotes one primary colour, wherein nuances of primary colours and mixtures of complementary colours are denoted by the number of symbols and the posi¬ tions of respective symbols in respective frames.

In one application, the frame is a delimited envelope used to mark items.

Symbols can be placed in rows and columns within the frame, wherein the rows and columns can be marked in the frame by squares, which may contain a symbol from the basic symbol array.

The frame can also be marked by the distance to the next frame in a row and a column as the surface area belonging to an array of predetermined symbol-containing surface areas.

In one application, the frame lacks a visibly marked bound¬ ary, wherein overlapping of nearest adjacent text, characters or symbols signifies the end of the frame, for instance when the frame is printed on a large empty surface, such as on a poster or the like.

Groups of predetermined adjacent surface areas may form a raster such that the pattern which the surface areas are intended to present when coloured will appear roughly, i.e. so that something can be perceived.

Basic symbols that are not rotationally symmetrical can be rotated to form another colour nuance. In one preferred embodiment, the basic symbol array comprises nine symbols, wherein a completely filled square denotes the colour green, a completely filled circle denotes the colour red, a square rotated through 45° denotes the colour blue, a completely filled equilateral triangle denotes the colour yellow, a filled square that contains an empty circle denotes the colour brown, a completely filled isosceles triangle denotes the colour grey and an empty square that contains a complete¬ ly filled isosceles triangle denotes the colour black or dull black.

Symbols and/or predetermined surface areas may also be provided in relief so that the significance of these surfaces can be understood by partially sighted and blind persons.

The present invention also relates to a colour code for designating or marking the colour of items or articles, said colours being based on the positions of colour symbols and a prefix or suffix for denoting colour in a chosen language.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 illustrates a basic array of eight combinations of three geometric basic shapes, each denoting an individual primary colour;

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a colour nuance in a frame according to the basic shapes in Fig. 1 and divided into rows and columns;

Fig. 3 illustrates several arrays of consecutively positioned frames that include colour symbols forming a coloured pattern;

Fig. 4 illustrates a colour tone circle in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative colour nuancing or shading method in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention was originally conceived for applica¬ tion with cross-stitch embroidery, where there is a need for a unitary and general colour symbol system. Each designer has, at present, an individual symbol system, which may also differ from time to time when the designer produces a new motif or pattern. Consequently, customers are unaware of which colour is denoted by a given symbol.

A customer who has worked with one motif for a long period of time and has therewith learned the symbols and colours concerned will become confused. When a new pattern is purchased, the motif or pattern may include completely different symbols which, in turn, perhaps represent new colours. The present invention provides a unitary colouring system and/or marking system for colouring and/or marking colour charts for cross-stitch embroidery, levers, packages, posters, etc., through the medium of the classic geometric shapes square, circle and triangle. Alternative shapes are the rectangle and the straight line, although these shapes have not been described and illustrated for the sake of clarity, since the number of colour nuances or shades would therewith be drastically increased without adding anything new to the basic concept of the invention.

The invention is based on the following lines of thought:

1. Limitation of the number of symbols concerned.

2. A clean layout.

3. Symbols that can be easily interpreted. 4. The use of symbols difficult to misinterpret.

5. The use of symbols that can be combined.

6. The use of symbols that are able to provide different colour nuances.

Fig. 1 illustrates a basic array of eight combinations of three geometrical shapes, each of which signifies a primary colour.

In Fig. 1, a completely filled square 10 denotes a green colour, a completely filled circle 11 denotes a red colour, an edge-standing square 12 (rotated through 45°) denotes a blue colour, an equilateral triangle 13 denotes a yellow colour, a completely filled black square containing a white or empty circle 15 denotes a brown colour, an isosceles triangle whose apex points to the right in the Figure denotes a grey colour, and an empty square 17 containing a completely filled equilateral triangle 19 whose base lies on the diagonal of the square and whose equilateral part points to the right in the Figure denotes a dull black colour.

Thus, the primary colours are denoted by eight symbols constructed from three classic geometrical shapes. These shapes can now be combined in a frame that is able to accommodate nine symbols or shapes disposed in columns and rows in the frame, for instance. Naturally, frames that will accommodate fewer or more symbols than nine are also conceiv- able, although the invention will be exemplified in the following with a frame that has nine symbol positions. 512 colour nuances can be defined with a frame having nine symbol positions and one primary colour.

It will be understood that the colour significance of the aforesaid shapes merely constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention and that other colorations are possible, particularly with regard to asymmetrical, rotatable shapes, such as the shape 16, and the dark nuances. The colour nuances are preferably produced mainly in black and white, depending on the printing process used. This is particularly advantageous in respect of colour-blind persons. The white and black colours may, of course, vary in the grey scale when printing motifs, patterns and labels, for instance. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of one colour nuance in a frame according to the basic shapes in Fig. 1 divided into rows and columns.

The colour system can be further extended in accordance with the invention by combining the basic symbols, i.e. symbols which denote different primary colours can be mutually combined in a frame 20.

The inventive colouring system is also based on supplementary colours. Red is felt to be warm and will give value to a round symbol. The opposite colour to red, i.e. green, is presented by an edged symbol in the form of a filled square, which is also the opposite of a circle. The colours blue and yellow are complementary to one another. By dividing the blue square to obtain two triangles, the complementary blue and yellow colours will be obtained by virtue of the triangular shape being included in blue.

The combination of red (circle) and green (square) denotes brown, i.e. the inclusion of a square in a circle. Grey (oblique upwardly pointing arrow) is a variant of black (an arrow pointing obliquely up to the left) . Black covers half a square. The grey colour is a sub-colour of black and is therefore given a smaller arrow, which symbolizes this fact.

Fig. 2 shows the primary colour green in the form of a completely filled square 10. So that the positions of individual squares can be referred to in the following, the nine squares have been numbered from one to nine (1-9) . According to the present embodiment, the square 1 denotes a very light colour, in the Figure a light green, and all nine symbol positions comprised of one and the same colour symbol denote a very dark colour nuance, i.e. dark green in accor¬ dance with the Figure. Because nine symbol positions (1-9) in a frame are able to describe 512 colour nuances by combination of excluded symbols and mutual shifting of positions, there is found between the aforedescribed extremi¬ ties position 1 occupied and 2-8 empty and positions 1-9 occupied respectively a further 510 nuances of the colour green. In the illustrated case, the crosses around position 3 denote an equidistance between symbols and frame edges. This is beneficial since several frames that together form the colour setting in cross-stitch embroidery, for instance, give rise to a raster effect, i.e. the motif or pattern can be discerned in the resultant raster pattern. This enables the motif to be read from the pattern, so to speak. When the user has learned the significance of the symbols, an under¬ standing of the colouring of the discernable motif will also be obtained.

The frame 20 containing positioned symbols can on its own provide a label that can be used in stores, for instance, to colour-mark clothes, wallpaper, paint cans and other prod- ucts. Frames 20 can also be combined to form a label. In certain applications, the frame 20 need not be marked at all, and if marked, need not be comprised of mutually joined straight lines to form a square, but may be marked with undulating and zig-zag shaped lines. The frame may also have a margin which is white in colour and spaced at a given distance from the symbol positions. When a poster or bill or the like is coloured, the part of the poster which is free from print may constitute a frame, i.e. the nearest print on the poster can denote the limitation of the frame, or when the edge of the poster is closer than the print the distance can constitute the frame extension.

The frame 20 and/or the symbols 1-9 can be made in relief to facilitate partially sighted and blind persons.

Fig. 3 illustrates several arrays 30, 32, 34 and 36 of consecutive frames placed in rows and columns and including colour symbols which form a colour pattern or part of a pattern, for instance part of a cross-stitch pattern. The size of the frames 20 will naturally depend on the applica¬ tion, the smaller the size, the better the raster effect.

Reference 30 in Fig. 3 points to part of a complete pattern material for a motif or pattern in cross-stitch embroidery, where each frame 20 constitutes a cross-stitch. Thus, the part 30 denotes different nuances of green in the pattern. Similarly, the part 32 denotes colouring with nuances of the colours red (filled circle) and green (filled square) , i.e. brownish nuances. Similarly, the reference numerals 34, 36 designate other parts of pattern material having colours according to the aforegoing. It will be readily understood that the possibilities of colour nuance combinations are practically unlimited. A frame (20) may include all possible combinations of primary colours, i.e. all eight colour symbols in forming colour nuances and colour shades.

A code system in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2, which illustrates an example of a green colour nuance in a frame according to the basic shapes in Fig. 1 divided into rows and columns with nine symbol positions marked with position index 1-9, wherein the colour according to Fig. 2 is given the colour code G123456789 or 123456789G, i.e a very dark green colour. Naturally, the colour codes may also be expressed as G987654- 321 or 987654321G, and optionally with other signs such as hyphens, blank spaces, etc.

Similarly, all colours or shades of colours can be given an alphanumeric colour code. The green nuance with symbols for the colour green (filled square) placed in positions 1 and 3 will thus be identified by the colour code G13, 13G, etc.

Preferably, abbreviations (letters, signs or characters) are used to identify colours in a chosen language, as a prefix or suffix linked with a symbol position index. The letter prefix G (Green), B (Brown), R (Red), Gr (Grey), etc., are used because the English language is preferred. As apparent from the abbreviation Gr, there is nothing to prevent several letters being used as a prefix or suffix.

The trademark Anchor®, a system in use with numerical digit markings for colour identification, is described below by way of example. The colour light green is identified by number 240, the colour light brown by number 372, the colour light grey by number 388, and so on. This colour system is not customer-adapted as in the case of the present invention, however, with which a colour designation can be readily observed by reading-off symbol positions in combination with the symbol of a colour and thus obtain an article number.

The inventive colour coding system enables a very exact and pedagogic description of all of the existing colour assort¬ ment of all colours to be obtained.

Fig. 4 illustrates a colour tone circle which shows pedagogi- cally how colour nuances and shades are obtained from the primary colours in accordance with the invention.

When the colour tone circle is read clockwise or anti¬ clockwise from one of the primary colours red 11, yellow 13, green 10 and blue 12, colour nuances and shades are obtained by combining the symbols of mutually adjacent primary colours on the circle. Fig. 4 illustrates a colour nuance selection of yellow-red 40, red-yellow 42, green-yellow 44, yellow- green 46, blue-green 48, green-blue 50, red-blue 52 and blue- red 54.

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present inven- tion in which the number of colour nuance symbols has been reduced by virtue of leaving a part of respective primary colour symbols 11, 10, 13, 12, 16, 18, which are shown filled with black colour in the uppermost row in Fig. 5, bare of colour over a surface area that has a shape corresponding to a respective primary colour shape, for instance such as the colour-bare circular space 56. The bare space may be delimit- ed both internally and externally as illustrated by the space 58 or be delimited in a manner which coincides with the primary colour shape, for instance circular, square, triangu¬ lar, etc.

Different colour nuances or shadings of the basic symbols 11, 10, 13, 12, 16, 18 are illustrated in columns in Fig. 5. Colour nuances with more than one primary colour symbol are obtained by combining column symbols from a primary colour, e.g. red 11, with column symbols of another primary colour, e.g. green 10, whereby red 60 combined with green 62 forms the colour brown, for instance.

In the colouring method illustrated in Fig. 5, a frame 20 may be limited to comprise two symbols in each column and row, i.e. a total of four symbols, and nevertheless used to denote a multiple of colour shades and nuances.

Colour bareness and colour contrasts of primary colours can be provided in relief, to facilitate reading of the colour code by partially sighted and blind persons, for instance. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, colour omission can be replaced with symbol perforations in suitable applications, for instance by punching the circle 60 from the square 62. When punching the surface 58 in Fig. 5, relatively small pieces can be left remaining so that the two black fields in the symbol 58 will remain connected.

The ways in which the colouring system or colour code according to the present invention can be used for colour- marking are practically unlimited. A few examples in this respect are given below: A cross-stitch user obtains a novel symbol language. Colour-blind persons can distinguish between colours. Colour symbols which denote graduations for use in industry. Symbols which denote hot and cold water on taps. Symbols which indicate different degrees of hot and cold.

Symbols which indicate intervals of graduations on different colour scales for use in industry or other technical activi¬ ties.

Labels for colour-marking commercial products. Etc.

The aforedescribed invention can be applied industrially, for instance by mechanically marking articles or products with a colour code.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred exemplifying embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not restricted to these embodiments. The person skilled in this art will be aware that other embodiments and applications are conceivable within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

1. A method of colour-code marking items with the aid of geometrical symbols based on the classic shapes square (10) , circle (15) and triangle (13), characterized in that a basic array of symbols denotes primary colours (10-19) where each symbol in the array denotes a primary colour, wherein nuances and shadings of basic colours and mixtures of complementary colours (32, 34, 36) are given by the number of symbols and the position of said symbols when at least one symbol is placed within a predetermined surface area (20) .

2. A method according to Claim l, characterized in that symbols in the predetermined surface area (20) are placed in rows and columns.

3. A method according to Claim 1 and Claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined surface area (20) is comprised of a frame that includes symbols.

4. A method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the frame is square.

5. A method according to Claims 2-4, characterized in that the rows and columns in the predetermined surface area or frame are marked by squares, which may contain a symbol chosen from said array.

6. A method according to Claims 1-3 and Claim 5, character- ized in that the predetermined surface area (20) is marked by the distance (X) to the next predetermined surface area in a row or a column to which the surface area belongs in a consecutive compilation of predetermined surface areas containing symbols.

7. A method according to Claims 1-3 and Claim 5, character¬ ized in that the predetermined surface area lacks a visible boundary, wherein overlapping of nearest adjacent text, sign, edge or symbol constitutes the boundary of the predetermined surface area.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that groups of predetermined adjacent surface areas form a raster (30, 32, 34, 36) such that the pattern which the surface areas are intended to present when coloured will be perceived in rough outlines.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the basic symbols (10, 13, 15) can be rotated in relation to themselves to form another colour nuance.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the basic symbol array (10-19) consists of eight symbols, wherein a filled square (10) denotes the colour green, a filled circle (11) denotes the colour red, a square (12) rotated through 45° denotes the colour blue, a filled equilateral triangle (13) denotes the colour yellow, a filled square (14) that contains an empty circle (15) or vice versa denotes the colour brown, a filled isosceles triangle (16) denotes the colour grey, an unfilled square (17) that contains a filled isosceles triangle (18, 19) denotes a shiny black or a dull black colour.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that symbols (10-19) and/or predetermined surface areas (20) are in relief, so that partially sighted or blind persons can interpret their meaning.

12. A frame (20) for marking articles with a colour code with the aid of geometric symbols, characterized in that a basic array of symbols (10-19) denote primary colours, where each symbol in the array denotes a primary colour, and wherein colour nuances or shadings of basic colours and mixtures of complementary colours (32, 34, 36) are denoted by the number of symbols and the position of symbols in the frame.

13. A frame according to Claim 12, characterized in that the frame is a delimited label used for marking items.

14. A frame according to Claim 12 and Claim 13, character¬ ized in that symbols are placed in rows and columns in the frame.

15. A frame according to Claims 12-14, characterized in that the rows and columns in said frame are marked by squares, which may contain a symbol taken from said array.

16. A frame according to Claims 12, 14 and 15, characterized in that the frame is marked by the distance to the next frame in a row and a column to which the frame belongs in a consecutive compilation of frames (20) containing symbols.

17. A frame according to Claims 12, 14 and 15, characterized in that the frame has no visible boundary, wherein overlap¬ ping of nearest adjacent text, signs or symbols constitute the frame boundary.

18. A frame according to any one of Claims 12-17, character¬ ized in that groups (30, 32, 34, 36) of adjacent frames form a raster such that the pattern which the frames are intended to represent when coloured will appear in rough outlines, i.e. something can be discerned.

19. A frame according to any one of Claims 12-18, character¬ ized in that basic symbols that are not rotationally sym¬ metrical can be rotated to form another colour nuance.

20. A frame according to any one of Claims 12-19, character¬ ized in that the basic symbol array consists of eight symbols, wherein a filled square (10) denotes the colour green, a filled circle (11) denotes the colour red, a square (12) rotated through 45° denotes the colour blue, a filled equilateral triangle (13) denotes the colour yellow, a filled square (14) that contains an empty circle (15) , or vice versa, denotes the colour brown, a filled isosceles triangle (16) denotes the colour grey, an empty square (17) that contains a filled isosceles triangle (18, 19) denotes a shiny black or a dull black.

21. A frame according to any one of Claimε 12-20, character¬ ized in that symbols and/or predetermined surface areas are in relief, so that partially sighted and blind persons can interpret the meaning thereof.

22. A colour code for labelling or marking the colour and colour nuances of items with geometric symbols, characterized in that a basic array of symbols (10-19) denotes primary colours, where each symbol in the array denotes a primary colour, wherein nuances of primary colours and mixtures of complementary colours (32, 34, 36) are denoted by the number of symbols and the position of said symbols, wherein posi¬ tions that include a symbol with its linked position index denotes the numerical colour designation of the colour code.

23. A colour code according to Claim 22, characterized in that the numerically linked colour codes are supplemented with a prefix or suffix relating to at least one letter or character which denotes the colour in a chosen language.