## Health, Welfare and care services

## Life Sciences

# Development of support tool for Color Universal Design

Keyword: Color Universal Design, Integration of the theory of color perception and the optical thin film technology

Organizations Involved

○ Dr. Shigeki Nakauchi, Associate Professor, Toyohashi University of Technology

○ Dr. Keizo Shinomori, Professor, Kochi University of Technology

○ Mr. Hirohisa Katoh, Corporate Director, Itoh Optical Industrial Co., Ltd.

Associate Prof. Nakauchi

Prof. Shinomori

Mr. Katoh

## 【Abstract】

We have successfully developed the spectral filter aiming to perceive the capability of color discrimination of color vision deficiency intuitively. It is excellent in portability and immersive virtualization in the shape of glasses as compared with computer simulation. Just wearing it enables us to check the confusing color combinations to color dichromats. This world's first spectral filter as a color universal design tool has resulted in the integration of different fields as theory of color vision and optical thin film technology.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

There used to be no relation between Color Vision Research and Optical Thin Film Technology either academically or technologically. This project is the great example of meeting the demand for Optical Thin Film Technology and Color Universal Design.

## ●Social Impact

Although the importance of color universal design has come to be recognized, yet it is still way behind in response to the color vision deficiency people, accounting for 5% of Japanese male. People with normal color vision can hardly recognize their limited color vision with less information of this issue. Our technology offers the simulation that they can easily find the confusing color combinations in the dichromatic vision. This remarkably effective tool helps us find out the problems of those color combinations printed in the various kinds of publications, textbooks and manuals for electric appliances. Not only specialists but administrative staff and school teachers can handle it easily. Thus, this technology can broaden Color Universal Design widely.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

Color vision researchers, designers and ophthalmologists have established Development Cooperation System for Support Tool after the Vision Science & Technology Symposium (held at Toyohashi in Aug. 2006 and Mar. 2007) that was triggered by this project.

## Project Background

Dr. Nakauchi sensed the possibility of materialization of color blindness simulation filter when he learned about the enterprise having the technology of optical thin film with highly flexible design had been looking for a new application.

## Funding History

1.2005 ~ 2006

Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI

2.2005 ~ 2006

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research

## I ntellectual property protection

## Color Blindness Simulation Filter

Shape of glasses

Original

Shape of C Mount

Have applied for:

Through filter

“Method for producing Functional Spectral Filter”

(For Domestic) 2006-1482861

## (Quake Disaster Prevention Map)

(For Abroad) PCT/JP2007/52561

Viewing through the filter, you can find it difficult to distinguish the area of green for refuge and orange for food supply in this map.

## Turning point in the Project

○Drastic brainstorming to acquire mutual element technology.

○Sharing the anticipation and effort for the new technology that come out from the integration of different fields.

○Publishing the information should work together in collaboration.