Topic Downloaded worldwide for the convenience of digital guide (As of May 31, 2013)

DIC digitalized the COLOR GUIDE in October, 2010, and started releasing it as a free application for smartphones (iPhone by Apple). Since then, we have been expanding the users while enhancing compatible OS and contents.

Digital tool that excels in portability and search function

Since the release of DIC’s first edition of the “COLOR GUIDE” in 1968, it has been widely utilized as a necessary tool for color planning and color communication through revisions. In 2008, when digital devices became popularized in various design and product development departments and mobile terminal functions were starting to significantly improve, the “COLOR GUIDE digitalization project” was established within DIC. This was a challenge driven by the sense of mission as a “company that handles colors” while responding to customers’ need for a “tool that is easier to carry and enables us to search colors more conveniently.”

We released the Digital COLOR GUIDE application for smartphones and established a method to freely search from 2,230 colors on LC screens. We concluded a contract with Apple, measured the characteristics of iPhone (iPod touch) LC screens, and developed color conversion software that pursued color reproducibility.

Platform that accurately communicates colors

The release of the “DIC Digital COLOR GUIDE” in October, 2010, surprised people, because it was a “free application” that anyone can freely download despite the fact that it came with the search function and an abundance of database fully utilizing digital technologies. Behind this was DIC’s wish to “enable more people to casually use this as a convenient platform to accurately communicate colors to experience the richness and joy of colors and be more familiar with the world of colors.”

DIC digitalized the COLOR GUIDE

Main basic functions

Displays in ink compositions (CMYK) that enable users to quickly search for colors and reproduce the selected colors in printing, 3 primary color ratio (RGB) of light to reproduce colors on computers, and “Munsell values,” which is a color standard utilized in Europe, the U.S., and the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
Japanese/English/Chinese switchable display
Conveniently records/saves favorite colors
Simulates characteristics of and difference in colors depending on the printed material (poster board/PET sheet/metal/film, etc.) in images
Displays COLOR GUIDE colors, with which color information is extracted and approximated by touching photo images taken

“DIC Digital COLOR GUIDE” was downloaded worldwide, starting immediately after its release. It received high acclaim in a wide variety of areas, including architecture, industry, commerce, fashion, and interior, etc. In order to respond to more varied OS environments, we released the iPad version in May, 2011, and the Android version in November for tablet terminals. Furthermore, we began releasing the Macintosh version, in which color accuracy and simulation functions were enhanced, for specialists, such as designers, etc., in June, 2013.
The total number of downloads in 1.5 years after the release has exceeded 410,000 (as of May 31, 2013).

COLOR GUIDE series software development

iPhone (iPod touch), iPad, and Macintosh are product names by Apple.
Android is a platform for mobile terminals released by Google in 2007.

COMMENT

Unlimited colors at hand

Colors and materials have been attracting attention as important elements in product designing. I am in charge of the development to highlight their attractions and introduction to products. I often research shows and markets as part of the process, and I need to accurately record the colors and textures confirmed in the field when I do so. The “Digital COLOR GUIDE” enables me to quickly and conveniently record close colors on my smartphone and to confirm them on the screen. While the traditional paper chips are more effective when it comes to color accuracy, this application enabled me to research more conveniently. In addition, I have the sense of security that I always have an abundance of colors at hand as well as the joy of being able to see them at any time. One of the advantages is that it also enables me to learn the background, history, and name of colors. While it still has issues, such as the matching accuracy with the “DIC COLOR GUIDE,” etc., this is a free and fun application with which I can anticipate future development.

Sony Corporation UX & Product Strategy Group Creative Center Product Design Managing Group CMF Design Team Senior Producer Mr. Hajime Ogura

VOICE

Unlimited uses! This is an “entrance to browse color database.”

Seeing inquiries that we directly receive, introductory articles on the media, blogs, and twitter, the use of the “Digital COLOR GUIDE” truly differs for each person. There have even been unique examples of detecting the deterioration of photovoltaic generation back panels, database for Japanese painting restoration, and manicure salon color samples, etc. In order to reproduce colors on LC screens, it is necessary to fine tune color conversion software to match the characteristics of each model by different manufacturers, whether it’s a smartphone or a PC monitor. This requires a massive amount of work. However, knowing that the COLOR GUIDE is being utilized in countries and places where we can’t even imagine makes us forget the troubles.
What is important is the positioning that the COLOR GUIDE is an entrance to browse the color database. Due to this fact, we hope to continue enhancing the quality and volume of the infrastructure so-called database by fully utilizing the technologies that are unique to our company, which has extensive knowledge about colors.

Dispersion Technical Department 1 Dispersion Technical Group 1 Manager Yasuhiro Morihara

Special Topics 2013

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We want to use them with security because we need them in our lives.

FRP sheet pile for construction

Faster and safer sewer construction that supports our living environment

Epoxy resins/curing agents for electronic substrate

Even convenient tools that support the information society must be considerate to the environment.

TOPICS

Supporting the Development of a New Technology to Facilitate Precise Brand Color Reproduction and Management Worldwide

Drawing on its exclusive technologies and network capabilities, DIC Group company Sun Chemical Corporation has played a crucial role in a project aimed at ensuring a consistent global image for one of Heinz’s main brands.

Downloaded worldwide for the convenience of digital guide (As of May 31, 2013)

DIC digitalized the COLOR GUIDE in October, 2010, and started releasing it as a free application for smartphones (iPhone by Apple). Since then, we have been expanding the users while enhancing compatible OS and contents.