“With this device, you can copy the color of an object or create a new color with your imagination.
Features
M5Stack Color Maker has the following three functions.
1.Scan for color information
This device has an I2C-connected color sensor that can pick the color of an object.
2.Edit color information
We are using a development board called M5Stack Core2 for the device UI. This board has a touch-sensitive LCD screen, and the color can be adjusted by controlling the slider.
In addition to editing the scanned color information, it is also possible to create new color
3.Colorize paint based on color information
The device is equipped with a tank of water and four colors of paint: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. These paints are transported to the paint pan while being metered by a tube pump driven by a stepper motor.
User Interface & Color Sensor
This device uses a color sensor to read the color information of an object and convert it from RGB to CMYK color format. Color sensor is controlled by the M5Stack Core2 and simultaneously displayed in the UI on the display. UI shows CMYK data on a slider, which can be freely edited. M5Stack Core2 sends the color data to the Raspberry Pi PICO when the make color button on the display is pressed.
Control Stepper Motors & Synthesize the Paints
After receiving the color data, the Raspberry Pi PICO calculates the mixing ratio of the paints. The metering and transport of the paints is done by a tube pump driven by a stepper motor.
In a color printer, colors are represented by a mixture of the four CMYK colors, but since we are using watercolors, we will be using five colors: CMYK + Water.
I used a syringe as the tank for the paints.
Development of high performance tube pumps
A tube pump is a convenient device that can transport and meter liquids simultaneously. However, due to the structure of pumping liquid while squeezing the tube, pulsation occurs. Especially when measuring a small amount, as in this case, the pulsation can cause a large measurement error.
Several methods have been proposed to reduce the pulsation of tube pumps. However, I have developed a tube pump that can suppress pulsation easily and inexpensively without additional components.
Using this method, you can get a tube pump with less pulsation by simply combining a 3D printed part with a motor.
I believe that my pulsation-free tube pump is a valuable invention for medical, chemical laboratory and other commercial applications. Unfortunately, I am unable to release data on the pump at this time as I am preparing to obtain a patent.
However, we plan to make this pump free for personal use in M5Stack color makers, other hobby crafts, educational purposes, or free distribution for such purposes. Please wait a little longer for the data release.
Instead, I will publish the data of a tube pump with a common structure. The device will still work with this pump.”