With the mission to “delight people beyond their wildest dreams”, DeNA Co., Ltd. operates a diverse portfolio of businesses – including games, live communities, sports and urban development, and healthcare and medical services. Centered on the strong passion and high technical capabilities of its highly motivated employees, the company handles everything from development to operation of high value-added services that accurately capture client needs.

The company has adopted ColorEdge color management monitors, which are managed over a network using ColorNavigator Network. Currently, they are working to further streamline monitor management by leveraging the ColorNavigator Network API. We spoke with Masato Onishi, who oversees in-house color management, and Masaaki Iwasaki, who developed the program utilizing the API.
 

What is the background behind introducing the ColorEdge series into your workflow?

Onishi: We installed ColorEdge monitors for our smartphone game development and management operations, primarily for development staff working on licensed content projects such as 2D illustration, 3DCG, UI design, and visual effects. Inconsistencies in monitor color or brightness between staff members can compromise the accuracy of their work, leading to additional revisions, or even result in the final output having incorrect colors. To address this, we introduced ColorEdge monitors, known for their excellent color reproducibility, and established a production environment where all staff can work while viewing consistent colors.

Initially, we were mainly using CS series monitors, which require an external sensor for calibration. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift to remote work, it became increasingly difficult to find inconsistencies in color and brightness across individual monitors, and manual calibration was no longer practical. To address this challenge and establish a production environment that could be effectively managed even under remote work conditions, we increased the number of CG series monitors, which are equipped with built-in calibration sensors. At the same time, we began utilizing ColorNavigator Network, EIZO’s monitor management solution. With the CG series, monitors can be set to automatically calibrate themselves, even when used at home, ensuring an accurate display is maintained. Furthermore, whereas we previously had to check each monitor’s settings directly, ColorNavigator Network now allows us to monitor display status remotely. This makes the management process significantly more efficient.
 

ColorNavigator Network in operation at DeNA
 

What prompted you to start using the ColorNavigator Network API?

Onishi: Once we started using ColorNavigator Network, I would regularly check the management dashboard to ensure that all monitors were properly configured and functioning without issue. If I found a monitor with incorrect settings, I would contact the staff member using it and ask them to correct it.

However, as the number of monitors we managed increased, the time it took to check them also grew significantly. While looking for some way to reduce this workload, I came across the ColorNavigator Network API. I realized that by utilizing the API, we could potentially automate these monitoring tasks. That led me to begin internal testing in collaboration with Mr. Iwasaki to explore how we could integrate the API into our workflow.
 

How are you utilizing the ColorNavigator Network API?

Iwasaki: By using the API, we were able to retrieve information that previously had to be checked manually on the ColorNavigator Network interface and integrate it with other applications. This allowed us to build a system that automatically sends notifications to our chat tool whenever a monitor is found to have incorrect settings.

We made a point to make the notifications more specific by identifying exactly which settings were incorrect using the information obtained through the API. For example, if a monitor’s color mode has been changed, the system sends a message like: “The color mode has been changed. Please change it to the correct setting: sRGB mode. Refer to page X of the manual for instructions.” This way, users not only receive alerts but also clear guidance on how to fix the issue. As a result, we have been able to fully automate the entire process – from checking monitor status and notifying users of issues, to providing instructions for resolution.

Notifications are sent automatically using internal communications tools. Image provided by DeNA.
 

What benefits have you seen from using the ColorNavigator Network API?

Onishi: Previously, I would spend one to two hours each week checking ColorNavigator Network to manage our ColorEdge monitors. But now that we’ve built a system that automatically checks and sends notifications, that time has been reduced to just five to ten minutes – a 90% reduction! My role now is limited to reviewing logs and handling any unusual issues, which has dramatically lowered our management costs.

Also, since the checks are now handled by the program, the risk of oversight has been reduced. Of course, manual checks can be accurate if you spend enough time on them, but, realistically, it would take far longer than one or two hours. Since we are managing this on top of our regular duties, the time we can dedicate is limited. So having this system in place has been nothing but beneficial.

Do you have any requests regarding the ColorNavigator Network API?

Iwasaki: From an engineer’s standpoint, it would be even more convenient if ColorNavigator Network provided a space to input information for integration with external systems. In our case, we managed to centralize the necessary information within ColorNavigator Network by using the custom fields to enter the notification details. Adding a slight increase to the number of available custom fields would provide greater flexibility when building other systems and broaden the ways the API can be utilized.

Onishi: From an administrator's standpoint, having tools and resources that allow users to build their own systems, like this API, enables us to develop management solutions tailored to our company’s specific needs and reduce costs. I also believe that sharing real-world examples of how others are utilizing the API would serve as valuable references and encourage broader adoption among the user base.

Iwasaki: I believe the system we developed would be valuable to any production company. If there were a community where users could share their systems or exchange information, it would likely accelerate the adoption of the API. I think it would be fantastic if users could collaborate and explore the potential of this API together.

What are your future plans?

Onishi: Currently, we use the ColorEdge series for development staff involved in creative projects with licensed IP. However, if budget allows, we would like to adopt them as the standard monitors for all staff involved in game development.

We also intend to make even greater use of the ColorNavigator Network API. One of our company’s key strengths is our agility – we’re quick to develop the systems we need ourselves. For example, we aim to build a system that can automatically detect any monitor issues, restore settings, and perform recalibration. Ultimately, our goal is to fully automate all aspects of color management operations.
 

Special Thanks

DeNA Co., Ltd.
Website

Deployed Product

• ColorEdge CG2730（Successor Model:ColorEdge CG2700S）
• ColorEdge CG2420（Successor Model:ColorEdge CG2400S）
• ColorEdge CS2420（Successor Model:ColorEdge CS2400S）
• ColorNavigator Network