Method and system for arranging a paint color display

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides a method for systematically arranging paint color samples for convenient browsing and identification of desired colors by shoppers. Paint color sample cards are arranged on a two-dimensional display surface such that colors of similar hue are categorized or grouped together (e.g., along a column). Groups of paint color sample cards having different base hue or color are arranged such that there is a gradual transition between paint colors from one region to the next region. For instance, the colors of sample cards may gradually change from column to column across a two-dimensional display. Additionally, within each color group, paint color sample cards are arranged from most chromatic to least chromatic colors. Another aspect of the invention provides for accent color sample cards to be displayed adjacent to the various base color groups.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 748,953, filed Dec. 30, 2003 for Method and System for Arranging a Paint Color Display which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention pertains to displays of paint color samples. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention relates the systematic arrangement of paint color samples in a convenient-to-search order. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART [0003] When selecting paints, it is often useful to display the paint colors available on color cards. Each card typically provides a color sample for a single paint color. When a large number of different paint colors are available, it becomes a difficult task to organize these cards in a way that is easily accessible to customers. Ideally, the cards should be organized and displayed in such a way that the customer is able to find the desired color(s) with relative ease. Additionally, it would be helpful if the card arrangement...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] Paint color sample cards are arranged on a two-dimensional display surface such that colors having a similar hue angle, or colors that lie within a hue range, are categorized or grouped together (e.g., along a column) as a family of colors. For example, paint color sample cards having the same base hue or color are arranged on the same display region (e.g., column). Groups of paint color sample cards having different base hues or colors are arranged such that there is a gradual transition between paint colors from one region to the next region. For instance, the colors of sample cards may gradually change from column to column across a two-dimensional display array. Additionally, within each color group or family, paint color sample cards may be arranged from the most chromatic (purest) to the least chromatic colors (shaded). Thus, a customer may conveniently search for a desired color across columns and then search for the desired shade or tint down the rows. Accent color sample cards are preferably displayed adjacent to the various base color groups. For instance, along the region where red-based sample cards are displayed, color cards of white paint colors having a red tint are arranged to provide customers a convenient way to find accent colors.

Problems solved by technology

When a large number of different paint colors are available, it becomes a difficult task to organize these cards in a way that is easily accessible to customers.

Prior art attempts to display paint color samples to consumers have been unsatisfactory in several respects.

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