Aircraft inkjet printing

Abstract

This application is entitled "Aircraft Inkjet Printing". A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for applying color (202) to an aircraft (206). The color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) is determined by a computer system (212) according to the design (216) of the aircraft (206). The position (222) of the color (202) in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system (212). The position (222) is in a color space coordinate system (224). The computer system (212) selects an inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein the point cloud (230) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202). The inkjet printer (234) is used to apply the color (202) to the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the manufacture of aircraft, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for printing colors on aircraft using an inkjet printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Aircraft such as passenger planes are typically painted. A combination of colors, graphics, and printed identifiers used for an aircraft is called aircraft livery. Aircraft livery can include titles and markings or logos, as well as other graphic elements, on the exterior of the aircraft.

[0003] Headlines can have specific styles with particular fonts, font sizes, font case, proportions, and other parameters. Logos can have specific geometric shapes to create an identity that promotes recognition for a specific airline or other customer. Applying these designs to an aircraft using selected colors to create its livery can be challenging.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have methods and apparatus that take into account at least some of the problems discussed above, as well as other possible problems. For example, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus to overcome the technical problems of spraying paint on aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for applying color to an aircraft. The color used for the aircraft's outer surface is determined by a computer system based on the aircraft's design. The position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system. The position is in a color space coordinate system. The computer system selects an inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers, wherein the point cloud in a plurality of point clouds has a minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color. The inkjet printer is used to apply the color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0006] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for applying color to an object. A computer system determines whether the location of the color selected for the object is within a point cloud that defines the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The location is in a three-dimensional space used for the color space. When the color is within the point cloud that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, the computer system selects an inkjet printer for applying the color to the object.

[0007] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides an automatic color system including a computer system and a color manager within the computer system. The color manager is configured to determine the color of an aircraft's outer surface based on the aircraft's design. The color manager is configured to determine the position of the color in a three-dimensional space. The position is in a color space coordinate system. The color manager is configured to determine whether the Euclidean distance from the position of the color to any one of a plurality of point clouds defining the color application capability of an inkjet printer is zero, wherein points in the plurality of point clouds represent colors that the inkjet printer can apply. The color manager is configured to select an inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers, wherein the point cloud in the plurality of point clouds has a minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color, wherein the inkjet printer is used to apply the color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0008] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides an automatic color system including a computer system and a color manager within the computer system. The color manager is configured to determine whether the location of a color selected for an object is within a point cloud defining the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The location is in a three-dimensional space used for the color space. The color manager is configured to select an inkjet printer to spray the object with the color when the color is within the point cloud defining the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer.

[0009] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a computer program product for applying color to an aircraft. The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium and first program code, second program code, third program code, and fourth program code stored on the computer-readable storage medium. The first program code is executable by a computer system to cause the computer system to determine the color of the aircraft's outer surface according to the aircraft's design. The second program code is executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to determine the position of the color in a three-dimensional space. The position is in a color space coordinate system. The third program code is executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to determine whether the Euclidean distance from the color position to any one of a plurality of point clouds defining the color application capability of an inkjet printer is zero, wherein the points in the plurality of point clouds represent colors that can be applied by the inkjet printer. The fourth program code is executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to select an inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers, wherein the point clouds in the plurality of point clouds have a minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color. The inkjet printer is used to apply color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0010] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a computer program product for applying color to an aircraft. The computer program product includes first program code and second program code stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The first program code is executable by a computer system to determine whether the location of a color selected for an object is within a point cloud defining the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer, wherein the location is in a three-dimensional space of the color space. When the color is within the point cloud defining the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, the second program code is executable by the computer system to select an inkjet printer to spray color onto the object.

[0011] These features and functions may be implemented independently in various embodiments of this disclosure, or may be combined in other embodiments, in which more details can be seen with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The appended claims set forth novel features that are considered characteristics of the illustrative embodiments. However, the illustrative embodiments, preferred modes of use, further objectives and features thereof will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments of this disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 It is a graphical representation of a network of a data processing system, in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 2 This is an illustration of a block diagram of a color application environment according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 This is an illustration of extracting information from an aircraft drawing according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 This is an illustration of the Euclidean distance for determining color to point cloud according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0017] Figure 5 This is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 This is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 This is an illustration of a process for determining whether a color location is within a point cloud, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8This is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying color to an aircraft according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0021] Figure 9 This is another illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying color to an aircraft according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0022] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for selecting an inkjet printer when presented at a non-zero distance to a point cloud, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for creating instructions to apply color to an object, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 This is an illustration of a flowchart illustrating the process of selecting an inkjet printer for applying color to an aircraft, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0026] Figure 14 This is an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and servicing method according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0027] Figure 15 It is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft capable of implementing illustrative embodiments; and

[0028] Figure 16 This is an illustration of a block diagram of a product management system according to an illustrative embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that a current customer may request a specific configuration of colors to be painted on the exterior of an aircraft to form the aircraft's exterior livery. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that color codes for the colors can be extracted from the aircraft design, such as aircraft livery documentation.

[0030] The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that painted lettering, logos, and other design elements for aircraft painting can be more complex than desired. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that when lettering, logos, and other design elements are complex, these design elements are constructed layer by layer in a time-consuming process. In some cases, the illustrative embodiments recognize and consider printing designs of a certain level of complexity onto decals or stickers applied to the exterior of the aircraft. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that while decals or stickers may work well, they can add undesirable weight to the aircraft. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that decals or stickers can degrade over time.

[0031] The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that current techniques for identifying color codes in aircraft paint schemes can be cumbersome and error-prone. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that as the number of graphic elements and colors used for those graphic elements increases in aircraft paint schemes, the time required to identify color codes and mix those colors in the paint becomes longer than expected. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that when color code identification is performed by a human operator, the likelihood of error increases with the number of graphic elements and colors. The illustrative embodiments also recognize and consider that mixing different color codes in paint can also be cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0032] Therefore, illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for painting aircraft. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that painting can be performed using an inkjet printer. The illustrative embodiments recognize and consider that a design can be sprayed or "printed" onto the outer surface of an aircraft using an inkjet printer.

[0033] In an illustrative example, color is printed on an object. It is determined whether the location of the color selected for the object is within the point cloud that defines the color printing capabilities of a particular inkjet printer. The location is in three-dimensional space used for the color space. When the color is within the point cloud that defines the color printing capabilities of a particular inkjet printer, that particular inkjet printer is selected to print the object using that color.

[0034] In another illustrative example, color is printed on an aircraft. The color of the aircraft's outer surface is determined based on the aircraft's design. The position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined. The position is described using a color space coordinate system. It is determined whether the Euclidean distance from the color position to any one of multiple point clouds that defines the color printing capability of an inkjet printer is zero. The points in the multiple point clouds represent colors that can be printed by the inkjet printer. An inkjet printer is selected from a plurality of inkjet printers, wherein the point cloud in the multiple point clouds has the minimum Euclidean distance to the color position. The inkjet printer is used to print the color on the aircraft's outer surface.

[0035] Now refer to the attached diagram, especially the reference... Figure 1 This image depicts a graphical representation of a network of a data processing system, in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 is a computer network in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 includes network 102, which is a medium for providing communication links between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system 100. Network 102 may include connections such as wires, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

[0036] In the illustrated example, server computers 104 and 106 are connected to network 102 along with storage unit 108. Additionally, client device 110 is connected to network 102. As shown, client device 110 includes client computers 112, 114, and 116. Client device 110 can be, for example, a computer, workstation, or network computer. In the illustrated example, server computer 104 provides client device 110 with information such as boot files, operating system images, and applications. Furthermore, client device 110 can also include other types of client devices, such as mobile phone 118, tablet computer 120, and smart glasses 122. In this illustrative example, server computer 104, server computer 106, storage unit 108, and client device 110 are network devices connected to network 102, where network 102 is the communication medium for these network devices. Some or all of client devices 110 can form an Internet of Things (IoT), where these physical devices can connect to network 102 and exchange information with each other through network 102.

[0037] In this example, client device 110 is a client of server computer 104. Network data processing system 100 may include additional server computers, client computers, and other devices not shown. Client device 110 is connected to network 102 using at least one of wired, fiber optic, or wireless connections.

[0038] The program code located in the network data processing system 100 can be stored on a computer-recordable storage medium and downloaded to the data processing system or other devices for use. For example, the program code can be stored on a computer-recordable storage medium on a server computer 104 and downloaded to a client device 110 via network 102 for use on the client device 110.

[0039] In the depicted example, network data processing system 100 is an Internet with network 102, which represents a global collection of networks and gateways communicating with each other using the Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) suite in Transmission Control Protocol / IP. The core of the Internet is the backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or hosts, which consist of thousands of other computer systems used for business, government, education, and routing data and messages. Of course, network data processing system 100 can also be implemented using various different types of networks. For example, network 102 can consist of at least one of the following: Internet, intranet, local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), or wide area network (WAN). Figure 1 This is intended as an example, not as an architectural limitation of different illustrative embodiments.

[0040] As used in this article, "multiple" when referring to a project means one or more projects. For example, "multiple different types of networks" means one or more different types of networks.

[0041] Furthermore, the phrase "at least one" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and that only one of each item in the list may be required. In other words, "at least one" means that any combination of items and the number of items in the list can be used, but not all items in the list are required. Items can be specific objects, things, or categories.

[0042] For example, but not limited to, "at least one of project A, project B, or project C" can include project A, project A and project B, or project B. The example could also include project A, project B, and project C, or project B and project C. Of course, any combination of these projects can exist. In some illustrative examples, "at least one" can be, for example, but not limited to, two of project A; one of project B; ten of project C; four of project B and seven of project C; or other suitable combinations.

[0043] In this illustrative example, color manager 130 runs on server computer 104. Color manager 130 operates to print color 139 on aircraft 132.

[0044] In this illustrative example, color manager 130 controls at least one of inkjet printers 134 or 136 to apply one or more colors to the surface of aircraft 132. As shown, color manager 130 can control these inkjet printers by sending instructions 138 to client computer 112. Client computer 112 then sends appropriate instructions as signals to at least one of inkjet printers 134 or 136.

[0045] In this illustrative example, instruction 138 may be at least one of color information, coordinates defining a surface area for printing, program code, inkjet printer settings, or other suitable information. In this illustrative example, instruction 138 is sent over network 102 using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). Instruction 138 may be sent over network 102 as part of a data stream, wherein instruction 138 may be placed within a data packet. Furthermore, a tunneling protocol may be used to provide dedicated network communication between server computer 104 and client computer 112.

[0046] In this illustrative example, when generating instruction 138, color manager 130 determines the color 139 of the outer surface of aircraft 132. This color can be determined using the design of aircraft 132 (e.g., drawing 140).

[0047] In this illustrative example, drawing 140 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional drawing of aircraft 132. Drawing 140 may be generated from a computer-aided design file or from a computer-aided design file of aircraft 132. In this illustrative example, drawing 140 contains information such as color codes and surface areas to be painted. This information may be obtained from at least one of the metadata used for drawing 140 or the metadata of the processing of drawing 140.

[0048] For example, at least one of image processing, text extraction, computational analysis, visual analysis, or other techniques can be used to process drawing 140 to obtain information about color 139 in a surface area on which color 139 is applied to aircraft 132. The surface area can be continuous or discontinuous. The surface area can be part of the design for aircraft paint schemes for aircraft 132.

[0049] In this illustrative example, by identifying the color 139 used for aircraft 132, color manager 130 determines whether color 139 is within or outside the color range of inkjet printers 134 and 136.

[0050] By determining whether color 139 is within the dot cloud of each inkjet printer, it can be determined whether the color is within the color gamut of the inkjet printer. The color gamut of an inkjet printer refers to the colors that an inkjet printer can apply. These dot clouds represent the color space of the color gamuts of inkjet printers 134 and 136.

[0051] If the color is outside the point clouds of these inkjet printers, the color manager 130 can determine the distance of color 139 to each point cloud. An inkjet printer with a point cloud having the minimum Euclidean distance within a threshold distance can be used to apply color 139 to the aircraft 132. If the nearest distance to one of the point clouds of these two inkjet printers is greater than the threshold distance, inkjet printers 134 and 136 may not be able to apply another color that is sufficiently close to color 139. In this case, the customer can be consulted about whether a color closest to color 139 is acceptable, whether another inkjet printer can be considered, or other actions can be taken.

[0052] When an inkjet printer is selected to apply color 139, color manager 130 sends instruction 138 to client computer 112 to apply color 139 to aircraft 132 using the selected inkjet printer.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 2 The illustration depicts a block diagram of a color application environment according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, the color application environment 200 includes components that can be implemented on hardware (e.g., Figure 1 The components implemented in the network data processing system 100 (shown in the hardware).

[0054] In color application environment 200, color 202 can be applied to object 204. Object 204 can take many different forms. For example, object 204 can be selected from a group including mobile platforms, fixed platforms, land-based structures, water-based structures, space-based structures, aircraft, commercial aircraft, rotorcraft, surface ships, tanks, personnel carriers, trains, spacecraft, space stations, satellites, submarines, automobiles, power plants, bridges, dams, houses, manufacturing facilities, buildings, skins, walls, doors, fuselages, engine casings, wings, fairings, and other suitable types of objects.

[0055] In this illustrative example, an automatic color system 208 operates to apply color 210 to object 204 (e.g., aircraft 206 or some other type of object). As shown, the automatic color system 208 includes computer system 212 and color manager 214 within computer system 212.

[0056] Color manager 214 can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When using software, the operations performed by color manager 214 can be implemented in program code configured to run on hardware (e.g., a processor unit). When using firmware, the operations performed by color manager 214 can be implemented in program code and data and stored in persistent memory for execution on a processor unit. When using hardware, the hardware may include circuitry that operates to perform the operations in color manager 214.

[0057] In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take the form of at least one selected from circuit systems, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform multiple operations. Using a programmable logic device, the device can be configured to perform a number of operations. The device can be reconfigured later or permanently configured to perform a number of operations. Programmable logic devices include, for example, programmable logic arrays, programmable array logic, field-programmable logic arrays, field-programmable gate arrays, and other suitable hardware devices. Furthermore, these processes can be implemented in organic components integrated with inorganic components and can consist entirely of organic components excluding humans. For example, these processes can be implemented as circuits in organic semiconductors.

[0058] Computer system 212 is a physical hardware system and includes one or more data processing systems. When more than one data processing system exists in computer system 212, these data processing systems communicate with each other using a communication medium. The communication medium can be a network. The data processing systems can be selected from at least one of a computer, a server computer, a tablet computer, or some other suitable data processing system.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the color manager 214 in computer system 212 is operable to identify the color 202 for object 204 according to design 216. Design 216 is information in electronic form located in one or more files in design database 218. In this illustrative example, design 216 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional design of object 204. Design 216 may be a computer-aided design, for example, in a data structure, such as a file or other suitable object stored on a computer-readable medium in computer system 212. For example, when object 204 is aircraft 206, design 216 may be a two-dimensional drawing with text and legends describing a color scheme such as aircraft paint scheme.

[0060] Color manager 214 can process design 216 to determine color 202 selected for object 204. For example, color 202 can be used on the outer surface 220 of aircraft 206.

[0061] This determination of color 202 may include, for example, locating metadata used for design 216, where the metadata identifies color 202. The information identifying color 202 may be a color code, a color space value, or some other description.

[0062] Using the recognition of color 202, color manager 214 determines the position 222 of color 202 in three-dimensional space. The position 222 of color 202 in space is described using color space coordinate system 224 of color space 226.

[0063] In this illustrative example, a color space is an organization of colors. Color space 226 contains information capable of reproducing colors such as color 202. This information is represented in a color space coordinate system 224. As shown, color space 226 can be selected from at least one of the LAB color space, LMS color space, XYZ color space, or other suitable types of color spaces.

[0064] In this illustrative example, inkjet printer 228 can be used to apply color 202 to object 204. In this illustrative example, inkjet printer 228 can be implemented using currently available inkjet printers designed for industrial use, such as for applying color to vehicles like cars or aircraft. In this illustrative example, inkjet printer 228 can take the form of a robot having a printhead suitable for applying color 202 to object 204 such as aircraft 206.

[0065] The inkjet printer 228 can apply color 202 to object 204 in a variety of different ways. For example, the inkjet printer 228 can apply color 202 by spraying or printing color 202. In this illustrative example, the inkjet printer 228 can apply color 202 by at least one of spraying or printing.

[0066] For example, paint can be a liquid composed of pigments, solvents, and binders. Ink can be a translucent liquid, mainly composed of pigments and solvents, with a smaller proportion of binders. Paint has a higher viscosity than ink. Furthermore, the pigments in paint may be insoluble in solvents compared to ink.

[0067] In this illustrative example, color manager 214 can determine whether the location 222 of the color 202 selected for object 204 is within the point cloud 230 of the color application capability 232 of inkjet printer 234. As shown, when color 202 is within the point cloud 230 of the color application capability 232 of inkjet printer 234, color manager 214 can select an inkjet printer 234 from a plurality of inkjet printers 228 for applying color 202 to object 204.

[0068] For example, when inkjet printer 234 is selected, color manager 214 can determine the position 222 of color 202 in three-dimensional space and determine whether the Euclidean distance 236 from the position 222 of color 202 to any one of the plurality of point clouds 238 that define the color application capability 232 of inkjet printer 228 is zero. In this example, point 240 in the plurality of point clouds 238 represents color 242 that can be applied by inkjet printer 228 to object 204 such as aircraft 206.

[0069] As shown in the figure, the color manager 214 can select an inkjet printer 234 from a plurality of inkjet printers 228, wherein the point cloud 230 in the plurality of point clouds 230 has a minimum Euclidean distance 244 from the position 222 of color 202. Based on this selection, the color manager 214 can use the inkjet printer 234 to apply color 202 to an object 204, such as the outer surface 220 of an aircraft 206.

[0070] When selecting an inkjet printer, color manager 214 can identify an inkjet printer 234 among multiple inkjet printers 228 using point cloud 230 from multiple point clouds 238, wherein point cloud 230 in multiple point clouds 238 has a zero Euclidean distance 236 with position 222 of color 202. Furthermore, when the zero Euclidean distance 236 between position 222 of color 202 and multiple point clouds 238 does not exist, color manager 214 can identify an inkjet printer 234 among multiple inkjet printers 228, wherein point cloud 230 in multiple point clouds 238 has a minimum non-zero Euclidean distance 246 with position 222 of color 202.

[0071] In this illustrative example, the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance 246 to color 202 is represented as an approximate alternative color 248 to color 202. As shown, when the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance 246 is within a threshold distance 250, the color manager 214 can use the alternative color 248 instead of color 202.

[0072] Furthermore, if more than one of the multiple inkjet printers 228 has zero distance to the Euclidean distance 236, then these inkjet parameters have the capability to apply color 202. In this case, the selection of a specific inkjet printer from these inkjet printers with zero distance to the Euclidean distance 236 can be based on various parameters selected from at least one of color application speed, cost, and the number of colors that can be applied. The number of colors that can be applied includes determining whether more than one color applied to an object falls within the same point cloud of a specific inkjet printer. For example, if two colors are to be applied, and the first color falls within all three point clouds of three inkjet printers, while the second color falls within only one point cloud of three inkjet printers, then the inkjet printer whose two colors fall within the point clouds of the inkjet printers is selected.

[0073] By selecting an inkjet printer 234 from among multiple inkjet printers 228, the color manager 214 can generate instructions 252. In this illustrative example, instruction 252 represents instructions that can be used to control the operation of the inkjet printer 234 to apply color 202 to an object 204 (e.g., an aircraft 206). In this illustrative example, instruction 252 is sent directly to the inkjet printer 234 or to a computer or some other type of controller that controls the operation of the inkjet printer 234. This computer or controller can be located inside or outside the inkjet printer 234.

[0074] In an illustrative example, one or more technical solutions exist that overcome the technical problems of applying color to aircraft. As a result, compared to current technologies, one or more technical solutions can provide the technical effect of enabling faster application of color to aircraft or some other type of object. In the illustrative example, one or more technical solutions can reduce the time required to identify inkjet printers to apply one or more colors to aircraft paint or color schemes to other objects according to designs (such as drawings).

[0075] Computer system 212 can be configured to use software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof to perform at least one of the steps, operations, or actions described in the various illustrative examples. As a result, computer system 212 operates as a dedicated computer system, wherein color manager 214 within computer system 212 is capable of identifying the appropriate inkjet printer for applying color to an object. Specifically, color manager 214 transforms computer system 212 into a dedicated computer system compared to currently available general-purpose computer systems that do not have color manager 214.

[0076] In this illustrative example, the color manager 214 in computer system 212 integrates the processing of methods for applying color to objects to improve the performance of computer system 212 into a practical application. In other words, the color manager 214 in computer system 212 is directed to practical applications of processes integrated into the color manager 214, which identify inkjet printers for applying color to objects. In this illustrative example, the color manager 214 in computer system 212 determines whether the location of the color selected for the object is within a point cloud that defines the color application capability of the inkjet printer. The location is in a three-dimensional space used for the color space. When the color is within the point cloud that defines the color application capability of the inkjet printer, the computer system selects an inkjet printer for applying the color to the object, thereby achieving the desired accuracy. The computer system 212 controls the application of color to objects using an inkjet printer to meet the desired accuracy of the color specifications in the color space. In this way, the color manager 214 in computer system 212 provides practical applications for applying color to objects such as aircraft, thereby improving the functionality of computer system 212.

[0077] Figure 2 The illustration of color application environment 200 is not intended to impose physical or architectural limitations on the manner in which the illustrative embodiments are implemented. Other components besides those illustrated or in place of the illustrated components may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Furthermore, boxes are presented to illustrate functional components. When implemented in the illustrative embodiments, one or more of these boxes may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different boxes.

[0078] For example, the automatic color system 208 can recognize many colors other than or in lieu of color 202. Furthermore, the color manager 214 can apply these different colors in lieu of the color spraying currently used on an object 204 such as aircraft 206, or the color manager 214 can apply these different colors other than those currently used on an object 204 such as aircraft 206, to form the aircraft paint scheme for aircraft 206.

[0079] In other illustrative examples, inkjet printer 228 may be considered as a component external to automatic color system 208. In other illustrative examples, instruction 252 may be generated by another software or hardware component other than or replacing color manager 214.

[0080] Then turn to Figure 3 An illustration depicting the extraction of information from a drawing of an aircraft is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, drawing 300 is... Figure 2Example of design 216. Drawing 300 is a two-dimensional drawing in this example, a view in a computer-aided design model or a view created using a computer-aided design model. In this illustrative example, Table 302 is an example of information that can be extracted by processing drawing 300. In this illustrative example, the information identified from drawing 300 in Table 302 includes program name 304, version 306, client 308, date 310, color code 312, location 314, area to which color is applied 316, and color space value 318. As shown, the color space value provides the location of the color to identify color code 312 in the color space. This information can be used to determine whether a particular inkjet printer can apply color.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 4 An illustration of the Euclidean distance to the point cloud determined for a color is depicted according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, Table 400 illustrates the position of a color relative to the point cloud for the color application capability of an inkjet printer. As shown, Table 400 includes columns for color code 402, position 404, Euclidean distance (dE) 406, nearest point cloud 408, and inkjet printer identifier 410.

[0082] In this example, color code 402 identifies the color applied to the exterior of the aircraft. Position 404 identifies the position of the color within the color space. In this illustrative example, the color space is the LAB color space. Euclidean distance 406 is the nearest distance from the position of the color to the point cloud of a specific inkjet printer. Nearest point cloud 408 is the point in the point cloud closest to the position of the color.

[0083] In this illustrated example, five color entries are presented for application to the exterior of the aircraft. In this example, the colors include color A 420, color B 422, color C 424, color D 426, and color E428.

[0084] In this example, an inkjet printer can be selected that has the closest Euclidean distance to the location of a color to apply the color to an aircraft. For example, color A 420 has a point cloud that can be considered for use with an inkjet printer applying color A 420. In this example, inkjet printer 4 is an inkjet printer with the closest distance to the location of color A 420 (dE = 0.771423554). In this illustrative example, the point cloud with the closest distance can also be referred to as the nearest point cloud. As another example, for color B 422, inkjet printer 4 is an inkjet printer with the closest distance to the location of color B 422 (dE = 2.084864427).

[0085] In this illustrative example, if the distance threshold is 1.5, inkjet printer 4 is selected as the inkjet printer from which the alternative color from color A 420 can be applied. For color B 422, an alarm is generated even though inkjet printer 4 is the inkjet printer with the closest distance to the location of color B 422. The alarm is generated because this Euclidean distance is not within the threshold limit of 1.5.

[0086] Then turn to Figure 5 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 5 The process can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code, which is executed by one or more processor units in one or more hardware devices located in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in... Figure 2 This process is implemented in the color manager 214 of the computer system 212. This procedure can be used to apply color to objects (e.g., ...). Figure 2 At least one of the exterior or interior of the object 204 in the form of the aircraft 206.

[0087] The process first determines whether the location of the color selected for the object is within the point cloud that limits the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer (operation 500). In operation 500, this location is in a three-dimensional space used for the color space. For example, for the LAB color space, the coordinates are l = lightness, a = green axis, and b = blue axis.

[0088] When the color falls within the point cloud that limits the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, the process selects the inkjet printer to apply the color to the object (operation 502). The process then terminates. The process can apply the color to the object using the selected inkjet printer.

[0089] Then turn to Figure 6 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object, according to an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, the flowchart illustrates a process that can be used as... Figure 5 Additional steps performed as part of the flowchart. Figure 5 In operation 502, these steps can be performed when the color location is not within the dot cloud of the inkjet printer.

[0090] When the color is not within the dot cloud of the inkjet printer, the process determines whether the location of the color selected for the object is within another dot cloud that limits the color application capability of another inkjet printer (operation 600). When the color is within the dot cloud of the inkjet printer, the process selects another inkjet printer to apply the color to the object (operation 602). The process then terminates.

[0091] Go to Figure 7 The illustration depicts a process for determining whether a color location is within a point cloud, based on an illustrative embodiment. Figure 7 The process illustrated is feasible. Figure 5 An example of one way to perform operation 500.

[0092] This process determines the Euclidean distance from the color's location to the nearest point in the point cloud (operation 700). In operation 700, when the Euclidean distance is zero, the color's location is within the point cloud. The process then terminates.

[0093] Now go to Figure 8 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for applying color to an aircraft, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 8 The process can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code, which is executed by one or more processor units in one or more hardware devices located in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in... Figure 2 The color manager 214 in the computer system 212 is implemented.

[0094] The process first determines the color of the aircraft's outer surface based on the aircraft's design (operation 800). The process then determines the position of the color in three-dimensional space (operation 802). In operation 802, the position is determined in the color space coordinate system.

[0095] The process selects an inkjet printer from multiple inkjet printers, where the point cloud and color location have a minimum Euclidean distance (operation 804). In operation 804, the points in the multiple point clouds represent colors that can be applied to the aircraft by the inkjet printer. In operation 804, the selected inkjet printer can be used to apply the color to the outer surface of the aircraft. The process then terminates.

[0096] In this flowchart, the inkjet printer has a minimum Euclidean distance of zero from the location of the color. A distance of zero indicates that the location of the color is on or within the point cloud.

[0097] refer to Figure 9 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for applying color to an aircraft, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 9 The process is feasible. Figure 8 An example of one way to perform operation 804.

[0098] The process first determines whether the Euclidean distance from the point cloud to the color position is zero among multiple inkjet printers having point clouds in multiple point clouds (operation 900). If the distance between the point cloud and the color position is zero, the process selects the inkjet printer as a candidate for applying the color (operation 902). The process then terminates.

[0099] Referring again to operation 900, if no zero distance exists, when there is no zero Euclidean distance from the color position to multiple point clouds, the process identifies the inkjet printer of multiple inkjet printers using point clouds among multiple point clouds, which has the smallest non-zero Euclidean distance to the color position from the point cloud (operation 904). The process then terminates.

[0100] Next refer to Figure 10 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for selecting an inkjet printer when a non-zero Euclidean distance to a point cloud exists, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 10 The process can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code, which is executed by one or more processor units in one or more hardware devices located in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in... Figure 2 The color manager 214 of the computer system 212 is implemented.

[0101] This process identifies points in the point cloud that have a minimum non-zero Euclidean distance to a color used as a substitute color (Operation 1000). This substitute color is an approximation of the color. The process then determines whether the Euclidean distance between the location of a point in the point cloud and the color is within a threshold distance (Operation 1002). A threshold distance is selected in Operation 1002 to indicate when a color is close enough to be used as a substitute color. For example, a threshold distance can be selected such that the human eye cannot perceive the difference between the color and the substitute color.

[0102] In operation 1002, the threshold distance can be selected in several different ways. The threshold distance can be a difference between a color and a substitute color that a person cannot perceive.

[0103] If the Euclidean distance is within the threshold, the process selects an inkjet printer to apply an alternative color (operation 1004). The process then terminates. If the Euclidean distance is greater than the threshold distance, the process generates an alarm (operation 1006). The process then terminates. This alarm can indicate that the color that the inkjet printer can apply differs significantly from the color selected by the customer. Several different actions can be taken using this alarm. For example, the customer can be consulted regarding the color selection. As another example, additional inkjet printers can be identified and analyzed to determine whether these additional inkjet printers can apply the desired color.

[0104] Then turn to Figure 11 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for creating instructions to apply color to an object, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 11 The process can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code, which is executed by one or more processor units in one or more hardware devices located in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in... Figure 2 The color manager 214 of the computer system 212 is implemented.

[0105] The process first identifies the surface area to be colored on the aircraft's outer surface (Operation 1100). In Operation 1100, the surface area is determined using the aircraft's design. The process then determines the amount of color required for the inkjet printer to apply color to the surface area on the aircraft's outer surface (Operation 1102). This process creates instructions to control the inkjet printer to apply color to the surface area on the object (Operation 1104). The process then terminates.

[0106] Now go to Figure 12 The illustration depicts a flowchart of a process for selecting an inkjet printer for applying color to an aircraft, according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 12 The process can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code, which is executed by one or more processor units in one or more hardware devices located in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in... Figure 2 This process is implemented in the color manager 214 of the computer system 212. This procedure can be used to apply color to objects (e.g., ...). Figure 2 At least one of the exterior or interior of the object 204 in the form of the aircraft 206.

[0107] The process begins by identifying a set of colors from the aircraft's drawing (Operation 1200). In Operation 1200, the set of colors can be identified by performing image processing on the drawing. This image processing may include optical character recognition. In this operation, information such as customer name, program name, painting date, revision number, and color code can be identified.

[0108] The process then selects a color from a set of colors for processing (operation 1202). The process determines whether the color falls within the color range of a set of point clouds used by a set of inkjet printers (operation 1204). In operation 1204, a color is considered to be within the color range of the point cloud when it has a position in the color space within the point. This determination can be made by using a robust inner-outer segmentation with a generalized winding number.

[0109] If the color falls within the color range of multiple point clouds in a set of point clouds, then select a set of inkjet printers corresponding to the multiple point clouds as the inkjet printers to which the color can be applied (Operation 1206).

[0110] Otherwise, the nearest Euclidean distance is determined at the location of the color to a set of point clouds (operation 1208). In operation 1208, the process identifies point clouds from a set of point clouds of a set of inkjet printers that have the nearest Euclidean distance. In this example, it is assumed that only one point cloud will have the nearest Euclidean distance.

[0111] In operation 1208, the Euclidean distance can be determined in the LAB color space, as shown below:

[0112] dE is the reference color With another color Differences between

[0113]

[0114] in

[0115]

[0116]

[0117]

[0118]

[0119]

[0120]

[0121]

[0122] S L =1

[0123]

[0124]

[0125] And where k C and k H Typically, it consists of units and a weighting factor k. L k1 and k2.

[0126] The process then determines whether the distance is within a threshold distance (operation 1210). If the distance is within the threshold distance, the process then selects the inkjet printer corresponding to the point cloud with the closest distance as a candidate for applying the color (operation 1212).

[0127] Then determine if there is another color that needs to be processed (operation 1214). The process also proceeds from operation 1206 in this example to the determination in operation 1214.

[0128] If another color exists that has not yet been processed, the process returns to operation 1202.

[0129] Referring again to operation 1210, if the distance is not within the threshold, an alarm is generated (operation 1216). In operation 1216, this alarm can be used as an indication that an additional inkjet printer should be identified to consider applying the color. The process then proceeds to operation 1214.

[0130] Referring again to operation 1214, if no additional colors need to be processed, the process then identifies one or more inkjet printers from the candidate inkjet printers identified as suitable for applying that set of colors to the aircraft (operation 1218). There may be more than one inkjet printer capable of applying a specific color. The selected inkjet printer may be an inkjet printer capable of printing in most or all colors recognizable by the aircraft.

[0131] The process then determines a set of surface areas on the aircraft to which the set of colors will be applied (Operation 1220). The process then identifies the resources required to apply the set of colors to the aircraft (Operation 1222). The process then terminates. These resources identified in Operation 1222 include the color quantity and availability of the selected inkjet printer. For example, multiple inkjet printers of the same type can be selected to increase the speed at which colors can be applied. The identification of these resources in Operation 1222 can be used to schedule and indicate the time required for color application. This determination can be used to determine how this part of the aircraft manufacturing process affects the aircraft's painting date.

[0132] The flowcharts and block diagrams depicting different embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of the apparatus and methods in the illustrative embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent at least one of a module, segment, function, or part of an operation or step. For example, one or more blocks may be implemented as program code, hardware, or a combination of program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may take the form of an integrated circuit, which is manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowchart or block diagram. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, the implementation may take the form of firmware. Each block in a flowchart or block diagram may be implemented using a dedicated hardware system that executes different operations or combinations of dedicated hardware and program code executed by the dedicated hardware.

[0133] In some alternative implementations of the illustrative embodiments, one or more functions labeled in the boxes may not conform to the order in which they are labeled in the figures. For example, in some cases, two boxes shown consecutively may be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes these boxes may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. Furthermore, in addition to the boxes illustrated in the flowchart or block diagram, other boxes may be added.

[0134] Now go to Figure 13 A block diagram of a data processing system is depicted according to an illustrative embodiment. The data processing system 1300 can be used for implementation. Figure 1 The system includes server computer 104, server computer 106, and client device 110. Data processing system 1300 can also be used for implementation. Figure 2 The computer system 212 is shown in the example. In this illustrative example, the data processing system 1300 includes a communication framework 1302 that provides communication between a processor unit 1304, a memory 1306, a persistent storage device 1308, a communication unit 1310, an input / output (I / O) unit 1312, and a display 1314. In this example, the communication framework 1302 takes the form of a bus system.

[0135] Processor unit 1304 is used to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into memory 1306. Processor unit 1304 includes one or more processors. For example, processor unit 1304 may be selected from at least one of a multi-core processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a physical processing unit (PPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or some other suitable type of processor. Furthermore, processor unit 1304 may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems, where a main processor and auxiliary processors reside together on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit 1304 may be a symmetric multiprocessor system containing multiple processors of the same type on a single chip.

[0136] Memory 1306 and persistent storage device 1308 are examples of storage device 1316. A storage device is any hardware capable of storing information, such as, but not limited to, data, program code in a functional form, or at least one of other suitable information (temporary, permanent, or both). In these illustrative examples, storage device 1316 may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage device. In these examples, memory 1306 may be, for example, random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage device 1308 may take various forms depending on the specific implementation.

[0137] For example, persistent storage device 1308 may include one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage device 1308 may be a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive (SSD), flash memory, a rewritable optical disc, a rewritable magnetic tape, or a combination thereof. The media used by persistent storage device 1308 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard disk drive may be used for persistent storage device 1308.

[0138] In these illustrative examples, communication unit 1310 provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communication unit 1310 is a network interface card.

[0139] Input / output unit 1312 allows data input and output to other devices that can be connected to data processing system 1300. For example, input / output unit 1312 can provide a connection for user input via at least one of a keyboard, mouse, or some other suitable input device. Furthermore, input / output unit 1312 can send output to a printer. Display 1314 provides a mechanism for displaying information to the user.

[0140] Instructions for at least one of the following: an operating system, an application program, or a program, may reside in storage device 1316, which communicates with processor unit 1304 via communication frame 1302. Processes in different embodiments may be executed by processor unit 1304 using computer-implemented instructions, which may reside in memory such as memory 1306.

[0141] These instructions are referred to as program code that can be read and executed by the processor in processor unit 1304, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code. The program code in different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer-readable storage media, such as memory 1306 or persistent storage device 1308.

[0142] Program code 1318 is functionally located on computer-readable medium 1320, which is selectively removable and can be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system 1300 for execution by processor unit 1304. In these illustrative examples, program code 1318 and computer-readable medium 1320 form computer program product 1322. In the illustrative examples, computer-readable medium 1320 is computer-readable storage medium 1324.

[0143] In these illustrative examples, computer-readable storage medium 1324 is a physical or tangible storage device for storing program code 1318, and not a medium for propagating or transmitting program code 1318. As used herein, computer-readable storage medium 1318 should not be construed as a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., optical pulses through fiber optic cables), or, as used herein, electrical signals transmitted through wires should not be construed as transient signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., optical pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0144] Alternatively, program code 1318 can be transmitted to data processing system 1300 using a computer-readable signal medium. The computer-readable signal medium can be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code 1318. For example, the computer-readable signal medium can be at least one of electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals can be transmitted via a connection, such as a wireless connection, fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, wire, or any other suitable type of connection.

[0145] Furthermore, as used herein, "computer-readable medium 1320" can be singular or plural. For example, program code 1318 may be located in computer-readable medium 1320 as a single storage device or system. In another example, program code 1318 may be located in computer-readable medium 1320 distributed across multiple data processing systems. In other words, some instructions in program code 1318 may be located in one data processing system, while other instructions in program code 1318 may be located in a data processing system. For example, a portion of program code 1318 may be located in computer-readable medium 1320 in a server computer, while another portion of program code 1318 may be located in computer-readable medium 1320 located in a group of client computers.

[0146] The different components illustrated for the data processing system 1300 are not intended to provide architectural limitations on the ways in which different embodiments can be implemented. In some illustrative examples, one or more components may be incorporated into another component or otherwise formed as part of another component. For example, in some illustrative examples, memory 1306 or a portion thereof may be incorporated into processor unit 1304. Different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system that includes components other than those illustrated for the data processing system 1300 or components that replace those illustrated for the data processing system 1300. Figure 13The other components shown may differ from the example shown. Different embodiments can be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code 1318.

[0147] It can be like Figure 14 The aircraft manufacturing and service methods shown in 1400 and such Figure 15 Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are described in the context of the aircraft 1500 shown. First, turn to... Figure 14 The illustration depicts an aircraft manufacturing and servicing method according to an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, the aircraft manufacturing and servicing method 1400 may include... Figure 15 Specifications and design of the 1500 aircraft 1402 and material procurement 1404.

[0148] During production, parts and subassemblies are manufactured in 1406 and... Figure 15 The system integration of the 1500 aircraft occurred at 1408. Afterwards, Figure 15 The aircraft 1500 can be certified and painted 1410 to be in service 1412. When the customer is in service 1412, Figure 15 The aircraft 1500 is scheduled for routine maintenance and servicing 1414, which may include modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments and other maintenance or servicing.

[0149] Each process of the aircraft manufacturing and servicing method 1400 may be performed or implemented by a systems integrator, a third party, an operator, or a combination thereof. In these examples, the operator may be the customer. For the purposes of this specification, a systems integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major systems subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, etc.

[0150] Now for reference Figure 15 The illustration depicts an aircraft in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 1500 is composed of... Figure 14 The aircraft manufacturing and servicing method 1400 produces an aircraft and may include a fuselage 1502 and an interior 1506 having multiple systems 1504. Examples of systems 1504 include one or more of a propulsion system 1508, an electrical system 1510, a hydraulic system 1512, and an environmental system 1514. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different illustrative embodiments can be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

[0151] The apparatus and method described in this article can be used in... Figure 14 The aircraft manufacturing and service method 1400 is adopted during at least one stage.

[0152] In an illustrative example, in Figure 14 The parts and subassemblies manufactured in 1406 can be produced in a manner similar to Figure 14 The aircraft 1500 is prepared or manufactured in a manner consistent with the components or sub-assemblies produced in service 1412. As yet another example, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof may be used during the production phase, for example... Figure 14 The manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies 1406 and system integration 1408. One or more device embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof may be used while the aircraft 1500 is in service 1412. Figure 14 Used during maintenance and service 1414 or both. Using several different illustrative embodiments can substantially speed up the assembly of aircraft 1500, reduce the cost of aircraft 1500, or both speed up the assembly of aircraft 1500 and reduce the cost of aircraft 1500.

[0153] For example, Figure 2 Color Manager 214 in [the context of the text] is available. Figure 15 The color manager 214 is used during at least one of the manufacturing processes 1406 or system integration 1408 of the components and sub-assemblies of the aircraft 1500 to apply color to the aircraft 1500 more quickly and efficiently compared to current technologies. Furthermore, the color manager 214 can be used during maintenance and servicing 1414 to apply color to the aircraft 1500 as part of modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, and other maintenance or servicing of the aircraft 1500.

[0154] Now go to Figure 16 The illustration depicts a block diagram of a product management system according to an illustrative embodiment. The product management system 1600 is a physical hardware system. In this illustrative example, the product management system 1600 includes at least one of a manufacturing system 1602 or a maintenance system 1604.

[0155] Manufacturing system 1602 is configured to manufacture products, such as Figure 15 The aircraft 1500 is shown in the figure. The manufacturing system 1602 includes manufacturing instrument 1606. Manufacturing instrument 1606 includes at least one of manufacturing instrument 1608 or assembly instrument 1610.

[0156] Manufacturing instrument 1608 is used for preparing materials for forming Figure 15Manufacturing instruments 1608 may be used to manufacture parts of the aircraft 1500. For example, manufacturing instruments 1608 may include machines and tools. These machines and tools may be at least one of drill bits, hydraulic presses, furnaces, molds, composite tape laying machines, vacuum systems, lathes, or other suitable types of instruments. Manufacturing instruments 1608 may be used to manufacture at least one of metal parts, composite parts, semiconductors, circuits, fasteners, ribs, skin panels, spars, antennas, or other suitable types of parts.

[0157] Assembly instrument 1610 is used to assemble parts to form Figure 15 The instruments in the aircraft 1500. Specifically, assembly instrument 1610 is used to assemble components and parts to form... Figure 15 The aircraft 1500 is assembled using assembly equipment 1610. Assembly equipment 1610 may also include machines and tools. These machines and tools may be at least one of a robotic arm, tracks, fastener installation system, track-based drilling system, or robot. Assembly equipment 1610 can be used to assemble components such as seats, level stabilizers, wings, engines, engine housings, landing gear systems, and other components for... Figure 15 Other parts of the aircraft 1500.

[0158] In this illustrative example, maintenance system 1604 includes maintenance instrument 1612. Maintenance instrument 1612 may include... Figure 15 The maintenance instrument 1612 may include any instruments required for performing maintenance on the aircraft 1500. Figure 15 Tools used to perform different operations on parts on the 1500 aircraft. These operations may include disassembling parts, refurbishing parts, inspecting parts, reworking parts, manufacturing replacement parts, or performing other operations. Figure 15 The aircraft 1500 performs at least one of other maintenance operations. These operations may be used for routine maintenance, inspection, upgrades, refurbishment, or other types of maintenance operations.

[0159] In illustrative examples, maintenance instrument 1612 may include ultrasonic inspection equipment, an X-ray imaging system, a vision system, a drill bit, tracks, and other suitable equipment. In some cases, maintenance instrument 1612 may include preparation instrument 1608, assembly instrument 1610, or both, to produce and assemble the parts required for maintenance.

[0160] The product management system 1600 also includes a control system 1614. The control system 1614 is a hardware system and may also include software or other types of components. The control system 1614 is configured to control the operation of at least one of the manufacturing system 1602 or the maintenance system 1604. Specifically, the control system 1614 can control the operation of at least one of the manufacturing instrument 1608, the assembly instrument 1610, or the maintenance instrument 1612.

[0161] The hardware in control system 1614 can be implemented using hardware that may include computers, circuits, networks, and other types of instruments. Control can take the form of direct control of manufacturing instrument 1606. For example, robots, computer-controlled machines, and other instruments can be controlled by control system 1614. In other illustrative examples, control system 1614 can manage operations performed by human operator 1616 in the manufacture or maintenance of aircraft 1500. For example, control system 1614 can manage operations performed by human operator 1616 by assigning tasks, providing instructions, displaying models, or performing other operations. In these illustrative examples, Figure 2 The color manager 214 can be implemented in the control system 1614 to manage... Figure 15 At least one of the manufacturing or maintenance of aircraft 1500. For example, color manager 214 is operable to select an inkjet printer for applying color to products such as aircraft 1500. In addition, color manager 214 can control the operation of inkjet printers to apply color to products such as aircraft 1500.

[0162] In various illustrative examples, a human operator 1616 may operate or interact with at least one of the manufacturing instrument 1606, maintenance instrument 1612, or control system 1614. This interaction can occur in the manufacture of… Figure 15 The aircraft is 1500.

[0163] Of course, the Product Management System 1600 can be configured to manage, except... Figure 15 Other products besides aircraft 1500. Although the product management system 1600 has been described for manufacturing in the aerospace industry, it can be configured to manage products from other industries. For example, it can be configured for the automotive industry and any other suitable industrial manufacturing products.

[0164] Therefore, illustrative examples provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs for applying color to an aircraft. The color of the aircraft's outer surface is determined by a computer system according to the aircraft's design. The position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system. The position is in a color space coordinate system. The computer system selects an inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers, wherein the point cloud in a plurality of point clouds has a minimum Euclidean distance to the color position. The inkjet printer is used to apply color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0165] In the illustrative example, different processes can be automated to identify a set of colors from a design and select one or more inkjet printers to apply the colors to an object such as an aircraft. This illustrative example can be applied to manufacturing objects such as aircraft, ground vehicles, spacecraft, ships, and other objects to which colors are applied.

[0166] In the illustrative example, there are one or more technical solutions that overcome the technical problems of applying color to aircraft. As a result, compared to current technologies, one or more technical solutions can provide the technical effect of enabling faster application of color to aircraft or other types of objects. In the illustrative example, one or more technical solutions can reduce the time required to identify inkjet printers to apply one or more colors to aircraft paint or color schemes to other objects according to designs (e.g., drawings).

[0167] For illustrative and descriptive purposes, descriptions of various illustrative embodiments have been presented and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed form. The various illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In the illustrative embodiments, components may be configured to perform the described actions or operations. For example, a component may have a structural configuration or design that provides the component with the ability to perform the actions or operations described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component. Furthermore, within the scope of the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and variations thereof used herein, these terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transitional term, without excluding any additional or other elements.

[0168] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments pursuant to the following provisions:

[0169] Clause 1. A method for applying color (202) to an aircraft (206), the method comprising:

[0170] The computer system (212) determines (800) the color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) according to the design (216) of the aircraft (206);

[0171] The position (222) of color (202) in three-dimensional space is determined by computer system (212), wherein the position (222) is in color space coordinate system (224); and

[0172] The computer system (212) selects (804) an inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein the point cloud (230) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244) with the position (222) of color (202), wherein the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply color (202) to the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0173] Clause 2. The method described under Clause 1 also includes:

[0174] Color (202) is applied to the aircraft (206) using an inkjet printer (234) via a computer system (212).

[0175] Clause 3. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein selecting an inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) via a computer system (212), wherein the position (222) of a point cloud (230) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244) from the position (222) of a color (202), comprises:

[0176] The computer system (212) identifies (904) an inkjet printer (234) among a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein the point cloud (230) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a zero Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202).

[0177] Clause 4. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein selecting an inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) via a computer system (212), wherein the position (222) of the point cloud (230) and the color (202) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244), further comprising:

[0178] When there is no zero Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of color (202) to multiple point clouds (238), the computer system (212) identifies the inkjet printer (234) among multiple inkjet printers (228), wherein the point cloud (230) in the multiple point clouds (238) has a minimum non-zero Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of color (202).

[0179] Clause 5. The method described in Clause 4, wherein the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance (246) to color (202) is an alternative color (248), and the alternative color (248) is an approximation of color (202).

[0180] Clause 6. The method described pursuant to Clause 5 further includes:

[0181] When the minimum Euclidean distance (244) is within the threshold distance (250), the alternative color (248) is used instead of the color (202) by the computer system (212).

[0182] Clause 7. The methods pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses also include:

[0183] The computer system (212) determines (1100) the surface area of ​​color (202) on the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the aircraft (206); and

[0184] The computer system (212) determines the amount of color (202) required for the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to the surface area (220) of the outer surface (206) of the aircraft (206).

[0185] Clause 8. The methods described under Clause 7 also include:

[0186] The computer system (212) creates (1104) instructions (252) to control the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to the surface area of ​​the aircraft (206).

[0187] Clause 9. The method according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein a plurality of point clouds (238) are used as a color space (226) of one of the LAB color space, LMS color space and XYZ color space.

[0188] Clause 10. A method for applying a color (202) to an object (204), the method comprising:

[0189] The computer system (212) determines (500) whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the position (222) is in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226); and

[0190] When the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the inkjet printer (234) is selected (502) by the computer system (212) to apply the color (202) to the object (204).

[0191] Clause 11. The method described under Clause 10 also includes:

[0192] Color (202) is applied to an object (204) using an inkjet printer (234) via a computer system (212).

[0193] Clause 12. The method described under any one of Clauses 10-11 further includes:

[0194] When a color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) used for an inkjet printer (234), the computer system (212) determines (660) whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within another point cloud that defines the color application capability (232) of another inkjet printer (234).

[0195] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 10-12, wherein determining by a computer system (212) whether the location (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the location (222) is in a three-dimensional space of a color space (226), the method comprising:

[0196] The computer system (212) determines the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of color (202) to the nearest point in the point cloud (230), where the position (222) of color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero.

[0197] Clause 14. The method described under any one of Clauses 10-13 further includes:

[0198] The computer system (212) determines the color code of the selected color (202) based on the design (216) of the object (204).

[0199] Clause 15. The method described under any one of Clauses 10-14 further includes:

[0200] The surface area of ​​color (202) on object (204) is determined by computer system (212), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of object (204); and

[0201] The amount of paint (202) required to apply to the surface area is determined by the computer system (212) (1102).

[0202] Clause 16. The method described under Clause 15 also includes:

[0203] The computer system (212) creates (1104) instructions (252) for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to the surface area of ​​the object (204).

[0204] Clause 17. The method described in any of Clauses 10-16, wherein the point cloud (230) is used in a color space (226), which is one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space and the XYZ color space.

[0205] Clause 18. The method described in any one of Clauses 10-17, wherein the object (204) is selected from the group consisting of a mobile platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotorcraft, a surface vessel, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing plant, a building, a skin, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine casing, a wing, and a fairing.

[0206] Clause 19. An automatic color system (208) comprising:

[0207] Computer system (212); and

[0208] The color manager (214) in the computer system (212), wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0209] The color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) is determined according to the design (216) of the aircraft (206);

[0210] Determine the position (222) of color (202) in three-dimensional space, where position (222) is in color space coordinate system (224);

[0211] Determine whether the Euclidean distance (236) from the location (222) of color (202) to any one of the multiple point clouds (238) that define the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (228) is zero, where the points (240) in the multiple point clouds (238) represent colors (242) that can be applied by the inkjet printer (228); and

[0212] Select an inkjet printer (228) among multiple inkjet printers (238) wherein the point cloud (230) in multiple point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244) with the position (222) of color (202) and the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply color (202) to the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0213] Clause 20. The automatic color system (208) as described in Clause 19, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0214] The color (202) is applied to the aircraft (206) using an inkjet printer (234).

[0215] Clause 21. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of Clauses 19-20, wherein, when one of a plurality of inkjet printers (228) is selected, the color manager (214) is configured to have a minimum Euclidean distance (244) between the position (222) of a point cloud (230) and a color (202) in a plurality of point clouds (238) and the position (222) of the color (202).

[0216] The inkjet printer (234) in the inkjet printer (228) is identified using point cloud (230) in multiple point clouds (238), and the position (222) of the color (202) of point cloud (230) has a zero Euclidean distance (236).

[0217] Clause 22. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of Clauses 19-21, wherein, when an inkjet printer (228) is selected, the color manager (214) is configured to: have a minimum Euclidean distance (244) between the position (222) of a point cloud (230) and a color (202) in a plurality of point clouds (238).

[0218] When there is no zero Euclidean distance between color (202) and position (222) of multiple point clouds (238), the point cloud (230) with the smallest non-zero Euclidean distance (246) to position (222) of color (202) is used to identify the inkjet printer (234) in the inkjet printer (228).

[0219] Clause 23. The automatic color system (208) according to Clause 22, wherein the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance (246) to color (202) is an approximate alternative color (248) to color (202).

[0220] Clause 24. The automatic color system (208) as described in Clause 23, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0221] When the minimum Euclidean distance (244) is within the threshold distance (250), use the alternative color (248) instead of the color (202).

[0222] Clause 25. An automatic color system (208) as described in any one of Clauses 19-24, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0223] Determine the surface area of ​​color (202) on the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the aircraft (206); and

[0224] Determine the amount of inkjet printer (234) is required to apply color (202) to the surface area of ​​the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0225] Clause 26. The automatic color system (208) as described in Clause 25, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0226] Create instructions (252) for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to a surface area on the aircraft (206).

[0227] Clause 27. An automatic color system (208) pursuant to any one of Clauses 19-26, wherein a plurality of point clouds (238) are used for a color space (226) which is one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space and the XYZ color space.

[0228] Clause 28. An automatic color system (208) comprising:

[0229] Computer system (212); and

[0230] The color manager (214) in the computer system (212), wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0231] Determine whether the location (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the location (222) is in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226); and

[0232] When the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the inkjet printer (234) is selected for spraying the object (204) with the color (202).

[0233] Clause 29. The automatic color system (208) as described in Clause 28, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0234] Apply color (202) to object (204) of inkjet printer (234).

[0235] Clause 30. An automatic color system (208) as described in any of Clauses 28-29, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0236] When a color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) of an inkjet printer (234), determine whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within another point cloud that limits the color application capability (232) of another inkjet printer (234).

[0237] Clause 31. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of Clauses 28-30, wherein when determining whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the position (222) is in the three-dimensional space (226) of the color space, the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0238] Determine the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of color (202) to the nearest point in the point cloud (230), where the position (222) of color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero.

[0239] Clause 32. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of Clauses 28-31, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0240] Determine the color code of the color (202) selected for object (204) from the design (216) of object (204).

[0241] Clause 33. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of Clauses 28-32, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0242] Determine the surface area of ​​color (202) on object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of object (204); and

[0243] Determine the amount of paint (202) required to apply to the surface area.

[0244] Clause 34. The automatic color system (208) as described in Clause 33, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to:

[0245] Create instructions for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to a surface area on an object (204).

[0246] Clause 35. An automatic color system (208) as described in any of Clauses 28-34, wherein the point cloud (230) is used as a color space (226) of one of the LAB color space, LMS color space and XYZ color space.

[0247] Clause 36. An automatic color system (208) pursuant to any one of Clauses 28-35, wherein the object (204) is selected from the group consisting of a mobile platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotorcraft, a surface vessel, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing plant, a building, a skin, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine casing, a wing, and a fairing.

[0248] Clause 37. A product management system comprising:

[0249] A set of inkjet printers (228); and

[0250] A controller that communicates with the group of inkjet printers (228), wherein the controller is configured to:

[0251] Determine whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234) in the group of inkjet printers (228), wherein the position (222) is in a three-dimensional space for the color space (226);

[0252] When color (202) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), select the inkjet printer (234) for applying color (202) to the object (204); and

[0253] Control the operation of the inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to the object (204).

[0254] Clause 38. The product management system according to Clause 37, wherein when determining whether the location (222) of the color (202) selected for object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the location (222) is within the color space (226), the controller is configured to:

[0255] Determine the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of color (202) to the nearest point in the point cloud (230), where the position (222) of color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero.

[0256] Clause 39. A product management system according to any one of Clauses 37-38, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0257] The color code of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is determined based on the design (216) of the object (204).

[0258] Clause 40. A product management system according to any one of Clauses 37-39, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0259] Determine the surface area of ​​color (202) on object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of object (204); and

[0260] Determine the amount of paint (202) required to apply to the surface area.

[0261] Clause 41. The product management system according to any one of Clauses 37-40, wherein the set of inkjet printers (228) is located in at least one of the manufacturing system or maintenance system.

[0262] Clause 42. A computer program product for applying color (202) to an aircraft (206), the computer program product comprising:

[0263] Computer-readable storage medium;

[0264] The first program code, which is stored on a computer-readable storage medium and can be executed by a computer system (212), enables the computer system (212) to determine the color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) according to the design (216) of the aircraft (206);

[0265] The second program code, which is stored on a computer-readable storage medium and can be executed by a computer system (212), enables the computer system (212) to determine the position (222) of the color (202) in a three-dimensional space, wherein the position (222) is in a color space coordinate system (224);

[0266] A third program code, stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executable by a computer system (212), enables the computer system (212) to determine whether the Euclidean distance (236) from the location (222) of color (202) to any one of a plurality of point clouds (238) defining the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (228) is zero, wherein points (240) in the plurality of point clouds (238) represent colors (242) that can be applied by the inkjet printer (228); and

[0267] The fourth program code, stored on a computer-readable storage medium, is executable by a computer system (212) to enable the computer system (212) to select an inkjet printer (228) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) wherein the point cloud (230) in the plurality of point clouds (238) has a minimum Euclidean distance (244) with the position (222) of the color (202), wherein the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply the color (202) to the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0268] Clause 43. A computer program product for applying color (202) to an aircraft (206), the computer program product comprising:

[0269] Computer-readable storage medium;

[0270] First program code, stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executable by a computer system (212), enables the computer system (212) to determine whether the location (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), wherein the location (222) is in a three-dimensional space for a color space (226); and

[0271] The second program code, stored on a computer-readable storage medium, can be executed by a computer system (212) when the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) of the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), so that the computer system (212) selects the inkjet printer (234) for spraying the object (204) with the color (202).

[0272] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features compared to other desired embodiments. The selection and description of one or more embodiments are intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of various embodiments with various modifications suitable for their intended particular purpose.

Claims

1. A method for applying a color (202) to an object (204), the method comprising: The computer system (212) determines (500) whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within one of a plurality of point clouds (230) that define the color application capability (232) for one of a plurality of inkjet printers (234), wherein the position (222) is in a three-dimensional space for a color space (226); The computer system determines whether the Euclidean distance from the location of the color to any one of the plurality of point clouds that define the color application capabilities of the plurality of inkjet printers is zero; and When the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the computer system (212) selects (502) the inkjet printer (234) for applying the color (202) to the object (204), and when there is no zero Euclidean distance from the position of the color to the plurality of point clouds, the computer system identifies the inkjet printer that has the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance between the point cloud and the position of the color.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The color (202) is applied to the object (204) using the inkjet printer (234) via the computer system (212); and / or When the color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) for the inkjet printer (234), the computer system (212) determines (660) whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within another point cloud that defines the color application capability (232) for another inkjet printer (234).

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method comprises determining, via the computer system (212), whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the plurality of point clouds defining the color application capability (232) for the inkjet printer (234), wherein the position (222) is in the three-dimensional space for the color space (226), the method comprising: The computer system (212) determines the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the nearest point in the point cloud (230), wherein the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: The computer system (212) determines the color code of the color (202) selected according to the design (216) of the object (204).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: The computer system (212) determines (1100) the surface area of ​​the color (202) on the object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the object (204); and The computer system (212) determines (1102) the amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: The computer system (212) creates (1104) instructions (252) for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the object (204).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the point cloud (230) is used in the color space (226), the color space being one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space, and the XYZ color space.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the object (204) is selected as a mobile platform or a fixed platform.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the object (204) is selected as a land-based structure, a water-based structure or a space-based structure.

10. An automatic color system (208), comprising: Computer system (212); and The color manager (214) in the computer system (212), wherein the color manager (214) is configured to: Determine whether the location (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within one of a number of point clouds (230) that define the color application capability (232) of one of a number of inkjet printers (234), wherein the location (222) is in a three-dimensional space for a color space (226); Determine whether the Euclidean distance from the location of the color to any one of the plurality of point clouds defining the color application capabilities for the plurality of inkjet printers is zero; and When the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the inkjet printer (234) is selected for spraying the object (204) with the color (202), and when there is no zero Euclidean distance from the position of the color to the plurality of point clouds, the inkjet printer having the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance between the point cloud and the position of the color is identified.

11. The automatic color system (208) according to claim 10, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to: The color (202) is applied to the object (204) using the inkjet printer (234); and / or When the color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) for the inkjet printer (234), it is determined whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within another point cloud of the plurality of point clouds that define the color application capability (232) for another inkjet printer (234) among the plurality of inkjet printers.

12. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein, When determining whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within the point cloud (230) of the plurality of point clouds defining the color application capability (232) for the inkjet printer (234), wherein the position (222) is in the three-dimensional space for the color space (226), the color manager (214) is configured to: Determine the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the nearest point in the point cloud (230), wherein the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero.

13. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to: Determine the color code of the color (202) selected for the object (204) according to the design (216) of the object (204).

14. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to: The color (202) is determined in a surface area on the object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the object (204); and Determine the amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area.

15. The automatic color system (208) according to claim 14, wherein the color manager (214) is configured to: Create instructions for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to a surface area on the object (204).

16. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the point cloud (230) is used for a color space (226), the color space being one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space, and the XYZ color space.

17. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the object (204) is selected as a mobile platform or a fixed platform.

18. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the object (204) is selected as a land-based structure, a water-based structure or a space-based structure.

Images