Coating composition scale network device

Abstract

A paint composition system for weighing and formulating paint compositions includes a physical housing enclosing an electronic paint composition internet of things device. The electronic paint composition internet of things device includes a local communication interface configured to receive a physical connector from an electronic scale and a network communication interface configured to communicate with an internet gateway. Additionally, at least one sensor can be integrated within the electronic paint composition internet of things device. The electronic paint composition internet of things device also receives a mass variable from the electronic scale and a sensor variable from the at least one sensor through the local communication interface. The electronic paint composition internet of things device then generates a network data structure including the sensor variable and the mass variable. The electronic paint composition internet of things device transmits the network data structure to a remote server through the internet gateway.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 040,774, filed June 18, 2020, entitled “Coating Composition Scale Network Device,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and a system for preparing coating compositions using a network device. Background Technology

[0004] Modern coatings offer several important functions in industry and society. Coatings protect substrates from corrosion, such as rust. They also provide aesthetic or decorative properties by giving objects a specific color and / or spatial appearance. For example, most automobiles are coated with paint and various other coatings to protect their metal bodies from harsh weather and to provide an attractive visual effect.

[0005] Given the wide range of applications for different coatings, it is often necessary to repair painted surfaces or form new coatings on them. For example, it may be necessary to repaint damaged parts of a car. In conventional settings, this coating formation process is performed using scales and measuring units to help mix the components in the correct proportions to produce the desired coating. These conventional measurement steps introduce a significant margin of error. The technological innovations disclosed herein can help with this otherwise challenging task. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention includes a coating composition system for weighing and preparing coating compositions. The coating composition system includes a physical housing encapsulating an electronic coating composition IoT device. The electronic coating composition IoT device also includes a local communication interface configured to receive signals from a physical connector of an electronic scale. The electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing of the electronic coating composition IoT device. The electronic coating composition IoT device further includes a network communication interface configured to communicate with an internet gateway. Additionally, at least one sensor is integrated within the electronic coating composition IoT device.

[0007] The electronic coating assembly IoT device also includes one or more processors configured to process data received from an electronic scale and at least one sensor. The electronic networked scale device further includes a first computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the electronic coating assembly IoT device to perform various actions. Specifically, the coating composition system can perform methods for weighing and preparing coating compositions as described herein. Actions include the electronic coating assembly IoT device receiving a mass variable from the electronic scale via a local communication interface. The mass variable provides the mass of the coating mixture placed on the electronic scale. The electronic coating assembly IoT device also receives a sensor variable from at least one sensor. The sensor variable provides data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture. The electronic coating assembly IoT device then generates a network data structure including the sensor variable and the mass variable. The electronic coating assembly IoT device transmits the network data structure to a remote server via an Internet gateway.

[0008] The present invention also includes a method for weighing and preparing a coating composition. The method is executed on one or more processors and includes receiving a mass variable from an electronic scale via a local communication interface at an electronic coating assembly IoT device. Specifically, the method can be executed on a coating composition system for weighing and preparing coating compositions as described herein. The mass variable provides the mass of the coating mixture placed on the electronic scale. The local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale. The electronic scale includes a separate device located outside a physical housing enclosing the electronic coating assembly IoT device. The method also includes receiving a sensor variable from at least one sensor. The sensor variable provides data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture, and at least one sensor is integrated within the electronic coating assembly IoT device. Furthermore, the method includes generating a network data structure that includes the sensor variable and the mass variable. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device to a remote server via an Internet gateway.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of such exemplary embodiments. Features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of such exemplary embodiments set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To describe how the above and other advantages and features of the present invention can be obtained, a more specific description of the invention, which has been briefly described above, will be presented with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coating composition system is shown, which includes an electronic coating assembly Internet of Things device, an electronic scale, a remote server, and a local computing device.

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another coating composition system is shown, which includes an electronic coating combination Internet of Things device, an electronic scale, a remote server, and a local computing device;

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of yet another coating composition system is shown, which includes an electronic coating combination Internet of Things device, an electronic scale, and a local computing device;

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram depicting the software and / or hardware components within an electronic coating assembly IoT device, a remote server, and a local computing device; and

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart depicting the steps in a method for weighing and preparing a coating composition. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This invention extends to systems, apparatus, and methods for weighing and preparing coating compositions. The coating composition system provides dynamic processing and intelligent coating formulation services to conventional equipment. The system can retrofit older, non-networked equipment to provide computer-aided formulation services that would otherwise be impossible on older equipment. Furthermore, the disclosed system provides environmental insights into the coating components by using sensors integrated within the coating composition system.

[0017] As previously described, this coating composition system partially includes an electronic coating composition IoT device. As used herein, an “electronic coating composition IoT device” refers to a network-connected electronic device that, among other things, transmits data (such as sensor variables) to a remote server for processing using coating composition software. For example, the electronic coating composition IoT device may receive electronic communications from an electronic scale. Specifically, the electronic coating composition IoT device may communicate with electronic communications from an electronic scale. In use, the electronic scale ruler is typically positioned within a coating facility that uses the scale to measure the desired amounts of components required to form the target coating composition. As used herein, the coating composition may contain a resin binder and / or plasticizer, and optionally other additives, such as colorants. Suitable resin binders include one or more film-forming resins that can be used to form coating layers, such as thermosetting or thermoplastic. “Colorant” means including pigments (organic or inorganic) that impart color, undercoating pigments (e.g., TiO2), and / or color-effect materials (e.g., metallic flakes). The composition may contain any other components typically provided in the form of paints, dyes, varnishes, etc. (such as those used by the automotive, industrial, marine, construction, or aerospace industries), and any other coatings applied to a physical surface. For example, a paint formulation may require the addition of 1 kg of a first component, 0.5 kg of a second component, and 1.5 kg of a third component. The user uses an electronic scale to measure the various components and mix them together. In some cases, the components may be mixed continuously, such that the container remains on the scale as each component is added. The paint composition system monitors the cumulative mass of the container to ensure the correct amount of each component is added.

[0018] The electronic coating assembly IoT device is also capable of communication via a network communication interface. This interface is configured to communicate with a remote server containing a coating database via an internet gateway. The coating database includes formulations for various coatings and optional other data. The remote server then transmits instructions to a local computing device, which guides the user through the coating preparation process.

[0019] The electronic coating assembly IoT device may also include integrated sensors, such as, but not limited to, temperature and / or humidity sensors. The electronic coating assembly IoT device can be positioned near an electronic scale, allowing the sensors to detect environmental characteristics that directly describe the scale and the environment surrounding the coating mixture placed on it. The electronic coating assembly IoT device transmits the sensor data to a remote server for further processing. In some cases, environmental characteristics can influence how a particular coating is formulated. For example, areas with high temperatures may require different components and / or different amounts of components to properly form the target coating composition. Similarly, other environmental characteristics (such as, but not limited to, humidity, pressure, and dew point) may affect the formulation of the target coating composition.

[0020] To address these formulation differences, the remote server includes formulas and data tables indicating appropriate variations that should be made to a given target coating based on various environmental characteristics. These "variations" may include differences in component mass, differences in components added to the composition mixture, and various other variations in the formulation for a particular target coating. Using this information, the remote server can dynamically transmit appropriate instructions to the user's computing device, taking environmental characteristics into account. For example, a humidity sensor can collect sensor variables indicating a humidity level of 80%. Based on this sensor variable, the remote server can identify the specific mass of components required given this humidity. Additionally or alternatively, the remote server can identify specific components that must be added to the coating mixture due to the humidity level, whereas at lower humidity levels, this specific component would not be included in the coating mixture.

[0021] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a paint composition system 150 is depicted, which includes an electronic paint composition IoT device 100, an electronic scale 110, a remote server 130, and a local computing device 140. The electronic paint composition IoT device 100 includes a physical housing 102 enclosing the device. Placing the components of the electronic paint composition IoT device 100 within the physical housing allows the components to operate in an environment where paint spray might otherwise interfere with the electronics. As depicted, the electronic scale 110 is a separate device located outside the physical housing 102. This separation allows for the modification of the electronic scale 110 with the electronic paint composition IoT device 100, enabling the scale 110 to acquire potential new features provided by the electronic paint composition IoT device 100.

[0022] The electronic coating combination IoT device 100 includes a local communication interface 104 configured to receive a physical connector from an electronic scale 110. In the depicted example, the local communication interface 104 includes a serial port, but it will be understood that any number and different types of local communication interfaces 104 can be used. For example, the local communication interface 104 may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a parallel port, an SPI port, or any other type of physical port.

[0023] In various instances, the scale 110 may include an analog scale or a digital scale. Additionally, in various instances, the scale 110 lacks a hardware network interface, meaning it is not equipped with the necessary hardware and / or software for communication via a network connection. Therefore, in some instances, the scale 110 can only communicate with the remote server 130 via the electronic coating combined with the IoT device 100.

[0024] The electronic coating combination IoT device 100 also includes a network communication interface 106 configured to communicate with an internet gateway. The network communication interface 106 is depicted as an Ethernet port, but may also include any connection capable of network communication, including but not limited to a Wi-Fi network interface or a Bluetooth network interface. The internet gateway may include a router, modem, or any other conventional network gateway device. The electronic coating combination IoT device 100 communicates with network 120 via the internet gateway.

[0025] As an additional or alternative configuration Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another coating composition system 250 is depicted, which includes an electronic coating combination Internet of Things (IoT) device 100, an electronic scale 110, a remote server 130, and a local computing device 140. Figure 1 Compared to the coating composition system 150, Figure 2 It is clearly shown that computing device 140 can also communicate directly with electronic coating combination IoT device 100 via local area network 225. Therefore, computing device 140 can be configured to communicate via external network 120 and / or local network 225.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of yet another coating composition system 350 is depicted, which includes an electronic coating combination Internet of Things (IoT) device 100, an electronic scale 110, and a local computing device 140. (Compared to...) Figure 1 The coating composition system 150 and Figure 2 Compared to coating composition system 250, coating composition system 350 does not depict a separate remote server 140. In the depicted embodiment, computing device 140 performs all necessary computation and data access steps. Therefore, "remote server 130" can be fully integrated within computing device 140. Thus, as used herein, when an action is described as being performed by remote server 130, that action may additionally or alternatively be performed by computing device 140. Therefore, computing device 140 and remote server 130 can comprise a single device or separate devices and still function as described herein.

[0027] Now go to Figure 4 , Figure 4A schematic diagram depicts software and / or hardware modules within an electronic coating combination IoT device 100, a remote server 130, and a computing device 140. As depicted, the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 includes a local communication interface 104, a network communication interface 106, at least one sensor 108, one or more processors 400, and a first computer-readable medium 410. The remote server 130 includes a dynamic coating formulation module 420, a network communication interface 422, one or more processors 424, and a second computer-readable medium 426. The computing device 140 includes a user interface module 432, one or more processors 434, and a third computer-readable memory 436. The computing device 140 is shown with a dashed line connecting to the remote server 130 to indicate as described above regarding... Figure 3 The remote server 130 and the computing device 140 described may be the same physical device.

[0028] As used herein, a “module” includes computer-executable code and / or computer hardware that performs a specific function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the distinction between different modules is at least partly arbitrary, and modules may be otherwise combined and divided while still remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, components are described as “modules” only for clarity and explanation, and should not be construed as indicating any particular structure requiring computer-executable code and / or computer hardware unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, the terms “component,” “agent,” “manager,” “service,” “engine,” “virtual machine,” etc., may be used in this specification.

[0029] Returning now to the depicted systems 150, 250, 350, the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 also includes at least one sensor 108 integrated within the electronic coating combination IoT device 100. Figures 1 to 3 At least one sensor 108 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that the sensor may be visible on the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 or it may be integrated within the physical housing 102. The at least one sensor may include one or more of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pressure sensor, altimeter, location detection antenna (e.g., GPS radio), or any other sensor capable of providing data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture 112. Furthermore, in some instances, the at least one sensor includes an interchangeable hardware slot configured to receive multiple different sensor types. Therefore, the at least one sensor 108 is modular, allowing different sensors and different types of sensors to be added to or removed from the electronic coating combination IoT device 100.

[0030] The electronic paint combination IoT device 100 also includes one or more processors 400 configured to process data received from an electronic scale 110 and at least one sensor 108. The electronic paint combination IoT device 100 further includes a first computer-readable medium 410 having executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors 400, configure the electronic paint combination IoT device 100 to perform various actions. For example, the electronic paint combination IoT device 100 receives a mass variable from the electronic scale 110 via a local communication interface 104. The mass variable provides the mass of a paint mixture 112 placed on the electronic scale 110. The electronic paint combination IoT device 100 also receives sensor variables from at least one sensor 108. The sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture 112. For example, the sensor variables may include ambient temperature, humidity level, atmospheric pressure, altitude, geographic location (from a location detection antenna or from IP address positioning), and / or any other data related to the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture 112. Therefore, the sensor variables can provide humidity readings and temperature readings from the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture.

[0031] The electronic coating assembly IoT device 100 then generates a network data structure 440 including sensor variables and quality variables. The electronic coating assembly IoT device 100 transmits the network data structure 440 to a remote server 130. The remote server 130 receives the network data structure 440 from the electronic coating assembly IoT device 100. The remote server 130 includes a second computer-readable medium 426 having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the remote server, configure one or more processors 424 at the remote server 130 to perform various actions.

[0032] The remote server 130 can then also receive instructions for a target paint formulation. As used herein, a “target paint formulation” refers to a specific target paint that a user desires to form from a mixture of several components. For example, a target paint formulation may be a paint of a specific color and type. Components may include pigments, binders, liquids, additives, and other similar constituent components of the paint. The paint mixture 112 may contain at least one component of the target paint formulation. The remote server 130 may receive instructions for the target paint formulation from a computing device 140 such as a tablet, mobile phone, laptop, or desktop computer. As described above, in some cases, the computing device 140 and the remote server 130 include the same device, and therefore, instructions for the target paint formulation can be received directly from the user. However, in other cases, the computing device 140 may be physically separate from the electronic paint combination IoT device 100 and the remote server 130. In at least one embodiment, the target paint formulation may be transmitted within a network data structure 440 generated by the electronic paint combination IoT device 100.

[0033] Upon receiving the target coating formulation, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 at the remote server 130 accesses the dynamic coating formulation from a coating database stored in computer-readable media 426. The dynamic coating formulation treats the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of data provided by sensor variables. Those skilled in the art will understand that environmental factors can affect the formulation of a particular coating. For example, ambient temperature and / or humidity can affect coating mixtures, such that the same ingredients mixed under different environmental conditions will yield different final coatings. To reduce or eliminate such differences in the results, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 is configured to adjust the dynamic coating formulation based on sensor variables. For example, the dynamic coating formulation may include an algorithm or lookup table that indicates changes in the coating formulation based on one or more environmental characteristics. In some cases, the changes may include entirely new or different components added to the coating mixture.

[0034] Using a dynamic coating formulation, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 identifies specific components selected from the constituent components of the target coating formulation to be added to the coating mixture 112. The dynamic coating formulation module 420 then determines the specific mass of the specific component to be added to the coating mixture based on mass variables and sensor variables received from the electronic coating combination IoT device 100. Aspects of the physical environment, such as those measured in the sensor variables, at least partially determine the specific mass of the specific component to be added to the coating mixture.

[0035] In another instance, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can determine a specific quality based on any number of different environmental characteristics received in sensor variables. The dynamic coating formulation module 420 can additionally or alternatively determine the specific quality of a specific component to be added to the coating mixture 112 based on quality variables associated with the current coating mixture 112, sensor variables, and the geographical location of the coating mixture 112. For example, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can utilize geographical location to look up environmental data related to the location of the coating mixture 112, such as current outdoor temperature, humidity, pressure, and other relevant environmental characteristics. Additionally, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can utilize geographical location to determine if there are any regulatory restrictions on the various components within the coating mixture 112. For example, in some jurisdictions, the use of multiple coating types may be illegal. Therefore, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can access a database of jurisdictional regulations to determine whether the requested coating formulation is illegal in the jurisdiction where the electronic coating composition IoT device 100 is located. If it is determined to be illegal, then the remote server 130 can send a notification to the user and / or prevent the computing device 140 from displaying the steps required to prepare the coating composition.

[0036] After a specific component is added to paint mixture 112, the electronic paint combination IoT device 100 receives an updated mass variable from the electronic scale 110 via a local communication interface 104. The updated mass variable provides an updated mass of the paint mixture 112 placed on the electronic scale 110 after the specific component has been added. The electronic paint combination IoT device 100 generates an updated network data structure that includes the updated mass variable. The electronic paint combination IoT device 100 then transmits the updated network data structure to a remote server 130 via an internet gateway.

[0037] The remote server 130 receives updated network data structures from the electronic coating assembly IoT device 100. The dynamic coating formulation module 420 then verifies that the updated quality variable equals the sum of the specific quality and the previously received quality variable. In this way, the remote server is able to verify that the correct amount of the specific component is added to the coating mixture 112. If the updated quality is below a lower threshold of the specific quality and the sum of the quality variables, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can send a communication to the computing device 140 to cause the user interface module 432 to display a warning to the user that the specific amount of the specific component still needs to be added to the coating mixture 112.

[0038] If the updated quality exceeds a higher threshold than the sum of a specific quality and quality variables, the dynamic paint formulation module 420 can send a communication to the computing device 140 to cause the user interface module 432 to display a warning to the user that too much of a specific component has been added to the paint mixture 112. The dynamic paint formulation module 420 can also send a communication to the computing device 140 instructing that the previously added specific amount of component should be added again to the paint mixture 112. In this way, the paint mixture is not lost, but rather the final amount of the paint mixture 112 is increased to properly and proportionally distribute the excess amount of the specific component.

[0039] Given the disclosure provided herein, one will understand the numerous improvements offered by the disclosed systems and methods, and the problems overcome by them. Further, non-limiting examples of these improvements and beneficial effects may include utilizing temperature and humidity sensors to provide a variety of novel and non-obvious outputs. For example, during product and dilution ratio selection, remote server 130 may identify the optimal product and ratio, taking into account temperature and humidity provided as sensor variables. Similarly, remote server 130 may use sensor variables to calculate the optimal combination of intermediates to be mixed to produce the final scavenger, primer, and generally all coating products.

[0040] In some instances, a user might attempt to perform a specific task, such as repairing a specific part of a car. Using computing device 140, the user could send a request to remote server 130 for paint to repair the specific part. Remote server 130 could then calculate the amount of paint needed to repair the specific part. Dynamic paint formulation module 420 could then interpret environmental data provided by sensor variables and provide the user with appropriate measurements of the components to be added to paint mixture 112 to form the desired paint in the desired amount. While the example of repairing a specific part of a car is provided, other instances where a user specifies a particular intention regarding a particular amount of paint requested can operate similarly.

[0041] Furthermore, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 can identify sensor variables that include data outside of predetermined thresholds for specific components of the target coating formulation. For example, a specific chemical may be associated with a predetermined threshold for the lowest temperature at which that specific chemical can be used. The dynamic coating formulation module 420 can identify sensor variables indicating a temperature below a predetermined threshold for a specific chemical. Based on this information, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 transmits a command to the user interface module 432 within the computing device 140 to perform the following operation: the computing device 140 displays a warning related to the predetermined threshold for a specific component of the target coating formulation. Those skilled in the art will understand that different chemical components or components of coating mixtures may be associated with multiple different predetermined thresholds, such as, but not limited to, upper and lower temperature thresholds, humidity thresholds, atmospheric pressure thresholds, altitude thresholds, and other similar environment-driven limits.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, some coating products are negatively affected by low temperatures. Therefore, the remote server 130 can monitor temperature variables within the sensor variables to inform the user whether the temperature of the coating mixture 112 is too low (e.g., frozen). Similarly, the remote server 130 can monitor temperature and humidity to inform the user whether the temperature is too high or the humidity is too low to use the coating mixture 112.

[0043] As another example related to the use of at least one sensor, the remote server 130 can be configured to recommend the application technique and time required between the first and second coats of a paint composition. For example, the remote server 130 can determine the time required for the paint to dry for the second coat based on humidity and temperature variables provided by sensors. This information can be used to maximize the paint application on an item (such as a car) while minimizing drying time. Similarly, the electronic paint combination IoT device 100 can be placed directly in the spray booth, allowing it to send a warning to the computing device 140 when the car is ready for the next coat of paint. The warning can be based on information related to the paint composition, temperature, and humidity within the spray booth. Thus, the remote server 130 can receive a second variable description from the second electronic paint combination IoT device, describing aspects of the different physical environments (such as the spray booth) surrounding the paint mixture. Identifying specific components and / or determining the specific quality of specific components to be added to the paint composition can also be based on this second variable description.

[0044] The ability to integrate the electronic paint composition IoT device 100 from the electronic scale 110 with the spray booth offers significant advantages because dynamic paint formulation can compensate for both the environmental conditions present during the formation of the paint mixture 112 and the environmental conditions present within the spray booth where the paint is applied. For example, even after the paint composition 112 has been completed, the system can continue to provide valuable information based on sensor variables.

[0045] For example, remote server 130 can be configured to provide spray gun settings to a user based on a specific paint composition, temperature readings, and humidity readings. For instance, the spray gun settings can indicate the output rate of the spray gun, determined based on the rate at which the paint dries during application and the temperature and humidity at which the paint will flow once applied. Additionally, remote server 130 can be able to calculate the "pot life" of the paint mixture based on the measured temperature and humidity.

[0046] In some instances, a specific paint mixing location may include multiple different electronic paint mixing IoT devices 100. These devices 100 can be distributed throughout the location, allowing each to collect sensor variables from different locations. A remote server 130 can then average the received data (e.g., an arithmetic mean) to more accurately determine the conditions around the paint mixture. Furthermore, in some cases, the different electronic paint mixing IoT devices 100 may include different configurations, such that they incorporate different sensors and have different performance characteristics. For example, an electronic paint mixing IoT device 100 may function solely as a sensor, not communicating with scales or other devices, but instead collecting sensor variables only for use with a remote server.

[0047] Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods provide several significant advantages in the art related to the dynamic mixing of coating compositions. For example, the disclosed embodiments provide sensors capable of reading environmental conditions associated with paint mixing and / or application, and provide specific measurements of the constituent parts used to form the target coating formulation.

[0048] Figure 5 A flowchart depicts the steps of a method 500 for weighing and preparing a paint composition. Method 500 includes an action 510 of receiving a mass variable from a scale. Action 510 includes receiving the mass variable from the electronic scale via a local communication interface at an electronic paint composition IoT device, wherein the mass variable provides the mass of a paint mixture placed on the electronic scale, and the local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale, wherein the electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing enclosing the electronic paint composition IoT device. For example, as... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the electronic scale 110 transmits mass variables to the electronic paint assembly IoT device 100 via a physical connection (such as a USB port).

[0049] Method 500 further includes the action 520 of receiving sensor variables from at least one sensor. Action 520 includes receiving sensor variables from at least one sensor, wherein the sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture, and at least one sensor is integrated within an electronic paint assembly IoT device. For example, as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 includes at least one sensor 108 that measures environmental data around the coating mixture 112.

[0050] Furthermore, method 500 includes action 530 of generating a network data structure. Action 530 includes generating a network data structure that includes sensor variables and quality variables. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 generates network data structure 440.

[0051] Method 500 further includes action 540 of transmitting network data structures to a remote server 540. Action 540 includes transmitting network data structures from the electronic coating assembly IoT device to the remote server via an Internet gateway. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electronic coating combination IoT device 100 transmits network data structure 440 to the remote server 130.

[0052] Method 500 may optionally include actions 550, 560, 570, 580, and 590. Additionally or alternatively, actions 550, 560, 570, 580, and 590 may include individual and independent methods. For example, method 500 may include action 550 of receiving network data structures. Action 550 includes receiving network data structures from an electronic coating assembly IoT device at a remote server. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the remote server 130 receives network data structure 440 from the electronic coating combination IoT device 100.

[0053] Furthermore, method 500 may include action 560 of receiving a target coating formulation 560. Action 560 may include receiving an instruction at a remote server for the target coating formulation, wherein the coating mixture contains at least one component of the target coating formulation. For example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the remote computing device 140 can transmit the target coating formulation to the remote server 130.

[0054] Method 500 may additionally include action 570 of accessing a dynamic coating formulation. Action 570 includes accessing a dynamic coating formulation from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulation treats the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of data provided by sensor variables. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 accesses a coating database stored within computer-readable media 426. The coating database includes dynamic formulations for various coatings. These formulations may include algorithms and / or lookup tables that adjust the constituent components of a target coating formulation based on various environmental factors.

[0055] Additionally, method 500 may include action 580 of identifying a specific component. Action 580 includes identifying a specific component selected from the constituent components to be added to the paint mixture. For example, as relative to... Figure 4 As depicted and described, the dynamic coating formulation module 420 determines the specific components to be added to the coating mixture 112 based on sensor variables and / or mass variables. As mentioned above, in some cases, environmental conditions may cause the dynamic coating formulation module 420 to include or remove various components from the coating mixture.

[0056] Additionally, method 500 may include an action 590 of determining the mass of a specific component to be added to the paint mixture. Action 590 includes determining the specific mass of the specific component to be added to the paint mixture based on mass variables and sensor variables, wherein aspects of the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture at least partially determine the specific mass. For example, as relative to... Figure 4 The dynamic coating formulation module 420, as described, determines the specific mass of the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture 112 based on sensor variables and mass variables.

[0057] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the aforementioned features or actions, or the order of the aforementioned actions. Rather, the described features and actions are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

[0058] This invention may include or utilize dedicated or general-purpose computer systems comprising computer hardware, such as one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in more detail below. Embodiments within the scope of this invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer system. Computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are computer storage media. Computer-readable media carrying computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, embodiments of this invention may include at least two distinct types of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0059] Computer storage media are physical storage media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media include computer hardware such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drives (“SSDs”), flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device that can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems to achieve the functions disclosed in this invention.

[0060] The transmission medium may include a network and / or a data link, which may be used to carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and is accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A “network” is defined as one or more data links capable of enabling the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. A computer system may consider a network or another communication connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless) as a transmission medium when information is transmitted or provided to the computer system. The combination described above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0061] Furthermore, upon arrival at various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from the transmission medium to the computer storage medium (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link can be cached in the RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and then ultimately transferred to the computer system RAM and / or the low-volatile computer storage medium at the computer system. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage media can be contained within computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize the transmission medium.

[0062] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed at one or more processors, cause a general-purpose computer system, a special-purpose computer system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a function or a set of functions. Computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions (e.g., assembly language), or even source code.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention can be practiced in network computing environments with various types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, microcomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers, pagers, routers, switches, etc. This invention can also be practiced in distributed system environments where tasks are performed on both local and remote computer systems linked by a network (via a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links). Therefore, in a distributed system environment, the computer system can comprise multiple configured computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules can reside on both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present invention can be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment can be distributed, but this is not required. When distributed, a cloud computing environment can be distributed internationally within an organization and / or have components owned across multiple organizations. In this specification and the appended claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage devices, applications, and services. The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the many other advantages that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0065] Cloud computing models can be composed of various characteristics, such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measurable services. Cloud computing models can also take the form of various service models, such as Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”). Furthermore, different deployment models (such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud) can be used to deploy cloud computing models.

[0066] Some embodiments (e.g., cloud computing environments) may include a system comprising one or more hosts, each capable of running one or more virtual machines. During operation, the virtual machines emulate the operating computing system, thereby supporting an operating system and possibly one or more other applications. In some embodiments, each host includes a hypervisor that uses physical resources, which are abstracted from the virtual machine's perspective, to simulate the virtual resources of the virtual machine. The hypervisor also provides appropriate isolation between virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor provides the illusion that the virtual machine is interfaced with physical resources, even if the virtual machine only interfaces with the appearance of the physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Instances of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, etc.

[0067] The present invention is further described in detail in the following clauses.

[0068] Clause 1: A coating composition system for weighing and preparing coating compositions, specifically as performed according to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, said coating composition system comprising:

[0069] A physical enclosure encapsulates an electronic coating assembly IoT device, wherein the electronic coating assembly IoT device includes a local communication interface, a network communication interface, at least one sensor, one or more processors, and a first computer-readable medium; wherein

[0070] The local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale, wherein the electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing;

[0071] The network communication interface is configured to communicate with an Internet gateway;

[0072] At least one sensor (such as a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor) is integrated into the electronic coating combination IoT device;

[0073] The one or more processors are configured to process data received from the electronic scale and the at least one sensor; and

[0074] The first computer-readable medium has executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the electronic coating combination IoT device to perform at least the following operations:

[0075] The local communication interface is used to receive a mass variable from the electronic scale, wherein the mass variable provides the mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale;

[0076] Sensor variables are received from the at least one sensor, wherein the sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture;

[0077] The one or more processors are used to generate a network data structure including the sensor variables and the mass variables; and

[0078] The network data structure is transmitted to the remote server through the Internet gateway.

[0079] Clause 2: The coating composition system according to Clause 1 further comprises:

[0080] A remote server, which communicates with the electronic coating assembly IoT device, is physically separate from the electronic coating assembly IoT device and the computing device; wherein the remote server includes...

[0081] A second computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the remote server, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations:

[0082] Receive the network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device;

[0083] Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation, wherein the coating mixture comprises at least one component of the target coating formulation;

[0084] Access dynamic coating formulations from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulations treat the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of the data provided by the sensor variables;

[0085] Identify specific components selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture based on the mass variables and / or the sensor variables; and

[0086] The specific mass of the particular component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable and the sensor variable, wherein the aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture at least partially determine the specific mass.

[0087] Clause 3: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the electronic coating combination IoT device includes a location detection antenna configured to detect the geographic location of the electronic coating combination IoT device.

[0088] Clause 4: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the network data structure further includes the geographic location of the electronic coating composition IoT device.

[0089] Clause 5: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the second computer-readable medium further includes executable instructions that, when executed, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations:

[0090] The specific mass of the specific component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable, the sensor variable, and the geographic location.

[0091] Clause 6: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first computer-readable medium has additional executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the electronic coating composition IoT device, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations:

[0092] The updated mass variable is received from the electronic scale via the local communication interface, wherein the updated mass variable provides an updated mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale, and the updated mass includes the at least one component and the specific component of the target paint formulation;

[0093] Generate an updated network data structure, the updated network data structure including the updated quality variables; and

[0094] The updated network data structure is transmitted through the Internet gateway, wherein the updated network data structure is addressed to the remote server.

[0095] Clause 7: The coating composition system according to Clause 6 further comprises:

[0096] The second computer-readable medium has executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations:

[0097] Receive the updated network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device; and

[0098] Verify that the updated quality variable is equal to the specific quality and the sum of the quality variables.

[0099] Clause 8: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0100] Clause 9: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the electronic scale includes an analog scale.

[0101] Clause 10: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the electronic scale lacks a hardware network interface.

[0102] Clause 11: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the electronic scale communicates with the remote server only through the electronic coating composition IoT device.

[0103] Clause 12: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the at least one sensor includes an interchangeable hardware slot configured to receive a plurality of different sensor types.

[0104] Clause 13: The coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12 further comprises:

[0105] The computing device communicates with the electronic coating assembly IoT device, and the computing device is physically separated from the electronic coating assembly IoT device; wherein the computing device includes

[0106] A third computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the computing device, configure the computing device to perform at least the following operations:

[0107] Receive the network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device;

[0108] Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation, wherein the coating mixture comprises at least one component of the target coating formulation;

[0109] Access dynamic coating formulations from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulations treat the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of the data provided by the sensor variables;

[0110] Identify specific components selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture based on the mass variables and / or the sensor variables; and

[0111] The specific mass of the particular component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable and the sensor variable, wherein the aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture at least partially determine the specific mass.

[0112] Clause 14: A coating composition system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the sensor variables include temperature, humidity level, atmospheric pressure, altitude and / or geographic location, preferably temperature and humidity level.

[0113] Clause 15: A method for weighing and preparing a coating composition, said method being performed on one or more processors, specifically on a system as defined in Clauses 1 to 14, said method comprising:

[0114] At the electronic coating assembly IoT device, mass variables are received from an electronic scale via a local communication interface, wherein:

[0115] The mass variable provides the mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale, and

[0116] The local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale, wherein the electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing encapsulating the electronic coating assembly IoT device;

[0117] Receive sensor variables from at least one sensor, where:

[0118] The sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture, and

[0119] The at least one sensor is integrated within the electronic coating assembly IoT device;

[0120] The one or more processors are used to generate a network data structure including the sensor variables and the mass variables; and

[0121] The network data structure is transmitted from the electronic coating assembly IoT device to a remote server via an Internet gateway.

[0122] Clause 16: The method described in Clause 15 further includes:

[0123] The network data structure is received from the electronic coating assembly IoT device at the remote server;

[0124] Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation at the remote server, wherein the coating mixture contains at least one component of the target coating formulation;

[0125] Access dynamic coating formulations from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulations treat the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of the data provided by the sensor variables;

[0126] Identify specific components selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture based on the mass variables and / or the sensor variables; and

[0127] The specific mass of the particular component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable and the sensor variable, wherein the aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture at least partially determine the specific mass.

[0128] Clause 17: The method according to Clause 15 or 16, wherein the sensor variables include:

[0129] Humidity readings from the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture; and

[0130] Temperature readings from the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture.

[0131] Clause 18: The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17 further comprises:

[0132] The sensor variables are identified as data beyond a predetermined threshold for a specific component of the target coating formulation; and a command is transmitted to cause the computing device to display a warning related to the predetermined threshold for the specific component of the target coating formulation.

[0133] Clause 19: The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 18 further comprises:

[0134] The spray gun settings are determined based on the sensor variables and the coating composition.

[0135] Clause 20: The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 19 further comprises:

[0136] At the remote server, a second variable description is received from the second electronic coating combination IoT device. The second variable description describes aspects of the different physical environment surrounding the coating mixture, and wherein the identification of the specific component and / or the determination of the specific quality of the specific component are additionally based on the second variable description.

[0137] The invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All variations falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be included within their scope.

Claims

1. A coating composition system for weighing and preparing coating compositions, said coating composition system comprising: A physical enclosure that encapsulates an electronic coating assembly IoT device, wherein the electronic coating assembly IoT device includes a local communication interface, a network communication interface, at least one sensor, one or more processors, and a first computer-readable medium; The local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale, wherein the electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing; The network communication interface is configured to communicate with an Internet gateway; The at least one sensor is integrated within the electronic coating assembly IoT device. The one or more processors are configured to process data received from the electronic scale and the at least one sensor, and The first computer-readable medium has executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the electronic coating combination IoT device to perform at least the following operations: The local communication interface is used to receive a mass variable from the electronic scale, wherein the mass variable provides the mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale; Sensor variables are received from the at least one sensor, wherein the sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture; The one or more processors are used to generate a network data structure including the sensor variables and the mass variables; and The network data structure is transmitted to the remote server through the Internet gateway, wherein: The electronic scale lacks a hardware network interface and communicates with the remote server only through the electronic coating combination IoT device; The at least one sensor includes a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient conditions near the coating mixture; The remote server determines the specific quality of a specific component based on the following criteria: The quality variable, Humidity measurement value, and Temperature measurement value; and The dynamic coating formulation adjusts the amount of constituent components based on the humidity measurement value and the temperature measurement value.

2. The coating composition system according to claim 1, further comprising: A remote server that communicates with the electronic coating assembly IoT device, and the remote server is physically separated from the electronic coating assembly IoT device and the computing device; The remote server further includes a second computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the remote server, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations: Receive the network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device; Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation, wherein the coating mixture comprises at least one component of the target coating formulation; Identify the specific component selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture.

3. The coating composition system of claim 2, wherein the electronic coating combination IoT device includes a location detection antenna configured to detect the geographical location of the electronic coating combination IoT device.

4. The coating composition system of claim 3, wherein the network data structure further includes the geographic location of the electronic coating composition IoT device.

5. The coating composition system of claim 4, wherein the second computer-readable medium further comprises executable instructions that, when executed, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations: The specific mass of the specific component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable, the sensor variable, and the geographic location.

6. The coating composition system of claim 2, wherein the first computer-readable medium has additional executable instructions stored thereon, the additional executable instructions configuring the remote server to perform at least the following operations when executed by the electronic coating composition IoT device: The updated mass variable is received from the electronic scale via the local communication interface, wherein the updated mass variable provides an updated mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale, and the updated mass includes the at least one component and the specific component of the target paint formulation; Generate an updated network data structure, wherein the updated network data structure includes the updated quality variables; as well as The updated network data structure is transmitted through the Internet gateway, wherein the updated network data structure is addressed to the remote server.

7. The coating composition system according to claim 6, further comprising: The second computer-readable medium has executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the remote server to perform at least the following operations: Receive the updated network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device; and Verify that the updated quality variable is equal to the specific quality and the sum of the quality variables.

8. The coating composition system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a pressure sensor.

9. The coating composition system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic scale comprises an analog scale.

10. The coating composition system of claim 1, wherein the electronic scale comprises an analog scale coupled via a wired USB or serial interface.

11. The coating composition system of claim 10, wherein the electronic scale communicates with the remote server using only a protocol conversion performed by the networking device.

12. The coating composition system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes an interchangeable hardware slot configured to receive a plurality of different sensor types.

13. The coating composition system according to claim 1, further comprising: A computing device that communicates with the electronic coating combination IoT device, and the computing device and the electronic coating combination IoT device are physically separated; The computing device includes a third computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the computing device, configure the computing device to perform at least the following operations: Receive the network data structure from the electronic coating assembly IoT device; Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation, wherein the coating mixture comprises at least one component of the target coating formulation; Access dynamic coating formulations from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulations treat the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of the data provided by the sensor variables; Identify specific components selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture; as well as The specific mass of the particular component to be added to the coating mixture is determined based on the mass variable and the sensor variable, wherein the aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture at least partially determine the specific mass.

14. The coating composition system of claim 1, wherein the coating mixture is used in one or more of the automotive, marine, construction, or aerospace industries.

15. A method for weighing and preparing a coating composition, said method being performed on one or more processors, said method comprising: At the electronic coating assembly IoT device, mass variables are received from an electronic scale via a local communication interface, wherein: The mass variable provides the mass of the paint mixture placed on the electronic scale, and The local communication interface is configured to receive a physical connector from the electronic scale, wherein the electronic scale includes a separate device located outside the physical housing encapsulating the electronic coating assembly IoT device; Receive sensor variables from at least one sensor, where: The sensor variables provide data describing aspects of the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture, and The at least one sensor is integrated within the electronic coating assembly IoT device; The one or more processors are used to generate a network data structure including the sensor variables and the mass variables; and The network data structure is transmitted from the electronic coating assembly IoT device to a remote server; in: The electronic scale lacks a hardware network interface and communicates with the remote server only through the electronic coating combined with the Internet of Things device; The at least one sensor includes a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient conditions near the coating mixture; The remote server determines the specific quality of a specific component based on the following criteria: The quality variable, Humidity measurement value, and Temperature measurement value; and The dynamic coating formulation adjusts the amount of constituent components based on the humidity measurement value and the temperature measurement value.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The network data structure is received from the electronic coating assembly IoT device at the remote server; Receive an instruction for a target coating formulation at the remote server, wherein the coating mixture contains at least one component of the target coating formulation; Access the dynamic coating formulation from a coating database, wherein the dynamic coating formulation treats the mass of the constituent components of the target coating formulation as a function of the data provided by the sensor variables; and Identify the specific component selected from the constituent components to be added to the coating mixture; The specific quality is determined at least in part by aspects of the physical environment surrounding the paint mixture.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sensor variables include: Humidity readings from the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture; as well as Temperature readings from the physical environment surrounding the coating mixture.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The sensor variables are identified as data that are outside a predetermined threshold for a specific component of the target coating formulation; as well as A command is transmitted to cause the computing device to display a warning related to a predetermined threshold of a specific component of the target coating formulation.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The spray gun settings are determined based on the sensor variables and the target coating formulation.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: At the remote server, a second variable description is received from the second electronic coating combination IoT device. The second variable description describes aspects of the different physical environment surrounding the coating mixture, and wherein the identification of the specific component and / or the determination of the specific quality of the specific component are additionally based on the second variable description.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the coating mixture is used in one or more of the automotive, marine, construction, or aerospace industries.

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