Techniques for indexing custom coatings in database

Abstract

The invention discloses a computer system for indexing a custom coating within a database. The computer system may include a processor and a computer readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon. In some examples, the executable instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the computer system to maintain a primary database that includes feature data for a set of coatings (e.g., first party coatings). The system may receive feature data or identifier data of a customized coating (e.g., a third-party coating) from a user, and may store the data in a secondary database. The computer system can then index the secondary database with the primary database so that the user can simultaneously search for both the primary database and the secondary database. Thus, if the user makes a search, the computer system may return both a first-party coating and a third-party coating. Such systems may provide benefits such as more efficient workflow or reduced search time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to coatings, and more particularly to techniques for indexing customized coatings within a database. Background Art

[0002] Modern coatings provide a variety of functions in industry and society. For example, vehicles and other types of machinery may be coated with paint or various other coatings to protect metal components from the elements (e.g., from rust) or to provide aesthetically pleasing visual effects. The properties of the coating (e.g., color, visual effects, texture, etc.) may be determined in part based on the chemical composition of the coating and may vary depending on the time of manufacture, geographic location (e.g., due to changes in altitude, climate, air quality, weather, etc.), or other environmental factors. In some cases, coatings mixed or used under different conditions may exhibit different visual properties when compared to another coating of the same chemical composition.

[0003] Many third-party users mix or use custom coatings with varying chemical compositions to match the properties of a target coating. Custom coatings can be made using information within a database of potential matching compositions and / or through variations manually entered by third-party users relying on their own expertise. It will be appreciated that the diversity of resulting coating properties presents several technical challenges to third-party users, such as auto repair shops, who attempt to correctly match the visual appearance of the original coating.

[0004] There are many opportunities for new methods and systems to improve the matching of coatings. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention may include a system, method, or apparatus configured to index a custom coating within a database. In one example, the present invention may include a computer system for indexing a custom coating within a database, the computer system including one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon. In some examples, the executable instructions may include executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to perform various actions. For example, the computer system may maintain a master database. The master database includes a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings. The computer system may also receive feature data and identifier data associated with a custom coating from a user of the computer system. The custom coating may not be within the set of coatings. The computer system may also store feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. The identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location. The user-provided index location may be for a location within a physical facility associated with a user of the computer system, the user-provided index location being for a physical plate coated with the custom coating. The computer system may index the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously.

[0006] In another example, this example may include a computer-implemented method for indexing a custom coating within a database. The computer-implemented method may be executed on one or more processors of a computer system. The computer-implemented method may include maintaining a master database. The master database may include a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings. The computer-implemented method may also include: receiving feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating from a user of the computer system. The custom coating may not be within the set of coatings. The computer-implemented method may also include: storing the feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. The identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with a user of the computer system. The method may also include: indexing the auxiliary database with the master database so that a user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously.

[0007] In another example, the present invention may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium including one or more computer-readable storage media having executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed at a processor causes a computer system to perform a method for indexing a custom coating within a database. The method may include maintaining a master database, which may include a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings. The method may also include receiving feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating from a user of the computer system. The custom coating may not be within the set of coatings. The method may include storing the feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. The identifier database may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system. The method may also include indexing the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously.

[0008] 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 the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The 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 fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be understood by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the present invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be presented by reference to specific embodiments of the invention, and the specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings described below.

[0010] Figure 1 An example of a scheme supporting techniques for indexing customized coatings within a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example of a computer system supporting techniques for indexing customized coatings within a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3An example of a computer system supporting techniques for indexing customized coatings with a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An example of a method flow supporting techniques for indexing a customized coating with a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An example of a method flow supporting techniques for indexing a customized coating with a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention extends to systems, methods or devices configured to index custom coatings within a database. In one example, the present invention may include a computer system for indexing custom coatings within a database, the computer system including one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon. In some examples, the executable instructions may include executable instructions that configure the computer system to perform various functions when executed by one or more processors. For example, the computer system may maintain a master database, wherein the master database includes a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings. The computer system may also receive feature data and identifier data associated with a custom coating from a user of the computer system, the custom coating not being within the set of coatings. The computer system may store the feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. In some examples, the identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with a user of the computer system. The computer system may also index the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention may include the method or device described herein.

[0016] Automotive shops (such as paint shops, collision repair shops, etc.) may use coatings in the course of providing various services (e.g., repairs, color matching, vehicle painting, etc.). For example, an automotive shop may repair collision damage on a vehicle and then cover the affected area with a coating that matches the visual properties (e.g., color, sheen, etc.) of the coating on the rest of the vehicle. An automotive shop may use a computer system to manage, store, mix, or otherwise create and use coatings.

[0017] For example, a set of coatings (e.g., information associated with such as optical signature data, spectrophotometric data, identifier data, etc.) may be stored in a database that may allow for searches of target coatings or sets of layers that match coatings. For example, information associated with the set of coatings may be retrieved from the database using software that enables a user to enter search parameters for a query and view query results. The database may include information associated with coatings provided by a first party, or may include information associated with custom coatings mixed or formulated by an automotive shop.

[0018] If a user (e.g., an auto shop) is unable to use a computer system to identify a desired or target coating, a custom coating can be formulated. For example, a user can search a database for a target coating (e.g., a coating that matches a coating associated with a vehicle being repaired or repainted) using a set of parameters (e.g., a color code or other identifying information). In some cases, a computer system can return a set of coatings or a variation of a coating that satisfies a given set of parameters. If a user determines that no variation returned fully matches the target coating, the user can select the coating variation that most closely matches and adjust the formula of the coating variation to create a custom coating that matches the target coating. The user can store the custom coating in a database so that it can be accessed when another vehicle uses the same or similar coating. In some instances, the user can store the custom coating in a database different from the database used by the computer system (e.g., at the user's physical facility).

[0019] In some instances, an auto shop may receive a vehicle that has been damaged, such as in a collision. The vehicle may have mechanical, structural, or aesthetic damage. The auto shop may use a variety of techniques to repair or replace any damaged parts on the damaged vehicle. In some instances, repairing the vehicle may include applying a new coating to a portion or all of the vehicle. For example, after repairing any dents, scratches, etc., the auto repair shop may decide to apply a new coating to the damaged area so that the new coating will match the coating (e.g., the target coating) on ​​the rest of the vehicle.

[0020] The auto shop may search a first database (e.g., a first-party database) for a target coating, for example, by entering the color code or spectrophotometric data into a computer system (e.g., running a software application that allows access to the first database), or using a spectrophotometer that communicates with the computer system. The first database may be stored on a computer system local or remote to the auto shop, or may include a book, a wall, a filing cabinet, etc. For example, the computer system may return identifier data that directs the auto shop to find additional information associated with the coating in a physical book or filing cabinet provided by the first-party owner of the first database. Searching the first database may result in a set of variants that correspond to the same coating formula or the same color code, but differ in appearance or texture due to, for example, environmental factors (such as humidity, temperature, geographic location, air pressure, altitude, etc.). The auto shop may compare each variant with the target coating to determine the closest match. For example, the auto shop may spray each variant coating onto a physical coating plate to compare with the target coating on the vehicle. If the auto shop does not identify a matching coating, the auto shop may create a custom coating or coating variant. For example, the auto shop may determine that none of the variants represented in the first database has a texture that matches the target coating on the vehicle. Thus, the auto shop can select a variation that most closely matches the target coating, and can adjust the recipe of the coating. In some examples, adjusting the recipe can include incrementally changing the recipe (e.g., adding or subtracting one or more ingredients of the recipe), spraying the coating onto a physical panel, and comparing the coating on the panel to the target layer on the vehicle. The auto shop can iteratively adjust the recipe to determine a matching coating.

[0021] If the auto shop determines a matching coating, the auto shop may store information associated with the matching coating (e.g., identifier data, color code, spectrophotometric data, instructions for how the auto shop adjusted the recipe, how many iterations were performed, the make or model of the vehicle, etc.) or an associated physical plate in a second database. For example, the auto shop may store the physical plate in a book, in a file cabinet, on a wall, or in another place with other custom coatings formulated by the auto shop. For example, the auto shop may retain a local database of coatings created by the auto shop so that the auto shop may independently track, search, or otherwise use the custom coatings. In some embodiments, the auto shop may be one of a large number of franchise locations and may use a database shared between all franchise locations so that each location may have access to all custom coatings. In some instances, the matching coating may be stored as a variant of the vehicle color.

[0022] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an auto shop may input information associated with some or all of the contents of a second database into a computer system associated with the first database (e.g., a computer system running software for accessing the first database), creating a software-accessible version of the second database. In some instances, the computer system may index the first database with the second database so that the first database and the second database are searchable simultaneously. Thus, if the auto shop performs a search for a target coating, the computer system may return results from both the first database and the second database (e.g., first-party coatings and custom coatings formulated by the auto shop).

[0023] As described herein, a computer system can index custom coatings (e.g., feature data or identifier data associated with custom coatings) stored in a secondary database with a set of coatings stored in a primary database to achieve one or more potential advantages. For example, if a third-party user uses a large number of custom coatings, the custom coatings are indexed with a set of basic coatings (e.g., first-party coatings) so that a search produces results that include both the custom coatings and the set of basic coatings. Thus, if a database search is performed, indexing the custom coatings with a set of basic coatings can reduce the length of time required to find a desired coating, or can reduce system complexity by having a single coating index rather than potentially having multiple independent sets of coatings. Additional aspects of the present disclosure, including examples, advantages, etc., will be described in the context of system diagrams and method flows.

[0024] Figure 1 An example of a scheme 100 supporting techniques for indexing customized coatings within a database in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The scheme 100 may include a computer system 105. The computer system 105 may include a primary database 110, an auxiliary database 115, and an index 120. A user computing device 125 may communicate with the computer system 105 or otherwise use the computer system.

[0025] In some instances, the user computing device 125 may be associated with a third party user (e.g., an automotive paint shop or collision repair shop) that may use the computer system 105. The user computing device 125 may search (e.g., from a first party or base coating set 140 stored in the master database 110), record, mix, spray, or otherwise use the coating 105 by utilizing the functionality of the computer system. For example, the user computing device 125 may need a coating that matches a target coating for a particular vehicle (e.g., a particular make, model, model year, trim, etc.). The user computing device 125 may use the computer system 105 to search for a coating that matches the target coating using various parameters such as color codes, spectrophotometric data, etc. For example, the user computing device 125 may send one or more search parameters to the computer system 105 via a software application, and the computer system may use the software application to perform a database query (e.g., a structured query language (SQL) query) to the master database 110, requesting entries associated with the search parameters. The master database 110 and the computer system 105 may return results that match or are associated with the search parameters.

[0026] In some cases, the computer system 105 may return a large number of different variants based on a single color code but with different appearances. Searching the master database 110 may yield a set of variants that correspond to the same coating formula or color code, but differ in appearance or texture due to, for example, environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, etc. For example, variants may be created by mixing or using the same coating formula in different geographic locations. If the geographic location has a different climate, is at a different altitude, has a different air pressure, etc., the mixed coating may have different optical or visual properties, resulting in different variants.

[0027] In some examples, the user can analyze each variant to determine whether the variant matches the target coating. Analyzing each variant can include creating a physical spray plate coated with the variant and manually comparing the coating variant to the target coating for the vehicle. If a matching coating is found, the user can use the user computing device 125 and the computer system 105 to mix or create a coating for use on the vehicle.

[0028] However, if the computer system 105 does not return a matching coating, the user can create a custom coating, which in some instances can be a variant of the target coating. For example, the user can select a coating variant that is closest to the target coating, and can customize the variant by changing the formula of the coating variant (for example, by adjusting the concentration of different colors, textures or other ingredients). For each adjustment, the user can spray the custom coating onto the physical plate to compare with the target coating. If the custom coating does not match the target coating, the user can discard the physical plate, prepare a new custom coating, and spray the new custom coating onto another physical plate. The user can iteratively adjust the coating until a matching coating is created. The user can use the matching coating to repair or otherwise re-coat the vehicle.

[0029] The user can use a physical plate to represent the resulting custom coating, and can store the physical plate and / or instructions for the recipe required to create the custom coating. Therefore, the user can have a custom coating collection in a user-specific database or indexing system (e.g., a physical plate of a wall, a book of coating plates, a locally stored computer database, etc.) at the user's local. For example, the user can store the physical plate in a book, in a filing cabinet, on a wall, or in another place with other custom coatings prepared by the user. In some instances, the user can retain a local database of coatings created by the user so that the user can independently track, search, or otherwise use the custom coating. In some embodiments, the user can be one of a large number of franchise locations, and a database shared between all franchise locations can be used so that each location can access all custom coatings. Searching between the computer system 105 and the user-specific database may cause the efficiency of the user computing device 125 to be reduced. It may be beneficial to index the user-specific database with a basic coating set 140.

[0030] If the user computing device 125 creates a custom coating, the user computing device 125 can share information associated with the custom coating with the computer system 105. For example, the computer system 105 can receive characteristic data 130 and identifier data 135 associated with the custom coating from the user computing device 125. As used herein, the characteristic data 130 can include spectrophotometric data, chemical composition, renderings of photographs or colors, and / or other data. As used herein, the identifier data 135 can include a user-provided identifier such as, for example, a number, a name or reference, a color code, an associated automobile manufacturer, an associated automobile year, an associated automobile model, and / or a physical index location of the custom coating within the user's facility.

[0031] The computer system 105 may receive the characteristic data 130 and the identifier data 135, and may determine that the characteristic data 130 does not match the characteristic data associated with any coating in the basic coating set 140 stored in the main database 110. Therefore, the computer system 105 may store the characteristic data 130 and the identifier data 135 associated with the custom coating in the auxiliary database 115. Therefore, the auxiliary database 115 may include one or more custom coatings 145, which may or may not have any association. For example, the auxiliary database 115 may include a custom coating 145a and a custom coating 145b that may be associated with different color codes, vehicles, etc. The computer system 105 may then index the main database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 in the index 120. The computer system 105 may create an index 120 of the basic coating set 140 and each custom coating 145 so that the contents of the main database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 can be searched or changed simultaneously. Thus, if the user computing device 125 sends a query for a target coating to the computer system 105, the computer system 105 may search the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 based on the index 120, so that the computer system 105 returns coatings that may be from the primary database 110 or the auxiliary database 115 to the user computing device 125. For example, the user computing device 125 may request a search for a target coating associated with both first-party variants and customized variants stored in the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115, respectively. In such an instance, the user computing device 125 may search both the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 using the index 120, and results from both the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 may be returned to the user computing device 125. Similarly, if no first-party coatings or customized coatings or variants are associated with the search parameters associated with the target coating provided by the user computing device 125, the computer system 105 may return results from only one of the primary database 110 or the auxiliary database 115. In some instances, if the auxiliary database 115 is associated with multiple franchise locations, the computer system 105 may return results from different franchise locations. In such instances, the computer system 105 may also provide an indication of the franchise location with which the coating or coated plate is associated. In some embodiments, the user computing device 125 may desire to search only the primary database 110 or the auxiliary database 115, and therefore may provide the computer system 105 with an indication of the database in which to perform the search. In such embodiments, the computer system 105 may search only the indicated database.

[0032] In some embodiments, the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 may be physically separated (e.g., stored on different computer systems) or may be stored separately on the same computer system (e.g., may be stored on different storage volumes, as different databases on one storage medium, etc.), or may be distinguished in other ways (e.g., may use different identifiers, flags, etc.). In some instances, the auxiliary database 115 may be stored locally at the third party, and the primary database 110 may be stored remotely (e.g., at a data center maintained or leased by the first party). Alternatively, both the primary database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 may be stored locally at the third party or remotely at the third party. In some instances, if the third party is one of a large number of franchise locations, the auxiliary database 115 may be stored on a database server shared between all franchise locations, while the primary database 110 may be stored or managed by a first party that is not associated with the franchise location. In some embodiments, the primary database 110 or the auxiliary database 115 may use one or more database technologies. For example, the primary database 110 or the secondary database 115 may be a relational or non-relational database, a cloud database, a hierarchical database, a graph database, etc., which use an associated database manager.

[0033] Different data storage schemes for the main database 110 and the auxiliary database 115 may satisfy data integrity or privacy thresholds. For example, an automotive paint shop may desire to maintain the privacy of the auxiliary database 115 to prevent unauthorized access to the coating data included. If the paint shop includes multiple franchise locations, the paint shop may store the auxiliary database 115 at a centralized location so that each franchise location can access the auxiliary database 115. In some instances, a first party may have read / write access to the main database 110 and the auxiliary database 115, but a third party may only have read / write access to the auxiliary database 115. In some embodiments, a first party user may not have access to the auxiliary database 115. In some instances, a first party user may have the right to analyze, correct, compare, or otherwise use the data stored in the auxiliary database 115. In some instances, a third-party entity may determine that any customized variations produced by the third-party entity are to be kept confidential, and therefore a confidentiality indicator may be stored in the auxiliary database 115. If the secondary database 115 includes a confidentiality indicator, the computer system 105 can prevent all other entities (including the first party entity) from accessing the contents of the secondary database 115. It should be noted that other data storage schemes besides those described herein can be utilized to meet the privacy or security thresholds desired by different entities associated with or using the primary database 110 or the secondary database 115.

[0034] Thus, if the user computing device 125 performs a search for a coating (e.g., using color codes, spectrophotometric data, chemical composition, etc.), the computer system 105 can use the index 120 to return results from both the primary database 110 and the secondary database 115. In some instances, the computer system 105 can display the results using a set of digital images representing a large number of viewing angles (e.g., front angles, light source angles, specular angles, or combinations thereof). In some instances, the secondary database 115 can be associated with a physical representation of the coating (e.g., a physical spray plate), while the primary database 110 may not be associated with the physical representation. Similarly, in some instances, the primary database 110 or the secondary database 115 may or may not include digital images of one or more coatings. For example, the primary database 110 may include digital images, but the secondary database 115 may not include digital images. If the primary database 110 or the secondary database 115 does not include digital images, the search may return feature data or identifier data without image representation. Similarly, primary database 110 and auxiliary database 115 may each include spectrophotometric data associated with the coating stored therein, but may store different identifier data, indexes, etc. associated with the coating. For example, auxiliary database 115 may store an index corresponding to a physical database (e.g., a book, a filing cabinet, a wall, etc.) local to a third-party user of computer system 105, but primary database 110 may not have any such index associated with the physical database. Thus, primary database 110 and auxiliary databases may differ in the type of data stored in association with the coating.

[0035] In some instances, the computer system 105 can determine the validity of the feature data 130. For example, the computer system 105 can determine whether the feature data 130 meets an accuracy threshold, a precision threshold, or a popularity threshold (e.g., it can be determined whether the customized coating matches a specified vehicle, is widely used, etc.). For example, the computer system 105 can compare the feature data 130 with feature data received from other third parties associated with the same color code, the same vehicle type (e.g., manufacturer, model, etc.), etc. Comparing data from multiple sources can allow the computer system 105 to determine whether the feature data 130 is accurate or consistent with data from other sources. Additionally or alternatively, the computer system 105 can use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other algorithmic methods to analyze or otherwise determine the validity of the feature data 130. For example, the computer system 105 can use historical data associated with customized variants (e.g., including customized variants that are accepted as valid) to train a machine learning model that can predict or otherwise determine whether a new variant is or will be widely used or valid.

[0036] In some instances, the computer system 105 may analyze the auxiliary database 115 and determine that the coating is associated with a large number of customized variants or may determine that a large number of third-party entities have adjusted the coating variants in a similar manner (e.g., all added certain textures, colors, etc.). In such instances, the computer system 105 may issue a notification to the first-party user indicating the presence of a large number of customized variants, or may analyze the variants to determine whether the variants are valid or, for example, whether a consistency threshold is met. In some embodiments, the consistency threshold may correspond to a large number of third-party entities that all create the same or substantially similar customized variants for the vehicle. If a sufficiently large number of third-party entities create customized variants of the same or substantially similar colors, the first-party user may determine that the customized variant is valid.

[0037] In some embodiments, the computer system 105 can receive an indication of validity from one or more users of the computer system 105 (such as first-party staff, scientists, quality assurance technicians, etc.) (e.g., they have verified the data independently of the computer system 105). For example, the first-party user can determine that the customized variant has been created or used by a large number of third-party entities, and therefore can analyze different versions of the customized variant (e.g., customized variants formulated by a large number of different third-party users) to see if the formula used is consistent, whether it will provide the expected results, etc. (e.g., it can be determined that the variant is valid). If the first-party user determines that the variant is valid, the first-party user can notify the computer system 105 of the validity. If the computer system 105 determines that the feature data 130 is valid, the computer system 105 can store the feature data 130 in the master database 110 (e.g., the customized coating can be added to the base coating set 140).

[0038] In some instances, adding the feature data 130 to the master database 110 may include adjusting the feature data 130 to align with the other contents of the master database 110. For example, the computer system 105 may adjust the index, identifier data, color code, digital image, etc. to correspond to the standard format used by the other contents of the master database 110. For example, if the feature data 130 or identifier data 135 includes information specific to a third-party user who creates a custom coating or coating variant, the computer system 105 may remove the information if the feature data 130 or identifier data 135 is included in the master database 110. If added to the master database 110, the feature data 130 (e.g., and the associated coating) may be provided to all potential third-party entities for use. Various aspects of the implementation scheme 100 may reduce the length of time required to find a desired coating when performing a database search, or may reduce system complexity by having a single coating index rather than potentially having multiple independent coating sets, which may result in a more efficient workflow or more efficient resource utilization, among other benefits.

[0039] Figure 2 An example of a computer system 200 that supports techniques for indexing customized coatings within a database according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The computer system 200 may implement the techniques described in reference to Figure 1 Aspects of the described scheme 100. The computer system 200 may include one or more processors 205 (e.g., processor 205a, processor 205b, processor 205c, etc.), a computer readable medium 210, and a collection of executable instructions 215. In some instances, the computer system 200 may also include a primary database 220 and an auxiliary database 225. The one or more processors 205 may include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any combination thereof. The primary database 220 and the auxiliary database 225 may communicate with the processor 205 via any transmission network (such as a wired or wireless network) and connection (such as a peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-e), a serial AT attachment protocol, a small computer system interface (SCSI), or similar technology). In some instances, the primary database 220 and the auxiliary database 225 may be located in the same or different geographical locations (e.g., local or remote relative to other components of the computer system 200). The computer system 200 may be an example of a component for performing the methods and functions of the present disclosure as described herein.

[0040] For example, the set of executable instructions 215 may include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 205, may cause the computer system 200 to: maintain a master database that includes a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings; receive feature data and identifier data associated with a custom coating from a user of the computer system 200, wherein the custom coating is not in the set of coatings; store the feature data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data includes: a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and index the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system 200 can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously. Implementing various aspects of the computer system 200 may result in increased efficiency in database searches, more efficient workflows, or more effective resource utilization, among other benefits.

[0041] Figure 3 An example of a computer system 300 supporting techniques for indexing customized coatings with a database according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, aspects of the system 300 can implement aspects of the scheme 100 or computer system 200, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described herein. For example, as described herein, computer system 300 can be implemented by one or more processors or one or more computer-readable media. Computer system 300 can include primary database manager 305, secondary database manager 310, data receiver 315, indexing component 320, comparison component 325, query receiver 330, display manager 335, and validity component 340. The components of computer system 300 as described herein can be as follows: Figure 3 The computer system 300 may communicate or otherwise share information as shown or in other ways (such as between components not shown). In some examples, the computer system 300 may include additional components, or components may be removed or changed. The computer system 300 may be an example of a component for performing the methods and functions of the present disclosure as described herein.

[0042] The master database manager 305 can maintain a master database that includes a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a set of coatings (eg, a first-party set of coatings defined by the computer system 300 ).

[0043] The data receiver 315 can receive characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating (e.g., a third-party coating) from a user of the computer system 300 or from a user computing device, wherein the custom coating is not within the coating set. The auxiliary database manager 310 can store the characteristic data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. In some instances, the auxiliary database can be separate from the first database. In some instances, the comparison component 325 can determine that the characteristic data associated with the custom coating is different from the characteristic data of each coating mapped to the coating set.

[0044] In some instances, the identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for a custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, which user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with a user of computer system 300. In some instances, the characteristic data may include an optical characteristic of the custom coating (e.g., spectrophotometric data). In some implementations, the custom coating may include a painted plate generated by a user of computer system 300. In some instances, the custom coating may be associated with a vehicle type, such that the characteristic data associated with the custom coating includes an indication of the vehicle type.

[0045] In some examples, the validity component 340 can determine whether the feature data associated with the customized coating meets the validity condition. In such examples, the master database manager 305 can store the feature data associated with the customized coating in the master database. In some embodiments, an accuracy threshold, a precision threshold, a popularity threshold, or any combination thereof can be included. In some embodiments, the validity component 340 can receive an indication from one or more users of the computer system 300 that the feature data associated with the customized coating meets the validity condition.

[0046] The indexing component 320 can index the auxiliary database with the primary database so that the user of the computer system 300 can search both the auxiliary database and the primary database at the same time. In some instances, the query receiver 330 can receive a query from the user of the computer system 300 for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system. In some embodiments, the query can include color codes or spectrophotometric data. In some instances, the display manager 335 can display one or more coatings from the primary database and the auxiliary database that meet at least one of the one or more requirements to the user of the computer system 300, wherein the display of the one or more coatings is based on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database. In some embodiments, the display manager 335 can display one or more digital images associated with the one or more coatings to the user of the computer system, the one or more digital images including front angles, light source angles, specular angles, or any combination thereof. Implementing various aspects of the computer system 300 can result in improved efficiency of database searches, more efficient workflows, or more effective resource utilization, among other benefits.

[0047] Figure 4 An example of a method flow 400 supporting techniques for indexing a custom coating with a database according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the method flow 400 can be performed by referring to Figures 1 to 3 The described aspects of the scheme 100, computer system 200, or computer system 300 are implemented. For example, the method flow 400 can be implemented by a computer system including one or more processors, or can be associated with executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, which cause the computer system to perform the steps of the method flow 400. It should be noted that in some instances, the steps of the method flow 400 can be performed in an order different from the order shown, or steps can be added or removed.

[0048] At 405 , method flow 400 may include maintaining a master database including a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings.

[0049] At 410 , method flow 400 may include receiving, from a user of a computer system, characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating, wherein the custom coating is not within a set of coatings.

[0050] At 415, method flow 400 may include storing characteristic data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. In some examples, the identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with a user of the computer system.

[0051] At 420, method flow 400 may include indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database so that a user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the primary database simultaneously. Implementing various aspects of method flow 400 may result in improved efficiency of database searches or more efficient resource utilization, among other benefits.

[0052] Figure 5 An example of a method flow 500 supporting techniques for indexing a custom coating with a database according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the method flow 500 can be performed by referring to Figures 1 to 3 The described aspects of the scheme 100, computer system 200, or computer system 300 are implemented. For example, the method flow 500 can be implemented by a computer system including one or more processors, or can be associated with executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, which cause the computer system to perform the steps of the method flow 500. It should be noted that in some instances, the steps of the method flow 500 can be performed in an order different from the order shown, or steps can be added or removed.

[0053] At 505 , method flow 500 may include maintaining a master database including a mapping of feature data to each coating in a set of coatings.

[0054] At 510 , method flow 500 may include receiving, from a user of a computer system, characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating, wherein the custom coating is not within a set of coatings.

[0055] At 515, method flow 500 may include storing characteristic data and identifier data associated with the custom coating in an auxiliary database. In some examples, the identifier data may include a user-provided identifier for the custom coating and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location may be within a physical facility associated with a user of the computer system.

[0056] At 520 , method flow 500 may include indexing the secondary database with the primary database so that a user of the computer system can search both the secondary database and the primary database simultaneously.

[0057] At 525 , method flow 500 may include receiving a query from a user of the computer system for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system.

[0058] At 530, method flow 500 may include: displaying one or more coatings from the primary database and the auxiliary database that meet at least one of the one or more requirements to a user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings may be based on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database. Implementing various aspects of method flow 500 may result in improved efficiency of database searches or more efficient resource utilization, among other benefits.

[0059] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or the acts described above or the order of the acts described above. Instead, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0060] The present invention may include or utilize a dedicated or general-purpose computer system, which includes computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in more detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer system. Computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are computer storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Therefore, as an example and not limitation, embodiments of the present invention may include at least two distinct computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0061] 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 drive ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or any other hardware storage that can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures that can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functions of the present invention.

[0062] Transmission media may include networks and / or data links that can be used to carry program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by general or special purpose computer systems. "Network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer system via a network or another communication connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless), the computer system may view the connection as a transmission medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0063] In addition, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link can be cached in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., "NIC"), and then ultimately transferred to computer system RAM and / or low-volatility computer storage media at the computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0064] Computer executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data, which, 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 group of functions. Computer executable instructions may be binary, intermediate format instructions, or even source code, such as assembly language.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced in a network computing environment with various types of computer system configurations (including personal computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers, pagers, routers, switches, etc.). The present invention can also be practiced in a distributed system environment where both local and remote computer systems perform tasks, and the local and remote computer systems are linked by a network (via a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of a hardwired and wireless data link). Therefore, in a distributed system environment, a computer system may include a plurality of constructed computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

[0066] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment may be distributed, but this is not required. When distributed, a cloud computing environment may 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 (e.g., networks, servers, storage devices, applications, and services). The definition of "cloud computing" is not limited to any of the other numerous advantages that may be derived from such a model when properly deployed.

[0067] Cloud computing models can consist of various characteristics (e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measurable services, etc.). Cloud computing models can also appear in the form of various service models (e.g., software as a service ("SaaS"), platform as a service ("PaaS"), and infrastructure as a service ("IaaS")). Cloud computing models can also be deployed using different deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

[0068] Some embodiments (such as cloud computing environments) may include a system that includes one or more hosts, each of which is capable of running one or more virtual machines. During operation, the virtual machine simulates an operating computing system, thereby supporting an operating system and possibly one or more other applications. In some embodiments, each host includes a hypervisor that simulates the virtual resources of the virtual machine using physical resources abstracted from the perspective of the virtual machine. The hypervisor also provides appropriate separation between virtual machines. Therefore, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor provides an illusion that the virtual machine is interfacing with physical resources, even if the virtual machine is only interfacing with the appearance of physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, etc.

[0069] The present invention is further described according to the following examples:

[0070] Example 1: A computer system for indexing customized coatings in a database is provided, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, the executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configuring the computer system to perform at least the following: maintaining a main database comprising a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a coating set; receiving characteristic data and identifier data associated with a customized coating from a user of the computer system, wherein the customized coating is not within the coating set; storing the characteristic data and identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-provided identifier for the customized coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the customized coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and indexing the auxiliary database with the main database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the main database simultaneously.

[0071] Example 2: According to the computer system described in Example 1, the executable instructions include instructions that are executable to configure the computer system to perform the following: receive a query from a user of the computer system for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; and display one or more coatings from a primary database and an auxiliary database that meet at least one of the one or more requirements to the user of the computer system, wherein the display of the one or more coatings is at least partially based on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database.

[0072] Example 3: A computer system according to any of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to perform the following: display one or more digital images associated with one or more coatings to a user of the computer system, the one or more digital images including a front angle, a light source angle, a mirror angle, or any combination thereof.

[0073] Example 4: A computer system according to any of examples 2 or 3, wherein the query includes a color code or spectrophotometric data.

[0074] Example 5: The computer system of any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary database is separate from the primary database.

[0075] Example 6: The computer system of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: determine that the characteristic data associated with the customized coating is different from the characteristic data mapped to each coating in the set of coatings.

[0076] Example 7: A computer system according to any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the characteristic data includes optical characteristics of the customized coating (such as optical characteristic data).

[0077] Example 8: A computer system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the optical characteristics include spectrophotometric data.

[0078] Example 9: The computer system of any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the customized coating comprises a spray-painted panel generated by a user of the computer system.

[0079] Example 10: The computer system of any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the customized coating is associated with a vehicle type, and the characteristic data associated with the customized coating includes an indication of the vehicle type.

[0080] Example 11: A computer system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: determine whether characteristic data associated with the customized coating meets a validity condition; and store the characteristic data associated with the customized coating in a master database.

[0081] Example 12: A computer system according to any one of examples 1 to 11, wherein the validity condition includes an accuracy threshold, a precision threshold, a popularity threshold, or any combination thereof.

[0082] Example 13: A computer system according to any of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: receive an indication from one or more users of the computer system that the characteristic data associated with the customized coating satisfies the validity condition.

[0083] Example 14: A computer system according to any of Examples 1 to 13, wherein spectrophotometric data, instructions for an automotive shop on how to adjust a recipe, environmental factors (such as humidity, temperature, geographic location, air pressure, or altitude), or how many iterations were performed associated with a custom coating are additionally stored in an auxiliary database.

[0084] Example 15: A computer-implemented method for indexing customized coatings within a database is provided, preferably using a computer system according to any one of clauses one to fourteen, the computer-implemented method being executed on one or more processors of the computer system, the computer-implemented method comprising: maintaining a master database comprising a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a coating set; receiving characteristic data and identifier data associated with the customized coating from a user of the computer system, wherein the customized coating is not within the coating set; storing the characteristic data and identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-provided identifier for the customized coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the customized coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and indexing the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously.

[0085] Example 16: A computer-implemented method according to Example 15, wherein the computer-implemented method further comprises: receiving a query from a user of the computer system for coatings that satisfy one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; and displaying one or more coatings from a primary database and a secondary database that satisfy at least one of the one or more requirements to the user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings is based at least in part on indexing the secondary database with the primary database.

[0086] Example 17: A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 15 or 16, wherein the computer-implemented method further comprises: displaying one or more digital images associated with one or more coatings to a user of the computer system, the one or more digital images comprising a front angle, a light source angle, a mirror angle, or any combination thereof.

[0087] Example 18: The computer-implemented method of any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the computer-implemented method further comprises: determining that the characteristic data associated with the customized coating is different from the characteristic data mapped to each coating in the set of coatings.

[0088] Example 19: A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the computer-implemented method further comprises: determining whether the characteristic data associated with the customized coating meets a validity condition; and storing the characteristic data associated with the customized coating in a master database.

[0089] Example 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising one or more computer-readable storage media having computer executable instructions stored thereon, preferably using a computer system according to any one of clauses one to fourteen and / or a method according to any one of clauses fifteen to nineteen, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed at a processor, cause the computer system to perform a method for indexing customized coatings within a database, the method comprising: maintaining a master database comprising characteristic data for each coating in a coating set; receiving characteristic data and identifier data associated with the customized coating from a user of the computer system, wherein the customized coating is not within the coating set; storing the characteristic data and identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-provided identifier for the customized coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the customized coating, wherein the user-provided index location is within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and indexing the auxiliary database with the master database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the master database simultaneously.

[0090] Example 21: A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Example 20, wherein the computer-executable instructions also include computer-executable instructions that, when executed at a processor, cause a computer system to: receive a query from a user of the computer system for coatings that satisfy one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; and display one or more coatings from a primary database and a secondary database that satisfy at least one of the one or more requirements to the user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings is based at least in part on indexing the secondary database with the primary database.

[0091] Without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics, the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms. The described embodiments should be considered as only illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above description. All changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalent scheme of the claims will be included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A computer system for indexing customized coatings in a database, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; as well as One or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the one or more processors configure the computer system to at least: maintaining a master database comprising a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a set of coatings; receiving, from a user of the computer system, characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating, wherein the custom coating is not within the set of coatings; storing the characteristic data and the identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-supplied identifier for the custom coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and The auxiliary database is indexed with the primary database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the primary database simultaneously.

2. The computer system of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: receiving a query from the user of the computer system for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; and One or more coatings from the primary database and the auxiliary database that satisfy at least one of the one or more requirements are displayed to the user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings is based at least in part on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database.

3. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to perform the following: display one or more digital images associated with the one or more coatings to the user of the computer system, the one or more digital images including a front angle, a light source angle, a specular angle, or any combination thereof.

4. A computer system according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the query comprises a colour code or spectrophotometric data.

5. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary database is separate from the primary database.

6. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to perform the following: determine that the characteristic data associated with the customized coating is different from the characteristic data mapped to each coating in the set of coatings.

7. The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the characteristic data comprises optical characteristics of the customized coating.

8. The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical characteristics include spectrophotometric data.

9. The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the customized coating comprises a spray-painted panel generated by the user of the computer system.

10. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The custom coating is associated with a vehicle type, and The characteristic data associated with the customized coating includes an indication of the vehicle type.

11. The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: determining whether the characteristic data associated with the customized coating satisfies a validity condition; and The characteristic data associated with the customized coating is stored in the master database.

12. The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the validity condition comprises an accuracy threshold, a precision threshold, a popularity threshold, or any combination thereof.

13. A computer system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: receive an indication from one or more users of the computer system that the characteristic data associated with the customized coating satisfies the validity condition.

14. A computer-implemented method for indexing customized coatings within a database, the computer-implemented method being executed on one or more processors of a computer system, the computer-implemented method comprising: maintaining a master database comprising a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a set of coatings; receiving, from the user of the computer system, characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating, wherein the custom coating is not within the set of coatings; storing the characteristic data and the identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-supplied identifier for the custom coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and The auxiliary database is indexed with the primary database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the primary database simultaneously.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving a query from the user of the computer system for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; as well as One or more coatings from the primary database and the auxiliary database that satisfy at least one of the one or more requirements are displayed to the user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings is based at least in part on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database.

16. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 14 or 15, further comprising: One or more digital images associated with the one or more coatings are displayed to the user of the computer system, the one or more digital images including a front angle, a light source angle, a specular angle, or any combination thereof.

17. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising: The characteristic data associated with the customized coating is determined to be different from the characteristic data mapped to each coating in the set of coatings.

18. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: determining whether the characteristic data associated with the customized coating satisfies a validity condition; as well as The characteristic data associated with the customized coating is stored in the master database.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising one or more computer readable storage media having executable instructions stored thereon, the executable instructions when executed at a processor causing a computer system to perform a method for indexing customized coatings within a database, the method comprising: maintaining a master database comprising a mapping of characteristic data to each coating in a set of coatings; receiving, from the user of the computer system, characteristic data and identifier data associated with a custom coating, wherein the custom coating is not within the set of coatings; storing the characteristic data and the identifier data associated with the customized coating in an auxiliary database, wherein the identifier data comprises: a user-supplied identifier for the custom coating, and a user-provided index location for a physical plate coated with the custom coating, the user-provided index location being within a physical facility associated with the user of the computer system; and The auxiliary database is indexed with the primary database so that the user of the computer system can search both the auxiliary database and the primary database simultaneously.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise computer executable instructions that, when executed at a processor, cause the computer system to: receiving a query from the user of the computer system for coatings that meet one or more requirements provided by the user of the computer system; and One or more coatings from the primary database and the auxiliary database that satisfy at least one of the one or more requirements are displayed to the user of the computer system, wherein displaying the one or more coatings is based at least in part on indexing the auxiliary database with the primary database.

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