Color formulation modification

Abstract

A method of determining a modified color recipe for a paint composition, the method being executed on a processor of a computing device and comprising: receiving an indication of a desired color for a paint composition; obtaining a predefined color recipe for the desired color; obtaining a color intensity of a base paint composition to be used to produce the paint composition having the desired color; in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further comprising: modifying the predefined color recipe based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color recipe; and outputting the modified color recipe.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] It is known to use a color mixing machine to add one or more colorants to a base coating composition to achieve a coating composition with a desired color. The coating composition can then be prepared for application to a surface or for mixing with a hardener and / or other components. The coating composition can be paint, varnish, or any other type of coating.

[0002] A coloring pigment is a pigment added to a base coating composition to impart color. The base coating composition can be of various colors, such as red, green, white, or transparent (uncolored). In the case of a white base coating composition, the white pigment can be TiO2. A white base coating composition preferably includes a white pigment (e.g., TiO2) as the sole coloring pigment. The base coating composition can contain different amounts of TiO2, thereby enabling the acquisition of different hues and colors. The base coating composition can also be without TiO2, thereby enabling the acquisition of darker colors.

[0003] Color intensity is measured during the production of a specific base coating composition, and it must be within certain specifications. If a batch of base coating composition deviates from specifications, it must be adjusted to ensure that the color intensity is within specifications. If a batch of base coating composition has a significant deviation from specifications, the base coating composition may need to occupy a dissolving tank until the color intensity has been corrected. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have discovered that the color intensity of a batch of base coating compositions may often exceed specifications and may require several adjustments before the color intensity is within specifications, which is a time-consuming process in manufacturing these batches of base coating compositions.

[0005] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that the color intensity of a particular batch of base paint composition may vary between different batches. Therefore, the containers of paint compositions (produced using base paint compositions) must be labeled with instructions informing users that paint compositions from different containers must be mixed together before use to avoid any color inconsistencies caused by using containers of final paint compositions that have been produced using base paint compositions from different batches.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for determining a modified color formulation of a coating composition is provided, the method being executed on a processor of a computing device, and comprising: receiving an indication of a desired color of the coating composition; obtaining a predefined color formulation of the desired color; obtaining a color intensity of a base coating composition to be used in the production of a coating composition having the desired color; in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further comprising: modifying the predefined color formulation based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formulation; and outputting the modified color formulation.

[0007] Outputting the modified color formula may include outputting the modified color formula to the display of a computing device.

[0008] Outputting a modified color formula may include sending the modified color formula to a color mixing machine via a communication interface of a computing device to produce a coating composition based on the modified color formula.

[0009] The method may include receiving an indication of a desired color via an input device of a computing device.

[0010] The method may include receiving an indication of a desired color via a communication interface of a computing device.

[0011] Obtaining the color intensity of a base coating composition may include receiving a data message from a reader of a computing device, the data message including the color intensity.

[0012] Obtaining the color intensity of a base coating composition may include: receiving a data message from a reader of a computing device, the data message including an identifier; sending a query message to a remote data repository via a communication interface of the computing device, the query message including an identifier; and receiving a response message from the remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device, the response message including the color intensity.

[0013] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include retrieving the predefined color formula from memory coupled to the processor.

[0014] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include: sending a query message to a remote data repository via a communication interface of a computing device; and receiving a response message from the remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device, the response message including the predefined color formula.

[0015] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include receiving the predefined color formula via an input device of a computing device.

[0016] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include receiving the predefined color formula via a communication interface of a computing device.

[0017] The method may include: adjusting a predefined color formulation or a modified color formulation of a desired color based on the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition.

[0018] The method may include detecting the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition by receiving the volume via an input device of a computing device or via a communication interface of a computing device.

[0019] A predefined color formulation can define a predefined amount of colorant for each of at least one colorant; and modifying a predefined color formulation can include modifying the predefined amount of colorant for each of at least one colorant based on a deviation.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., a processor of a computing device), cause the processor to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0021] The instructions may be provided on a medium such as a disk, CD, or DVD-ROM; on a programmable memory such as read-only memory (firmware); or on a data medium such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. The code (and / or data) implementing embodiments of this disclosure may include source code, object code, or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C, or assembly code, code for setting up or controlling an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or code for a hardware description language.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computing device is provided for determining a modified color formulation of a coating composition, the computing device comprising: a processor configured to: receive an indication of a desired color of the coating composition; obtain a predefined color formulation of the desired color; obtain a color intensity of a base coating composition to be used in the production of a coating composition having the desired color; in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to modify the predefined color formulation based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formulation; and output the modified color formulation.

[0023] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for controlling a color mixing machine to produce a paint composition having a desired color, the method being executed on a processor of the color mixing machine and comprising: receiving an instruction for a desired color; obtaining a predefined color formula of the desired color; obtaining a color intensity of a base paint composition to be used to produce the paint composition having the desired color; in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further comprising: modifying the predefined color formula based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; and controlling at least one colorant controller of the color mixing machine to dispense at least one colorant into the base paint composition according to the modified color formula to produce the paint composition having the desired color.

[0024] The method may include receiving an indication of a desired color via the input device of the color mixer.

[0025] The method may include receiving an indication of a desired color via the communication interface of the color mixer.

[0026] Obtaining the color intensity of a base coating composition may include receiving a data message from a reader of a color mixing machine, the data message including the color intensity.

[0027] Obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition may include: receiving a data message from a reader of the color mixer, the data message including an identifier; sending a query message to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixer, the query message including an identifier; and receiving a response message from the remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixer, the response message including the color intensity.

[0028] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include retrieving the predefined color formula from memory coupled to the processor.

[0029] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include: sending a query message to a remote data repository via the color mixer's communication interface; and receiving a response message from the remote data repository via the color mixer's communication interface, the response message including the predefined color formula.

[0030] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include receiving the predefined color formula via the input device of the color mixing machine.

[0031] Obtaining a predefined color formula for a desired color may include receiving the predefined color formula via the color mixer's communication interface.

[0032] The method may include: adjusting a predefined color formulation or a modified color formulation of a desired color based on the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition.

[0033] The method may include detecting the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition by receiving the volume via an input device of a color mixing machine or via a communication interface of the color mixing machine.

[0034] A predefined color formulation can define a predefined amount of colorant for each of at least one colorant; and modifying a predefined color formulation can include modifying the predefined amount of colorant for each of at least one colorant based on a deviation.

[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor of a color mixing machine), cause the processor to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0036] The instructions may be provided on a medium such as a disk, CD, or DVD-ROM; on a programmable memory such as read-only memory (firmware); or on a data medium such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. The code (and / or data) implementing embodiments of this disclosure may include source code, object code, or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C, or assembly code, code for setting up or controlling an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or code for a hardware description language.

[0037] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a color mixing machine is provided for producing a coating composition having a desired color, the color mixing machine comprising: at least one colorant controller configured to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition; and a processor configured to: receive an indication of a desired color; obtain a predefined color formula of the desired color; obtain a color intensity of the base coating composition to be used to produce the coating composition having the desired color; in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to: modify the predefined color formula based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; and control the at least one colorant controller to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula to produce the coating composition having the desired color.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for producing a coating composition having a desired color is provided, the system comprising: a color mixing machine including at least one colorant controller configured to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition; and a computing device including a processor configured to: receive an indication of a desired color of the coating composition; obtain a predefined color formula of the desired color; obtain a color intensity of the base coating composition to be used to produce the coating composition having the desired color; and, in response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to: modify the predefined color formula based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; wherein the color mixing machine further includes a processor configured to: control the at least one colorant controller to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula to produce the coating composition having the desired color.

[0039] The computing device (specifically, the processor of the computing device) can perform any of the methods described herein.

[0040] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for producing a coating composition having a desired color is provided, the method comprising: a processor of a computing device determining a modified color formulation of the coating composition according to any of the methods described herein; and a color mixing machine dispensing at least one colorant into a base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

[0041] Embodiments of this disclosure can adjust for variations in color intensity of specific batches of base coating compositions, thereby reducing production time for the base coating compositions because it eliminates the need for a time-consuming process of ensuring the color intensity of a particular batch of base coating compositions is within specifications. In other words, time is no longer required to adjust the color intensity of a particular batch of base coating compositions. This ensures faster and more efficient production of the base coating compositions, including the production of the base coating compositions, measurement of color intensity, and transfer of the base coating compositions to containers (such as cans). Embodiments of this disclosure can adjust for variations in color intensity of specific batches of base coating compositions, even if the batch of base coating compositions has significant deviations outside specifications. Therefore, the time-consuming process of holding the base coating compositions in the dissolving tank until the color intensity has been corrected is avoided, thus preventing delays in the production of the base coating compositions.

[0042] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can ensure minimal batch-to-batch variation in the color of the final coating composition. In other words, the method minimizes color variations in the final coating composition formed from different batches of base coating composition.

[0043] In examples of producing coating compositions using a white base coating composition, embodiments of this disclosure enable the use of a white base coating composition with less white pigment (TiO2). Using known methods, this would produce a coating composition that is not white enough and has poor substrate coverage (its slight transparency). However, in embodiments of this disclosure, when modifying a predefined color formulation, reducing the amount of white pigment can be considered; that is, the amount of colorant to be added can be adjusted to compensate for the weaker color intensity of the base coating composition. By allowing variation in the color intensity of the white base coating composition, TiO2 consumption can be reduced, which is environmentally beneficial due to the carbon footprint of the complex TiO2 production process.

[0044] These and other aspects will become apparent from the embodiments described below. The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the content of this invention, nor is it intended to be confined to embodiments that must address any or all of the disadvantages indicated. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To better understand this disclosure and to show how the various embodiments can be implemented, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 The color mixing machine and computing equipment are shown;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a color mixing machine;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a computing device;

[0049] Figure 4 The communication system is shown;

[0050] Figure 5 The process executed by a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 6 The process performed by a color mixing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 7a It shows how a container can be filled with a first base paint composition to achieve a certain fill level, and how the volume of the container is allocated according to the addition of colorant; and

[0053] Figure 7b It shows how a container can be filled with a second base paint composition to reach a certain fill level, and how the volume of the container is allocated for the addition of colorant. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments will now be described by way of example only.

[0055] Figure 1A color mixing machine 102 is shown. The color mixing machine 102 is arranged to support a container 104 containing a base coating composition, into which one or more colorants 106 can be added. The base coating composition contains a binder and a pigment (e.g., a white pigment such as TiO2). If the base coating composition is an aqueous composition, it may additionally include one or more solvents and / or water. The base coating composition can be a paint, varnish, or any other type of coating. One or more containers 106 of colorants can be loaded into the color mixing machine 102 via a suitable mechanism so that the color mixing machine 102 dispenses a specific amount of the corresponding colorant into the container 104 containing the base coating composition. As used herein, the term "colorant" refers to a pigment concentrate added to a base coating composition to provide a coating composition having a desired color. Typically, colorants are added after the general preparation of the base coating composition to provide a colored coating composition. Typically, colorants include coloring pigments and optional other components such as binders, water, solvents, and additives.

[0056] Figure 1 The color mixing machine 102 shown is configured to contain a first container 106a for a first colorant, a second container 106b for a second colorant, and a third container 106c for a third colorant. It will be understood that the color mixing machine 102 configured to contain three colorant containers is merely an example, and the color mixing machine 102 may be configured to receive more or fewer colorant containers than in this example.

[0057] The color mixing machine 102 includes one or more colorant controllers 108 configured to control the amount of colorant dispensed from each colorant container into the base coating composition. Figure 1 The color mixing machine 102 shown includes a first colorant controller 108a, a second colorant controller 108b, and a third colorant controller 108c. The first colorant controller 108a is configured to control the amount of colorant dispensed from a first colorant container 106a, the second colorant controller 108b is configured to control the amount of colorant dispensed from a second colorant container 106b, and the third colorant controller 108c is configured to control the amount of colorant dispensed from a third colorant container 106c. It will be understood that this is merely an example; for instance, a single colorant controller could be implemented in the color mixing machine 102 to control the amount of colorant dispensed from each colorant container. The colorant controller can be any type of device capable of receiving data commands and controlling the amount of colorant supplied from the colorant containers.

[0058] The color mixing machine 102 may include one or more fluid dispensing components arranged to direct colorants into the base coating composition. Figure 1The color mixing machine 102 shown includes a first fluid dispensing member 110, a second fluid dispensing member 112, and a third fluid dispensing member 114. The first fluid dispensing member 110 dispenses a first colorant into the base coating composition, the second fluid dispensing member 112 dispenses a second colorant into the base coating composition, and the third fluid dispensing member 114 dispenses a third colorant into the base coating composition. The fluid dispensing members can be pipes, hoses, or any other channels or conduits providing fluid flow. The fluid dispensing members can have a rigid structure or can be flexible.

[0059] Once the colorant has been added to the base coating composition, the color mixing machine 102 can be arranged to shake the container 104 or otherwise mix the contents of the container 104.

[0060] The terms “coating composition,” “colored coating composition,” and “final coating composition” refer to a coating composition produced by adding a colorant to a base coating composition according to a modified color formulation. This coating composition may be ready to be applied to a surface (e.g., a 1K product) or ready to be mixed with a curing agent and / or other components (e.g., to form a 2K or 3K product).

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the color mixer 102 can communicate with the computing device 300. That is, the color mixer 102 can be configured to send data to and / or receive data from the computing device 300. The communication channel between the color mixers 102 can be a wired and / or wireless communication channel.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The color mixing machine 102 is described in more detail. Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the color mixing machine 102.

[0063] Figure 2 A simplified view of the color mixing machine 102 is shown. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the color mixing machine 102 includes a central processing unit (“CPU”) 202 connected to a memory 204. The functionality of the CPU 202 described herein can be implemented in code (software) stored on a memory (e.g., memory 204) comprising one or more storage media, and executed on a processor comprising one or more processing units. The storage media may be integrated into and / or separate from the CPU 202. The code is configured to perform operations consistent with the embodiments discussed herein when retrieved from memory and executed on the processor. Alternatively, some or all of the functionality of the CPU 202 is not excluded from implementation in dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., ASICs, simple circuits, gate circuits, logic circuits, and / or configurable hardware circuitry such as FPGAs).

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, CPU 202 is coupled to one or more colorant controllers 108. CPU 202 is configured to send data commands to colorant controllers 108 to control the amount of colorant supplied from colorant container 106.

[0065] The color mixing machine 102 may include an input device 208 coupled to the CPU 202. The input device 208 allows the user of the color mixing machine 102 to provide input and control the operation of the color mixing machine. The input device 208 may be a keypad, keyboard, touch screen display, and / or microphone.

[0066] The color mixing machine 102 may include an output device 210 coupled to the CPU 202. The output device 210 allows the color mixing machine 102 to provide output to a user operating the color mixing machine. The output device 210 may be a display (such as the touch screen display described above) and / or a speaker.

[0067] The color mixing machine 102 may include a reader 206. The reader 206 is configured to read identifier tags on containers (e.g., paint cans), which may be printed or otherwise affixed to the container. The reader 206 may be configured to read barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags, NFC tags, or any other form of identifier tag used to identify the contents of the container, using known technologies.

[0068] Input device 208, output device 210, and reader 206 can be integrated into color mixing machine 102, such as Figure 2 As shown in the illustration. In other embodiments, one or more of the input device 208, output device 210, and reader 206 may not be integrated into the color mixer 102 and may be connected to the color mixer 102 (and thus to the CPU 202) via a corresponding interface. Such an interface may be wired (e.g., a USB interface) or wireless.

[0069] The color matching machine 102 may include a communication interface 212 coupled to the CPU 202. The communication interface 212 allows the color matching machine 102 to send and / or receive data. The communication interface 212 may be a wireless communication interface and / or a wired communication interface.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 The computing device 300 is described in more detail. Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of computing device 300. Computing device 300 can be, for example, a mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or any other computing device.

[0071] Figure 3 A simplified view of the computing device 300 is shown.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, computing device 300 includes a central processing unit (“CPU”) 302 connected to memory 304. The functionality of the CPU 302 described herein can be implemented in code (software) stored on memory (e.g., memory 304) comprising one or more storage media, and arranged to execute on a processor comprising one or more processing units. The storage media may be integrated into and / or separate from the CPU 302. The code is configured to perform operations consistent with the embodiments discussed herein when retrieved from memory and executed on the processor. Alternatively, some or all of the functionality of the CPU 302 is not excluded from implementation in dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., ASICs, simple circuits, gate circuits, logic circuits, and / or configurable hardware circuitry such as FPGAs).

[0073] The computing device 300 may include an input device 308 coupled to the CPU 302. The input device 308 allows a user of the computing device 300 to provide input and control the operation of the computing device 300. The input device 308 may be a keypad, keyboard, touch screen display, and / or microphone.

[0074] The computing device 300 may include an output device 310 coupled to the CPU 302. The output device 310 allows the computing device 300 to provide output to a user operating the computing device 300. The output device 310 may be a display (such as the touch screen display described above) and / or a speaker.

[0075] Computing device 300 may include reader 306. Reader 306 is configured to read identifier tags on containers (e.g., paint cans), which may be printed or otherwise affixed to the container. Reader 306 may be configured to read barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags, NFC tags, or any other form of identifier tag used to identify the contents of the container using known technologies.

[0076] Input device 308, output device 310, and reader 306 can be integrated into computing device 300, such as Figure 3 As shown in the illustration. In other embodiments, one or more of the input device 308, output device 310, and reader 306 may not be integrated into the computing device 300, but may be connected to the computing device 300 (and thus to the CPU 302) via a corresponding interface. Such an interface may be wired (e.g., a USB interface) or wireless.

[0077] The computing device 300 may include a communication interface 312 coupled to the CPU 302. The communication interface 312 allows the computing device 300 to send and / or receive data. The communication interface 312 may be a wireless communication interface and / or a wired communication interface.

[0078] Figure 4 A communication system 400 is shown. The communication system 400 includes a communication network 402 and a data repository 404 (e.g., a database) connected to the communication network 402. The data repository 404 is typically located remotely from the color mixer 102 and the computing device 300.

[0079] The color matching machine 102 can be connected to the communication network 402 and configured to send query messages to the data repository 404 via its communication interface 212 and receive response messages from the data repository 404 via the communication interface 212. Similarly, the computing device 300 can be connected to the communication network 402 and configured to send query messages to the data repository 404 via its communication interface 312 and receive response messages from the data repository 404 via the communication interface 312.

[0080] The communication network 402 may include any suitable network capable of providing a communication channel between the color mixer 102 and / or the computing device 300 and the data storage 404. For example, the communication network 402 may include the Internet and / or another type of network, such as a mobile communication network, such as a third-generation (“3G”) mobile network, a fourth-generation (“4G”) mobile network, or a fifth-generation (“5G”) mobile network.

[0081] Data repository 404 can be configured to store predefined color formulations of desired colors. Each predefined color formulation is defined based on a base paint composition, colorants added to the base paint composition, and the amount of each colorant added to the base paint composition. A predefined color formulation can be based on a 1-liter container filled to 90% of its capacity with the base paint composition. This allows some space for adding colorants and mixing the contents by shaking.

[0082] The amount of each colorant can be specified using the term "shot," where a shot is a fraction of a US fluid ounce. For example, a shot can be defined as 1 / 96 fl. oz, 1 / 48 fl. oz, or 1 / 32 fl. oz. As an alternative to specifying the amount of each colorant using units of volume, the amount of each colorant can also be specified using units of mass.

[0083] Example predefined color recipes that implement the first color can be limited to:

[0084] Base_coating_composition_1+28 parts colorant A+1 part colorant B+21.5 parts colorant C.

[0085] It can correspond to:

[0086] Base_coating_composition_1+28 / 96 fl oz colorant A+1 / 96 fl oz colorant B+21.5 / 96 fl oz colorant C.

[0087] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a predefined color formula (sometimes called a color scheme) can be obtained by sending a query message to a data repository 404 and receiving a response message that includes a predefined color formula.

[0088] The color intensity (sometimes referred to as relative tinting strength or relative color strength) Kr(λ) of the base coating composition is referred to in this paper as the absorbance index K of the base coating composition. p1 (λ) Absorbance index K of the reference composition p2 The ratio of (λ), expressed as a percentage:

[0089]

[0090] It will be understood that the properties of at least the binders in different base coating compositions may differ (e.g., acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, etc.). The additional components of different base coating compositions may also differ from one another. The color intensity of various base coating compositions can be measured relative to a reference composition, regardless of the product type or coating technique of the particular base coating composition.

[0091] The wavelength λ may correspond to the wavelength with maximum absorption (lowest reflectivity). The reference composition includes a binder and pigment (e.g., TiO2). If the reference composition is an aqueous composition, it may additionally include one or more solvents and / or water. The reference composition may be used by a specific paint manufacturer. Each paint manufacturer may use its own reference composition.

[0092] A contrasting pigment is added to both the base coating composition and the reference composition. For a white base coating composition, the contrasting pigment is typically black. For a white base coating composition, a wavelength λ of 540 nm can be used, and the highest absorption is observed at 540 nm. For other (non-white) base coating compositions (e.g., a red base coating composition), a white (or other colored) contrasting pigment can be used, and the wavelength λ used can be different from that used in the white base coating composition. A single wavelength λ can be used to determine color intensity, such as the wavelength of maximum absorption (lowest reflectance). Alternatively, multiple wavelengths within a wavelength range (e.g., 400–700 nm) can be used to determine color intensity, taking into account the entire reflectance profile. That is, color intensity can be determined using measurements performed at discrete wavelengths (e.g., every 10 nm) within the wavelength range.

[0093] Absorbance index K of the base coating composition p1 (λ) can be expressed as the spectral absorption coefficient of the base coating composition. Divide by the comparative pigment concentration C of the base coating composition m1 :

[0094]

[0095] The absorbance index K of the reference composition p2 (λ) can be expressed as the spectral absorption coefficient of the reference composition. Divide by the comparative pigment concentration C of the reference composition m2 :

[0096]

[0097] Comparison of pigment concentration C m1 This can be expressed as the mass ratio of the contrasting pigment to the binder in the base coating composition. Contrast pigment concentration C m2 This can be expressed as the mass ratio of the comparative pigment to the binder in the reference composition.

[0098] The spectral absorption coefficient K(λ) mentioned in this article can be the proportion of diffuse incident spectral radiant flux with wavelength λ absorbed in the elementary layer of the material divided by the thickness of the layer (Kubelka-Munk analysis).

[0099] Therefore, based on equation (1), a reference color intensity value of 100% is the "correct" color intensity of the base coating composition. If the color intensity of a base coating composition is greater than 100%, the base coating composition is called "weak." A weak base coating composition is weaker than the reference composition in terms of brightness or resistance to color change, i.e., it has too little white pigment or poor utilization of its white pigment. If the color intensity of a base coating composition is less than 100%, the base coating composition is called "strong." A strong base coating composition is stronger than the reference composition in terms of brightness or resistance to color change, i.e., the color is too light.

[0100] Equation (1) above can also be expressed as:

[0101]

[0102] in The absorbance index K corresponding to the base coating composition p1 (λ), and The absorbance index K corresponding to the reference composition p2 (λ).

[0103] The ratio of the spectral absorption coefficient K to the spectral scattering coefficient S of the base coating composition and the reference composition ( This can be represented as:

[0104]

[0105] Among them, the reflectivity (Referred to as reflectance factor in ISO 787-24:1995), can be expressed as:

[0106]

[0107] in It is the reflectance value (referred to as reflectance in ISO 787-24:1995).

[0108] In order to determine A spectrophotometer can be used to measure (Reflection value), then use calculate (Reflection level) value.

[0109] In order to determine A spectrophotometer can be used to measure in a similar manner. (Reflection value), then use calculate (Reflectance rating) value. Reference composition. The value is typically determined once and retained for future reference. This value is then used to calculate... Or obtain from Annex B of ISO 787-24:1995 .

[0110] Methods for determining the color intensity of a base coating composition are known and therefore will not be described further herein. Methods for determining the color intensity of a base coating composition may be based on the procedures outlined in ISO 787-24:1995.

[0111] Quality control specifications allow for deviations in the color intensity of a base paint composition from a reference color intensity value within a certain range (e.g., + / - 4%). In known methods, a color mixing machine uses a fixed, predefined color formula to determine the colorants to be added to the base paint composition, and the amount of each colorant to be added, thus providing a paint composition with a color corresponding to the predefined color formula. Due to the allowed deviations in the color intensity of the base paint composition, paint compositions (such as paint) produced from different cans of base paint compositions (e.g., from different batches of base paint compositions) may differ in color. This could lead to a scenario where someone is painting a wall (or other surface) and runs out of paint midway through the painting process, then continues painting with a new can of paint labeled the same color, which has been produced using a base paint composition from a different batch (having a different color intensity than the paint used to produce the paint used to begin painting). This can result in visible differences in color when the paint has dried. Therefore, it is necessary for customers to mix paints from different cans (at least if they were produced from different batches of base paint compositions) before they begin painting.

[0112] Embodiments of the present invention ensure that paint (or other types of coating compositions) can be produced in the correct color, regardless of the color intensity of the base coating composition. In particular, when the user has a weak or strong base coating composition, modifications to the color formulation to achieve the desired color can be calculated to correct for this.

[0113] Figure 5 A process 500 executed by a computing device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Process 500 may be executed by a CPU 302.

[0114] At step S502, CPU 302 receives an indication of the desired color of the paint composition that the user wishes to produce from color mixing machine 102. The indication of the desired color can be a color name (e.g., "winter blue") or any other unique identifier associated with the desired color (e.g., a product code). The user of computing device 300 can supply the indication of the desired color using input device 308. In another example, the indication of the desired color can be received via communication interface 312. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send the indication of the desired color to computing device 300, thereby enabling communication interface 312 to receive the indication of the desired color and supply it to CPU 302.

[0115] In step S504, CPU 302 obtains a predefined color formula for the desired color. Step S504 can be implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0116] In one example, memory 304 may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. In this example, CPU 302 can retrieve the predefined color recipe for a desired color from memory 304. That is, CPU 302 can use an indication of the desired color to query memory 304 to retrieve the predefined color recipe for that desired color.

[0117] In another example, memory accessible to CPU 302 (e.g., memory on a device external to computing device 300) may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. For example, data repository 404 may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. In this example, CPU 302 may be configured to send a query message to data repository 404 via communication interface 312. The query message may include a unique identifier associated with the desired color. In response, CPU 302 may be configured to receive a response message from data repository 404 via communication interface 312, the response message including the predefined color recipe.

[0118] In another example, if the user knows the predefined color formula of the desired color (e.g., it is printed in a manual or listed on a website, etc.), the user of computing device 300 can use input device 308 to supply the predefined color formula of the desired color.

[0119] In another example, a predefined color formula for a desired color can be received via communication interface 312. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send the predefined color formula for a desired color to computing device 300, thereby enabling communication interface 312 to receive the predefined color formula for the desired color and supply it to CPU 302.

[0120] CPU 302 can output a predefined color formula via output device 310. For example, CPU 302 can visually output the predefined color formula on a display. As described above, the predefined color formula identifies the base coating composition, the colorants added to the base coating composition, and the amount of each colorant added to the base coating composition.

[0121] In step S506, CPU 302 obtains the color intensity of the base paint composition that the user wishes to use in producing a paint composition with the desired color. Step S506 can be implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0122] Users can use reader 306 to read the identifier label on a container containing the base coating composition. This identifier label can be printed or otherwise affixed to the container. The identifier label can be a barcode, QR code, RFID tag, NFC tag, or any other form of identifier label used to identify the contents of the container.

[0123] In some examples, the identifier tag may store the color intensity of the base coating composition. In these examples, in response to scanning the identifier tag with reader 306, CPU 302 is configured to receive a data message from reader 306, the data message including the color intensity.

[0124] In other examples, the identifier tag may store a unique identifier for the base coating composition (e.g., product code and / or batch number). In these examples, in response to scanning the identifier tag with reader 306, CPU 302 is configured to receive a data message from reader 306, the data message including the unique identifier of the base coating composition.

[0125] Memory 304 can store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. In this example, CPU 302 can retrieve the color intensity of the base coating composition from memory 304. That is, CPU 302 can use the unique identifier of the received base coating composition to query memory 304 to retrieve the color intensity of the base coating composition to be used in producing a coating composition with the desired color.

[0126] Alternatively, memory accessible to CPU 302 (e.g., memory on a device external to computing device 300) may store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. For example, data repository 404 may store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. In this example, CPU 302 may be configured to send a query message to data repository 404 via communication interface 312, including the unique identifier of the received base coating composition. In response, CPU 302 may be configured to receive a response message from data repository 404 via communication interface 312, the response message including the color intensity of the base coating composition to be used in producing coating compositions with the desired color.

[0127] Reader 306 is not required at step S506.

[0128] In another example, if the user knows the color intensity of the base paint composition that the user wants to use to produce a paint composition with the desired color (e.g., it is printed in a brochure or listed on a website, etc.), the user of computing device 300 can supply the color intensity of the base paint composition using input device 308.

[0129] In yet another example, the color intensity of the base coating composition can be received via communication interface 312. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send the color intensity of the base coating composition to computing device 300, thereby enabling communication interface 312 to receive the color intensity of the base coating composition and supply it to CPU 302.

[0130] At step S508, CPU 302 determines whether the color intensity of the base coating composition is equal to the reference color intensity value, or whether the color intensity of the base coating composition deviates from the reference color intensity value (i.e., the color intensity of the base coating composition is not equal to the reference color intensity value).

[0131] The reference color intensity value (e.g., 100%) is when the absorbance index K of the base coating composition... p1 (λ) Absorbance index K of the reference composition p2 (λ) is the value represented when there is a perfect match.

[0132] In response to determining that the color intensity of the base coating composition deviates from a reference color intensity value, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0133] At step S512, CPU 302 is configured to modify a predefined color formulation based on the color intensity of the base coating composition to obtain a modified color formulation. That is, CPU 302 modifies the predefined amount of each colorant included in the predefined color formulation based on the deviation between the color intensity of the base coating composition and a reference color intensity value.

[0134] Returning to the reference example, the predefined color formula that implements the first color can be constrained as follows:

[0135] Base_coating_composition_1+28 parts colorant A+1 part colorant B+21.5 parts colorant C.

[0136] If the color intensity of the base coating composition is 106% (i.e., deviates from the reference color intensity value by 6%), then the base coating composition is weak (weak by 6%). In this scenario, the weakness of the base coating composition can be corrected by modifying the predefined color formulation, and CPU 302 reduces the predefined amount of each colorant by 6% to obtain the modified color formulation:

[0137] Base_coating_composition_1 + 26.32 parts of colorant A + 0.94 parts of colorant B + 20.21 parts of colorant C.

[0138] If the color intensity of the base coating composition is 94% (i.e., deviates from the reference color intensity value by 6%), then the base coating composition is strong (6% strong). In this scenario, the intensity of the base coating composition can be corrected by modifying the predefined color formulation, and CPU 302 increases the predefined amount of each colorant by 6% to obtain the modified color formulation:

[0139] Base_coating_composition_1 + 29.68 parts of colorant A + 1.06 parts of colorant B + 22.79 parts of colorant C.

[0140] At step S514, CPU 302 is configured to output the modified color formula.

[0141] In step S514, CPU 302 can output the modified color formula to output device 310 for delivery to the user. For example, CPU 302 can control a display to visually display the modified color formula to the user. The user can then input the modified color formula into color mixing machine 102 using input device 208, and CPU 202 is configured to receive the modified color formula.

[0142] In step S514, CPU 302 can send the modified color formula to color mixing machine 102 via communication interface 312, and CPU 202 is configured to receive the modified color formula via communication interface 212.

[0143] Upon receiving a modified color formula (via any method), CPU 202 can be configured to control at least one colorant controller 108 of a color mixing machine to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition according to the modified color formula to produce a coating composition having the desired color. That is, CPU 202 can send one or more commands to at least one colorant controller 108 to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula.

[0144] Returning to step S508, in response to determining that the color intensity of the base coating composition does not deviate from the reference color intensity value (i.e., the color intensity of the base coating composition is equal to the reference color intensity value), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0145] At step S510, CPU 302 is configured to output (unmodified) predefined color formulas. Step S510 can be performed in a similar manner to that described above with reference to step S514, wherein the output is a predefined color formula, rather than a modified color formula.

[0146] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are extended to systems for producing coating compositions having a desired color, the system comprising (i) a computing device 300 including a processor executing process 500; and (ii) a color mixing machine 102, wherein the color mixing machine 102 produces coating compositions having a desired color according to a modified color formulation.

[0147] Other embodiments of this disclosure are further extended to a method for producing a coating composition having a desired color, the method comprising: (i) a processor of a computing device determining a modified color formulation of the coating composition by executing process 500; and (ii) a color mixing machine dispensing at least one colorant into a base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having a desired color.

[0148] Although the calculation of the modified color formula has been described as being performed on computing device 300, in other embodiments, these steps are performed on color mixing machine 102.

[0149] Figure 6 A process 600 executed by a color mixing machine 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Process 600 can be executed by a CPU 202.

[0150] At step S602, CPU 202 receives an indication of the desired color of the paint composition that the user wishes to produce from color mixing machine 102. The indication of the desired color can be a color name (e.g., "winter blue") or any other unique identifier associated with the desired color (e.g., a product code). The user of color mixing machine 102 can supply the indication of the desired color using input device 208. In another example, the indication of the desired color can be received via communication interface 212. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send the indication of the desired color to color mixing machine 102, thereby enabling communication interface 212 to receive the indication of the desired color and supply it to CPU 302.

[0151] In step S604, CPU 202 obtains a predefined color formula for the desired color. Step S604 can be implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0152] In one example, memory 204 may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. In this example, CPU 202 can retrieve the predefined color recipe for a desired color from memory 304. That is, CPU 202 can use an indication of the desired color to query memory 204 to retrieve the predefined color recipe for that desired color.

[0153] In another example, memory accessible to CPU 202 (e.g., memory on a device external to color mixer 102) may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. For example, data repository 404 may store one or more predefined color recipes, each associated with a specific color. In this example, CPU 202 may be configured to send a query message to data repository 404 via communication interface 212. The query message may include a unique identifier associated with the desired color. In response, CPU 202 may be configured to receive a response message from data repository 404 via communication interface 212, the response message including the predefined color recipe.

[0154] In another example, if the user knows the predefined color formula of the desired color (e.g., it is printed in a manual or listed on a website, etc.), the user of the color mixer 102 can use the input device 208 to supply the predefined color formula of the desired color.

[0155] In another example, a predefined color formula for a desired color can be received via communication interface 212. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send a predefined color formula for a desired color to color mixer 102, thereby enabling communication interface 212 to receive the predefined color formula for the desired color and supply it to CPU 202.

[0156] CPU 202 can output a predefined color formula via output device 210. For example, CPU 202 can visually output the predefined color formula on a display. As described above, the predefined color formula identifies the base coating composition, the colorants added to the base coating composition, and the amount of each colorant added to the base coating composition.

[0157] In step S606, CPU 202 obtains the color intensity of the base paint composition that the user wishes to use in producing a paint composition with the desired color. Step S606 can be implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0158] Users can use reader 206 to read the identifier label on a container containing the base coating composition. This identifier label can be printed or otherwise affixed to the container. The identifier label can be a barcode, QR code, RFID tag, NFC tag, or any other form of identifier label used to identify the contents of the container.

[0159] In some examples, the identifier tag may store the color intensity of the base coating composition. In these examples, in response to scanning the identifier tag with reader 206, CPU 202 is configured to receive a data message from reader 206, the data message including the color intensity.

[0160] In other examples, the identifier tag may store a unique identifier of the base coating composition (e.g., product code and / or batch number). In these examples, in response to scanning the identifier tag with reader 206, CPU 202 is configured to receive a data message from reader 206, the data message including the unique identifier of the base coating composition.

[0161] Memory 204 can store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. In this example, CPU 202 can retrieve the color intensity of the base coating composition from memory 204. That is, CPU 202 can query memory 204 using the unique identifier of the received base coating composition to retrieve the color intensity of the base coating composition to be used in producing a coating composition with the desired color.

[0162] Alternatively, memory accessible to CPU 202 (e.g., memory on a device external to color mixing machine 102) may store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. For example, data repository 404 may store color intensity values ​​associated with unique identifiers of the base coating compositions. In this example, CPU 202 may be configured to send a query message to data repository 404 via communication interface 212, including the unique identifier of the received base coating composition. In response, CPU 202 may be configured to receive a response message from data repository 404 via communication interface 212, the response message including the color intensity of the base coating composition to be used in producing coating compositions with the desired color.

[0163] Reader 206 is not required at step S606.

[0164] In another example, if the user knows the color intensity of the base paint composition that the user wants to use to produce a paint composition with the desired color (e.g., it is printed in a brochure or listed on a website, etc.), the user of the color mixing machine 102 can supply the color intensity of the base paint composition using the input device 208.

[0165] In yet another example, the color intensity of the base coating composition can be received via communication interface 212. That is, a remote device (not shown) can send the color intensity of the base coating composition to the color mixing machine 102, thereby enabling communication interface 212 to receive the color intensity of the base coating composition and supply it to CPU 202.

[0166] At step S608, CPU 202 determines whether the color intensity of the base coating composition is equal to the reference color intensity value, or whether the color intensity of the base coating composition deviates from the reference color intensity value (i.e., the color intensity of the base coating composition is not equal to the reference color intensity value).

[0167] In response to determining that the color intensity of the base coating composition deviates from a reference color intensity value, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0168] At step S612, CPU 202 is configured to modify a predefined color formula based on the color intensity of the base coating composition to obtain a modified color formula. That is, CPU 202 modifies the predefined amount of each colorant included in the predefined color formula based on the deviation between the color intensity of the base coating composition and a reference color intensity value (i.e., the predefined amount of each colorant is modified by the same amount).

[0169] Returning to the reference example, the predefined color formula that implements the first color can be constrained as follows:

[0170] Base_coating_composition_1+28 parts colorant A+1 part colorant B+21.5 parts colorant C.

[0171] If the color intensity of the base coating composition is 106% (i.e., deviates from the reference color intensity value by 6%), then the base coating composition is weak (weak by 6%). In this scenario, the weakness of the base coating composition can be corrected by modifying the predefined color formulation, and CPU 202 reduces the predefined amount of each colorant by 6% to obtain the modified color formulation:

[0172] Base_coating_composition_1 + 26.32 parts of colorant A + 0.94 parts of colorant B + 20.21 parts of colorant C.

[0173] If the color intensity of the base coating composition is 94% (i.e., deviates from the reference color intensity value by 6%), then the base coating composition is strong (6% strong). In this scenario, the intensity of the base coating composition can be corrected by modifying the predefined color formulation, and CPU 202 increases the predefined amount of each colorant by 6% to obtain the modified color formulation:

[0174] Base_coating_composition_1 + 29.68 parts of colorant A + 1.06 parts of colorant B + 22.79 parts of colorant C.

[0175] At step S614, CPU 202 is configured to control at least one colorant controller 108 of the color mixing machine to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula to produce a coating composition having the desired color. That is, CPU 202 can send one or more commands to at least one colorant controller 108 to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula.

[0176] Returning to step S608, in response to determining that the color intensity of the base coating composition does not deviate from the reference color intensity value (i.e., the color intensity of the base coating composition is equal to the reference color intensity value), the process proceeds to step S610.

[0177] At step S610, CPU 202 is configured to control at least one colorant controller 108 of the color mixing machine to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to a (unmodified) predefined color formula to produce a coating composition having a desired color. That is, CPU 202 can send one or more commands to at least one colorant controller 108 to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to a (unmodified) predefined color formula.

[0178] As mentioned above, a predefined color formulation can be based on a container of a predefined size, which is filled with a base paint composition up to a predefined percentage of the container's capacity, for example, a 1-liter container filled to 90% capacity with the base paint composition.

[0179] The above embodiments are not limited to use with containers of a specific size of base coating composition or containers containing a specific percentage.

[0180] In the above embodiments, the CPU can be configured to detect the volume of the base coating composition in a container containing the base coating composition, and adjust (if necessary) a predefined color formula or a modified color formula of the desired color based on the volume of the base coating composition.

[0181] Returning to the reference example, a predefined color formulation that achieves the first color (for a 1-liter container 90% filled with the base paint composition) can be defined as follows:

[0182] Base_coating_composition_1+28 parts colorant A+1 part colorant B+21.5 parts colorant C.

[0183] If the container including the base coating composition is actually a 3L container 90% filled with the base coating composition, at step S504 / S604, the CPU can adjust the predefined color formula to:

[0184] Base_coating_composition_1 + 84 parts colorant A + 3 parts colorant B + 64.5 parts colorant C.

[0185] Adjustments to the volume of the base coating composition can alternatively be made after modifying the predefined color formulation at steps S512 / S612.

[0186] Return to the reference example, where the modified color formula is:

[0187] Base_coating_composition_1 + 26.32 parts of colorant A + 0.94 parts of colorant B + 20.21 parts of colorant C.

[0188] If the container including the base coating composition is actually a 3L container 90% filled with the base coating composition, at steps S512 / S612, the CPU can adjust the modified predefined color formula to:

[0189] Base_coating_composition_1 + 78.96 parts of colorant A + 2.82 parts of colorant B + 60.63 parts of colorant C.

[0190] Similar adjustments can be made for different sized containers and / or different fill levels of the base coating composition. For example, similar adjustments can be made for a 1-liter container filled with 50% of the base coating composition or a 10-liter container filled with 90% of the base coating composition.

[0191] CPU 202 can be configured to detect the volume of the base coating composition in a container containing the base coating composition based on the volume input by a user via input device 208 or by receiving a message including an indication of volume via communication interface 212.

[0192] CPU 302 can be configured to detect the volume of the base coating composition in a container containing the base coating composition based on the volume input by a user via input device 308 or by receiving a message including an indication of volume via communication interface 312.

[0193] Figure 7a A container 700 is shown filled to a certain fill level with a first base paint composition 701. For example, the container 700 may be 90% filled with the first base paint composition 701. A predefined maximum volume 704 (e.g., 8.87%) may be allocated to allow colorant to be added to the first base paint composition 701 by a color mixing machine 102, and an air-filled top space 706 may be allocated to allow good mixing of the contents of the container when the container is shaken (e.g., by a color mixing machine or manually by the user) or when the mixture of the base paint composition and colorant is mixed using a stirrer.

[0194] Figure 7b A container 750 is shown filled to a certain fill level with a second base coating composition 708. A predefined maximum volume 704 (e.g., 8.87%) can be dispensed to allow colorant to be added to the second base coating composition 708 by a color mixing machine 102, and an air-filled top space 706 can be dispensed to allow good mixing of the contents of the container. After the colorant has been added to the second base coating composition 708 by the color mixing machine 102, a curing agent 710 can be added to the second base coating composition 708 (e.g., by a user) to form a two-component (2K) product.

[0195] In the above embodiments, it has been described that the CPU modifies the predefined amount of each colorant included in a predefined color formulation based on the deviation of the color intensity of the base coating composition from a reference color intensity value (i.e., the predefined amount of each colorant is modified by the same amount). The embodiments are extended to implementations where the CPU individually modifies the predefined amount of each colorant. For example, if the color intensity of one or more colorants differs from that of the remaining colorants, and this color intensity difference is known, the CPU can adjust the amount of one or more colorants without performing the same adjustment on the remaining colorants. Taking the addition of colorants A, B, and C to the base coating composition as a simple example, if the color intensity of colorant A is 3% lower than that of colorants B and C, the CPU can increase the amount of colorant A by 3% to compensate for the difference in color intensity.

[0196] Although examples have been described with reference to a coating composition (paint) having the desired color, it will be understood that the coating composition having the desired color can be a varnish or any other type of coating.

[0197] Other aspects of this disclosure may be defined by the following terms.

[0198] A1. A method for controlling a color mixing machine to produce a paint composition having a desired color, the method being performed on a processor of the color mixing machine and comprising:

[0199] Receive an instruction for the desired color;

[0200] Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color;

[0201] Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color;

[0202] In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further includes:

[0203] The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; and

[0204] At least one colorant controller controlling the color mixing machine dispenses at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

[0205] A2. The method according to Clause A1 includes receiving an indication of the desired color via the input device of the color mixer.

[0206] A3. The method according to Clause A1 includes receiving an indication of the desired color via the communication interface of the color mixer.

[0207] A4. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition includes receiving a data message from a reader of the color mixing machine, the data message including the color intensity.

[0208] A5. The method according to any one of clauses A1 to A3, wherein obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition comprises:

[0209] Receive data messages from the reader of the color mixing machine, the data messages including identifiers;

[0210] A query message, including an identifier, is sent to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixing machine; and

[0211] A response message, including the color intensity, is received from a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixer.

[0212] A6. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein obtaining the predefined color formula of the desired color includes retrieving the predefined color formula from a memory coupled to the processor.

[0213] A7. The method according to any one of clauses A1 to A5, wherein obtaining the predefined color formula of the desired color comprises:

[0214] Send a query message to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color matching machine; and

[0215] The color mixing machine receives a response message from a remote data repository via its communication interface. The response message includes the predefined color formula.

[0216] A8. The method according to any one of clauses A1 to A5, wherein obtaining the predefined color formula of the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via the input device of the color mixing machine.

[0217] A9. The method according to any one of clauses A1 to A5, wherein obtaining the predefined color formula of the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via the communication interface of the color mixing machine.

[0218] A10. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, the method comprising: adjusting a predefined color formulation or the modified color formulation of the desired color based on the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition.

[0219] A11. The method according to clause A10, wherein the method includes detecting the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition by:

[0220] The volume is received via the input device of the color mixing machine; or

[0221] The volume is received via the communication interface of the color mixing machine.

[0222] A12. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the predefined color formulation defines a predefined amount of the colorant for each of the at least one colorant; and modifying the predefined color formulation includes modifying the predefined amount of the colorant for each of the at least one colorant based on the deviation.

[0223] A13. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described in accordance with any of the preceding clauses.

[0224] A14. A color mixing machine for producing paint compositions having a desired color, the color mixing machine comprising:

[0225] At least one colorant controller is configured to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition; and

[0226] The processor is configured as follows:

[0227] Receive an instruction for the desired color;

[0228] Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color;

[0229] Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color;

[0230] In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to:

[0231] The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; and

[0232] The at least one colorant controller is controlled to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

Claims

1. A method for determining a modified color formulation of a coating composition, the method being executed on a processor of a computing device, and comprising: Receive instructions regarding the desired color of the coating composition; Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color; Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color; In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further includes: The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; as well as Output the modified color formula.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Outputting the modified color formula includes outputting the modified color formula to the display of the computing device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Outputting the modified color formula includes sending the modified color formula to a color mixing machine via the communication interface of the computing device to produce the coating composition according to the modified color formula.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising receiving an indication of the desired color via an input device of the computing device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising receiving an indication of the desired color via a communication interface of the computing device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition includes receiving a data message from a reader of the computing device, the data message including the color intensity.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition includes: Receive a data message from the reader of the computing device, the data message including an identifier; Sending a query message to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device, the query message including the identifier; and A response message, including the color intensity, is received from the remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Obtaining a predefined color formula for the desired color includes retrieving the predefined color formula from a memory coupled to the processor.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Obtaining the predefined color formula for the desired color includes: Sending query messages to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device; and A response message is received from the remote data repository via the communication interface of the computing device, the response message including the predefined color formula.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Obtaining a predefined color formula for the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via an input device of the computing device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Obtaining a predefined color formula for the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via the communication interface of the computing device.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: Based on the volume of the base coating composition in the container containing the base coating composition, the predefined color formula or the modified color formula of the desired color is adjusted.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method comprises detecting the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition by: The volume is received via the input device of the computing device; or The volume is received via the communication interface of the computing device.

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The predefined color formulation defines a predefined amount of each of the at least one colorant; and modifying the predefined color formulation includes modifying the predefined amount of each of the at least one colorant based on the deviation.

15. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any of the preceding claims.

16. A computing device for determining a modified color formulation of a coating composition, the computing device comprising: The processor is configured as follows: Receive instructions regarding the desired color of the coating composition; Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color; Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color; In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to: The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; and Output the modified color formula.

17. A system for producing a coating composition having a desired color, the system comprising: A color mixing machine includes at least one colorant controller configured to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition; as well as A computing device, including a processor, said processor being configured to: Receive instructions regarding the desired color of the coating composition; Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color; Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color; In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to: The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; The color mixing machine further includes a processor configured to control the at least one colorant controller to dispense at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula, in order to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

18. A method for producing a paint composition having a desired color, the method comprising: The processor of the computing device determines the modified color formulation of the coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14; as well as The color mixing machine dispenses at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formula to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

19. A method for controlling a color mixing machine to produce a paint composition having a desired color, the method being performed on a processor of the color mixing machine and comprising: Receive an instruction for the desired color; Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color; Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color; In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the method further includes: The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; as well as At least one colorant controller controlling the color mixing machine dispenses at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving an indication of the desired color via an input device of the color mixer.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving an indication of the desired color via the communication interface of the color mixer.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, Obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition includes receiving a data message from a reader of the color mixing machine, the data message including the color intensity.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, Obtaining the color intensity of the base coating composition includes: Receive data messages from the reader of the color mixing machine, the data messages including identifiers; A query message, including the identifier, is sent to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixing machine; and A response message, including the color intensity, is received from a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color mixer.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, Obtaining a predefined color formula for the desired color includes retrieving the predefined color formula from a memory coupled to the processor.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, Obtaining the predefined color formula for the desired color includes: Send a query message to a remote data repository via the communication interface of the color matching machine; and The color mixing machine receives a response message from a remote data repository via its communication interface. The response message includes the predefined color formula.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, Obtaining a predefined color formula for the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via the input device of the color mixing machine.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein, Obtaining the predefined color formula for the desired color includes receiving the predefined color formula via the communication interface of the color mixer.

28. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 27, the method comprising: Based on the volume of the base coating composition in the container containing the base coating composition, the predefined color formula or the modified color formula of the desired color is adjusted.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the method comprises detecting the volume of the base coating composition in a container comprising the base coating composition by: The volume is received via the input device of the color mixing machine; or The volume is received via the communication interface of the color mixing machine.

30. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein, The predefined color formulation defines a predefined amount of each of the at least one colorant; and modifying the predefined color formulation includes modifying the predefined amount of each of the at least one colorant based on the deviation.

31. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 19 to 30.

32. A color mixing machine for producing a paint composition having a desired color, the color mixing machine comprising: At least one colorant controller is configured to dispense at least one colorant into a base coating composition; as well as The processor is configured as follows: Receive an instruction for the desired color; Obtain a predefined color formula for the desired color; Obtain the color intensity of the base coating composition that will be used to produce a coating composition having the desired color; In response to determining that the color intensity characterizes a deviation from a reference color intensity value, the processor is further configured to: The predefined color formula is modified based on the color intensity to obtain a modified color formula; as well as The at least one colorant controller is controlled to dispense the at least one colorant into the base coating composition according to the modified color formulation to produce a coating composition having the desired color.

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