Method for matching the color and appearance of coatings

Abstract

Method for generating a total agreement metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating, wherein the method comprises the steps of: A1) Obtaining target color data of the target coating and pattern color data of the pattern coating generated by a pattern coating composition, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles and the pattern color data includes pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles; A2) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; A3) Obtaining target sparkle data of the target coating and pattern sparkle data of the pattern coating, wherein the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles and the pattern sparkle data includes pattern sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles; A4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; A5) Generating target Flop data (f) of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data and pattern Flop data (f s ) the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; A6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data (f) and the pattern Flop data (f s); and A7) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf).

Description

REFERENCE TO A RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] The application claims priority over Provisional US Application No. 61 / 769 514, filed on February 26, 2013, which is fully incorporated into the present application by this notice. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method for generating a conformity metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating. The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a matching coating based on the conformity metric generated thereby. BACKGROUND

[0003] Surface coatings containing effect pigments, such as light-absorbing, light-scattering, light-interference, and light-reflecting pigments, are commonly used. Scales, such as metallic scales (e.g., aluminum scales), are examples of such effect pigments and are particularly favored for the protection and decoration of automotive bodies because they impart, for example, a varying light reflection effect, usually referred to as a "flop," as well as scale-like appearance effects, including scale size distribution, the sparkle imparted by the scales, and the enhancement of depth perception within the coating. Scale-containing coatings usually also include other pigments or colorants, generally of a light-absorbing rather than a light-scattering type.These light-absorbing pigments interact with effect pigments, such as scales, to modify the coating's visual appearance. Generally, the visual appearance of a coating includes texture, sparkle, glitter, or other visual effects. The visual appearance can vary depending on the viewing angle, lighting angle, or intensity.

[0004] To repair an already coated substrate, e.g. a vehicle body, it is necessary to select the right colorant or colorant combinations to match the color of the coated substrate, as well as the right effect pigments, such as metallic scales, to match the color and appearance of the coated substrate. Publication US 8 065 314 B2 relates to a method for matching the color and appearance of a coating which contains effect pigments.

[0005] Publication US 5,583,642 A relates to a method for determining the color of a glitter-containing coating.

[0006] Developments were undertaken to produce colorants based on a color measurement of a target coating. to select. However, the selection of effect pigments, such as scales, is traditionally done manually by an experienced shader or color mixer, based on their expertise. Once the scales have been selected, they are fed into a formulation algorithm to generate one or more preliminary matching formulas. One or more test coatings are then applied. Then, based on the preliminary matching formulas, they are prepared and sprayed onto test panels, which are then visually compared to the target coating. If the appearance, such as the match of flop and / or sparkle, is deemed unsatisfactory, the shader adjusts the type and / or quantity of scales entering the algorithm to obtain new color / flop matching formulas, and the entire cycle is repeated until a sufficient match in both color and appearance is achieved at all lighting and viewing angles. However, this traditional approach requires repeated spraying and visual comparison of test panels with the target coating.

[0007] Consequently, it is desirable to provide a method for matching both the color and appearance of the target coating. Furthermore, other tasks, desired features, and properties will become apparent from the following summary and detailed description and the accompanying claims in conjunction with the associated drawings and this background information. SUMMARY

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, a method for generating a total agreement metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating is provided. The method comprises the steps of: A1) Obtaining target color data of the target coating and pattern color data of the pattern coating generated by a pattern coating composition, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles and the pattern color data includes pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles; A2) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; A3) Obtaining target sparkle data of the target coating and pattern sparkle data of the pattern coating, wherein the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles and the pattern sparkle data includes pattern sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles; A4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; A5) Generating target-flop data (f t ) of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data and pattern Flop data (f s ) the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; A6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; and A7) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf).

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for producing a matching coating for matching the color and appearance of a target coating applied over a substrate is provided. The method comprises the steps of: B1) Obtaining target coating identification data, target color data, target sparkle data and target flop data of the target coating, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles, the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the target flop data is generated based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data; B2) Retrieving at least one sample coating formulation from a color database based on the target coating identification data, wherein the color database comprises coating formulations that are linked and retrievable based on the coating identification data; B3) Obtaining pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data associated with the pattern coating formulation, wherein the pattern color data comprises pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles, the pattern sparkle data comprises pattern sparkle values ​​measured at the one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the pattern flop data is generated based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data, wherein: The pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data are obtained by: (a) measuring at least one of the pattern color data and pattern sparkle data from a pattern coating, generated based on the pattern coating formulation, and generating the pattern flop data based on the pattern color data; (b) retrieving at least one of the pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data associated with the pattern coating formulation from the color database; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). B4) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; B5) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; B6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; and B7) Generating a Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf).

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for generating a total agreement metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating is provided. The system comprises: C1) a computing program product comprising computer-executable code stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computing program product causes a computing device, when in operation, to perform a computing procedure, the computing procedure comprising the steps of: D1) Retrieving target coating identification data, if available, target color values ​​and target sparkle values ​​of the target coating, and sample color values ​​and sample sparkle values ​​of the sample coating; D2) Generating target Flop data of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data, and pattern Flop data of the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; D3) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; D4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; D5) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; D6) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the color difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf); and D7) Output of the total agreement metric as one or more output signals to an output device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The various embodiments are described below in connection with the drawings below, where identical numbers signify identical elements, and where: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B Show examples of different lighting angles and viewing angles for a flat surface (A) or a curved surface (B). Fig. Two examples of a fixed viewing angle and three lighting angles are shown. Fig. Three examples of computer program products are shown. Fig. Examples 4A to 4C show the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following more detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention or its applications and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory detailed in the preceding background of the invention or in the following description.

[0013] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description below. For the sake of clarity, it is emphasized that certain features of the invention, which have been described above and below in connection with separate embodiments, may also occur in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which for the sake of brevity have been described in connection with a single embodiment, may also occur separately or in a sub-combination. Furthermore, references to the singular may also include the plural (e.g., "one" and "one(s)" can refer to one, or one or more) unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.

[0014] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the use of numerical values ​​in the various ranges disclosed in this application is considered approximate, as if the minimum and maximum values ​​within the specified ranges were preceded by the word "approximately". In this way, slight variations above and below the specified ranges can be used to achieve essentially the same results as values ​​within the ranges. The disclosure of these ranges is provided as a continuous range encompassing every value between the minimum and maximum values.

[0015] When used herein: The term "dye" means a colorant or colorants that produce color or colors and are usually soluble in a coating composition.

[0016] The term "pigment" or "pigments" as used herein refers to a coloring agent or colorants that produce color or colors and are usually insoluble in a coating composition. A pigment may be of natural or synthetic origin and may consist of or be manufactured from organic or inorganic components. A pigment may also contain metallic particles or scales with specific or mixed shapes and dimensions.

[0017] The term "effect pigment" or "effect pigments" refers to pigments that create special effects in a coating. Examples of effect pigments can include, but are not limited to, light-absorbing pigments, light-scattering pigments, light-interference pigments, and light-reflecting pigments. Metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes, can be examples of such effect pigments.

[0018] The term "gonioapparent scales," "gonioapparent pigment," or "gonioapparent pigments" refers to pigments that change in color, appearance, or a combination thereof when the angle of illumination or viewing angle changes. Metallic scales, such as aluminum scales, are examples of gonioapparent pigments. Interference pigments or pearlescent pigments can be further examples of gonioapparent pigments.

[0019] “Appearance,” as used herein, refers to (1) the aspect of visual experience through which a coating is viewed or perceived; and (2) perception, whereby the spectral and geometric aspects of a coating are integrated into its lighting and viewing environment. In general, an appearance includes texture, sparkle, glitter, or other visual effects of a coating. An appearance usually varies with different viewing angles or different lighting angles.

[0020] The term "sparkle," "sparkles," or "sparkle effect" refers to the visual contrast between the appearance of specular highlights on particles of gonioapparent pigments and their immediate surroundings. Sparkle can be defined, for example, by ASTM E284-09 and other similar standard methods.

[0021] The term "database" refers to a collection of similar information that can be searched and retrieved. A database can be a searchable electronic numerical or textual document, a searchable PDF document, or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. ® -Speechsheet, a Microsoft Access ® -database (both supplied by Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington), an Oracle< ®A database may be a Oracle database (supplied by Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California) or a Linux database, each registered under their respective trademarks. A database may be a set of electronic documents, photographs, images, diagrams, or drawings on computer-readable storage media that can be searched and retrieved. A database may be a single database, a set of related databases, or a group of unrelated databases. "Related database" means that there is at least one common piece of information in the related database that can be used to relate such databases. An example of related databases is Oracle's relational databases. ®For example, color data, which includes color values, can be stored and retrieved from one or more databases. In another example, appearance properties, sparkle values ​​and similar measurements, coating formulations, vehicle data, or a combination thereof, can be stored and retrieved from one or more databases.

[0022] The term "color values" can refer to L, a, b color values, L*, a*, b* color values, XYZ color values, L, C, h color values, spectral reflectance values, light absorption (K) and scattering (S) values ​​(also known as "K, S values"), or a combination thereof. Color values ​​can also refer to other color values ​​such as Hunter Lab color values, ANLAB color values, CIE LAB color values, CIE LUV color values, L*, C*, H* color values, or any other color values ​​known to or developed by a person skilled in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0023] The terms "vehicle", "self-propelled", "automobile", "self-driving vehicle" or "self-moving vehicle" refer to an automobile, such as a passenger car, van, minivan, bus, SUV (sports utility vehicle); truck; light truck; tractor; motorcycle; trailer; ATV (all terrain vehicle - quad); pickup truck; heavy-duty vehicles, such as bulldozers, mobile cranes and bulldozers; aircraft; boats; ships; and other forms of transport coated with coating compositions.

[0024] A computing device used herein may refer to a data processing chip, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a pocket PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic handheld processing device, a smartphone (which combines the functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone), or any other electronic device capable of automatically processing information. A computing device may be embedded within other electronic devices, such as an embedded data processing chip, integrated into an imaging device, a color measuring device, or an appearance measuring device, such as a sparkle measuring device. A computing device may have one or more wired or wireless connections to a database, to another computing device, or a combination thereof.A computing device can be a client computer that communicates with a host computer in a multi-computer client-host system, connected via a wired or wireless network, including intranets and the internet. A computing device can also be configured to connect to a data input or output device via wired or wireless links. For example, a laptop computer can be configured to receive color data and images via a wireless connection. A "portable computing device" includes a laptop computer, a Pocket PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic handheld processing device, a mobile phone, a smartphone (which combines the functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone), a tablet computer, or any other electronic device capable of processing information and data and operated by a person.

[0025] Wired connections include hardware couplings, splitters, connectors, wires, or cables. Wireless connections include, but are not limited to, a Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth device, wide-area network (WAN) wireless device, local-area network (LAN) device, infrared communication device, optical data transfer device, radio transmitter and, where applicable, receiver, wireless telephone, wireless telephone adapter card, or any other device capable of transmitting signals over a wide range of radio frequencies, including visible or invisible optical wavelengths and electromagnetic wavelengths.

[0026] An imaging device can refer to a device capable of capturing images across a wide range of radio frequencies, including visible or invisible optical wavelengths and electromagnetic wavelengths. Examples of imaging devices include, but are not limited to, optical still cameras or cameras, X-ray cameras, infrared cameras, and video cameras, also collectively known as low dynamic range (LDR) or standard dynamic range (SDR) imaging devices, and high dynamic range (HDR) or wide dynamic range (WDR) imaging devices, such as those using two or more sensors with different sensitivities.The HDR and WDR imaging devices can capture images with a greater dynamic range of luminance between the brightest and darkest areas of an image than typical imaging devices. A digital image converter or digital imaging device refers to an imaging device that captures images in digital signals. Examples of a digital image converter include, but are not limited to, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a digital scanner, and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. An imaging device can capture images in black and white, grayscale, or various color levels. A digital image converter is preferred in this invention.Images taken using a non-digital imaging device, such as a still photograph, can be converted into digital images using a digital scanner and may also be suitable for this invention. An imaging device can be used to measure the appearance of a coating.

[0027] The disclosure relates to a method for generating a total conformance metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating. The method may include the steps of: A1) Obtaining target color data of the target coating and pattern color data of the pattern coating generated by a pattern coating composition, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles and the pattern color data includes pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles; A2) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; A3) Obtaining target sparkle data of the target coating and pattern sparkle data of the pattern coating, wherein the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles and the pattern sparkle data includes pattern sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles; A4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; A5) Generating target-flop data (f s ) of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data and pattern Flop data (f s ) the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; A6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; and A7) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf).

[0028] The total agreement metric (TMM) of the target coating and the pattern coating can be generated using a computing device, where each step can be programmed in computer-executable code. Any of the aforementioned computing devices may be suitable.

[0029] The Total Agreement Metric (TMM) can be generated according to formula (I): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2] where ΔE A1 a color difference value at a viewing angle A1 is, ΔE A2 a color difference value at a viewing angle A2 is, ΔE A3 a color difference value at a viewing angle of A3 is, Δf is the Flop difference value, based on the target Flop data (f t ) and the pattern flop data (f s ); ΔS P1 a Sparkle difference value at a Sparkle viewing angle P1 is, ΔS P2 a Sparkle difference value at a Sparkle viewing angle P2; the target flop data (f s ) are generated according to formula (II-a): ft=g(LtA1−LtA3)g' / (LtA2)g'' the pattern flop data (f s ) are generated according to formula (II-b): fs=g(LsA1−LsA3)g' / (LsA2)g'' g is a number in the range of 1 to 6, g' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, and g" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, L t A1 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A1, is, L t A2 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L' A3 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A3, is, L s A1The pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A1, is: L s A2 A pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A2 is, L s A3 a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A3; the Flop difference value (Δf) is generated according to formula (III), (IV) or (V): Δf=(fs−ft) / ft, if ft <z Δf=(fs−z) / z, if ft≥z and fs <z Δf=0 if ft≥z and fs≥z z is a number in the range of 12 to 20; The Sparkle difference values ​​are generated according to formulas (VI) and (VII): ΔSP1=f(StP1,SsP1) ΔSP2=f(StP2,SsP2) S t P1 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S s P1the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S t P2 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P2 are, and S s P2 the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P2; where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 in a range of 5° to 25°, A2 in a range of 30° to 90° and A3 in a range of 95° to 165°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 in a range of 5° to 25° and P2 in a range of 30° to 90°.

[0030] The color and appearance of a coating can vary depending on the lighting conditions. An example of a standard procedure might include that described in ASTM E-2194. In short, when a coating (11) is exposed to a light source (12), such as an incandescent lamp or sunlight, at an illumination angle as described in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, when illuminated, a variety of viewing angles can be used, namely: 1) near aspecular angles (14), which are color or sparkle viewing angles of about 15° to about 25° from the specular reflection (13) of the illumination; 2) mid aspecular angles (15), which are viewing angles of about 45° from the specular reflection (13) of the illumination; and 3) far aspecular angles (also known as flop angles) (16), which are viewing angles of about 75° to about 110° from the specular reflection (13) of the illumination. In general, color appears somewhat brighter at near aspecular angles and somewhat darker at far aspecular angles. The illumination angle is that from the perpendicular direction, shown as ZZ' ( Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B), measured angles. The color can be viewed with a viewer or a detector (18) at the different viewing angles. Aspecular angles are the angles measured from the specular reflection (13) of the illumination.

[0031] Although specific viewing angles are identified above and may be preferred, viewing angles may include any viewing angle suitable for viewing the coating or for detecting the coating's reflections. A viewing angle may be any angle, continuous or isolated, within a range of 0° from the specular reflection (13) to the surface of the coating (11) on either side of the specular reflection (13) ( Fig. 1A), or in a range of 0° from the specular reflection (13) to the tangent (11a) of the surface of the coating ( Fig. 1B). In an example, if the specular reflection (13) is at 45° from the perpendicular (ZZ), a viewing angle can be any angle in the range from 0° to -45° from the reflection, or from 0° to 135° from the reflection ( Fig. 1A). In another example, if the specular reflection (13) is at 75° from the perpendicular (Z-Z'), a viewing angle can be any angle in the range from 0° to -15° from the specular reflection, or from 0° to 165° from the specular reflection. Depending on the specular reflection (13), the range of viewing angles can be changed and determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0032] Another configuration is in Fig. Figure 2 shows a detector (18) that can be fixed at the perpendicular (Z-Z') to the coating surface (11). One or more illumination sources (12) can be positioned to provide illumination at one or more illumination angles, such as 15°, 45°, 75°, or a combination thereof, from the perpendicular (Z-Z') ( Fig. 2) to provide.

[0033] The target color data can be selected from: measured target color values ​​obtained by measuring a target coating, generated by a target coating composition; retrieved target color values ​​retrieved based on the target coating composition, from a color database containing color properties associated with the coating compositions; predicted target color values ​​obtained based on the target coating composition, from a color predictive computing program product that predicts coating colors based on coating compositions, or a combination thereof.The measured target color properties can also be obtained from a coating produced from a coating composition identical to the target coating composition in all other respects except the target effect pigment, with a different size or quantity of the target effect pigment, or with one or more different effect pigments. This can be particularly useful for producing matching coatings that complement a plurality of coatings with the same or similar color but different sparkle values. This can be especially useful when the effect pigment has little or no effect on the color of the target coating composition.

[0034] The color values ​​can be selected from L,a,b color values, L*,a*,b* color values, XYZ color values, L,C,h color values, spectral reflectance values, light absorption (K) and scattering (S) values ​​(also known as "K,S values"), or a combination thereof. Other color values, such as Hunter Lab color values, ANLAB color values, CIE LAB color values, CIE LUV color values, L*,C*,H* color values, any other color values ​​known to or developed by a person skilled in the art, or a combination thereof, may also be used. The color data values ​​can be obtained at one or more color illumination angles, one or more color viewing angles, or a combination thereof. In one example, the color data values ​​can be obtained at a viewing angle of 15°, 25°, 45°, 110° or a combination thereof, where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles and can be measured with a color measuring device.The color measurement device can be a colorimeter, a spectrophotometer, or a goniospectrophotometer. Any suitable colorimeter or spectrophotometer, such as the SP64 model manufactured by X-Rite, Grandville, Michigan, can be used. A goniospectrophotometer is also known as a multi-angle spectrophotometer. Any suitable goniospectrophotometer, such as the MA68II model from X-Rite, Grandville, Michigan, or those provided by Murakami Color Research Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan, or by IsoColor Inc., Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA, can be used.

[0035] The color values ​​can be transformed from one shape to another using methods known to or developed by a person skilled in the art.

[0036] Sparkle values ​​can be a function of sparkle intensity and sparkle area, as defined below: S=f(Si,Sa) where S, S i and Sa Sparkle value, sparkling intensity, or sparkling area are terms used. One or more algorithms can be used to define the function for calculating S from S. i and S a . For example, Sparkle values ​​can be obtained from commercial devices such as BYK-mac, available from BYK-Gardner USA, Columbia, Maryland, USA.

[0037] The measured sparkle values ​​can be obtained at one or more sparkle illumination angles, one or more sparkle viewing angles, or a combination thereof. For example, sparkle values ​​can be obtained at a 15° sparkle illumination angle. In another example, sparkle values ​​can be obtained at a 45° sparkle illumination angle. In yet another example, sparkle values ​​can be obtained at a 75° sparkle illumination angle. In a further example, sparkle values ​​can be obtained from a combination of one or more of the 15°, 25°, 45°, and 75° sparkle illumination angles. In another example, the measured sparkle values ​​can be obtained at a sparkle viewing angle selected from 15°, 25°, 45°, 75° or a combination thereof, where the sparkle viewing angle is an aspecular angle.

[0038] Although specific illumination angles are indicated above and may be preferred, illumination angles may include any angle suitable for illuminating the coating. The illumination angle may be any angle, continuous or intermittent, in a range from 0° from the perpendicular (Z-Z') to 90° from the perpendicular (Z-Z') of the surface of the coating (11) ( Fig. 1A), or the tangent (11a) of the surface of the coating ( Fig. 1B). In one example, the illumination angle can include any angle, continuously or individually, in a range from 0° to 90° from the perpendicular (Z-Z') on each side of the perpendicular.

[0039] The FLOPS can be calculated based on a brightness value derived from color data. The color data can include L,a,b color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles. For example, the color data can include L,a,b color values ​​measured at color viewing angles of 15°, 45°, and 110°. The FLOPS data (f) can be generated based on a brightness value derived from the aforementioned color data at the color viewing angles of 15°, 45°, and 110° according to formula (II): f=2.69*((L15−L110)1.11 / (L45)0.86

[0040] Formula (1) can be a linear function. In an example, formula (I) could be: TMM=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where X1 = ((ΔE A1 ) n ) / m, where n is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, and m is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X2 = ((ΔE A2 ) n') / m', n' is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m' is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X3 = (ΔE A3 ) n" / m", n" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m" is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X4 = (a|(Δf - b) 1|) q / p if Δf ≥ 0; or X4 = (a|(-Δf + b)|) q / p if Δf < 0, a is a number in the range of 1 to 5, b is a number in the range of 0.001 to 0.1, p is a number in the range of 2 to 20, q is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X5 = (|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔSP1 ≥ 0; or X5 = c(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 < 0; S t P1 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P1, r is a number in the range of 1 to 3, c is a number in the range of 1.1 to 6; and X6 = d(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 ≥0; or X6=d'(|ΔSP2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 < 0; S t P2 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P2 are, r' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, d is a number in the range of 1.10 to 6, d' is a number in the range of 1.11 to 8, and d' > d.

[0041] In another example, the formula (I) could be: TMM=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 15°, A2 45° and A3 110°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 15° and P2 45°; and where: X1=((ΔE 15 ) 0,5 ) / 3, X2=((ΔE 45 ) 0,75 ) / 2, X3=(ΔE 110 ) / 2, X4=(3|(Δf-0.0575)|) 4 / 10, if Δf ≥ 0, X4=(3|(-Δf+0.0575)|) 4 / 10, if Δf < 0, 5= (|ΔS 15 |) 2 / S t 15, if ΔS P1 ≥ 0, X5=1.5(|ΔS15 |) 2 / S t 15 , if ΔS 15 < 0, X6=1.5(|ΔS 45 |) 2 / S t 45 , if ΔS 45 ≥ 0, and X6 = 2.25(|ΔS 45 |) 2 / S t 45 , if ΔS 45 < 0.

[0042] In another example, the formula (I) could be: TMM=k(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where: k is a predetermined constant, X'1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'4=(λ|(Δf|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X'5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1 , and X'6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 .

[0043] In another example, the formula (I) could be: TMM=k(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 15°, A2 45° and A3 110°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 15° and P2 45°; and where: k 0.5 is, X'1= 0.5(ΔE 15 ), X'2=0.75(ΔE 45 ), X'3= AE110, X'4= (3|(Δf)|) 4 / 10, X'5=|ΔS 15 | / S t 15 , and X'6=|ΔS 45 | / S t 45 .

[0044] Formula (I) can also be a non-linear function. In another example, formula (I) could be: TMM=k1(k2(X''1+k3(X''5))y1+k4(X''2+k5(X''6))y2+k6(X''3)y3+X''4) where: k1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, k2 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k3 is a number in the range of 1 to 20, k4 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k5 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k6 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y2 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, y3 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"4=(λ|(Δf)|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1 , and X"6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 .

[0045] In another example, TMM can be generated according to formula (Ic) with predetermined constants: TMM=0.8(0.15(x''1+12(X''5))0.75+0.5(X''2+12(X''6))1.25+0.65(X''3)1.75+X''4) where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 15°, A2 45° and A3 110°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 15° and P2 45°; and where X"1=ΔE 15 , X"2=ΔE 45 , X"3=ΔE 110 , X"4= (3|(Δf)|) 4 / 10, X"5= |ΔS 15 | / S t 15 , and X"6=|ΔS 45 | / S t 45 .

[0046] The procedure may further include the steps of: A8) Generating at least one target image of the target coating, wherein the target image includes target display R, G, B values ​​based on the target color data, the target sparkle data and the target flop data; A9) Generating at least one pattern image of the pattern coating, wherein the pattern image includes pattern display R, G, B values ​​based on the pattern color data, the pattern sparkle data and the pattern flop data; A10) Displaying the target image, the pattern image or a combination thereof, on a display device, based on the target display R, G, B values ​​and the pattern display R, G, B values.

[0047] One or more target images can be generated. For example, one or more target images can be generated that depict the target coating at one or more viewing angles.

[0048] The target image, the pattern image, or a combination thereof can be generated and displayed based on one or more lighting angles, one or more viewing angles, or a combination thereof. Images representing multiple viewing angles can be referred to as realistic matching images. Methods for generating images or realistic images of coating color and appearance, based on coating formulas and color and appearance properties, are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,639,255, filed on October 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.In short, the images are generated by converting color data, such as L,a,b, or L*,a*,b* color values, at a minimum of three angles to corresponding XYZ color values, calculating a range of aspecular angles required for display, and calculating corresponding R,G,B values ​​from the corresponding XYZ color values ​​and the display angles. The target image, the pattern image, or a combination thereof can be displayed as high dynamic range (HDR) images. The HDR images can be generated using high dynamic range (HDR) rendering. For example, the target image, the pattern image, or a combination thereof can be generated in multiple standard images at different ranges and then blended to create one or more HDR images for better detail display in those different areas.The images can be generated using a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). An example of a method for generating an image using BRDF is disclosed in US patents 8,374,831, 8,103,491, and 7,991,596, which are incorporated in their entirety by this notice.

[0049] The display device can be a computer monitor, a projector, a television screen, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a smartphone (which combines PDA and mobile phone functions), an iPod, an iPod / MP player, a flexible thin-film display, a display device for high dynamic range (HDR), low dynamic range (LDR), standard dynamic range (SDR), or any other display device capable of displaying information or images based on digital signals. The display device can also be a printing device that prints information or images onto paper, plastics, textiles, or any other suitable surface based on digital signals. The display device can also be a multi-functional display / input / output device, such as a touchscreen.The HDR target image can be displayed on an HDR image display device, a non-HDR image display device mentioned herein, or a combination of both. The non-HDR image display device can be any of the display devices mentioned herein, such as standard display devices, or display devices with low dynamic range (LDR) or standard dynamic range (SDR). The HDR image must be modified for display on a non-HDR image display device. Because the sparkles can have a very high intensity, they can be difficult to display along with color features in the same image. The HDR image can be used to improve the display of sparkles and colors.

[0050] The procedure disclosed herein may further include the steps of: A11) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the sample coating composition if the Total Match Metric (TMM) is within a predetermined match tolerance range to match the target coating and the sample coating, and optionally producing a matching coating that matches the color and appearance of the target coating using the matching coating composition.

[0051] The procedure disclosed herein may further include the steps of: A12) Generating at least one modified coating formulation based on the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) for a modified coating when the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) is outside a predetermined compliance tolerance range, to bring the target coating and the sample coating into compliance; A13) Creating a modified coating based on the modified coating formulation; A14) Repeat steps A1) - A7) to generate a modified total agreement metric of the target coating and the modified coating; A15) Repeat steps A12) - A15) until the modified total agreement metric is within the predetermined agreement tolerance range; A16) optionally producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the modified coating formulation which has the modified total match metric within the predetermined match tolerance range; and A17) where appropriate, producing a matching coating which is consistent with the color and appearance of the target coating, using the matching coating composition.

[0052] The target coating can be applied over a substrate. The substrate can be a vehicle, a vehicle part, or a combination thereof.

[0053] This disclosure relates to a method for producing a matching coating for matching the color and appearance of a target coating applied over a substrate. The method may include the steps of: B1) Obtaining target coating identification data, target color data, target sparkle data and target flop data of the target coating, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles, the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the target flop data is generated based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data; B2) Retrieving at least one sample coating formulation from a color database based on the target coating identification data, wherein the color database includes coating formulations that are linked and retrievable based on the coating identification data; B3) Obtaining pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data associated with the pattern coating formulation, wherein the pattern color data comprises pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles, the pattern sparkle data comprises pattern sparkle values ​​measured at the one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the pattern flop data is generated based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data, wherein: The pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data are obtained by: (a) measuring at least one of the pattern color data and pattern sparkle data from a pattern coating, generated based on the pattern coating formulation, and generating the pattern flop data based on the pattern color data; (b) retrieving at least one of the pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data associated with the pattern coating formulation from the color database; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). B4) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; B5) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; B6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; and B7) Generating a Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf).

[0054] The substrate can be a vehicle, a vehicle part, or a combination thereof. The target coating identification data can be selected from a target coating name or code, target coating color values ​​measured at one or more viewing angles, a vehicle identification number (VIN), a part of the VIN, the vehicle make, model, and model year, information about the vehicle's place of manufacture, the vehicle manufacturer's color code, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The Total Agreement Metric (TMM) can be generated according to formula (I): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2] where ΔE A1 a color difference value at color viewing angle A1 is, ΔE A2 a color difference value at color viewing angle A2 is, ΔE A3 a color difference value at color viewing angle A3 is, Δf is the Flop difference value, based on the target Flop data (f t ) and the pattern flop data (f s ), is; ΔS P1 a Sparkle difference value at Sparkle viewing angle P1 is, ΔS P2 a Sparkle difference value at Sparkle viewing angle P2; the target Flop data (f) are generated according to formula (II-a): ft=g(LtA1−LtA3)g' / (LtA2)g'' the pattern flop data (f s ) are generated according to formula (II-b): fs=g(LsA1−LsA3)g' / (LsA2)g'' g is a number in the range of 1 to 6, g' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, and g" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, L t A1 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A1, is, L t A2 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L t A3 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A3, is, L S A , the pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A1, is, L s A2 The pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L s A3a pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at color viewing angle A3; the Flop difference value (Δf) is generated according to formula (III), (IV) or (V): Δf=(fs−ft) / ft, if ft <z Δf=(fs−z) / z, if ft≥z and fs <z Δf=0 if ft≥z and fs≥z z is a number in the range of 12 to 20; The Sparkle difference values ​​are generated according to formulas (VI) and (VII): ΔSP1=(StP1−SsP1) ΔSP2=(S1P2−SsP2) S t P1 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S s P1 the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S t P2 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P2 are, and S s P2 the pattern sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P2 are; where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 in a range of 5° to 25°, A2 in a range of 30° to 90° and A3 in a range of 95° to 165°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 in a range of 5° to 25° and P2 in a range of 30° to 90°.

[0056] In one example, the formula (I) could be: TMM=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where X1=((ΔE A1 ) n ) / m, where n is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, and m is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X2=((ΔE A2 ) n' / m', n' is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m' is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X3=(ΔE A3 ) n" / m", n" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m" is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X4=(a|(Δf-b)|) q / p if Δf ≥ 0; or X4=((a|(-Δf+b)|) q / p if Δf < 0, a is a number in the range of 1 to 5, b is a number in the range of 0.001 to 0.1, p is a number in the range of 2 to 20, q is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X5=(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 ≥ 0; or X5=c(|ΔSP1|) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 < 0; S t P1 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P1, r is a number in the range of 1 to 3, c is a number in the range of 1.1 to 6; and X6=d(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 ≥ 0; or X6=d'(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 < 0; S' P2 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P2 are, r' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, d is a number in the range of 1.10 to 6, d' is a number in the range of 1.11 to 8, and d' > d.

[0057] In another example, the formula (I) could be: TMM=k(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where: k is a predetermined constant, X'1= α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'2= β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'4=((λ|(Δf|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1, and X'6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 .

[0058] In the method disclosed herein, formula (I) can also be: TMM=k1(k2(X''1+k3(X''5))y1+k4(X''2+k5(X''6))y2+k6(X''3)y3+X''4) where: k1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, k2 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k3 is a number in the range of 1 to 20, k4 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k5 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k6 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y2 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, y3 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"2= β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"3= γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"4=(λ|(Δf)|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1 , and X"6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 .

[0059] The procedure disclosed herein may further include the steps of: B8) Generating at least one target image of the target coating, wherein the target image includes target display R, G, B values ​​based on the target color data, the target sparkle data and the target flop data; B9) Generating at least one pattern image of the pattern coating, wherein the pattern image includes pattern display R,G,B values ​​based on the pattern color data, the pattern sparkle data and the pattern flop data; B10) Displaying the target image, the pattern image or a combination thereof on a display device, based on the target display R,G,B values ​​and the pattern display R,G,B values.

[0060] The target images and the sample images can be generated and displayed as described above. Any of the aforementioned display devices may be suitable.

[0061] The procedure may further include the steps of: B11) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the sample coating composition if the Total Match Metric (TMM) is within a predetermined match tolerance range, to match the target coating and the sample coating, and optionally producing the matching coating which matches the color and appearance of the target coating using the matching coating composition.

[0062] The procedure may further include the steps of: B12) Generating at least one modified coating formulation based on the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) for a modified coating when the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) is outside a predetermined compliance tolerance range, to bring the target coating and the sample coating into compliance; B13) Producing a modified coating based on the modified coating formulation; B14) Repeat steps B3) - B7) to generate a modified total agreement metric of the target coating and the modified coating; B15) Repeat steps B12) - B15) until the modified total agreement metric is within the predetermined agreement tolerance range; and B16) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the modified coating formulation which has the modified total match metric within the predetermined match tolerance range; and B17) where appropriate, producing the matching coating which will match the color and appearance of the target coating, using the matching coating composition.

[0063] This disclosure further relates to a system for generating a total conformance metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating. The system may include: C1) A computing program product comprising computer-executable code stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computing program product causes a computing device to perform a computing procedure when it is operated, the computing procedure comprising the steps of: D1) Retrieving target coating identification data, if available, target color values ​​and target sparkle values ​​of the target coating, and sample color values ​​and sample sparkle values ​​of the sample coating; D2) Generating target Flop data of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data, and pattern Flop data of the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; D3) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; D4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; D5) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; D6) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the color difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf); and D7) Output of the total agreement metric as one or more output signals to an output device.

[0064] The computer-readable storage medium can be one or more digital data storage media, such as a smartphone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) (31), a compact disc or a DVD (32), a flash memory device such as a USB drive (33) or an SD card (34), or a combination thereof ( Fig. 3) Any other computer-readable storage medium known to or developed by a person skilled in the art may be suitable.

[0065] The system of this revelation may further include: C2) a color measuring device for generating the target color values ​​of the target coating at three or more color viewing angles and the sample color values ​​of the sample coating at the three or more color viewing angles; C3) a sparkle measuring device for generating the target sparkle values ​​of the target coating at one or more sparkle viewing angles and the sample sparkle values ​​of the sample coating at one or more sparkle viewing angles; C4) the calculating device functionally communicates with the color measuring device and the sparkle measuring device when in operation; and C5) the output device functionally communicates with the computing device when in operation.

[0066] The system of this revelation may further include: C6) a color database (44) functionally in communication with the computing device, wherein the linked and retrievable color database contains coating formulations based on names or codes of coatings, color properties of coatings, appearance properties of coatings, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of vehicles, parts of the VIN, car makes, models and model years of vehicles, information about the place of manufacture of vehicles, color code of the vehicle manufacturer or a combination thereof.

[0067] The output device can be selected from a digital display device, a printer, a digital data storage device, a database, a second computing device, or a combination thereof. Typically, the computing device may include a display device as part of the output device.

[0068] In one example, the system can include a computing device (41) on which the computing program product can be installed or accessed, and can be functionally connected to a Sparkle measuring device (42), a Sparkle measuring device (43), and a database (44), such as the color database ( Fig. 4A) coupled. In another example, the system can be a portable device (45) that may include one or more functionally coupled components, selected from a computing device on which the computing program product may be installed or accessed, a Sparkle measuring device, a database such as the color database, a display device (46), or a combination thereof ( Fig. 4B). In another example, the system can be a portable device (45) which may include one or more functionally coupled components, selected from a computing device on which the computing program product may be installed or accessed, a Sparkle measuring device, a Sparkle measuring device, a display device (46) or a combination thereof, and a database (44), such as the color database, which is functionally connected to the portable device via a wired or wireless or radio link (47) ( Fig. 4C). In another example, the computing device may have a wired or wireless connection from any of the aforementioned portable devices to another computing device, a host computer, networks such as the Internet or intranet, additional devices selected from an input device such as a keyboard, a digital data reader, an optical reader such as a barcode reader, a data entry portal, or a combination thereof; a gloss meter; an imaging device; surface measuring devices, or a combination thereof. Any of the aforementioned wired or wireless connections may be suitable.

[0069] The step to generate the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the color difference values ​​(ΔE), sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS), and flop difference value (Δf), means that at least ΔE, ΔS, and Δf are required. Other coating parameters, differences between parameters, or a combination thereof may also be included in the TMM generation and may include, for example, AE*. ab , based on CIE76, ΔE* 94 , based on CIE 94, ΔE* 00, based on CIEDE2000, or any other color difference values ​​known to or developed by a person skilled in the art; texture of coatings; roughness of coatings; gloss of coatings, or a combination thereof, are not limited to these. The texture of coatings can be measured, for example, with an imaging device as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,270,699. The roughness of coatings can be measured, for example, with an anoptical profiler, a stylus profiler, a cantilever profiler, an imaging device, or a combination thereof. The gloss of coatings can be measured, for example, with a gloss meter. In another example, the TMM can be generated based on ΔE, ΔS, Δf, and a texture difference value (ΔT) between the target coating and the sample coating.In another example, the TMM can be generated based on ΔE, ΔS, Δf, and a roughness difference value (ΔR) between the target coating and the sample coating. In another example, the TMM can be generated based on ΔE, ΔS, Δf, and a gloss difference value (ΔG) between the target coating and the sample coating. In yet another example, the TMM can be generated based on ΔE, ΔS, Δf, and a combination of ΔR, ΔT, and ΔG.

[0070] In one example, the TMM can be generated according to formula (I-1): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2,ΔR]

[0071] In another example, the TMM can be generated according to formula (I-2): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2,ΔR,ΔT]

[0072] In another example, the TMM can be generated according to formula (I-3): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2,ΔR,ΔT,ΔG]

[0073] Any of the above formulas can include a linear function, a non-linear function, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The method and system described in this disclosure can provide a single quantitative metric (TMM) between the target coating and one or more sample coatings for easy matching of color and appearance. The method and system can be particularly useful for evaluating or classifying a plurality of sample coatings using a single metric.

[0075] Although vehicles and vehicle coatings have been specifically described, this disclosure can also be used for other coated articles or an uncoated article, where the color or appearance of the articles can be identified by article identification data, such as catalog numbers or color codes. Some examples of such coated articles include, but are not limited to, household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and cooking and baking ovens; electronic devices such as televisions, computers, electronic gaming sets, and audio and video equipment; recreational equipment such as bicycles, ski equipment, and off-road vehicles; and household or office furniture such as tables and filing cabinets.Examples of uncoated articles that exhibit color and appearance include, but are not limited to, engineering polymers, injection-molded plastics or polymers, or other synthetic materials such as Corian®, available from DuPont (Corian® being a registered trademark of DuPont). The selection of matching formulas for repairing the coatings of the articles or uncoated articles can be carried out according to the procedure described in this disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0076] The present invention is further defined by the examples below. It should be understood that these examples, although given as preferred embodiments of the invention, are included for illustrative purposes only. From the foregoing discussion and these examples, a person skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of this invention and, without departing from its concept and scope, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to different uses and conditions.

[0077] The target coating was a passenger car part from a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM, painted with paint code 817K63, and three sample coatings were produced using Chromabase® quality paint formulations, available from DuPont™ under the registered trademark(s) of E.L. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE, USA, developed to match field changes of the target coating sprayed onto test panels. Both the target coating and the sample coatings were metallic with aluminum flakes.

[0078] Color values, including L, a, and b color values, were measured using a Byk-mac, obtained from Byk-Gardner USA, 9104 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD, at three angles: 15°, 45°, and 110°. Sparkle values ​​were measured at two angles: 15° and 45°. Flop values ​​were generated based on brightness data of the color values ​​according to the formula (II) mentioned above.

[0079] Sparkle data of the target coating, differences in color data, Flop data, and sparkle data are listed in Table 1. The total agreement metrics (TMM1 - TMM3) for each of the sample coatings were generated using three different formulas.

[0080] Each of the TMM1s was generated according to a linear function: TMM1=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where: X1=((ΔE 15 ) 0,5 ) / 3 X2=((ΔE 45 ) 0,75 ) / 2 X3=(ΔE 110 ) / 2 X4 = (3|(Δf - 0,0575)|) 4 / 10 if Δf ≥ 0 X4=(3|(-Δf+0.0575)|) 4 / 10 if Δf < 0 X5=(|ΔS 15 | 2 / S t 15 , if ΔS P1 ≥ 0 X5=1.5(|ΔS 15 |) 2 / S t 15 , if ΔS 15 < 0 X6=1.5(|ΔS 45 |) 2 / S t 45 , if ΔS 45 ≥ 0 X6=2.25(|ΔS45 |) 2 / S t 45 , if ΔS 45 < 0.

[0081] Each of the TMM2s was generated according to a weighted linear function: TMM2=0.5(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where: X'1= 0.5(ΔE 15 ) X'2=0.75(ΔE 45 ) X'3=ΔE 110 X'4=(3|(Δf)| 4 / 10 X'5= |ΔS15| / S t 15 X'6=|ΔS45| / S t 45 .

[0082] Each of the TMM3 was generated according to a non-linear function: TMM3=0.8(0.15(X''1+12(X''5))0.75+0.5(X''2+12(X''6))1.25+0.65(X''3)1.75+X''4) where: X"1= ΔE 15 X"2=ΔE 45 X"3= ΔE 110 X"4= (3|(Δf)|) 4 / 10 X " 5=|ΔS 15 | / S t 15 X"6=|ΔS 45 | / S t 45 .

[0083] The sample coatings were classified based on their TMM values. Sample 3 was classified as No. 1 in all three TMM values ​​(Table 2). Table 1: Coating data and total agreement metrics. Zielbeschichtung Muster 1 (S1) Muster 2 (S2) Muster 3 (S3) S t 15 3,55 S t 45 2,01 ΔE 15 7,05 4,49 3,15 ΔE 45 1,26 1,47 0,44 ΔE 110 1,69 1,48 1,34 Δf -0,14 0,04 0,04 DS 15 2,04 1,51 1,87 DS 45 0,19 0,1 0,19 TMM 1 3,5 2,8 2,5 TMM 2 3,42 2,65 1,94 TMM 3 3,34 2,64 2,26 Table 2. Classification of sample coatings, based on TMM. TMM 1 TMM 2 TMM 3 S1 3 3 3 S2 2 2 2 S3 1 1 1 Note: “1” was the best match to the target coating.

[0084] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been detailed in the preceding description, it should be obvious that there are numerous variations. It should also be obvious that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Instead, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a suitable plan for carrying out an exemplary embodiment, and it is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[1] Method for generating a total agreement metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating, the method comprising the steps of: A1) Obtaining target color data of the target coating and pattern color data of the pattern coating generated by a pattern coating composition, wherein the target color data includes target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles and the pattern color data includes pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles; A2) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; A3) Obtaining target sparkle data of the target coating and pattern sparkle data of the pattern coating, wherein the target sparkle data includes target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles and the pattern sparkle data includes pattern sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles; A4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; A5) Generating target Flop data (f) of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data and pattern Flop data (f s ) the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; A6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data (f) and the pattern Flop data (f s); and A7) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the Total Agreement Metric (TMM) is generated according to formula (I): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2] where, ΔE A1 a color difference value at a viewing angle A1 is, ΔE A2 a color difference value at a viewing angle A2 is, ΔE A3 a color difference value at a viewing angle of A3 is, Δf is the Flop difference value, based on the target Flop data (f) and the pattern Flop data (f). s ); ΔS P1 a Sparkle difference value at a Sparkle viewing angle P1 is, ΔS P2a Sparkle difference value at a Sparkle viewing angle P2; the target Flop data (f) are generated according to formula (II-a): ft=g(LtA1−LtA3)g' / (LtA2)g'' the pattern flop data (f s ) are generated according to formula (II-b): fs=g(LsA1−LsA3)g' / (LsA2)g'' g is a number in the range of 1 to 6, g' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, and g" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, L t A1 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A1, is L t A2 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L t A3 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A3, is, L s A1The pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A1, is: L s A2 , a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L s A3 a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data at color viewing angle A3; the Flop difference value (Δf) is generated according to formula (III), (IV) or (V): Δf=(fs−ft) / ft,if ft <z Δf=(fs−z) / z, if ft≥z and fs <z Δf=0 if ft≥z and fs≥z z is a number in the range of 12 to 20; the Sparkle difference values ​​are generated according to formulas (VI) and (VII): ΔSP1=f(StP1,SsP1) ΔSP2=f(StP2,SsP2) S t P1 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S s P1 the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S t P2 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P2 are, and S s r2 are the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P2; where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 in a range of 5° to 25°, A2 in a range of 30° to 90° and A3 in a range of 95° to 165°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 in a range of 5° to 25° and P2 in a range of 30° to 90°. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where, X1=((ΔE A1 ) n ) / m, where n is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, and m is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X2=((ΔE A2 ) n' ) / m', n' is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m' is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X3=(ΔE A3 ) n'' / m, n" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m" is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X4=(a|(Δf-b)|) q / p if Δf≥0; or X4=(a|(-Δf+b)|) q / p if Δf<0, a is a number in the range of 1 to 5, b is a number in the range of 0.001 to 0.1, p is a number in the range of 2 to 20, q is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X5=(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 ≥0; or X5=c(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 <0; S t P1 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P1, r is a number in the range of 1 to 3, c is a number in the range of 1.1 to 6; and X6=d(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 ≥0; or X6=d'(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 <0; S' P2the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P2 are, r' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, d is a number in the range of 1.10 to 6, d' is a number in the range of 1.11 to 8, and d'>d. [4] Method according to claim 2, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=k(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where: k is a predetermined constant, X'1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'4=(λ|(Δf)|) / 10, where λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, and ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6. X'5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1 , and X'6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 . [5] Method according to claim 2, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=k1(k2(X''1+k3(X''5))y1+k4(X''2+k5(X''6))y2+k6(X''3)y3+X''4) where: k1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, k2 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k3 is a number in the range of 1 to 20, k4 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k5 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k6 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y 1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y 2 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, y 3 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"4=(λ|(Δf)|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"5=|ΔS P1 | / St P1 , and X"6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 . [6] The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: A8) Generating at least one target image of the target coating, wherein the target image includes target display R, G, B values ​​based on the target color data, the target sparkle data and the target flop data; A9) Generating at least one pattern image of the pattern coating, wherein the pattern image includes pattern display R, G, B values ​​based on the pattern color data, the pattern sparkle data and the pattern flop data; A10) Displaying the target image, the pattern image or a combination thereof, on a display device, based on the target display R, G, B values ​​and the pattern display R, G, B values. [7] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, further comprising the steps of: A11) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the sample coating composition if the Total Match Metric (TMM) is within a predetermined match tolerance range to match the target coating and the sample coating, and optionally producing a matching coating that matches the color and appearance of the target coating using the matching coating composition. [8] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, further comprising the steps of: A12) Generating at least one modified coating formulation based on the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) for a modified coating when the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) is outside a predetermined compliance tolerance range, to bring the target coating and the sample coating into compliance; A13) Creating a modified coating based on the modified coating formulation; A14) Repeat steps A1)-A7) to generate a modified total agreement metric of the target coating and the modified coating; A15) Repeat steps A12)-A15) until the modified total agreement metric is within the predetermined agreement tolerance range; A16) optionally producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the modified coating formulation which has the modified total match metric within the predetermined match tolerance range; and A17) where appropriate, producing a matching coating which is consistent with the color and appearance of the target coating, using the matching coating composition. [9] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the target coating is applied over a substrate. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the substrate is a vehicle, a vehicle part or a combination thereof. [11] Method for producing a matching coating for matching the color and appearance of a target coating applied over a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: B1) Obtaining target coating identification data, target color data, target sparkle data, and target flop data (f t ) of the target coating, wherein the target color data comprises target color values ​​measured at three or more color viewing angles, the target sparkle data comprises target sparkle values ​​measured at one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the target flop data (f s ), based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data; B2) Retrieving at least one sample coating formulation from a color database based on the target coating identification data, wherein the color database comprises coating formulations that are linked and retrievable based on the coating identification data; B3) Obtaining pattern color data, pattern sparkle data, and pattern flop data (f s ), belonging to the pattern coating formulation, wherein the pattern color data comprises pattern color values ​​measured at the three or more color viewing angles, the pattern sparkle data comprises pattern sparkle values ​​measured at the one or more sparkle viewing angles, and the pattern flop data (f s ), based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data, where: the pattern color data, pattern sparkle data and pattern flop data (f s) can be obtained by: (a) measuring at least one of the pattern color data and pattern sparkle data from a pattern coating, produced based on the pattern coating formulation and generating the pattern flop data (f s ), based on the pattern color data, (b) retrieve at least one of the pattern color data, pattern sparkle data and pattern flop data (f s ), belonging to the pattern coating formulation from the color database, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b); B4) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; B5) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; B6) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data (f t ) and the pattern flop data (f s ); and B7) Generating a Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the colour difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the Total Agreement Metric (TMM) is generated according to formula (I): TMM=f[ΔEA1,ΔEA2,ΔEA3,Δf,ΔSP1,ΔSP2] where ΔE A1 a color difference value at color viewing angle A1 is, ΔE A2 a color difference value at color viewing angle A2 is, ΔE A3 a color difference value at color viewing angle A3 is, Δf is the Flop difference value, based on the target Flop data (f t ) and the pattern flop data (f s ), is; ΔS P1a Sparkle difference value at Sparkle viewing angle P1 is, ΔS P2 a Sparkle difference value at Sparkle viewing angle P2 is; the target-flop data (f) are generated according to formula (II-a): ft=g(LtA1−LtA3)g' / (LtA2)g'' the pattern flop data (f s ) are generated according to formula (II-b): fs=g(LsA1−LsA3)g' / (LsA2)g'' g is a number in the range of 1 to 6, g' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, and g" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, L t A1 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A1, is, L' A2 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L t A3 The target brightness value, derived from the target color data at the color viewing angle A3, is, Ls A1 The pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A1, is, L s A2 The pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A2, is, L s A3 a pattern brightness value, derived from the pattern color data at the color viewing angle A3; the Flop difference value (Δf) is generated according to formula (III), (IV) or (V): Δf=(fs−ft) / ft <z Δf=(fs−z)z, if ft≥z and fs <z Δf=0 if ft≥z and fs≥z z is a number in the range of 12 to 20; the Sparkle difference values ​​are generated according to formulas (VI) and (VII): ΔSP1=(StP1−SsP1) ΔSP2=(StP2−SsP2) S t P1 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S s P1the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P1 are, S t P2 the target sparkle data at the sparkle viewing angle P2 are, and S s P2 the pattern sparkle data at sparkle viewing angle P2; where the color viewing angles are aspecular angles A1 in a range of 5° to 25°, A2 in a range of 30° to 90° and A3 in a range of 95° to 165°; and the sparkle viewing angles are aspecular angles P1 in a range of 5° to 25° and P2 in a range of 30° to 90°. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=X1+X2+X3+X4+X5+X6 where, X1=((ΔE A1 ) n ) / m, where n is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, and m is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X2=((ΔE A2 ) n' ) / m', n' is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m' is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X3=(ΔE A3 ) n" / m", n" is a number in the range of 0.1 to 2, m" is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X4=(a|(Δf- b)|) q / p if Δf≥0; or X4=(a|(-Δf+b)|) q / p if Δf<0, a is a number in the range of 1 to 5, b is a number in the range of 0.001 to 0.1, p is a number in the range of 2 to 20, q is a number in the range of 1 to 5; X5=(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 ≥0; or X5=c(|ΔS P1 |) r / S t P1 , if ΔS P1 <0; S t P1 the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P1, r is a number in the range of 1 to 3, c is a number in the range of 1.1 to 6; and X6=d(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 ≥0; or X6=d'(|ΔS P2 |) r' / S t P2 , if ΔS P2 <0; S' P2the target Sparkle data at Sparkle viewing angle P2 are, r' is a number in the range of 1 to 3, d is a number in the range of 1.10 to 6, d' is a number in the range of 1.11 to 8, and d'>d. [14] Method according to claim 12, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=k(X'1+X'2+X'3+X'4+X'5+X'6) where: k is a predetermined constant, X'1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X'4=(λ|(Δf)|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X'5=|ΔS P1 | / S t P1 , and X'6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 . [15] Method according to claim 12, wherein formula (I) is: TMM=k1(k2(X''1+k3(X''5))y1+k4(X''2+k5(X''6)y2+k6(X''3)y3+X''4) where: k1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, k2 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k3 is a number in the range of 1 to 20, k4 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k5 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, k6 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y 1 is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3, y 2 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, y 3 is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"1=α(ΔE A1 ), where α is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"2=β(ΔE A2 ), β is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"3=γ(ΔE A3 ), γ is a number in the range of 0.1 to 6, X"4=(λ|(Δf)|) ε / 10, λ is a number in the range of 1 to 6, ε is a number in the range of 1 to 6, X"5=|ΔS P1 | / St P1 , and X"6=|ΔS P2 | / S t P2 . [16] The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: B8) Generating at least one target image of the target coating, wherein the target image includes target display R,G,B values ​​based on the target color data, the target sparkle data and the target flop data; B9) Generating at least one pattern image of the pattern coating, wherein the pattern image includes pattern display R,G,B values ​​based on the pattern color data, the pattern sparkle data and the pattern flop data; B10) Displaying the target image, the pattern image or a combination thereof on a display device, based on the target display R,G,B values ​​and the pattern display R,G,B values. [17] Method according to claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, further comprising the steps of: B11) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the sample coating composition if the Total Match Metric (TMM) is within a predetermined match tolerance range, to match the target coating and the sample coating, and optionally producing the matching coating which matches the color and appearance of the target coating using the matching coating composition. [18] Method according to claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, further comprising the steps of: B12) Generating at least one modified coating formulation based on the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) for a modified coating when the Total Compliance Metric (TMM) is outside a predetermined compliance tolerance range, to bring the target coating and the sample coating into compliance; B13) Producing a modified coating based on the modified coating formulation; B14) Repeat steps B3) - B7) to generate a modified total agreement metric of the target coating and the modified coating; B15) Repeat steps B12) - B15) until the modified total agreement metric is within the predetermined agreement tolerance range; and B16) Producing a matching coating composition to match the color and appearance of the target coating, wherein the matching coating composition is based on the modified coating formulation which has the modified total match metric within the predetermined match tolerance range; and B17) where appropriate, producing the matching coating which will match the color and appearance of the target coating, using the matching coating composition. [19] Method according to claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the substrate is a vehicle, a vehicle part or a combination thereof. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein the target coating identification data are selected from a name or code of the target coating, color values ​​of the target coating measured at one or more viewing angles, a vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle, a part of the VIN, the make, model and model year of the vehicle, information about the place of manufacture of the vehicle, the manufacturer's color code of the vehicle or a combination thereof. [21] System for generating a total agreement metric for matching the color and appearance of a target coating and at least one sample coating, the system comprising: C1) a computing program product comprising computer-executable code stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computing program product causes a computing device to execute a computing procedure when in operation, wherein the computing procedure comprises the steps of: D1) Retrieving target coating identification data, if available, target color values ​​and target sparkle values ​​of the target coating, and sample color values ​​and sample sparkle values ​​of the sample coating; D2) Generating target Flop data of the target coating, based on a target brightness value derived from the target color data, and pattern Flop data of the pattern coating, based on a pattern brightness value derived from the pattern color data; D3) Generating color difference values ​​(ΔE) at each of the color viewing angles, based on the target color data and the pattern color data values ​​at each of the color viewing angles; D4) Generating Sparkle Difference Values ​​(ΔS) at each of the Sparkle viewing angles, based on the target Sparkle data and the pattern Sparkle data at each of the Sparkle viewing angles; D5) Generating a Flop difference value (Δf) based on the target Flop data and the pattern Flop data; D6) Generating the Total Match Metric (TMM) of the target coating and the sample coating, based on the color difference values ​​(ΔE), the sparkle difference values ​​(ΔS) and the flop difference value (Δf); and D7) Output of the total agreement metric as one or more output signals to an output device. [22] System according to claim 21, further comprising: C2) a color measuring device for generating the target color values ​​of the target coating at three or more color viewing angles and the sample color values ​​of the sample coating at the three or more color viewing angles; C3) a sparkle measuring device for generating the target sparkle values ​​of the target coating at one or more sparkle viewing angles and 49 of the sample sparkle values ​​of the sample coating at one or more sparkle viewing angles; C4) wherein the calculating device, when in operation, is functionally in communication with the color measuring device and the sparkle measuring device; and C5) wherein the output device, when in operation, is functionally in communication with the computing device. [23] System according to claim 22, wherein the output device is selected from a digital display device, a printer, a digital data storage device, a database, a second computing device or a combination thereof. [24] System according to claim 21, further comprising: C6) a color database functionally communicating with the computing device, wherein the color database includes linked and retrievable coating formulations based on names or codes of coatings, color properties of coatings, appearance properties of coatings, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of vehicles, parts of the VIN, car makes, models and model years of vehicles, information on the place of manufacture of vehicles, color code of the vehicle manufacturer or a combination thereof.

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