METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A COLOR SHADE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing device for determining a color formulation and for quality control of the manufactured color formulation, which, after application to a predetermined substrate using a predetermined application method, results in a color product with a predetermined color tone.

[0002] Systems and processes are used for a wide variety of applications, including packaging development. For example, when developing packaging, such as food packaging, a new, color-sophisticated design is created, encompassing multiple colors. Its precise reproduction requires that the colors specified by the packaging developer are accurately reproduced when printing the packaging using the ink formulas employed to achieve these different colors. However, the resulting color tone after applying an ink formula with a specific application method—in the case of printing, the color tone achieved after printing ink onto a substrate—depends on a multitude of factors, particularly the specific type of substrate and the application method used.Printing a flexographic ink on cardboard can result in a significantly different color than, for example, printing the same ink on coated paper using an intaglio printing process. Therefore, a known intaglio ink for paper that produces the color required by the packaging developer will generally not produce the desired color when applied to the desired packaging cardboard using an intaglio printing process. Consequently, an ink that produces the desired color must be found for each specific substrate and printing process, or, if one does not yet exist, developed.

[0003] In addition to the desired color tone achieved after application to the target substrate using the specified application method, a color formulation suitable for a new application, such as new packaging, must meet a multitude of other criteria. Depending on the intended use, the color formulation must, for example, produce a specified gloss level and exhibit varying degrees of chemical resistance or light resistance, to name just a few of the required specifications.

[0004] To make it easier for packaging developers and other users to find a suitable color formulation for a specific system, despite these complex relationships, databases and computer programs have already been developed that allow a user to specify desired target parameters, such as the target color, the substrate, the application method for applying the color formulation to the substrate, the required chemical resistance of the color product obtained after application, and other parameters. The computer program then searches the database for a suitable color formulation and displays the one that, according to the information stored in the database, will produce a color product with a shade closest to the required target color when applied to the target substrate using the specified application method.If no color formula is found that at least approximates the desired target color, the user will be informed that no match was found.

[0005] One such method and system is marketed, for example, under the trade name PantoneLIVE.

[0006] From US Patent 7,034,960 B2, a method for using a database to develop a color product is known, the method comprising the following steps: i) storing development information in the database, wherein the development information includes properties relating to the development of a plurality of color products, ii) receiving initial color information, which includes at least one initial color, iii) identifying initial development information in the database, wherein the initial development information includes at least the initial color, iv) receiving at least one physical property of the color product, and v) using the initial development information to determine whether the at least one physical property is compatible with the initial color.If at least one physical property is incompatible with the first color, the process either terminates or the user is warned that at least one physical property is incompatible with the first color. The user can then modify their desired design or the requirements for the color product as often as necessary until a matching color formula is found in the database. However, the latter is not a satisfactory solution, as the user does not receive a color formula that produces the desired color product from the outset.

[0007] After the user receives a color formulation for their planned color product from a specific substrate onto which the color formulation is applied using a specific application method, this color formulation is usually forwarded to a color manufacturer - possibly located in another part of the world - so that they can then produce the color.

[0008] Typically, the user is presented with the color formulation as a mixture of several semi-finished products, which are commercially distributed, for example, by the distributor of the computer program used to determine the color formulation using the aforementioned method. Such a color formulation might consist of, for example, two to five colorants and a non-coloring component. Each of the colorants contains one or more pigments dispersed in a solvent, while the non-coloring component may contain one or more binders, such as alkyd resin, and / or one or more solvents, such as mineral oil or vegetable oil. In the case of offset printing ink, the component is also referred to as varnish. The ink manufacturer mixes these components together to create the color formulation.One problem, however, is that it is very complex for the paint manufacturer to carry out reliable quality control of the manufactured color formulation. This requires applying the formulation to the specified substrate using the prescribed application method before comparing the resulting color product to the target color. Typically, however, the paint manufacturer only has access to laboratory application methods, and often the customer's substrate is not available. If the deviation between the target color and the color obtained for the production batch is too large, the paint manufacturer must correct the batch by subsequently adding the appropriate quantities of one or more of the semi-finished products.

[0009] US 2006 / 012810 A1 discloses a system and a method for electronically manufacturing colored materials and for determining color ink formulas to produce ink that has a specific color on two or more substrates or materials.

[0010] Based on this, the present invention was based on the objective of providing a data processing device for determining a color formulation and for quality control of the manufactured color formulation, which, after application with a predetermined application method onto a predetermined substrate, results in a color product with a predetermined color tone.

[0011] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a data processing device as set out in the appended claims. By including at least one, preferably a plurality of, and particularly preferably all data records, information about at least one reference color shade, a reference application method, and a reference substrate, wherein the reference color shade is obtained when the color formulation, about which information is contained in the data record, is applied to the reference substrate using the reference application method, and wherein the reference application method differs from the application method about which information is contained in the data record, and / or the reference substrate differs from the substrate about which information is contained in the data record, a manufactured batch of the color formulation can be easily subjected to reliable quality control.Only a corresponding quantity of the manufactured batch of the color formulation needs to be applied to the reference substrate using the reference application method. The resulting color product is then compared to the reference color for which information is contained in the data set. If the deviation obtained from this comparison falls within a predefined tolerance range, the batch can be released. Otherwise, it must be corrected by adding one or more components until a color within the tolerance range is obtained for a reference color product manufactured with it.

[0012] A particular advantage of the data processing device according to the invention lies in the fact that quality control does not require the ink manufacturer to apply the manufactured color formulation to the customer-specified (and potentially very specialized and commercially difficult to obtain) target substrate using the customer's specified (and usually complex) target application method. Instead, the manufacturer only needs to apply a reference substrate, such as a globally available and common standard paper, using a reference application method (preferably simple and requiring no complex equipment). Otherwise, the ink manufacturer would have to procure the corresponding customer-specified target substrate for each individual color formulation, which might not be available at their location or only with great difficulty, and use the customer's specific target application method.In this case, a color manufacturer producing a wide variety of color formulations would need an enormous warehouse containing a multitude of diverse, potentially difficult-to-obtain target substrates, as well as a variety of application equipment, such as a web offset printing press, a gravure printing press, and the like. According to the invention, however, one reference substrate and one reference application method may suffice if the same reference substrate and reference application method are stored for all color formulations available in the database. For different colors, especially different printing inks, it is advisable, for example, to select different reference application methods for liquid and paste-like inks. These reference application methods could, for example, be a laboratory proofing device for offset inks (e.g., a 3D printer).This could be a multi-purpose proofing machine like the MZ II or MZE, IGT test proofing devices for offset inks, or the Mickle Ink Proofer), another laboratory proofing device for liquid printing inks, such as a Labratester 180 (nsm Norbert Schläfli AG), a flat-round proofing device with engraved or etched plate, Pamarco Proofer, QD Proofing System from Harper Scientific, or a doctor blade applicator (e.g. Erichsen doctor blade applicator K Control Coater 623).If, for example, the reference application method is an offset printing process, the reference substrate is standard paper, and the information about the reference color is a reference spectral curve for the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, the ink manufacturer simply needs to print a corresponding quantity of their production batch onto the standard paper for quality control purposes. They then use a spectrophotometer to record a spectral curve for the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm from the surface of the resulting ink product (i.e., the standard paper imprinted with the ink formula) and compare this spectral curve with the reference spectral curve. If the two spectral curves differ from each other by a factor within a specified tolerance range, the production batch can be released. Furthermore, the use of standard paper has the advantage of being less susceptible to aging and more durable than conventional paper.

[0013] For the purposes of the present invention, standard paper is understood to be paper that is standardized in a national or international standard. Examples of suitable standard papers are those specified in the standard DIN ISO 2846-1: 2017. For example, if liquid inks are applied to transparent film, a standard paper can be placed underneath before recording the spectral curve to ensure standardized conditions for recording the spectral curve.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, two or more identical hues are understood to mean that, viewed under the same light, preferably under the same standard light according to ISO 3664, or measured, for example, under measurement conditions M0, M1, M2, or M3, the two or more hues are indistinguishable to the human eye and, in particular, differ from each other by no more than a ΔE 00 value of 0.5 and preferably by no more than a ΔE 00 value of 0.2. Furthermore, it is more preferred that two or more identical hues differ from each other by a dH* of a maximum of 0.5, and more preferably by a dH* of a maximum of 0.2. The parameters ΔE and dH* are defined in DIN EN ISO 11664-6:2014.

[0015] According to the invention, the reference application method differs from the application method about which information is contained in the data set, and / or the reference substrate differs from the substrate about which information is contained in the data set. This comprises three alternatives, namely: First, that the reference application method differs from the application method about which information is contained in the data set, but that the reference substrate is the same as the substrate. Second, that the reference substrate differs from the substrate about which information is contained in the data set, but that the reference application method is the same as the application method. Third, that the reference application method differs from the application method about which information is contained in the data set, and that the reference substrate differs from the substrate about which information is contained in the data set.

[0016] In order to make full use of the advantages of the present invention, it is proposed, in a further development of the inventive concept, that at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% and most preferably all of the data sets comprise information about at least one reference colour shade as well as the associated reference application method and the associated reference substrate.

[0017] The present invention is not particularly limited with regard to the number of reference color shades contained in each data set. Therefore, some data sets may each contain information about one reference color shade, as well as the associated reference application method and the associated reference substrate, and other data sets may each contain information about two or more different reference color shades, as well as the associated reference application methods and reference substrates, each of which yields the same target color shade with a different application method and / or on a different substrate.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of this system, the at least one data record of the database comprises information about exactly one reference color shade, the associated reference application method, and the associated reference substrate. Preferably, at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and most preferably all of the data records comprise information about exactly one reference color shade, the associated reference application method, and the associated reference substrate.

[0019] According to a second variant of this embodiment, the at least one data record of the database comprises information on two different reference color shades as well as the respective reference application methods and reference substrates, wherein the first reference color shade is obtained when the color formulation about which information is contained in the data record is applied to a first reference substrate using a first reference application method, and the second reference color shade is obtained when the color formulation about which information is contained in the data record is applied to a second reference substrate using a second reference application method, wherein the first reference application method differs from the second reference application method and / or the first reference substrate differs from the second reference substrate.Preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, further preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% and most preferably all of the data sets comprise information about two different reference colour shades as well as the respective reference application methods and reference substrates.

[0020] According to a third embodiment, the at least one data record in the database includes information on more than two different reference color shades. Preferably, at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and most preferably all of the data records include information on more than two different reference color shades.

[0021] According to a fourth variant of this embodiment, one part of the database records contains information about exactly one reference color shade, whereas the other part of the records contains information about two or more reference colors.

[0022] For the purposes of the present invention, information stored in the data sets about the at least one reference color shade shall be understood to mean all types of information that uniquely characterize the reference color shade.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information about the reference color tone comprises the data of a spectral curve obtained by applying the color formulation stored in the respective data set to the reference substrate using the reference application method and then recording the spectral reflectance curve from the surface of the color product thus obtained with a spectrophotometer over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm. The spectral reflectance curve can be recorded in such a way as to measure total reflection, total internal reflection, diffuse reflection, or specular reflection. Preferably, the light spectrum is illuminated onto the color product to be measured at a first angle, and the reflection is measured with a sensor at a second angle.For example, the light source can shine the light spectrum onto the color product at an angle of 45°, and the sensor can measure the reflection at 0°, where both angles are relative to the vertical, i.e., the plane perpendicular to the surface of the color product, so 0° corresponds to the vertical. Alternatively, the light source can shine the light spectrum onto the color product at an angle of 0°, and the sensor can measure the reflection at 45°, or the light source can shine the light spectrum diffusely onto the color product, and the sensor can measure the reflection at 0°, 8°, or any other angle.In this embodiment of the present invention, the spectral curve data can be the reflection values ​​for each nanometer in the measured wavelength range, the reflection values ​​for every fifth nanometer in the measured wavelength range, the reflection values ​​for every tenth nanometer in the measured wavelength range, or the reflection values ​​at other intervals.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the information about the reference color can also be the values ​​in a color space that correspond to the reference color. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the information about the reference color is the Lab values ​​of the reference color. Alternatively, values ​​from other color spaces can also be used, such as LUV values, RGB values, LCh values, XYZ values, or the like.

[0025] The foregoing statements regarding the reference color and the information stored in the database data sets apply equally to each of the color tones stored in the data sets and to the target color to be entered in step b) of the data processing device according to the invention. Thus, the information contained in the data sets regarding the color, or the target color to be specified by the user in step b), can each be the data of a spectral curve recorded over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, such as, in particular, a spectral reflectance curve, the Lab values ​​of the color, or the like.

[0026] In addition to information about at least one reference color shade, the corresponding data sets contain information about the reference application method and the reference substrate, from which the reference color shade is obtained by applying the color formulation, about which information is contained in these data sets, to the reference substrate using the reference application method.While the information on the reference application method includes a description of the reference application method, such as web offset printing, a numerical and / or alphanumeric code or text identifying the reference application method, or the like, the information on the reference substrate includes, for example, a description of the reference substrate, such as a specific standard paper, a numerical and / or alphanumeric code or text identifying the reference substrate, or data from a spectral curve recorded over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, such as, in particular, a spectral reflectance curve, or the Lab values ​​of the reference substrate, or the like. The present invention is not limited with respect to the type of reference application method about which information is contained in the database data records.Therefore, the reference application method can be any application method by which a color formulation can be applied to a substrate. For example, the reference application method for which information is contained in the database records can be an application method selected from the group consisting of printing processes, leather dyeing processes, textile dyeing processes, coating, rolling, spraying, dipping, roller coating, flooding, glazing, powder coating, enameling, and any combinations of two or more of the aforementioned methods.Preferably, the reference application method, for which information is contained in the database data records, is one selected from the list consisting of planographic printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, digital printing, screen printing, letterpress printing, pad printing, transfer printing, sublimation printing, photogravure, leather dyeing processes, textile dyeing processes, and any combination of two or more of the aforementioned methods. Examples of planographic printing include sheet-fed offset printing, web offset printing, lithography, and stone printing, whereas examples of digital printing include xerography and inkjet printing. The foregoing descriptions of the reference application method and the information stored in the database data records apply equally to the application methods stored in the color data records and to the target application method to be entered in step b) of the data processing device according to the invention.Therefore, the information contained in the data records relating to the application procedure or the target application procedure to be specified by the user in step b) may each be the specification of the application procedure, the specification of a numerical and / or number code identifying the application procedure, or the like, whereby the application procedure or the target application procedure may be selected from the same group of procedures explained above.

[0027] The present invention is not particularly limited with regard to the type of reference substrate about which information is contained in the database data sets. Thus, the reference substrate can be any substrate onto which a color formulation can be applied using an application method. For example, the reference substrate can be a substrate selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, corrugated board, plastic film, leather, textiles, metal, wood, glass, ceramics, skin, metallized surfaces, concrete, plastic bodies, laminates, composite materials, and any combination of two or more of the aforementioned substrates.Preferably, the reference substrate is selected from the group consisting of newsprint, uncoated paper, coated paper, cardboard, corrugated board, plastic film (for example, PE polyethylene, OPP polypropylene, OPA polyamide, PVC polyvinyl chloride, PET polyethylene terephthalate, PLA polylactide film), felts, nonwovens, laminates of plastic and aluminum foil, leather, textiles and any combinations of two or more of the above substrates.

[0028] The foregoing statements regarding the reference substrate and the information stored in the database data sets apply equally to the substrates stored in the data sets for the color tone and to the target substrate to be entered in step b) of the method according to the invention. Thus, the information contained in the data sets regarding the substrate or the target substrate to be specified by the user in step b) may each consist of a specification of the substrate, such as a specific standard paper, a numerical and / or letter code or text identifying the substrate, data from a spectral curve recorded over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, such as, in particular, a spectral reflectance curve, the Lab values ​​of the substrate, or the like, wherein the substrate or the target substrate may be selected from the same group of substrates described above.Alternatively or additionally, the substrate's designation or trade name can be entered, or its spectral curve can be measured or read in. Preferably, the information about the respective substrates stored in the database records consists of spectral curve data obtained by recording a spectral curve of the respective substrate with a spectrophotometer over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm. Particularly preferably, this is a spectral reflectance curve recorded over a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, where total reflection, total internal reflection, diffuse reflection, or specular reflection can be measured. The measurement can be performed, for example, at an angle of incidence / sensor measurement angle of 45° / 0°, at 0° / 45°, with diffuse incidence / 0°, with diffuse incidence / 8°, or at other angles.In this embodiment of the present invention, the spectral curve data can be the reflectance values ​​for each nanometer between 400 and 700 nm, the reflectance values ​​for every fifth nanometer between 400 and 700 nm, the reflectance values ​​for every tenth nanometer between 400 and 700 nm, or the reflectance values ​​at other intervals.

[0029] For the purposes of the present invention, information stored in the data records concerning the color formulation is understood to mean all types of information that uniquely characterize the color formulation. For example, this information can include a specification of all individual components or raw materials contained in the color formulation and their quantities. However, it is also possible to specify the color formulation as a mixture of semi-finished products, such as a mixture of one or more blends and one or more colorants. Furthermore, it is also possible to specify the color formulation as a mixture of finished products, such as a mixture of two or more colors. In these cases, the information includes a specification of all semi-finished products contained in the color formulation and their quantities, or a specification of all finished products contained in the color formulation and their quantities. It is also possible to specify the color formulation as a mixture of individual components or...The color formula can be specified as raw materials and semi-finished products, as a mixture of individual components or raw materials and finished products, as a mixture of semi-finished products and finished products, or as a mixture of individual components or raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products. Finally, it is also possible to specify the color formula using a trade name or a code consisting of letter and / or number combinations.

[0030] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, and most preferably all of the color formulations for which information is contained in the database data sets are composed of semi-finished products, namely preferably at least one coloring agent and at least one non-coloring component. These are particularly preferably composed of two to fifteen, and most preferably of two to ten, semi-finished products.

[0031] For example, it is preferred that these are composed of two to four colorants and a non-coloring component. Further semi-finished products, such as solvents or solvent mixtures, additives (e.g., slip additives, wax additives, or defoamers), adhesion promoters, photoinitiators, stabilizers, drying agents, hardeners, or similar substances, may be added to these coloring and non-coloring components. In this embodiment, the information stored in the data records about the color formulation includes a specification of all semi-finished products contained in the color formulation and their quantities. The non-coloring component may contain at least one component selected from the group consisting of binders, solvents, waxes, additives, reactive diluents, photoinitiators, hardeners, and any combinations of two or more of these compounds.The at least one colorant is preferably a pigment formulation in solid, liquid, or paste form, or a formulation containing one or more dyes in which a pigment or a mixture of two or more pigments is dispersed in a solvent, binder, or a mixture of solvent and binder. The colorant may, for example, contain at least one effect pigment, preferably selected from the group consisting of metallic effect pigments, pearlescent pigments, metal oxide-coated mica, interference pigments, luminescent pigments, UV-absorbing pigments, IR-absorbing pigments, photochromic pigments, thermochromic pigments, piezoelectric pigments, magnetic pigments, and any combination of two or more of the aforementioned pigment types.Alternatively or additionally, non-effect pigments such as colored pigments, white pigments, black pigments, and / or dyes can also be used. Preferably, the at least one colorant additionally contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of additives, reactive diluents, photoinitiators, hardeners, and any combinations of two or more of the aforementioned compounds. For example, the at least one colorant can contain a dispersing agent as an additive.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least one, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% and most preferably all of the color formulations about which information is contained in the data records of the database are composed of finished products, namely preferably of two to fifteen colors and particularly preferably of two to ten colors.These may contain at least one effect pigment as a colorant, preferably selected from the group consisting of metallic effect pigments, pearlescent pigments, metal oxide-coated mica, interference pigments, luminescent pigments, UV-absorbing pigments, IR-absorbing pigments, photochromic pigments, thermochromic pigments, piezoelectric pigments, magnetic pigments, and any combinations of two or more of the aforementioned pigment types. Alternatively or additionally, non-effect pigments and / or dyes may also be used.

[0033] According to a further, alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a part of the color formulations, about which information is contained in the data records of the database, are composed of finished products, namely preferably of two to five colors and optionally an additional color-neutral component, such as offcuts, whereas the other part of the color formulations are composed of semi-finished products, namely preferably of two to ten semi-finished products.

[0034] The present invention is not limited with regard to the type of color formulations about which information is contained in the database records. Preferably, at least one, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, and most preferably all color formulations about which information is contained in the database records are selected from the group consisting of printing inks, lacquers, powder coatings, leather dyes, and textile dyes.

[0035] Preferably, the input in step b) is performed by the user entering data into the computer program. To enable the input in step b) by the user entering data into the computer program, a further development of the invention proposes that the computer program contain clickable preselections of the parameters to be entered, namely the target application method, the target substrate, and the target color. Alternatively, the input can also be performed by transferring data, for example, by transferring corresponding data from a file stored on a data carrier or in a computer into the computer program.

[0036] To enable the specification of the target application procedure in step b), it is preferred that the computer program contains clickable preselections of application procedures from which the user can specify the target application procedure by clicking in step b). Alternatively, the computer program can be programmed to allow the input of the target application procedure as text or as numerical and / or text codes identifying the target application procedure.

[0037] In a further development of the inventive concept, it is proposed that the computer program be designed such that in step b) the user can specify the target substrate in at least one and preferably all of the following ways: i) Transferring the data of a spectral curve recorded with a spectrophotometer between 180 and 4000 nm and preferably between 400 and 700 nm, preferably a spectral reflectance curve and particularly preferably a spectral reflectance curve of the target substrate measured as further explained above into the computer program, for example directly (i.e.(without an intermediary data carrier), from a DVD, a USB stick, or the like; ii) selecting the target substrate from a collection of presets for various substrates stored in the computer program; iii) entering the values ​​of a spectral curve, preferably a spectral reflectance curve, and particularly preferably a spectral reflectance curve of the target substrate measured as further explained above, into the computer program, for example, by entering the reflectance values ​​for wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm at 1 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, or other intervals as numbers; iv) entering or transferring the Lab values ​​of the target substrate or values ​​of another color space, such as LUV values, RGB values, LCh values, XYZ values, or the like, into the computer program.

[0038] Likewise, it is preferred that the computer program be designed in such a way that the user can specify the target color tone in step b) in at least one and preferably all of the following ways: i) Transferring the data of a spectral curve recorded with a spectrophotometer between 400 and 700 nm, preferably a spectral reflectance curve and particularly preferably a spectral reflectance curve of the target color measured as further explained above into the computer program, for example directly (i.e.(without an intermediary data carrier), from a DVD, a USB stick, or the like; ii) clicking on the target color from a collection of presets for various colors stored in the computer program; iii) entering or reading the values ​​of a spectral curve, preferably a spectral reflectance curve, and particularly preferably a spectral reflectance curve of the target color measured as further explained above, into the computer program, for example, by entering the reflectance values ​​for wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm at 1 nm intervals, at 5 nm intervals, at 10 nm intervals, or at other intervals as numbers; iv) entering, reading, or transferring the Lab values ​​of the target color or values ​​of another color space, such as LUV values, RGB values, LCh values, XYZ values, or the like, into the computer program.

[0039] According to the invention, in step c), the database is searched by a computer program to determine whether it contains at least one data record whose color formula, about which information is contained in the data record, after application to the target substrate specified in step b) using the target application method specified in step b), results in a color product with a hue that corresponds to the target hue specified in step b) or deviates from it by a maximum of a specified tolerance. A tolerance is allowed to account for the fact that the human eye cannot perceive minute differences between two nearly identical hues. Therefore, by establishing a tolerance, the probability of a match in step c) is increased without having to accept unacceptable deviations from the specified target hue.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tolerance for step c) is preset in the computer program.

[0041] Alternatively, the user can be able to enter the tolerance for step c) into the computer program. The computer program can be designed to allow stepless adjustment of the tolerance, for example, by entering a numerical value. It is also possible to design the computer program so that the user can set the tolerance according to predefined settings within the program, for example, by clicking on and selecting one of several predefined tolerances. It is also possible to combine both approaches by designing the computer program so that the user can choose whether to adjust the tolerance according to predefined settings or steplessly, for example, by entering a numerical value.

[0042] In a further development of the inventive concept, it is proposed to set the maximum tolerance such that in step c) it corresponds to a Delta E value of at most 2, preferably at most 1, and most preferably at most 0.5, regardless of whether this tolerance is preset in the computer program or entered by the user. All common Delta E values ​​can be used, such as ΔE* ab, ΔE94, ΔE 00, DIN99, DIN99 o, CMC, Lübbe, Lübbe corrected, and CIECAM02. Preferably, ΔE 00 is used. In principle, two different color tones with a deviation of up to 1 in the ΔE 00 value correspond to a very small color deviation that is only perceptible to a trained eye.Deviations in the ΔE 00 value of up to 0.5 are considered normally invisible, and deviations in the ΔE 00 value of up to 0.2 are no longer detectable even by a trained eye.

[0043] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step d) only the color formulation that best yields the target color is displayed. If, in step c), two or more data sets are found whose color formulations, for which information is contained in the data set, after application to the target substrate specified in step b) using the target application method specified in step b), produce color products with a hue that corresponds to the target color specified in step b) or deviates from it by a maximum specified tolerance, then, according to this preferred embodiment, only the data set that produces a color product with a hue that deviates least (i.e., with the lowest ΔE 00 value) from the target color is displayed.

[0044] As explained above, the color formula can, in principle, be specified as a recipe for the quantities of all individual raw materials. However, since such color formulas are very complex, this means that the entire color must be produced in a particularly logistically demanding production process, as all raw materials must first be procured. Therefore, it is preferable for the color formula to be specified as a mixture of semi-finished products, such as a mixture of one or more blends and one or more colorants, or as a mixture of finished products, such as a mixture of several colors, possibly with an additional blend.For this reason, it is preferred that in step d) the composition of the color formulation is indicated i) as a mixture of semi-finished products, preferably as a mixture of two to fifteen semi-finished products and particularly preferably as a mixture of two to ten semi-finished products, or ii) as a mixture of finished products, preferably as a mixture of two to fifteen finished products and particularly preferably as a mixture of two to ten finished products.

[0045] In these embodiments, displaying the information about the color recipe stored in the at least one data record therefore includes specifying the quantities and the designation of the individual semi-finished products or finished products from which the color recipe is composed.

[0046] In a further development of the inventive concept, it is proposed that in step d) at least one reference color shade of the at least one data set is also displayed. The user can then use or save this for subsequent quality control, provided they are producing the color formula, or pass it on to the service provider they have producing the color formula.

[0047] The at least one reference color can be specified in any form that uniquely characterizes the reference color. For example, the at least one reference color can be displayed as Lab values ​​(or values ​​of another color space, such as LUV values, RGB values, LCh values, XYZ values, or the like), as a spectral curve (in particular a spectral reflectance curve) between 180 and 4000 nm, and preferably between 180 and 4000 nm, or as data from a spectral curve (in particular a spectral reflectance curve) between 180 and 4000 nm, and preferably between 180 and 4000 nm.

[0048] The present invention is particularly suitable for use with databases containing a large number of data records. Preferably, the database used in the method according to the invention comprises more than 10 data records, more preferably more than 100 data records, even more preferably more than 1,000 data records, particularly preferably more than 10,000 data records, especially preferably more than 100,000 data records, most preferably more than 500,000 data records, and most preferably one million data records or more.

[0049] After the match found in step c) of the data processing device according to the invention is displayed, the user can produce the found color formula or have it produced by a service provider. In particular, if the color formula found in step c), according to the information contained in the database, after application to the target substrate specified in step b) using the target application method specified in step b), results in a color product with a hue that deviates from the target hue specified in step b) within a specified tolerance, for example a ΔE 00 value of 0.5, it is advantageous if the user can visually view the resulting hue before deciding whether to accept it and produce or have the color produced, without having to produce the color formula first.In order to make this possible with as little effort as possible, according to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data processing device comprises a test algorithm which can simulate a color tone which, after printing the simulation with a computer via a test paper printer onto a test paper substrate, produces the same color tone as the application of the color formulation found in step c) to the target substrate specified in step b) using the target application method specified in step b).Preferably, in this embodiment, the computer program is designed such that the user can specify a test paper printer and a test paper substrate, for example, by clicking on a corresponding test paper printer and test paper substrate in a list displayed by the computer program, or by entering a numerical code or the like that identifies the test paper printer and the test paper substrate. The test paper printer is preferably a commercially available paper printer, such as an inkjet or laser printer. The test paper substrate is preferably a commercially available inkjet or laser printing paper.This embodiment allows the user to easily and cost-effectively view and evaluate the color tone of the test color product thus obtained, which corresponds to that of the color product resulting from applying the color formulation to the target substrate using the target application method.

[0050] Often, the color product intended by the user is not simply a substrate coated with color, but rather a product where, after the color formulation has been applied to the substrate using the specified application method, a topcoat or primer has been applied. If the topcoat or primer is not color-neutral, as is the case with matte, effect, tactile, or scented lacquers, it will alter the color of the finished product, at least slightly. Even if the topcoat or primer is color-neutral, it will still affect the gloss of the finished product.To account for these effects in the process, it is preferred that at least some of the data sets, such as at least 10% and preferably at least 30% of the data sets, also contain information on a topcoat or primer, wherein the color shade stored in the respective data set is that of the color product obtained by printing the color formulation stored in the data set onto the substrate stored in the data set using the application method stored in the data set, and then applying the topcoat or primer stored in the data set. This ensures that even when using a topcoat or primer, the process according to the invention determines a color formulation that, within the specified tolerance, yields the desired color shade for the color product containing the topcoat or primer.

[0051] For the foregoing reasons, it is preferred that the computer program used in the data processing device according to the invention is designed such that in step b) the user can specify a topcoat or primer as well as a quantity for the topcoat or primer to be applied, and in step c) the database is searched to see if it contains at least one data record whose stored color recipe with a specified maximum tolerance results in the specified color shade when the color recipe stored in the data record is applied to the target substrate specified in step b) using the target application method specified in step b), and then the topcoat or primer specified in step b) is applied in the specified quantity.

[0052] This embodiment is particularly preferred for printing inks, wherein the topcoat is an overprint varnish, the application method is a printing method and the substrate is paper, cardboard, sheet metal or a plastic film.

[0053] In addition to printing inks, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for leather and textile dyeing processes, so that the application method can be a leather dyeing process or a textile dyeing process and the substrate can be leather or a textile.

[0054] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 90% and most preferably all of the data sets also contain information about at least one of the following characteristics: i) one or more halftones of the color product, ii) gloss level of the color product, iii) different gloss levels at different viewing angles of the color product, iv) haptic (i.e., perceptible by touch) properties of the color product, v) scratch resistance of the color product, vi) tear resistance of the color product, vii) tensile strength of the color product, viii) resistance of the color product to light, ix) resistance of the color product to temperature, x) resistance of the color product to gamma rays, xi) resistance of the color product to chemicals, xii) resistance of the color product to pasteurization, xiii) resistance of the color product to sterilization, xiv) resistance of the color product to moisture, xv) resistance of the color product to delamination, xvi) absence of certain ingredients in the color formulation, xvii) opacity of the color product, xviii) sliding properties of the color product.

[0055] The color product, in turn, is the product obtained by applying the color formula, about which information is contained in the corresponding data set, to the substrate using the application method, about which information is contained in the corresponding data set.

[0056] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the textile dyeing process is provided for in which at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 90% and most preferably all of the data sets also contain information about at least one of the following characteristics: i) Anti-static treatment, ii) Flame retardant treatment, iii) Water repellency, iv) Oil repellency, v) Hydrophilization, vi) Fixing, vii) Finishing, viii) Avivage, ix) Wax coating, x) Fluorocarbon resin coating, xi) Lightfastness, xii) Wash resistance, xiii) Rub fastness.

[0057] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the leather dyeing process is provided for in which at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 90% and most preferably all of the data sets also contain information about at least one of the following characteristics: i) Polyurethane finish, ii) Aniline finish, iii) Nitrocellulose finish, iv) Impregnation, v) Embossing, vi) Oil finish, vii) Wax finish, viii) Oil-based varnish, ix) Cold-applied varnish, x) Lightfastness, xi) Rub fastness, xii) Dirt repellency, xiii) Gloss.

[0058] These last three embodiments make it possible to use the data processing device according to the invention not only to determine a color formulation which, when applied to the desired target substrate using the desired target application method, results in a color product with the desired target color, but in particular also to determine a corresponding color formulation which has the desired further properties, such as desired chemical resistance, leads to a desired gloss of the color product, or the like.

[0059] To implement this embodiment, it is also preferred that the computer program used in the data processing device according to the invention is designed in such a way that the user can additionally specify at least one of the characteristics i) to xviii) for printing processes, or i) to xiii) for textiles and leather in step b).

[0060] To further enhance the advantages of this embodiment, it is proposed, in a further development of the inventive concept, that at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 90% and most preferably all of the data sets also contain information about at least three, preferably at least five, most preferably at least 10, most preferably at least 15 and most preferably all of the characteristics i) to xviii), and preferably the user can specify these in step b).

[0061] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and most preferably all of the data records contained in the database contain specific gloss values ​​at three different angles, preferably at 20°, 60°, and 85°, but at least at 60° with respect to the surface of the color product, and that in step b) the user can specify values ​​for the target gloss values ​​to be achieved for the color product at the three different angles. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the gloss values ​​are graded at least between glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. For example, matte lacquers can correspond to gloss values ​​between 0 and 24, semi-gloss lacquers to gloss values ​​between 25 and 50, and glossy lacquers to gloss values ​​above 51.

[0062] The gloss values ​​are measured according to DIN 67530 / ISO 2813 and the lacquers are applied, for example, with a 6µm squeegee.

[0063] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and most preferably all of the data records contained in the database comprise information about at least one halftone, wherein this information includes at least information about the hue of the color product obtained when the color formulation, about which information is stored in the corresponding data record, is applied as a halftone to the target substrate using the target application method. This allows a statement to be made about how the desired hue appears in the full tone and in the individual gradations / halftones, or which spectral curves result accordingly.This is preferred to differentiate optically and spectrally identical hues, mixed from several different pigment combinations, within their halftones. The full hues may appear optically and spectrally identical, but different hues / locations will be obtained in the halftones if different pigment combinations are present.

[0064] In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the corresponding data sets comprise information on at least two halftones, preferably at least four halftones, and most preferably at least six halftones, wherein the information on each of the at least two halftones includes at least information on the respective hue of the respective color product obtained when the color formulation, for which information is stored in the corresponding data set, is applied as the respective halftone to the target substrate using the target application method. Preferably, the halftones for which information is contained in the respective data set cover at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 75%, and most preferably the entire halftone range.

[0065] To implement this embodiment, it is also preferred that the computer program used in the data processing device according to the invention is designed in such a way that the user can specify (measure, read in) values ​​for both the full tone and for at least one semitone in step b).

[0066] Particularly at the beginning of the setup of the database used for the data processing device according to the invention, in which it does not yet contain data records for all possible combinations of application method, substrate and color shade together with the possible further optional characteristics i) to xviii) for printing processes, or i) to xiii) for textiles and leather, it will be unavoidable that for a specific combination of target application method, target substrate and target color shade entered in step b) no suitable data record will be found in process step c).In order to provide the user with a color formula in this case as well, with which he can carry out his desired project, it is proposed, in a further development of the inventive idea, that the computer program includes a formula algorithm which makes it possible to calculate a color formula which, after application with the specified target application method onto the specified target substrate with a specified maximum tolerance, yields the specified hue for the target color product.

[0067] Preferably, the computer program is designed such that the recipe algorithm calculating the color recipe is executed if no suitable data set was found in step c).

[0068] Furthermore, it is preferred that, prior to the execution of the formulation algorithm that calculates the color formulation, the computer program transfers suitable components for the color formulation to the formulation algorithm based on the user's specifications. The formulation algorithm then calculates the color formulation solely from these components. Components for the color formulation are understood to be raw materials, semi-finished products, and / or finished products, which are stored in the database along with their properties and color characteristics. This embodiment enables the calculation of a color formulation with which the user not only obtains the desired target color but which also fulfills, in particular, the other specified characteristics, such as one or more of the characteristics i) to xviii) for printing processes, or i) to xiii) for textiles and leather.For example, if the user specifies a particular chemical resistance to be achieved in step b), for example against acids, the computer program only passes on those components, i.e. raw materials, semi-finished products and / or finished products, to the recipe algorithm which have this chemical resistance.

[0069] In the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, it is also preferred that the components for the color formulation transferred from the computer program to the recipe algorithm fulfill in particular at least one, preferably at least three, more preferably at least five, particularly preferably at least ten, most preferably at least fifteen and most preferably all of the criteria specified by the user i) to xviii) for printing processes, or i) to xiii) for textiles and leather.

[0070] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least 40%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80% and most preferably all of the data sets also include information about the spectral curve of the surface of a first production color product, which has been obtained by, for example, spreading a part of a first production batch of the color formulation shown in step d) onto a white coating paper and recording a spectral curve between 400 and 700 nm of the surface thereof with a spectrophotometer.

[0071] For each subsequent production batch, a portion of the color formula can be applied to the same coating paper for quality control purposes. A spectral curve is then recorded from the surface of the resulting color product under the same conditions as for the first production batch. This spectral curve is then simply compared to the one stored in the data set. If the deviation obtained from this comparison falls within a predefined tolerance range, the batch can be released. Otherwise, it must be corrected by adding one or more components until a reference color product produced with it achieves a color tone within the tolerance range.

[0072] In a further development of the inventive concept, it is proposed that in this embodiment, at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 60%, most preferably at least 80%, and most preferably all of the data sets also include the spectral curve of the surface of a second production color product, which is obtained, for example, by spreading a portion of a second production batch of the color formulation shown in step d) onto a white coating paper and recording a spectral curve between 180 and 4000 nm, preferably between 400 and 700 nm, of the surface thereof using a spectrophotometer. The second production batch can be applied to the substrate, preferably paper, not only by spreading but also by any other application method, such as laboratory prints or squeegee lifts.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the data sets, in addition to the spectral curve of the second production color product, include the spectral curve of a color product produced with a retained sample of the first production batch. This retained sample is obtained by spreading a portion of a retained sample of the first production batch of the color formulation described in step d) onto a white coating paper and recording a spectral curve between 180 and 4000 nm, preferably between 400 and 700 nm, of the surface of this sample with a spectrophotometer simultaneously with spreading and recording the spectral curve of the portion of the second production batch of the color formulation described in step d). By simultaneously spreading and comparing both samples onto the same white coating paper, the accuracy of the quality control can be further increased.

[0074] Another subject of the present disclosure is a database for determining a color formulation which, after application to a given substrate using a specified application method, yields a color product with a specified hue, wherein the database contains a multitude of data records, each of which includes at least information about a color formulation, a substrate, an application method, and the hue of the color product resulting from the application of the color formulation to the substrate using the application method.At least one of the data sets also includes information about at least one reference colour, a reference application method and a reference substrate, wherein the reference colour is obtained when the colour formulation, about which information is contained in the data set, is applied to the reference substrate using the reference application method, wherein the reference application method is different from the application method about which information is contained in the data set and / or the reference substrate is different from the substrate about which information is contained in the data set.

[0075] Preferably, the database comprises more than 10 data records, more preferably more than 100 data records, even more preferably more than 1,000 data records, particularly preferably more than 10,000 data records, particularly preferably more than 100,000 data records, most preferably more than 500,000 data records and most preferably one million data records or more.

[0076] In a further development of the inventive concept, it is proposed that at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% and most preferably all of the data sets contain information about at least one reference colour shade.

[0077] Another subject of the present disclosure is a system for determining a color formulation which, after application to a given substrate using a specified application method, yields a color product with a specified hue, in particular for carrying out the method described above, wherein the system comprises: a) a previously described database, b) a computer program programmed to allow a user to input into the computer program a target application method, a target substrate, and a desired target hue resulting from the application of a color formula to the target substrate using the specified target application method, c) wherein the computer program is also programmed to search the database to determine whether the database contains at least one record whose color formula, about which information is contained in the record, results, after application to the target substrate using the target application method specified in step b), in a color product with a hue that corresponds to the target hue specified in step b) or deviates from it by a maximum specified tolerance.and d) wherein the computer program is also programmed such that, if at least one suitable data record is found in step c), it displays to the user the information about the color recipe stored in the at least one data record.

Claims

1. A data processing device for determining a color formulation and for controlling the quality of the produced color formulation which, after the application by a specified application process to a specified substrate, results in a color product having a specified hue, the data processing device comprising means for performing a method for determining a color formulation and for controlling the quality of the produced color formulation, which, after the application by a specified application process to a specified substrate, results in a color product having a specified hue, the method comprising: a) providing a database in which a plurality of data sets is stored, wherein each of the data sets respectively comprises at least information on a color formulation, on a substrate, on an application process and on the hue of the color product resulting after the application of the color formulation by the application process to the substrate, b) recording the input by a user of a specified target application process, a specified target substrate and a specified target hue, as well as a specified desired target hue resulting after the application of a color formulation by the specified target application process to the specified target substrate for the color product obtained, c) searching the database by means of a computer program as to whether it contains at least one data set whose color formulation, after the application by the target application process specified in step b) to the target substrate specified in step b), results in a color product with a hue that corresponds to the target hue specified in step b) or deviates from it by a maximum of a specified tolerance, and d) displaying, if at least one suitable data set is found in step c), the information on the color formulation stored in the at least one data set, wherein at least 50% of the data sets also comprise information on at least one reference hue, a reference application process, and a reference substrate, wherein the reference hue is obtained when the color formulation is applied to the reference substrate by the reference application process, wherein the reference application process is different from the application process of the data set and / or the reference is different from the substrate of the data set, wherein: i) the reference substrate is a standardized paper specified in the DIN ISO 2846-1: 2017 standard, wherein the data processing device compares the recorded hue signal of the reference color product produced by applying the produced color formulation to the standardized paper by the reference application process with the reference hue of the data set, or ii) at least 40% of the data sets also comprise information on the spectral curve of the surface of a first production color product obtained by coating a portion of a first production batch of the color formulation indicated in step d) onto a white coating paper and recording a spectral curve between 400 and 700 nm of the surface thereof with a spectrophotometer, wherein the data processing device compares the spectral curve recorded from the surface between 400 and 700 nm of the color product thus obtained after coating the produced color formulation onto the same coating paper with the spectral curve stored in the data set.

2. The data processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for performing the method according to claim 1 comprise: a) a database, in which a plurality of data sets are stored, each of the data sets respectively comprising at least information on a color formulation, on a substrate, on an application process and on the hue of the color product resulting after the application of the color formulation by the application process to the substrate, wherein at least 50% of the data sets also comprise information on at least one reference hue, a reference application process and a reference substrate, wherein the reference hue is obtained when the color formulation is applied to the reference substrate by the reference application process, wherein the reference application process is different from the application process for which information are contained in the data set, and / or the reference substrate is different from the substrate of the data set, wherein the reference substrate is a standardized paper specified in the DIN ISO 2846-1: 2017 standard and the database comprises more than 100 data sets, b) a computer program programmed to allow a user to enter a target application process, a target substrate and a desired target hue resulting after the application of a color formulation by the specified target application process to the specified target substrate for the obtained color product into the computer program, c) wherein the computer program is also programmed to be able to search the database to determine whether the database contains at least one data set whose color formulation, after the application by the target application process specified in step b) to the target substrate specified in step b), results in a color product with a hue which corresponds to the target hue specified in step b) or deviates from it by a maximum of a specified tolerance, and d) wherein the computer program is also programmed to display to the user the information on the color formulation stored in the at least one data set, if at least one suitable data set is found in step c).

3. The data processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, very particularly preferably at least 95% and most preferably all of the data sets comprise information on at least one reference hue as well as the associated reference application process and the associated reference substrate.

4. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information on the at least one reference hue comprises data of a spectral curve which has been obtained by applying the color formulation stored in the respective data set to the reference substrate by the reference application process and then recording a spectral curve from the surface of the color product thus obtained by a spectrophotometer over a wavelength range from 180 to 4000 nm, and preferably from 400 to 700 nm.

5. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that the computer program is configured such that the user can specify the target substrate in step b) in at least one and preferably all of the following ways: i) transmitting the data of a spectral curve of the target substrate recorded with a spectrophotometer between 180 and 4000 nm, and preferably between 400 and 700 nm, into the computer program, ii) clicking on the target substrate from a collection of preselections for different substrates stored in the computer program, iii) entering or reading the values of a spectral curve of the target substrate, iv) entering or reading the laboratory values of the target substrate, and / or the user can specify in step b) the target hue in at least one and preferably all of the following ways: i) transmitting the data of a spectral curve of the target hue recorded with a spectrophotometer between 180 and 4000 nm and preferably between 400 and 700 nm into the computer program, ii) clicking on the target hue from a collection of preselections for different hues stored in the computer program, iii) entering or reading the values of a spectral curve of the target hue, iv) entering or reading the laboratory values of the target hue.

6. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that a tolerance for step c) is preset in the computer program and / or the user can continuously set the tolerance for step c) or according to presettings, wherein the maximum tolerance in step c) corresponds to an ΔE00 value of a maximum of 1, preferably of a maximum of 0.5, and particularly preferably of a maximum of 0.2.

7. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that the computer program comprises a test algorithm which can simulate a hue resulting in the same hue after printing the simulation with a computer by means of a test paper printer onto a test paper substrate, as the application of the color formulation found in step c) by the target application process specified in step b) to the target substrate specified in step b), wherein the computer program is configured such that the user can specify a test paper printer as well as a test paper substrate.

8. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that at least a part of the data sets also contain information on a topcoat and / or a primer, wherein the hue stored in the respective data set corresponds to that of the color product which is obtained by printing the color formulation stored in the data set by the application process stored in the data set onto the substrate stored in the data set and then applying the topcoat stored in the data set, and the computer program is configured such that the user can specify a topcoat and an amount for the topcoat to be applied in step b).

9. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, very particularly preferably at least 90%, and most preferably all of the data sets also contain information on at least one of the following characteristics: i) one or more halftones, ii) gloss level of the color product, iii) different gloss levels at different viewing angles of the color product, iv) haptic properties of the color product, v) scratch resistance of the color product, vi) tear strength of the color product, vii) tensile strength of the color product, viii) resistance of the color product to light, ix) resistance of the color product to temperature, x) resistance of the color product to gamma rays, xi) resistance of the color product to chemicals, xii) resistance of the color product to pasteurization, xiii) resistance of the color product to sterilization, xiv) resistance of the color product to humidity, xv) resistance of the color product to delamination, xvi) absence of specific ingredients in the color formulation, xvii) opacity of the color product, xvii) sliding properties of the color product.

10. The data processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, very particularly preferably at least 95% and most preferably all of the data sets contained in the database comprise information on at least two halftones wherein the information on each of the at least two halftones contains at least information on the respective hue that the respective color product exhibits which is obtained when the color formulation as the respective halftone is applied to the target substrate by the target application process.

11. The data processing device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer program comprises a formulation algorithm which allows to calculate a color formulation which, after the application by the specified target application process to the specified target substrate with a specified maximum tolerance, results in the hue specified for the target color product wherein the computer program is configured such that the formulation algorithm calculating the color formulation is carried out, if no suitable data set has been found in step c), and before executing the formulation algorithm calculating the color formulation, suitable components for the color formulation are transmitted from the computer program to the formulation algorithm with respect to the user's specifications from which alone the formulation algorithm calculates the color formulation.