Digital harmonization visualization of color characteristics between objects

Abstract

A color display system for providing a virtual harmony assessment between objects. The virtual harmony visualization may depict a digital representation of a particular coating applied to a particular object and may be based on a selection made by a viewer. The particular coating and the particular object may be defined by color data including attributes of the coating and spatial orientation data including attributes of the three-dimensional object. The digital representation of the virtual harmony visualization may also be based on attributes of a selected light source and / or predicted weathering that alters the appearance of the color data or coating in the virtual harmony visualization.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 267,455, filed February 2, 2022, entitled "DIGITAL HARMONY VISUALIZATION OF COLOR PROPERTIES BETWEEN OBJECTS," which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and system for utilizing technological improvements to assist in the display of desired materials. [Background technology]

[0003] Modern coatings serve a variety of functions in industry and society. For example, various objects and structures, including vehicles and buildings, may be coated using paints or various other coatings to protect components from the elements (e.g., to protect against the development of rust) or to provide an aesthetic visual effect. The aesthetic visual effect perceived each time a coated object is viewed is the result of a complex relationship between the properties of the coating and the viewing conditions, and as a result, it is difficult to achieve an exact color match or a pleasing color harmony between two or more coated objects.

[0004] In some cases, coatings that are mixed, used, and even viewed under different conditions may exhibit various appearances. Visual coating characteristics (e.g., color, visual effects, texture, etc.) may be determined in part based on the chemical composition of the coating and may vary depending on when it was manufactured, the geographic location where the coating was applied (e.g., due to changes in altitude, climate, air quality, weather, etc.), the solvent, the orientation of the coating, the composition of the substrate, or other environmental factors. The visual perception of color harmony between two coatings or coated objects may vary based on viewing conditions such as lighting (e.g., intensity, clarity, orientation, etc.), distance (e.g., distance between coatings / objects, distance from the observer), relative orientation, surrounding colors or objects, or other environmental conditions. Even if two different coated objects have coatings of the same composition, the visual perception of the objects may differ based on differences in the climatic conditions when the objects were coated.

[0005] Thus, there are several problems in the art that would benefit from technological advances. The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to solving any shortcomings or to operating only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one exemplary technology area in which some computer-implemented methods and systems described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method is provided for facilitating a comparison process for evaluating color harmony between a first object and a second object. For example, a system for performing the method may be configured to receive first color data and first spatial orientation data of a first physical object to generate a first visualization for the first visual object, and receive second color data and second spatial orientation data of a second physical object to generate a second visualization for the second visual object. The color data may be provided or selected from a coating database and may include attributes of the respective coatings. The spatial orientation data of the objects may include data defining the size, shape, and position of the objects in a coordinate plane and may be provided or selected from an object database. Additionally, in generating the first and second visualizations, the system may determine illuminant data for use with the respective color data and spatial orientation data.

[0007] Within the user interface, the system may display (i) a first visualization or rendering for the first visual object and (ii) a second visualization or rendering for the second visual object, e.g., for a given observer position relative to the objects and the determined illuminant data, as part of a digitally harmonized visualization. The system enables a digitally harmonized evaluation of the first object and the second object under standardized conditions, allowing a user to determine whether the combined appearance of the first object and the second object is acceptable or not. An input may be received in the user interface defining the digitally harmonized visualization as acceptable or unacceptable to define a tolerance range for color harmony between the first object and the second object.

[0008] A computer system is configured to compare a plurality of objects in a digitally coordinated visualization to determine color coordination between the objects, and the color data, illuminant data, and orientation data for available coatings are provided to the system. The system may be configured to define color characteristics of a printing or display device, process the first visualization and the second visualization based on the defined color characteristics, and adjust the printed or displayed appearance of the first visualization and the second visualization provided by the printing or display device.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

[0010] In order to describe the manner in which the above-mentioned and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be made by reference to specific examples thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with the understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings which are hereinafter described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system for generating the digital harmonized visualization disclosed herein. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates an example user interface for "distance" visualization of a first coated object and a second coated object. [Figure 2B]2B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 2A for "close-up" visualization of a first coated object and a second coated object. [Diagram 3] 13 illustrates another user interface for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object having different morphologies. [Figure 4A] 13 illustrates another user interface for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object under diffuse daylight. [Figure 4B] 4B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 4A for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object under pointy daylight. [Figure 4C] 4B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 4A for visualizing the first coated object and the second coated object under point-like incandescent light. [Figure 5A] 13 illustrates another user interface for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object spaced at various distances. [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 5A for visualizing separate first and second coated objects spaced at various distances. [Figure 5C] 5B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 5A for visualizing separate first and second coated objects spaced at various distances. [Figure 6A] 13 illustrates another user interface for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object, each having a spray direction of 0 degrees. [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 6A for visualizing a first coated object with a 90 degree spray direction and a second coated object with a 0 degree spray direction. [Figure 6C]6B illustrates the user interface of FIG. 6A for visualizing a first coated object with a spray direction of 180 degrees and a second coated object with a spray direction of 0 degrees. [Figure 7] 13 illustrates another user interface for visualizing a first coated object and a second coated object that includes simulated weathering of the first coated object. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a digital harmonic visualization. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a digital harmonization visualization for forming a tolerance range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Representing color accurately is difficult on digital displays. Considerable research and work has been done using various color correction techniques to adjust the colors of displays more closely to those in the physical world. Often, these technical tools are expensive, cumbersome, and / or limited.

[0013] The disclosed computer systems and methods provide unique solutions to problems in this area of ​​technology. In particular, the disclosed computer systems and methods are capable of displaying objects having various coatings, particularly coatings using effect pigments, in a manner that accurately reflects their appearance in standardized real-world conditions. While in some configurations the computer system may utilize display or printer calibration tools to create an accurate representation of color, the disclosed technology does not necessarily require proprietary color calibration tools or other expensive and tedious calibration steps.

[0014] The disclosed method and system provide significant advantages in addressing complex variations in the visual properties of coatings, such as may occur in the automotive industry, where ensuring color matching between components painted at different locations is a particular challenge. In an automotive example, a vehicle's front fender panel may be painted at a manufacturing plant in a first state, while a bumper for the same vehicle may be painted at a manufacturing plant in a second state. Even if the same coating is used at both manufacturing plants, variations in altitude, climate, air quality, weather, etc. between the states or even between manufacturing plants may reduce the reliability with which the parts "match" each other. Adding to the difficulty of ensuring color matching between bumpers and fenders is the fact that even a direct visual comparison of the resulting painted parts at one location will vary depending on the viewing conditions (e.g., lighting, relative orientation and position, surrounding colors or objects, etc.) at the time of comparison. Even if parts can be identified as not matching, whether or not they were painted with the same coating, the manufacturer is still left with the problem of where to find another bumper or fender with an acceptable match. Similar challenges exist for ensuring color matching for aftermarket parts and painting repair parts. The present method and system overcomes these challenges by providing a unique digital harmonic visualization.

[0015] The present disclosure extends to computerized systems and methods for providing digital harmony visualizations designed with a particular visual layout. The layout is designed to display multiple different objects, including color coatings, and is further designed to facilitate comparison of the objects in selected positions, orientations, and conditions. For example, the system may be used in a design setup where potential coatings (applied or used in an external coating system) are compared for color harmony when used on multiple objects with specific shapes, positions, and orientations to determine whether the selected coatings are acceptable for use together in the real world. In particular, coatings are selected with respect to color data representing typical coating physical measurements (e.g., color spectral measurements), and objects with the coatings may be rendered with respect to the color data, object orientation and position, observer orientation and position, and predetermined lighting conditions. That is, digital harmony assessment of the objects may be performed accurately. Optional peripherals, such as spectrophotometers, colorimeters, 3D scanners, etc., may be provided to the system.

[0016] 1 illustrates a color representation computer system 100 for generating a digital harmony assessment of a first physical object and a second physical object. The illustrated computer system 100 includes one or more processor(s) 140 and a computer storage medium 130. The computer storage medium 130 may include executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 140, may configure the computer system 100 to launch visual mapping software 120. The visual mapping software 120 may include a rendering engine 122, an object database 124, and a coating database 126.

[0017] As used herein, a "module" includes computer executable code and / or computer hardware that performs a particular function. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the distinction between different modules is at least partially arbitrary, and modules may be combined and divided in other ways and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure. As such, descriptions of components as "modules" are provided for clarity and explanation only, and should not be construed as indicating that any particular structure of computer executable code and / or computer hardware is required, unless specifically stated. In this description, the terms "component," "agent," "manager," "service," "engine," "virtual machine," and the like may be used as well.

[0018] The computer system 100 may be configured to display a digital harmony visualization of an object having a coating, the digital harmony visualization including a rendering of the object based on the color data of the respective coatings, the object orientation, and the illuminant data to evaluate the color harmony of the object. As used herein, "color data" may include a digital representation (including, for example, color, visual effects, texture, anisotropy, metamerism index, etc.) of a particular coating applied to a surface. The color data for a particular coating may be differentiated by spray direction, weathering, substrate (e.g., of the object), etc. The color data may include spectrophotometric data or similar measurement data. The object may have the same relative shape as a given conventional object that may be known to one of skill in the art, and as used herein, "spatial orientation data" for a given object may include a digital representation of the object in a three-dimensional coordinate system. For example, the objects may be displayed as a rendering of their actual shape (e.g., fenders and bumpers) and / or as a virtual panel, such as based on user input or selection (e.g., by measurements from a 3D scanner, or by using object data such as a CAD model). Thus, an object may include multiple three-dimensional flat and / or curved surfaces that have certain relative positions in space, morphologies, etc. Either the color data and / or the spatial orientation data may further include a digital representation of the material properties of the surfaces (e.g., plastic, metal, reflective properties, etc.).

[0019] "Light source data" may include digital representations of light sources in three-dimensional space (e.g., intensity, clarity, position, direction, etc.). Multiple light sources may include sunlight, point lights, diffuse lights, incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, LED lights, etc. of various intensities and clarity. Light source data may be used to modify color data in a given rendering (e.g., with respect to anisotropy, metamerism, brightness, color, etc.) and may include digital representations of shadows and reflected light as affected by color data and object orientation. Light source data may include color brightness and / or color temperature, e.g., a range of color brightness and / or color temperature.

[0020] As part of the digital harmonic visualization, the computer system 100 may display a digital rendering of a first coating applied to a first object and a second coating applied to a second object for a set of conditions defined by the first color data, the first spatial orientation data, the second color data, the second spatial orientation data, and the light source data. For example, Figures 2A-2B display a user interface 200 depicting a three-dimensional object 210 including a first object 220 in the shape of a stylized automobile bumper and a second object 230 in the shape of a stylized automobile body. However, it is understood that the stylized automobile is merely exemplary and that in other examples, the three-dimensional object 210 may form a house, furniture, a sign, a computer, clothing, an airplane, or any other coated object.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the first object 220 and the second object 230 include different coating materials, one being a water-soluble coating and the other being a solvent-borne coating. In another example, not shown, the first object 220 and the second object 230 may be formed of different materials, for example, the fender may be formed of metal while the bumper may be formed of a plastic material. The digital rendering described in this disclosure may thereby take into account actual differences in coating materials and / or the materials of the objects themselves. Additionally, a particular light source 240 is shown that applies lighting attributes to both the first object 220 and the second object 230 based on the location of the light source and their respective characteristics. For example, both the first object 220 and the second object 230 may be rendered with the exact same virtual lighting conditions applied to both renderings or with different virtual lighting conditions.

[0022] In some cases, the viewer may be able to individually select components that affect the coating. For example, the viewer may select water-based and solvent-based coatings, stacks of coatings (e.g., e-coat, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, monocoat, etc.), additives (e.g., aluminum flake for shine), textures from different material substrates (e.g., plastic substrates vs. metal substrates), spray directionality, etc. to create a particular object showing a potential coating. In response, the rendering engine 122 renders the object with the selected coating.

[0023] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a coating may have complex associated visual appearances. For example, the appearance of a coating may change based on the angle at which a viewer views the coating and / or the angle of a light source relative to the coating. Rendering the first object 220 and the second object 230 adjacent to one another allows a viewer to understand the effects of distance, light, and direction in unique and novel ways. For example, the color of the first object 220 may appear to blend or visually match the color of the second object 230, in some cases, simply based on viewing distance.

[0024] A typical viewer may be from a "far away" distance, as shown in FIG. 2A, where the color of the first object 220 appears to match the color of the second object 230. In contrast, a view from a "close" distance, as shown in FIG. 2B, may give the viewer a different perspective, which may allow the viewer to understand that the perceived match is influenced by the surrounding colors, or that the colors have unconsciously "blended" in the viewer's mind due to scale. Thus, by digitally rendering the first object 220 and the second object 230 in a digital match visualization, the viewer may be able to accurately evaluate the actual color match between the objects. For example, when determining whether it is acceptable to paint a bumper with a water-soluble coating if the body of an automobile is painted with a solvent-based coating, when the coating is applied to a different substrate (e.g., plastic bumper vs. metal body).

[0025] In another aspect, the digital harmony visualization provided by the user interface 300 may allow a viewer to evaluate the effect of morphology on color harmony between a first object 320 and a second object 330. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first object 320 may include a curved panel that is oriented relative to a second object 330 that includes a flat panel. In the illustrated example, the first object 320 and the second object 330 are provided with the same coating, and only the spatial orientation (i.e., shape and position) differs between the objects 320, 330. While the viewer understands that the coating is the same, the digital harmony visualization clearly conveys to the viewer how the perception of the coating changes based on the object orientation 320, 330.

[0026] This may be particularly advantageous when the first object 320 and the second object 330 are manufactured separately and then bonded together. Although it may be assumed that when the same coating is applied to both the first object 320 and the second object 330, the objects 320, 330 will be perceived as the same color when fastened together, this is not necessarily the case due to color flop and similar effects that may change the perception of the same coating depending on the relative orientation of their respective objects. By providing a digital match visualization according to the present disclosure, such drawbacks may be avoided without the need for in-person trial and error comparison of the objects, such as a match review that would be exposed to sunlight conditions or require a diffuse light booth.

[0027] Additionally, in some cases, the viewer may be able to individually manipulate the orientation or shape of the objects in the digital harmony visualization. For example, the user interface 300 may enable the viewer to rotate or otherwise move the objects relative to one another to select whether the objects are displayed as renderings of their actual form (e.g., fenders and bumpers) and / or as virtual panels, or to change the form of one or more of the objects by introducing curves or similar deformations to a given object. For example, the viewer may be able to make the first object 320 more or less curved. In response, the rendering engine 122 renders the objects in a new configuration. The resulting digital harmony visualization may provide the viewer with more information regarding the effects of shape and position on color harmony.

[0028] In another embodiment, the digital harmony visualization may be provided by a user interface 400 that displays a comparison of a first object 420 and a second object 430 under different light sources, as shown in Figures 4A-4C. Figure 4A illustrates a first object 420 and a second object 430 with different coatings in diffuse daylight. As shown, the first object 420 and the second object 430 appear substantially identical in diffuse daylight, so that even a known color harmony review may determine that the coatings are harmony in certain conditions. However, as seen in the pointy daylight of Figure 4B or the pointy incandescent light of Figure 4C, the coatings may not be acceptable to use together in all lighting conditions (e.g., in a showroom illuminated by pointy daylight or pointy incandescent light).

[0029] The viewer may be able to manipulate and / or create custom light sources. For example, the user interface 400 may include a light source selection element that allows the viewer to select the number of light sources, the type of light source (e.g., LED, neon, sunlight, diffuse, twilight, directional, ambient, etc.), the location of the light sources relative to each of the objects, the angle of incidence of the light sources relative to each of the objects, and various other variables related to lighting. When the viewer makes customizations to the light sources using the user interface 400, the rendering engine 122 may re-render all of the objects 420, 430 so that the same lighting variables are applied to each of the objects 420, 430. In this manner, each of the objects 420, 430 is rendered independently to include the same environmental attributes of each of the other objects 420, 430. Alternatively, if the viewer makes customizations to the light sources using the user interface 400, the rendering engine 122 may re-render only the selection of objects 420, 430 so that the different lighting variables are applied to the objects 420, 430. In this manner, each of the objects 420, 430 is rendered independently side-by-side to include different environmental attributes, so that the viewer can understand the effect of lighting changes on each individual object relative to the other objects.

[0030] A viewer may be able to customize the ambient conditions for running a simulation or digitally harmonized visualization according to the present disclosure. In this manner, a user may select one or more light sources from a light source type, specify the relative location of the light source or light sources, each of the objects, the viewpoint location, and the surrounding environmental characteristics. Each of the components in the visualization may be independently adjustable, and the light source or light sources, each of the objects, and the viewpoint or observer location may be freely rotated or repositioned through a user interface. In this manner, each of the components is independently rendered and re-rendered to reflect changes to each of the other components. This independent dynamic control allows a user to simulate various conditions in the digitally harmonized visualization as well as adjust the ambient conditions in the visualization. For example, ambient conditions may be selected to simulate a diffuse light booth, simulate a point light source, simulate a blend of lighting conditions or light sources, simulate the reflective effects of the surrounding environment, etc. Similarly, light sources may be positioned behind the viewpoint or observer location, on the opposite side of the object relative to the viewpoint location, etc. to further simulate possible lighting conditions.

[0031] Independent rotation and / or positioning of each of the objects, viewpoints, and light sources provides many advantages and benefits when evaluating the match between objects and / or coatings. This may be particularly evident when the coatings include different spray directions, which may result in dramatic differences in appearance when combined with viewpoint and light source positions. In the described digital match visualization, each pixel may be adjusted for the specific conditions at the time, allowing the observer to clearly and completely evaluate the color match for the objects and coatings as they appear or may appear in real-world conditions.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5A-5C, the digital harmony visualization according to the present disclosure may further be applied to evaluate the effect of distance between objects on the perceived color harmony. The user interface 500 according to Figures 5A-5C may show a first object 520 and a second object 530 having different coatings but with various distances or gaps 550 between them. Each set of objects 520, 530 is not "color correct," which is clearly perceived in a side-by-side comparison, but the tolerance for differences between the coatings of the first object 520 and the second object 530 may increase as the gap 550 or distance between the objects 520, 530 increases.

[0033] In one aspect, gap 550 may be determined by actual, real-world gaps between parts of an automobile (e.g., a ¼″ gap between the hood and fender). Thus, a viewer may accept color matching between different coatings on a first object 520 and a second object 530 separated by a predetermined distance (e.g., by a trim component between a bumper and a fender) in a predetermined direction and angle.

[0034] A digital harmonic evaluation may be performed to show the effect of various application means on the visual appearance of the coating. FIGS. 6A-6C show a user interface 600 showing a first object 620 and a second object 630. Here, the spray direction during application of the coating of the first object 620 is changed. In FIG. 6A, the spray direction of the coating applied to both the first object 620 and the second object 630 is the same and is defined at 0 degrees rotation. In FIG. 6B, the spray direction of the coating applied to the first object 620 is changed to a 90 degree rotation while the spray direction of the coating applied to the second object 630 is maintained at 0 degrees. FIG. 6C further illustrates the first object 620 and the second object 630. Here, the spray direction of the coating applied to the first object 620 is changed to a 180 degree rotation while the spray direction of the coating applied to the second object 630 is maintained at 0 degrees.

[0035] The first object 620 and the second object 630 may be compared as still images or as an animation. For example, while illustrated as a comparison of multiple still images, Figures 6A-6C may be constructed as an animation in which the first object 620 is shown with varying spray directions of the same material as in Figures 6A-6C. In this way, the viewer may gain insightful information about the effect of spray direction on color harmony in a step-by-step manner.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates another user interface 700 comparing a first object 720 to a second object 730. Here, the second object 730 includes the same first object 720 that has been subjected to simulated weathering. The simulated weathering may include variations in certain color regions (e.g., DE, DL, Da, Db changes) based on data science predictions of weathering and similar analyses. Weathering predictions may be based on a combination of time and climate characteristics or similar variables, and may be customized by age and / or geographic location. Customization of the simulated weathering may include querying a database for specific weathering conditions, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. For example, a user may select a particular geographic region and a particular era to facilitate querying of a weathering database, such that a selection of the Rocky Mountains may reflect the weathering expected from the high altitude, dry air, freezing temperatures, and exposure to other conditions (e.g., snow on roads, salt, or chemical exposure) of that region over a given era.

[0037] The viewer may be able to visualize the expected appearance of the coated object after predicted weathering effects and obtain insightful information, such as when selecting a coating for use on the object. Similarly, the viewer may be informed by a digital match evaluation including simulated weathering when selecting a coating for a new object to be added along with an older part. For example, the second object 730 may include an existing part of a vehicle (e.g., a bumper or body) that has been affected by weathering, while the first object 720 may include a newly ordered part to be added to the vehicle. In this case, the viewer may review possible coatings for the new part (second object 730) with insightful information regarding color match with the existing weathered part.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method 800 for generating a digitally coordinated visualization of a first physical object and a second physical object. The method 800 includes receiving or selecting (810) first color data for the first physical object and second color data for the second physical object, such as from the coating database 126. The color data may include data related to the identity of the color / coating used, such as the mixture forming the coating, the chemical components, the identity of the color or colorant / pigment used, the direction of spray, textures from different substrates, and / or measurement data from a coating standard. First spatial orientation data for the first physical object and second spatial orientation data for the second physical object may be received or selected (step 820). The spatial orientation data may include three-dimensional shape, size, orientation and position of the object in a coordinate space such as a virtually rendered space (e.g., CADD or similar rendering data) and may be received or selected from the object database 124 or provided as a custom model or user-defined object. Spatial orientation data may be determined with respect to an observer or viewpoint position (eg, a single observer position) from which a rendering may be prepared.

[0039] In step 830, light source data may be received or selected for use with the object's color data and spatial orientation data. The light source data may be used to modify the color data in a given rendering (e.g., with respect to anisotropy, metamerism, brightness, color, etc.) and may include digital representations of light sources in three-dimensional space (e.g., intensity, clarity, position, orientation, etc.). For example, the color data may include spectral information captured under specific lighting conditions at the pixel level, and the selected light source data may be applied to modify each pixel of a given rendering. Multiple light sources may be selected, for example, from sunlight, point lights, diffuse lights, incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, LED lights, etc. of various intensities and clarity.

[0040] Although described as separate steps, it should be noted that various examples may include iteratively receiving or selecting color data and / or spatial orientation data and / or illuminant data. Similarly, the viewer may not be limited to just one selection, and may be able to, for example, rotate, manipulate, or otherwise modify a selected color or object in the rendering, as described above.

[0041] Step 840 may include generating a first visualization for the first physical object based on the first color data, the first spatial orientation data, and the illuminant data, and generating a second visualization for the second physical object based on the second color data, the second spatial orientation data, and the illuminant data. The first visualization and the second visualization may be generated in a common virtual space or may be generated in separate virtual spaces. Similarly, the illuminant data for the first visualization and the second visualization may be the same or different illuminant data depending on the intended use.

[0042] The digital harmonized visualization including the first visualization and the second visualization may be rendered or displayed on a graphical user interface, step 850. The digital harmonized visualization may include an overlay of the first visualization and the second visualization, a side-by-side display of the first visualization and the second visualization, or the first visualization and the second visualization may be rendered together in a common virtual space.

[0043] 9 further illustrates a flow chart of a method 900 for generating a digital harmonic visualization of a first physical object and a second physical object to determine a harmonic tolerance. Similar to method 800, method 900 includes receiving or selecting (910) first color data for the first physical object and second color data for the second physical object, and receiving or selecting (920) first spatial orientation data for the first physical object and second spatial orientation data for the second physical object. In step 930, illuminant data may be received or selected for use with the object color data and spatial orientation data in determining the tolerance.

[0044] Step 940 may include generating a first visualization for the first physical object based on the first color data, the first spatial orientation data, and the illuminant data, and generating a second visualization for the second physical object based on the second color data, the second spatial orientation data, and the illuminant data. The digital harmonization visualization including the first visualization and the second visualization may be rendered or displayed on a graphical user interface (step 950). In step 960, an input may be received at the user interface defining the digital harmonization visualization as acceptable or unacceptable. For example, a viewer may review the digital harmonization visualization and accept or reject the suitability of the displayed coated objects based on their color or combined overall appearance.

[0045] In step 970, the digital harmony visualization and the input may be stored in memory to form a tolerance range, e.g., harmony tolerance range for a given color and / or a given light source and / or relative position and / or relative orientation of the described components in the visualization. In this manner, the method may facilitate the creation of a tolerance range (e.g., a standardized tolerance range for harmony) that defines acceptable combinations of coatings or colors based on responses from viewers over time. The tolerance range may be dynamically updated or established from a standardized set of digital harmony visualizations. The tolerance range may be used to provide a suggested coating, color, spray direction, or other characteristic following selection of initial color data and orientation of a first object. In this manner, the tolerance range may provide a suggested coating or color for harmony with another coating or color for an object in a given position, orientation, or lighting condition.

[0046] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specifically described features or acts or to the order of acts described. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0047] The present invention may include or utilize a special purpose or general purpose computer system including computer hardware (e.g., one or more processors and system memory, etc.), as described in more detail below. Also included within the scope of the present invention are physical and other computer readable media for carrying or storing computer executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer readable media may be any available media accessible by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer readable media that store computer executable instructions and / or data structures are computer storage media. Computer readable media that carry computer executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, at least two distinctly different kinds of computer readable media may be used in the practice of the present invention: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0048] A computer storage medium is a physical storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media includes computer hardware, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drives ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device(s) that can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functions of the present invention.

[0049] Transmission media may include networks and / or data links that can be used to carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer system over a network or another communications connection (either wired, wireless, or a combination of wired or wireless), the computer system may consider the connection a transmission medium. Combinations of the foregoing should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0050] Furthermore, upon reaching the various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures may be automatically transferred from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link may be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and eventually transferred to computer system RAM and / or less volatile computer storage media within the computer system. Thus, computer storage media should be understood to be included within computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0051] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on one or more processors, cause a general-purpose computer system, special-purpose computer system, or special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions (e.g., assembly language), or even source code.

[0052] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be practiced in a networked computing environment having many types of computer system configurations (e.g., personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, cell phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, etc.). The present invention may also be practiced in a distributed system environment, where both local and remote computer systems perform tasks that are linked over a network (either by wired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of wired and wireless data links). Thus, in a distributed system environment, a computer system may include multiple constituent computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0053] As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be implemented in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment may be distributed, but this is not required. If distributed, the cloud computing environment may be distributed internationally within an organization and / or may have components held across multiple organizations. In this description and in the claims that follow, "cloud computing" is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of "cloud computing" is not intended to be limiting of any of the many other advantages that may be gained when such a model is properly deployed.

[0054] Cloud computing models can consist of a variety of characteristics (e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, metered services, etc.). Cloud computing models may also be offered in the form of various service models (e.g., software as a service ("SaaS"), platform as a service ("PaaS"), infrastructure as a service ("IaaS"), etc.). Cloud computing models may also be deployed using a variety of deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

[0055] Some examples, such as cloud computing environments, may include a system including one or more hosts, each capable of running one or more virtual machines. In operation, the virtual machines emulate a running computing system that supports an operating system and possibly one or more other applications. In some examples, each host includes a hypervisor that emulates virtual resources to the virtual machines using physical resources that are abstracted from the virtual machines. The hypervisor also provides appropriate isolation between the virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor provides the illusion that the virtual machine is connected to and functions with physical resources, even though the virtual machine only works with the appearance of physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, etc.

[0056] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A computerized method for generating a digitally coordinated visualization of a first physical object and a second physical object for use on a computer system including one or more processors and one or more computer readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, the executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to perform the method for generating the digitally coordinated visualization, the method comprising: receiving first color data for the first physical object; receiving a first spatial orientation relative to the first physical object; receiving second color data for the second physical object; receiving a second spatial orientation relative to the second physical object; Selecting light source data; generating a first visualization for the first physical object based on the first color data, the first spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; generating a second visualization for the second physical object based on the second color data, the second spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; displaying, on a graphical user interface, a digital harmonized visualization comprising the first visualization and the second visualization.

2. the step of receiving first color data for the first physical object includes identifying the first color data for the first physical object from a coating database, the first color data including a first spray direction of a colorant material; 2. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving second color data for the second physical object includes identifying the second color data for the second physical object from the coating database, the second color data including a second spray direction of a colorant material.

3. The computerized method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first color data and the second color data each include a spray direction of a colorant material.

4. 4. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the first spatial direction and the second spatial direction are dynamically determined for a selected observer position, and the first direction and the second direction are different.

5. 5. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are determined from an object database such that the first direction and the second direction are based on relative positions of the first physical object and the second physical object in a physical assembly.

6. 6. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the digital harmonized visualization further comprises a predetermined space between the first visualization and the second visualization, the predetermined space being identified from an object database such that the predetermined space is based on an existing distance between the first physical object and the second physical object in a physical assembly.

7. 7. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving the second color data further comprises processing the first color data through a weathering analysis, the weathering analysis producing changes in predetermined color regions of the first color data to form the second color data.

8. A computerized method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first object comprises a part of a vehicle and the second object comprises an adjacent part of the vehicle.

9. 9. The computerized method of claim 8, wherein the first object comprises a bumper of a vehicle and the second object comprises an adjacent body of the vehicle.

10. The computerized method of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the spray direction of the first colour data is different from the spray direction of the second colour data.

11. The computerized method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the digital harmonized visualization comprises the first visualization overlaid on the second visualization.

12. 12. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting light source data comprises identifying or selecting the light source data from a lighting condition data library; and selecting a light source position relative to the first physical object, the second physical object, and an observer position.

13. 13. The computerized method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light source data comprises sunlight point light data, sunlight diffuse light data, incandescent light data, fluorescent light data, color brightness data, and / or color temperature data.

14. The graphical user interface may include a printing device or a display device, and the step of displaying the digital harmonization visualization includes: defining color characteristics of said printing device or said display device; processing the first visualization and the second visualization based on the defined color characteristics; and and sending the processed first visualization and the processed second visualization to the printing or display device for printing and / or displaying.

15. The method further comprises: receiving input via an interface element that defines the digital harmonization visualization as acceptable or unacceptable; Storing said digital harmonic visualization and said input in a memory to form a tolerance range.

16. 16. The computerized method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein receiving second color data for the second physical object and receiving a second spatial orientation for the second physical object are based on a proposed second coating that is within a tolerance range of the first color data for the first physical object and the first spatial orientation for the first physical object.

17. The method further comprises:

17. The computerized method of claim 1, comprising dynamically updating the digital harmonic visualization based on a change in the orientation of the first spatial direction relative to the first physical object, a change in the second spatial direction relative to the second physical object, a change in observer position, and / or a change in light source position.

18. One or more computer-readable storage media having stored thereon computer-executable instructions executable by one or more processors of a computer system, the computer-executable instructions comprising at least: receiving first color data for a first physical object; receiving a first spatial orientation relative to the first physical object; receiving second color data for a second physical object; receiving a second spatial orientation relative to the second physical object; Selecting light source data; generating a first visualization for the first physical object based on the first color data, the first spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; generating a second visualization for the second physical object based on the second color data, the second spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; and displaying a digital harmonized visualization, including the first visualization and the second visualization, on a graphical user interface.

19. 1. A computer system for performing a digital match assessment of a first physical object and a second physical object via a user interface, comprising: one or more processors; One or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to perform at least one of the following functions: receiving first color data for a first physical object; receiving a first spatial orientation relative to the first physical object; receiving second color data for a second physical object; receiving a second spatial orientation relative to the second physical object; Selecting light source data; generating a first visualization for the first physical object based on the first color data, the first spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; generating a second visualization for the second physical object based on the second color data, the second spatial orientation, and the illuminant data; displaying a digital harmonized visualization, including the first visualization and the second visualization, on a graphical user interface; and one or more computer-readable media configured to execute the steps of:

20. One or more computer-readable storage media according to claim 18 or a computer system according to claim 19, wherein the one or more computer-readable media have executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to perform a method for generating a digital harmonic visualization according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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