Method and system for predicting properties of a coating layer and a substrate comprising said coating layer

Abstract

To provide a method and a system for predicting transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics of a coated substrate.SOLUTION: Providing the digital representation D3 _ x of the coating layer CL _ x to the computer processor, providing the parameterized data-driven model to the computer processor, determining by the computer processor an indicator value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL, and optionally determining by the computer processor an indicator value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL _ x; The at least one transmission and / or reflection property of the coated substrate is optionally determined with a computer processor to provide an index value indicative of the determined dielectric constant of the coating layer CL and / or the determined at least one transmission and / or reflection property of the coated substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for predicting the properties of a coating layer, or the transmittance and / or reflection properties of a coated substrate. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to predicting the properties of a coating layer CL, or the transmission and / or reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and, optionally, at least one additional coating layer, by determining an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL. The determined index value can then be used, optionally in combination with measurements indicative of the dielectric constant of additional coating layers present on the substrate, to predict the transmission and / or reflection properties of such coated substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] To improve automotive safety, radar devices that measure distance and warn the driver if the vehicle approaches an object have become the new standard. Such radar devices can be installed in various parts of the vehicle, for example, in the radiator grille or behind the bumper. The development of autonomous vehicles will further increase the need for various radar-sensitive sensors. Future cars may be equipped with approximately 80 sensors that measure the 360-degree distance and speed of surrounding objects.

[0003] It is often desirable to conceal sensors, such as radar sensors, invisibly behind trim parts, such as the bumper of an automobile, to reduce the negative impact such sensors have on the overall visual appearance of the vehicle. Such trim parts are typically coated with pigment coating compositions (i.e., basecoat compositions) essentially identical to those used in car body paints to provide a uniform, high-quality optical appearance to the observer. Today, it is common standard for most automotive basecoat compositions to contain effect pigments, such as metallic or pearlescent pigments. These platelet-shaped pigments are oriented parallel to the coated substrate. In the case of metallic platelets, they function as tiny mirrors, thereby providing a high metallic luster and a flop effect (a change in brightness when viewed at different angles of incidence) combined with excellent hiding power. In most cases, metallic pigments are aluminum pigments, resulting in a silvery metallic coating. In the case of pearlescent pigments, interference colors are produced, and the coating exhibits optical depth.

[0004] Because the radar sensor is hidden behind the trim part, the emitted radar waves and those reflected by surrounding objects must be transmitted through the trim part. However, some of the emitted radar waves are reflected by the trim part. This reflection reduces the range of the radar sensor and reduces the performance of the angle-resolved radar sensor due to interference signals formed from the reflected radar waves. Furthermore, coating layers applied to the trim part substrate can absorb the emitted radar waves, further reducing the range of the radar sensor. In this regard, it is well known that coatings containing metallic effect pigments, such as aluminum pigments, can result in high reflection and absorption of the emitted radar waves, resulting in unacceptable attenuation of the emitted radar signal.

[0005] The radar waves used in sensors are typically in the 65-85 GHz frequency range, which corresponds to a wavelength range of approximately 4-5 mm. Although these wavelengths are much larger than the size of the effect pigment or the thickness of the coating, the observed attenuation is due to the very high electrical conductivity inside such aluminum pigments (leading to the induction of backscattered electromagnetic waves), which results in the observed attenuation of the radar waves. To ensure sufficient performance of a radar sensor mounted on the backside of a coated substrate, the attenuation effect observed by the coated substrate must be less than 3 dB, preferably less than 2 dB, of the emitted radar intensity when measured under a normal incidence angle.

[0006] To overcome this adverse effect, it is known to use a precisely defined shape of the trim parts and very precisely defined dielectric properties in combination with a paint layer containing special pigments that do not significantly attenuate the emitted radar intensity.

[0007] However, the use of special paint layers, precisely defined application processes, and precisely defined trim part geometries incurs significantly higher costs for producing such coated substrates. Furthermore, such coated substrates cannot be repaired by simply overcoating the damaged areas, as is routinely done during refinishing processes, because such an overcoat would significantly alter the optimized system of trim parts and paint layers with respect to the attenuation of the emitted radar intensity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, to avoid the use of expensive paint layers containing special effect pigments that must be applied under very specific conditions to reduce the attenuation of emitted electromagnetic radiation, such as radar intensity, it is desirable to use efficient computer-based methods and systems that can calculate the attenuation effects of coating layers, particularly base coat layers, and coated objects that include at least one coating layer, particularly at least one base coat layer, so that existing coating formulations, particularly base coat formulations, can be screened for coating suitability for trim parts mounted in front of devices that emit and detect reflected electromagnetic radiation, such as radar sensors. Such methods and systems would allow such trim parts to be repaired by common refinishing processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] definition A "data-driven model" refers to a model that is derived at least in part from data. The use of a data-driven model allows for the description of relationships that cannot be modeled using physicochemical laws. The use of a data-driven model allows for the description of relationships without solving equations from physicochemical laws. This can reduce computational power and improve speed. Data-driven models can be derived from statistics (Statistics 4th edition, David Freedman et al., WW Norton & Company Inc., 2004). Data-driven models can also be derived from machine learning (Machine Learning and Deep Learning frameworks and libraries for large-scale data mining: a survey, Artificial Intelligence Review 52, ​​77-124 (2019), Springer). The data-driven model may include an empirical model or a so-called "black-box model." An empirical model or a "black-box" model may refer to a model constructed by using one or more of machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, or other forms of artificial intelligence. An empirical model or a "black-box" model may be any model that provides a good fit between training data and test data. Alternatively, the data-driven model may include a rigorous model or a "white-box" model. A rigorous model or a "white-box" model refers to a model based on physicochemical laws. The physicochemical laws may be derived from first principles. The physicochemical laws include one or more of chemical kinetics, conservation of mass, conservation of momentum and energy, particle populations of any dimension, physical relationships, and / or chemical relationships. The rigorous model or a "white-box" model may be selected according to the physicochemical laws governing the respective problem.Data-driven models can also include hybrid models, which refer to models that include white-box and black-box models, see, for example, the review paper of Von Stoch et al., 2014, Computers & Chemical Engineering, 60, pp. 86-101.

[0010] A "digital representation" may refer to a computer-readable representation of the coating layer CL, the coated substrate, any additional coating layers CL-x present in addition to the coating layer CL, and any previous coating layers. In particular, the digital representation of the coating layer CL and the previous coating layers may be, for example, the composition of the coating material used to prepare each coating layer, data regarding at least one property of the coating material used to prepare each coating layer, data regarding at least one property of each coating layer, or any combination thereof. The digital representation of the coated substrate may be, for example, the layer thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the coating layer CL and any additional coating layers CL-x present, an index value indicating the dielectric constant of the substrate, or any combination thereof. The digital representation of the additional coating layers CL-x may be, for example, the composition of the coating material used to prepare each additional coating layer CL-x, data regarding at least one property of each coating material used to prepare each additional coating layer CL-x, data regarding at least one property of each additional coating layer CL-x, an index value indicating the dielectric constant of each additional coating layer CL-x, or any combination thereof.

[0011] "Machine learning" may refer to a computer algorithm that improves through experience, a machine learning algorithm that is built on a model based on sample data, often referred to as training data.

[0012] A "communication interface" may refer to a software and / or hardware interface for establishing communication, such as the transfer or exchange of signals or data. A software interface is, for example, what is called an application programming interface (API). A communication interface may comprise a transceiver and / or a receiver. Communication may be wired or wireless. A communication interface may be based on or support one or more communication protocols. A communication protocol may be a wireless protocol, e.g., a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth or WIFI, or a long-range communication protocol, e.g., a cellular or mobile network such as a second-generation cellular network ("2G"), 3G, 4G, Long-Term Evolution ("LTE"), or 5G. Alternatively, or additionally, a communication interface may be based on a proprietary short-range or long-range protocol. A communication interface may support any one or more standard and / or proprietary protocols.

[0013] A "computer processor" refers to any logic circuitry configured to perform the basic operations of a computer or system, and / or generally to a device configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, a processing means or computer processor may be configured to process the basic instructions that run the computer or system. By way of example, a processing means or computer processor may comprise at least one arithmetic logic unit ("ALU"), at least one floating point unit ("FPU"), such as a mathematical coprocessor or numeric coprocessor, a plurality of registers, in particular registers configured to supply operands to the ALU and store operation results, and memory, such as an L1 cache memory and an L2 cache memory. In particular, a processing means or computer processor may be a multi-core processor. In particular, a processing means or computer processor may be or comprise a central processing unit ("CPU"). The processing means or computer processor may be a complex instruction set computer ("CISC") microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computer ("RISC") microprocessor, a very long instruction word ("VLIW") microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets, or a processor implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing means may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices, such as an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field-programmable gate array ("FPGA"), a complex programmable logic device ("CPLD"), a digital signal processor ("DSP"), a network processor, or the like. The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein may be implemented as software within a DSP, microcontroller, or other side processor, or as hardware circuitry within an ASIC, CPLD, or FPGA. It should be understood that the term processing means or processor may refer to one or more processing devices, such as a distributed system of processing devices located across multiple computer systems (e.g., cloud computing), and is not limited to a single device unless otherwise specified.

[0014] "Substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one additional coating layer CL-x" refers to a substrate comprising a coating layer CL and optionally at least one additional coating layer CL-x. The coating layer CL does not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the substrate; i.e., at least one additional coating layer CL-x can be present between the substrate and the coating layer CL. Furthermore, at least one additional coating layer can be present on the coating layer CL, i.e., on the side of the coating layer CL opposite the substrate. The coating layer CL and all additional coating layers CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL are preferably cured. "Curing" a coating film is understood to mean converting such a film into a ready-to-use state, i.e., a state in which the respective coating film can be transported, stored, and used as intended for a given substrate. More specifically, the cured coating film is no longer soft or tacky and is in a solid state that does not further significantly change properties such as hardness or adhesion of the substrate even when further exposed to the curing conditions described below.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, a "substrate transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 22 to 300 GHz" refers to a substrate that exhibits a transmittance of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 22 to 300 GHz, preferably in the frequency range of 22 to 144 GHz. The transmittance % can be determined, for example, by placing the substrate between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for electromagnetic radiation, measuring the amount of the transmitted signal that is not detected by the receiver (denoted as IL in the following formula), and calculating the transmittance % according to the following formula: Transmittance%=100×10 IL / 10

[0016] "Vehicle Identification Data" means data that can be used to identify a vehicle based on such data, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), part of the VIN, the manufacturer of the vehicle, the location of the vehicle's manufacturing plant, the make, model, or year of the vehicle, the paint color code, the production sequence of the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

[0017] In the context of this invention, a "pigment coating layer" refers to a cured coating layer containing at least one pigment and / or dye. The pigment can be selected from color pigments and / or effect pigments. A "base coat layer" can refer to a cured color-imparting intermediate coating layer commonly used in automotive and general industrial coatings. The base coat material used to prepare the base coat layer can be formulated as a solid color (straight shade) or effect color coating. An "effect color coating" generally contains at least one effect pigment and optionally other color pigments or particles that impart the desired color and effect. A "straight shade" or "solid color coating" contains primarily color pigments and does not exhibit visible flop or two-tone metallic effects. A base coat layer is formed by applying a base coat material to a metal or plastic substrate that has optionally been pretreated with a filler layer, a primer surfacer layer, or a primer layer, drying the formed base coat film, and curing the dried film. A "filler layer" (primer surfacer layer) refers to an intermediate layer used to fill irregularities in the substrate, support corrosion resistance and adhesion, and protect against mechanical exposure such as stone chipping. A "primer layer" refers to the first layer of a multi-layer coating applied to a substrate and used to improve adhesion of the subsequent multi-layer coating. Furthermore, a primer layer can provide improved corrosion resistance, for example, to metal substrates. "Drying a basecoat film" refers to evaporating organic solvents and / or water present in the coating material after application, resulting in a coating film that contains less solvent than the coating material. The film is no longer free-flowing but is still soft and / or tacky, and may be only partially dried. The basecoat layer may be overcoated with a cured clearcoat layer, which protects the basecoat layer from weathering and mechanical and chemical attack. If the basecoat layer is overcoated with a clearcoat layer, the basecoat and clearcoat layers may also be co-cured after application and optional drying of the clearcoat material.

[0018] As used herein, "appearance" refers to the perception of the spectral and geometric aspects of a surface integrated with its illumination and viewing environment. Generally, appearance includes visual textures such as roughness caused by effect pigments, glitter, or other surface visual effects, particularly when viewed from various viewing angles and / or under various illumination angles.

[0019] "Data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material" may refer to data that is evident from the chemical composition of the coating material. In particular, this may be, for example, the type and amount of each component present in the coating material.

[0020] The term "computer-readable medium" may refer to 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 that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media may include physical storage media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media include computer hardware such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drives ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices 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.

[0021] A "database" may refer to a collection of related information that can be searched and retrieved. A database can be a searchable electronic numeric, alphanumeric, or text document; a searchable PDF document; a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet, or any database commonly known in the state of the art. A database can be a set of electronic documents, photographs, images, diagrams, data, or drawings residing on a computer-readable storage medium that can be searched and retrieved. A database can be a single database, a set of related databases, or a collection of unrelated databases. "Related databases" means there is at least one common information element in related databases that can be used to relate such databases.

[0022] The "adjustment tool" refers to the digital representations D1, D2 and optionally D 3-x The adjustment tool may refer to a part of a graphical user interface that allows modifying the digital representations D1, D2, and optionally D provided in step (i). 3-x At least one modulator may be provided for each.

[0023] A "client device" may refer to a computer or program that relies as part of its operation on sending requests to another program, or computer hardware or software that accesses services provided by a server, which may or may not be located on another computer.

[0024] overview To solve the above problems, we propose the following: 1. A computer-implemented method for predicting the properties of a coating layer CL or the transmission and / or reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, said method comprising the following steps: (i) via a communication interface, a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, optionally a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL; 3-x to a computer processor; (ii) via a communications interface; - Digital representation of past coating layers h , and - a previous index value indicating the dielectric constant of said coating layer; providing a data-driven model parameterized based on the (iii) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL; determining, by a computer processor, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL based on the (iv) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - Digital representation of additional coating layer CL-x 3-x ; and optionally determining by a computer processor an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of at least one further coating CL-x layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL based on (v) - an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL provided in step (iii), - optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL 3-x or optionally a digital representation D of a further coating layer for which no index value indicative of the dielectric constant was provided in step (iv). 3-x an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the at least one further coating layer CL-x provided in step (iv) in combination with - Digital representation of the coated substrate D2; and optionally determining with a computer processor at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate based on the (vi) providing, via the communication interface, an index value indicative of the determined dielectric constant of the coating layer CL and / or the determined at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate; Includes.

[0025] The proposed method significantly reduces the time required to obtain the properties of a coating layer CL, or the transmission and / or reflection properties of a coated substrate, by reducing the need to measure said properties for each coating layer or coated substrate. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used to screen existing coating formulations and multi-layer coatings according to at least one predefined criterion, for example, transmission and / or reflection attenuation at frequencies commonly used in connection with radar sensing devices in the automotive industry, thereby making it possible to select a suitable coating formulation without the extensive experimentation required to determine whether the criterion is met.

[0026] Further disclosed is 1. A computing device comprising: - communication interface; - a processing module comprising at least one computer processor; - a memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processing module, configure the system to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method of the present invention disclosed therein; 1. A computing device comprising:

[0027] Further disclosed is A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method of the present invention disclosed therein.

[0028] The present disclosure also applies to the methods, computer apparatus, computer programs, computer-readable non-transitory media, and computer program products disclosed herein. Accordingly, no distinction is made between the methods, computer apparatus, computer programs, computer-readable non-transitory media, or computer program products. All features disclosed in relation to the computer-implemented methods of the present invention are equally applicable to the computer apparatus, computer programs, computer-readable non-transitory storage media, and computer program products disclosed herein.

[0029] Also disclosed is a system comprising at least one coating layer CL and at least one index value indicative of the dielectric constant of said at least one coating layer CL, wherein said index value indicative of the dielectric constant is determined according to the method disclosed therein.

[0030] Further disclosed is the use of the computer-implemented method of the present invention for screening a coated substrate comprising a coating layer CL, or at least one coating layer CL and optionally at least one additional coating layer CL-x, according to at least one criterion. In one example, the at least one criterion is a predefined range or value of an index value indicating the dielectric constant, particularly a predefined dielectric constant range or value. In another example, the at least one criterion is a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range, as described above. This allows existing coating formulations and multilayer coatings on substrates, particularly plastic substrates, to be screened for use in combination with radar sensing devices. Thus, the use of special pigments, special substrate shapes, or defined multilayer coatings no longer requires the preparation of a coated substrate with a visually appealing appearance and suitable for use in combination with radar sensing devices.

[0031] Further disclosed is a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and at least one further coating layer CL-x, the transmission and / or reflection properties of the substrate being derived according to the computer-implemented method of the invention disclosed therein.

[0032] Further disclosed is a client device for generating a request on a server device to initiate a prediction of at least one property of a coating layer CL, or at least one transmission and / or reflection property of a substrate coated with the coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, wherein the client device generates a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, optionally a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and optionally a digital representation D3 of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x , and optionally, characteristic tolerances, to the server device.

[0033] Embodiment An embodiment of the method of the present invention: The transmission and / or reflection characteristics may be predicted at frequencies commonly used in association with radar sensing devices in the automotive industry (hereinafter referred to as radar transmission and / or reflection characteristics). A preferred radar transmission and / or reflection characteristic is radar transmission and / or reflection attenuation. Radar transmission and / or reflection characteristics may be of particular interest when the coated substrate is mounted in front of radar sensing devices commonly used in the automotive industry, as such coated substrates must meet predefined transmission and / or reflection criteria to prevent adverse effects on the performance of the radar sensing devices.

[0034] The transmission and / or reflection characteristics may be classifiers such as "good" or "bad," which may be derived from predefined thresholds, in particular predefined maximum attenuation of radar transmission and / or reflection.

[0035] In one embodiment, the substrate may be transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 22 to 300 GHz, preferably 22 to 144 GHz. Suitable substrates may include or consist of polycarbonate, a mixture of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate, elastomer-modified polypropylene, a mixture of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, a mixture of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer and polycarbonate, an acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polyamide and mixtures thereof, polyurethane, a mixture of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate and mixtures thereof. The use of such a transparent substrate can reduce adverse effects on electromagnetic radiation propagating through the substrate.

[0036] In one embodiment, the coating layer CL can be selected from a pigment coating layer, preferably a base coat layer. The use of a pigment coating layer, especially a base coat layer, provides the coated substrate with a visually appealing impression.

[0037] The substrate may be coated with exactly one coating layer, i.e., coating layer CL, or the substrate may be coated with at least two coating layers, i.e., coating layer CL and at least one additional coating layer CL-x. In one embodiment, the substrate may be coated with a multilayer coating comprising the following layers, in particular in the order given: optionally at least one primer layer PL, coating layer CL, in particular a base coat layer, optionally at least one additional base coat layer different from coating layer CL, and at least one clear coat layer CL. Such multilayer coatings are commonly used in the automotive industry to impart a high-quality and visually appealing impression to the coated substrate.

[0038] Step (i): In step (i), digital representations D1, optionally D2 and D 3-x are provided to the at least one processor via a communications interface. The digital representation in step (i) can be provided by manually entering the respective data, by importing the respective data from a computer-readable medium such as a file, a database, or the cloud, or by obtaining the respective data from a measurement device such as a spectrophotometer and providing the obtained data via the communications interface. The communications interface can comprise a display, preferably a display with a graphical user interface. The GUI can facilitate data entry, for example, by providing adjustment tools that can be used to enter the respective data or by providing buttons for data import.

[0039] In one embodiment, in step (i), a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and / or a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x is provided. 3-xThe step of providing includes providing vehicle identification data, generating digital representations D1, D2, and / or D3 based on the provided vehicle identification data, 3-x and obtaining said obtained digital representations D1, and / or D2, and / or D 3-x The vehicle identification data may be entered manually by a user, or selected from a list of available vehicle identification data, or provided by scanning a respective tag, e.g., a barcode or QR code. 3-x The step of obtaining the digital representations D1, D2, and any D in step (i) can be further defined as searching a database to retrieve the digital representations based on the input vehicle identification data. 3-x This can improve user comfort in terms of providing

[0040] In one embodiment, the step of providing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL comprises: - providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL; - optionally providing data on at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL; - optionally providing data on at least one physical property of the coating layer CL; Includes.

[0041] Providing the data in step (i) can include manual input of the data, importing the data from a computer-readable medium, or operating an adjustment tool displayed to the user via a communication interface. Data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material can include the type and amount of each pigment, particularly effect pigments, present in the coating material. Such data can be provided by importing the coating material formulation from a computer-readable medium, such as a database or computer file. Particularly preferably, the formulation is imported from at least one database connected to at least one processor via a communication interface. The data regarding at least one physical property can refer to data obtained during the determination of that property. Such physical property data of the coating material can include, for example, solids content. Such physical property data of the coating layer CL can include, for example, appearance data such as flop index data, color values, data describing the orientation of the effect pigments, preferably aluminum pigments, within the coating layer CL, data obtained during application of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL, and combinations thereof. Particularly preferably, the data regarding at least one physical property of the coating layer CL includes flop index data. It may be preferable that the data relating to at least one physical property of the coating material and the data relating to at least one physical property of the coating layer CL are provided in combination with data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material, since this can improve the accuracy of the determination of the index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL and therefore also the accuracy of the proposed method.

[0042] In one embodiment, providing a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate may include providing the thickness of the substrate, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate, the layer thickness of the coating layer CL, and, optionally, the layer thickness of each additional coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. The term "layer thickness" refers to the dry film thickness of the coating layer CL and, if present, the additional coating layer CL-x. The thickness of the substrate and the layer thickness of the coating layer CL and, optionally, the additional coating layer CL-x present in addition to the coating layer CL may be entered manually or imported from a computer-readable medium such as a file or database. Such data may also be obtained from a database via the vehicle identification number, as described above. The index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate may be determined by measurement, or a standard index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate may be used. The term "standard index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate" refers to an index value indicative of the dielectric constant representative of substrates commonly used in the respective application, such as the automotive industry.

[0043] In one embodiment, a respective digital representation D of each additional coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to coating layer CL 3-x The steps to provide are: - providing an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of any further coating layers CL-x present, or - providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the further layer CL-x and / or providing data on at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare the further layer CL-x and / or providing data on at least one physical property of the further coating layer CL-x, Includes.

[0044] Further coating layers present in addition to the coating layer CL and their respective digital representations are generally designated CL-x and D 3-xwhere x is replaced by other appropriate letters in the naming of the particular individual coating layer and digital. For example, if there is exactly one additional coating layer, such as a clear coat layer, it is designated as CL-1. The corresponding digital representation is D 3-1 If two additional coating layers are present, such as a primer layer and a clear coat layer, they are designated CL-1 and CL-2, respectively. The corresponding digital representations are D 3-1 and D 3-2 and the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL-x is expressed as: . Providing the aforementioned data in step (i) may include manually entering the data or importing the data from a computer-readable medium such as a database or a computer file. Data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material may include the types and amounts of components present in the coating material. Data regarding the properties of the coating material used to prepare the further coating layer may include, for example, the solids content of the coating material. Data regarding the further coating layer CL-x may include, for example, appearance data such as flop index data; color values; data describing the orientation of the effect pigment, preferably aluminum pigment, in the coating layer CL-x; data obtained during application of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL-x; the electrical conductivity of the coating layer CL-x, and combinations thereof. If the further coating layer CL-x does not contain any pigments known to affect the transmission and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation, a standard index value indicating the dielectric constant may be digitally represented as D 3-x The term "standard index value indicating the dielectric constant" refers to an index value indicating the dielectric constant representative for each further coating layer CL-x, such as a primer layer or a clear coat layer. If the further coating layer CL-x contains an effect pigment, such as an aluminum pigment, the digital representation D 3-xpreferably comprises at least one data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the further coating layer CL-x. In this respect, it is further preferred that data on at least one physical property of the coating material and of the coating layer CL-x is provided in combination with data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material, since this may improve the accuracy of the determination of the index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL-x and thus also the accuracy of the proposed method.

[0045] Step (ii): In step (ii), a digital representation of the previous coating layer D h and a data-driven model parameterized based on past index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer. The data-driven model provides a relationship between the index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant and the properties of the coating layer, and is configured to provide a digital representation D of the past coating layer. h , and a previous index value indicating the dielectric constant of the coating layer. The properties of the coating layer may be chemical properties and / or physical properties. The chemical properties may include the types and amounts of components present in the coating material used to prepare the coating layer. The physical properties may include data regarding at least one physical property of the coating layer as well as data regarding at least one physical property of the coating layer. In particular, the digital representation D h includes formulations of coating materials used to prepare previous coating layers, physical property data of the coating materials such as solids content, and physical property data of the coating materials such as flop index data, color values, data describing the orientation of effect pigments, preferably aluminum pigments, within the previous coating layers, data obtained during application of the coating materials used to prepare previous coating layers, and combinations thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the data-driven model may be a rigorous model, an empirical model, or a combination thereof, and is preferably a rigorous model. A rigorous model can be developed by determining the relationship between index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant and data regarding the properties of past coating materials and coating layers prepared from those materials. An empirical model can be developed by using an artificial intelligence model, such as those described below, to determine these relationships. The model is based on a digital representation D of the past coating layer. h , and past index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer.

[0047] Step (iii): In step (iii) of the proposed method, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL is determined based on a data-driven model and a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL. In one embodiment, the data-driven model provides a relationship between at least one descriptor D and the index value indicative of the dielectric constant. In a preferred embodiment, the relationship is a linear relationship. In another embodiment, the relationship is a nonlinear relationship, such as a polynomial relationship. The descriptor D describes the influence of the amount and type of pigment, preferably effect pigment, related to the solids content of the coating material on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant. The descriptor D can further describe the influence of additional components other than pigments present in the coating material and / or the influence of the properties of the coating layer CL or additional coating layers CL-x on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant. The properties of the coating layers CL and CL-x can include chemical and / or physical properties, such as appearance, e.g., flop index, color value, orientation of effect pigments within the respective coating layer, data obtained during application of the coating materials used to prepare the respective coating layers, conductivity, and combinations thereof. Taking into account the influence of further components other than the pigment and / or the influence of the properties of the coating layer CL or further coating layers CL-x on the index value indicating the dielectric constant can improve the accuracy of the relationship and therefore provide a better prediction of at least one transmission and / or reflection property of the coated substrate.

[0048] Descriptor D is the pigment content descriptor D PIG , and optionally a component descriptor D R and / or characteristic descriptor D PROP , In one example, the descriptor D is calculated from D PIG and D R and / or D. PROP By multiplying with D PIG and D R and / or D. PROP In another example, the descriptor D is calculated from D PIG and D R and / or D. PROP By adding PIG and D R and / or D.PROP It is calculated from

[0049] Pigment Content Descriptor D PIG is expressed by formula (I)

number

[0050] If the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL comprises an aluminum pigment in combination with a further pigment known not to significantly affect the transmission and / or reflection properties of the coated substrate, the pigment descriptor D PIG is expressed by the formula (Ia)

number

[0051] Pigment weighting factor W PIG describes the influence of each pigment on an index value indicative of the dielectric constant and can be derived, for example, from the BET surface area of ​​the pigment and / or from the particle size of the pigment. This coefficient can be derived by determining an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of a coating layer and correlating this index value with the properties of the pigment present in the coating material used to prepare this coating layer.

[0052] Component Descriptor D R is expressed by the formula (II)

number

[0053] Component weighting coefficient W R represents the influence of each component (except for pigments) present in the coating material on the index value indicating the dielectric constant. If a polymer is present in the coating material, the factor can be derived from the index value indicating the dielectric constant of the polymer. The index value indicating the dielectric constant of the polymer can be derived, for example, from the structure of the polymer. For this purpose, crystallinity and / or the presence of functional groups can be taken into account.

[0054] Characteristic Descriptor D PROP is expressed by the formula (III)

number

[0055] Feature weighting coefficient W PROPrepresents the influence of each characteristic of the coating layer on an index value indicating the dielectric constant. This coefficient can be derived by determining an index value indicating the dielectric constant of the coating layer and correlating this index value with each characteristic. Characteristics that may be considered include appearance, such as flop index or sparkle intensity, color data, such as color space data, the orientation of effect pigments in the coating layer CL, or the type of application of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL. An example of color space data is L * a * b * where L * represents the luminous intensity, and a * represents a red / green appearance, and b * represents a yellow / blue appearance. Another example of color space data is L * , C * , h, where L * represents lightness, and C * represents saturation and h represents hue.

[0056] Optional step (iv): In an optional step (iv), a metric value indicative of the dielectric constant of the at least one further coating layer CL-x is calculated using a data-driven model and a digital representation D of the coating layer. 3-x The dielectric constant of the coating layer CL-x can be determined based on the following equation. If two or more further coating layers CL-x are present, optional step (iv) may be performed for each further coating layer CL-x present. In another example, optional step (iv) may be performed for a portion of all further coating layers CL-x present. Optional step (iv) is preferably performed for further coating layers CL-x that contain pigments and / or further components known in the state of the art to have a significant influence on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant. This improves the accuracy of the proposed method, since the use of standard index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant may not fully take into account the presence of such pigments and / or further components. Step (iv) is preferably performed for each digital representation D1 instead of D2. 3-xThis is carried out as described above in relation to step (iii), by using

[0057] In one embodiment, the index value indicating the dielectric constant can be selected from the relative dielectric constant εr.

[0058] Optional step (v): In optional step (v) of the proposed method, at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coating layer CL or the coated substrate is determined based on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL provided as above and the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate. Step (v) can be performed according to various alternatives, which are listed below in a non-limiting manner.

[0059] According to a first alternative, at least one transmission and / or reflection property of the coating layer CL is determined based on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant provided in step (iii) and the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate. This allows screening of various coating formulations with regard to meeting specific requirements, such as the required transmission and / or reflection properties of the resulting coating layer CL. For this purpose, the same reference substrate, i.e., the same dielectric constant of the substrate, is used during the determination of the transmission and / or reflection properties of each coating layer CL.

[0060] According to a second alternative, at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of a coated substrate comprising at least two coating layers, namely a coating layer CL and at least one further coating layer CL-x, is determined based on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant provided in step (iii), the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of each further coating layer CL-x. The index value indicative of the dielectric constant of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate can be obtained in a number of ways.

[0061] In one example, the index value indicative of the permittivity is calculated from the respective digital representation D provided in step (i). 3-x This can be done if index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constants of all the further coating layers CL-x have been determined in advance by experiment, or if a standard index value indicative of the dielectric constant can be used, and the index value is obtained for each respective provided digital representation D 3-x It is preferable if it is included in

[0062] In another example, the index value indicative of the dielectric constant determined in step (iv) is used in step (v) for all further coating layers CL-x. This option is available when the provided digital representation D 3-x can be used if none of the above contains the index value indicating the dielectric constant required in step (v).

[0063] In yet another example, the index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant determined in step (iv) are used for some of the further coating layers CL-x, while the index values ​​are used for the remaining further coating layers CL-x in the respective provided digital representations D 3-x This may be useful if index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant have been experimentally determined for only a portion of the further coating layers CL-x, or if standard index values ​​have been used for said portion and the index values ​​are unknown and therefore need to be determined in step (iv) for the remaining further coating layers CL-x.

[0064] In one embodiment of optional step (v), at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate can be selected from (i) a transmission spectrum, (ii) attenuation in transmission, preferably unidirectional and / or bidirectional attenuation in transmission, (iii) a reflection spectrum, (iv) attenuation in reflection, and (v) a combination thereof. In one example, the transmission spectrum and reflection spectrum can each be calculated using the transfer matrix method. This method is well known in the state of the art and is based on the fact that, according to Maxwell's equations, there is a simple continuity condition for the electric field across the boundary from one medium to the next. If the electric field at the beginning of a layer is known, the electric field at the end of the layer can be derived by simple matrix operations. The layer stack can then be represented as a system matrix, which is the product of the individual layer matrices. The final step of the method involves converting the system matrix into reflection and transmission coefficients.

[0065] The transmission and reflection spectra can be calculated over a frequency range commonly used in conjunction with the coated substrate. Because the frequency range can be freely selected, the proposed method can be universally applied to all coated substrates used in conjunction with devices that emit and detect reflected electromagnetic radiation. If the coated substrate is used in conjunction with a radar sensing device in the automotive field, a frequency range of 15 to 300 GHz can be used. In one example, the transmission and reflection spectra can therefore be calculated over a frequency range of 15 to 300 GHz, preferably a frequency range of 15 to 150 GHz, and very preferably a frequency range of 15 to 40 GHz, and / or a frequency range of 60 to 90 GHz, and / or a frequency range of 125 to 155 GHz. Attenuation in transmission, preferably unidirectional and / or bidirectional attenuation in transmission, and attenuation in reflection can be obtained from the transmission and reflection spectra at frequencies of 24 GHz, 76.5 GHz, and / or 137 GHz, respectively.

[0066] Step (vi): In step (vi), an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL determined as described above and / or at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic determined as described above is provided via a communication interface. Providing the index value or at least one characteristic may include displaying the index value or at least one characteristic to a user via a display. The display may be equipped with a GUI to enhance user comfort. The determined index value or characteristic may be transferred to a computer-readable medium, such as a database, for storage. The determined index value or characteristic may be provided to a computer processor for use in further steps executed on the processor. This is particularly preferred when the proposed method includes optional step (v) or further steps as described below.

[0067] Further steps: In one aspect, the proposed method comprises the following steps: (vii) optionally determining whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is within at least one predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (viii) optionally providing, via the communications interface, the results of the determination performed in step (vii); (ix) optionally providing, via the communication interface, a recommendation as to whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is outside a predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (x) digital representation D1, and / or digital representation D2, and / or digital representation D provided in step (i); 3-x optimizing at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) by modifying the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) until a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance is reached; (xi) via a communication interface, the optimized digital representation D1, and / or the digital representation D2, and / or the digital representation D 3-x and providing an optimized at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate; It may further include:

[0068] Optional step (vii) can include comparing the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) with at least one predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range. The tolerance range can be a numerical value or a numerical range and can be manually defined by a user prior to performing step (vii) or stored in a computer-readable medium such as a database. In one example, the predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range can describe values ​​of attenuation in transmission and / or reflection that must not be exceeded to provide acceptable performance of a radar sensing device attached to the backside of the coated substrate. The comparison can be manual or automatic. A manual comparison can be performed by a human and can include comparing the characteristic provided in step (vi) with a tolerance range known to the user. The automatic comparison may be performed by at least one processor and may be initiated by a user after at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic is provided to the user via a communications interface, or may be initiated automatically after at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate has been determined, for example by automatically providing said characteristic to at least one processor via a communications interface and performing the comparison.

[0069] In optional step (viii), the result of the determination performed in optional step (vii) may be provided via a communications interface. This may be preferred if the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is automatically compared with a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range. The result of the determination may be displayed to a user via the communications interface. In another example, the result of the determination may be provided via the communications interface to at least one processor or a computer-readable medium, such as a database. This may be preferred if a recommendation is provided as to whether the at least one characteristic provided in step (vi) is outside a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range.

[0070] In optional step (ix), if at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is outside a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range, a recommendation may be provided via the communication interface. The recommendation may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a database. In one example, at least one processor can access the database containing the recommendations and obtain the respective recommendation based on the result of the determination in step (vii) provided to the processor via the communication interface. The obtained recommendation may then be displayed to a user via a communication interface having a display, particularly a display including a GUI. An example recommendation may be "Radar requirements are not met. Modify the thickness of the substrate and / or the layer thickness of at least one coating layer present on the substrate." Another example recommendation may be "Radar requirements are not met. Modify the coating composition."

[0071] In step (x), at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is compared with the digital representation D1 and / or the digital representation D2 and / or the digital representation D3 provided in step (i). 3-xis optimized by modifying the radii of the light reflected from the surface of the glass until a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance is reached.

[0072] In one example, the digital representation D1 and / or the digital representation D2 and / or the digital representation D 3-x Modifying the digital representations D1, D2 and any D may include manipulating at least one adjustment tool of a plurality of adjustment tools displayed on a communication interface having a display with a graphical user interface, each of the adjustment tools being associated with a particular digital representation D1, D2 and any D provided in step (i). 3-x The digital representation D1 and / or the digital representation D2 and / or the digital representation D 3-x can be displayed via an adjustment tool by setting a regulator to a position corresponding to said digital representation. Modifications can then be performed by a user moving at least one regulator of the at least one adjustment tool, for example via a computer mouse or a finger (if the display includes a touch screen). In addition to displaying the at least one adjustment tool, a numerical value may be displayed for each digital representation provided in step (i). This numerical value can be automatically updated as the regulator is moved, providing the user with interactive guidance in the optimization process.

[0073] The digital representations D1 and / or D 3-x The modification of the digital representations D1 and / or D2 and / or D 3-x Digital representation that is different from D 1m and / or D. 2m and / or D. 3-xm and providing the provided digital representation D 1m and / or D. 2m and / or D. 3-xmand optionally automatically moving an adjustment tool displayed on a communication interface having a display with a graphical user interface in response to the modified digital representation D. 1m and / or D. 2m and / or D. 3-xm may be provided by importing the digital representation from a computer-readable medium, such as a database. After providing the modified digital representation, the user may further manipulate the updated adjustment tool as described above.

[0074] In another example, the digital representation D1, and / or the digital representation D2, and / or the digital representation D 3-x The modification of the digital representation D of the past coating layer with respect to at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic is 1h and D 3h-x , and / or a digital representation of the previously coated substrate D 2h The method may include performing a search in at least one database including: a) a database of a digital representation of a person having a physical address; b) a database of a person having a physical address; c) a database of a person having a physical address; d) a database of a person having a physical address; e) a database of a person having a physical address; f) a database of a person having a physical address; g) a database of a person having a physical address; i) a database of a person having a physical address; g) a database of a person having a physical address; f ...

[0075] In yet another example, the digital representations D1 and / or D 3-x The modification of the digital representation D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) 3-xm A digital representation D having acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xmThis is particularly preferred when the coating layer CL and / or the further coating layer(s) CL-x are used to give the substrate a particular visual impression, for example a particular color and / or appearance, for example when the coating layer CL and any at least one further coating layer CL-x are used as base coat layers.

[0076] In one example, a digital representation D having acceptable color deviations 1m and / or D. 3-xm obtaining the digital representation D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) to determine a proposed coating formulation and associated proposed color values ​​and to define differential color values; 3-x and calculating the difference between the color values ​​of the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) and the proposed color values. 3-x The method may include inputting the color values ​​and difference color values ​​of the proposed color solution into an artificial intelligence model and utilizing the artificial intelligence model to determine whether the proposed color solution is acceptable. The color values ​​may include color space values, reflectance values, or other suitable color attributes. An example of a color space value is L * a * b * is defined by L * represents the luminous intensity, and a * represents the red / green appearance, and b * represents a yellow / blue appearance. Another example of a color space value is L * , C * , defined by h, and L * represents lightness, and C * represents saturation and h represents hue. Digital representation D1 and / or D 3-x , and the color values ​​of the proposed coating formulations may be obtained using a multi-angle or spherical color measurement device, a spectrophotometer, a digital camera, or other suitable device.

[0077] The step of determining the proposed coating formulation and associated proposed color values ​​may be performed using the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i). 3-xFor this purpose, the digital representations D1 and / or D2 are used to search for a proposed color solution from a database based on the color values ​​of the digital representations D1 and / or D2. 3-x The color values ​​may be provided, for example, via a communications interface comprising a display with a GUI, by a user entering the color values ​​or by importing the color values ​​from a computer-readable medium such as a file or database.

[0078] The digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) 3-x The difference between the color value of the proposed color and the color value of the proposed color is calculated using a computer to define a difference color value. The difference color value is usually calculated using a computer to define a difference color value. * , ΔC * , Δh * or ΔL * , Δa * , Δb * The calculations to determine the difference color values ​​may be accomplished using any suitable mathematical calculations known in the art.

[0079] The differential color values ​​are then input into an artificial intelligence model, which focuses and assists the artificial intelligence model in determining the most accurate acceptability rating for the proposed coating formulation.

[0080] This embodiment may further comprise the step of training an artificial intelligence model to determine acceptability. The method of training an artificial intelligence model comprises: 3-x and differential color values ​​of the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) may be input to an input layer of a neural network. 3-xThe input color values ​​and the coating formula associated with the input differential color values ​​are also input to the artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model now has all the necessary information to generate a numerical output indicating the acceptability of the proposed coating formula. Weighting coefficients for the color values ​​are used to determine the acceptability of the numerical output. Training the artificial intelligence model can include comparing the output to a known acceptability of the proposed color solution. For this purpose, the numerical output is input to a comparator. The known acceptability of the proposed coating formula is first converted to a known numerical output, and then the known acceptability is also input to the comparator. The known acceptability is a predetermined, known acceptability rating for the proposed coating formula that was input to the artificial intelligence model. The comparator compares the output of the artificial intelligence model to the known acceptability of the proposed coating formula and generates an error value. If the artificial intelligence model is fully trained and operating properly, the error value will be negligible and no further action will be taken. However, if the artificial intelligence model is still training, the error value will be relatively large. The error value is compared to an error limit to determine the error variance. If the error value exceeds the error limit, then an error feedback is provided to the artificial intelligence model corresponding to the error variation, and the weighting coefficient is adjusted according to the error feedback. Typically, this training procedure is initiated for hundreds or even thousands of different inputs to properly train the artificial intelligence model.

[0081] The artificial intelligence model can be embodied as a neural network. More specifically, the artificial intelligence model can be a backpropagation neural network in which feedback is provided from the output to the neural network. Neural network technology is one member of a group of techniques under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is generally associated with logical rule-based expert systems, in which the rule hierarchy used is reasoned from human knowledge. In contrast, neural networks are self-learning based on experience gained through data accumulation and computation. A neural network can include an input layer and an output layer. The input layer has input nodes, and the output layer has output nodes. Each output node corresponds to an input node. Between the input and output layers, there are one or more hidden layers, each of which has one or more hidden nodes corresponding to a pair of input and output nodes. Each input variable is associated with an input node, and each output variable is associated with an output node. More specifically, a node receives input, processes this input, and provides an output. The processing step includes summing the inputs, adding a bias value, and sending this summed input to an activation function that limits the magnitude of the output. The connections between various nodes are weighted. The output sent from one node to another is multiplied by a weighting factor associated with the relationship between those two particular nodes. The weighting factor represents knowledge of the system and is preferably adjusted during training by providing feedback from the output to the input layer. Suitable neural networks are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 7,536,231 B2.

[0082] The output of an artificial intelligence model, particularly a neural network output, indicating the acceptability of a proposed coating formulation can be converted into any desired format. For example, the output can be converted into a numeric variable indicating the acceptability of the output. The numeric variable can be a single continuous variable that can take any value between two endpoints. An example is a set of real numbers between 0 and 1. As a further example, the numeric variable can take into account the inherent uncertainty of the data, e.g., color measurement data, and the output of the neural network. An example is a range from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating no uncertainty in the result. The output can also be converted into a descriptive output indicating the acceptability of the output. In particular, the descriptive output can include an acceptable / moderately acceptable / unacceptable format, a tolerance factor format, or any other suitable format. The output can be provided to a user via a communication interface including a display with a GUI.

[0083] This example is based on the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i). 3-x A digital representation D with acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm via the communication interface. In particular, the modified coating formulation may be provided on a display having a GUI.

[0084] If the proposed coating formulation is determined to be out of tolerance, one or more additional steps may occur, such as determining and sending a diagnostic or error type message to the user to assist them in correcting the inputs provided in step (i) or (x), and then repeating step (x) described above.

[0085] In another example, the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) 3-xm A digital representation D having acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xmobtaining color values ​​of the cured coating layer by modifying a formulation of a coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL and / or the coating layer CL-x; preparing a modified coating material; applying and curing the modified coating material; obtaining color values ​​of the cured coating layer; and converting the color values ​​into digital representations D1 and / or D2. 3-x and determining whether the color values ​​are within a predefined tolerance range from the color values ​​of the coating material. Modification of the coating material formula can be performed by operating at least one adjustment tool or by performing a search in a database as described above. If the resulting color values ​​are outside a predefined threshold range, such as ΔE > 1, the coating formula is adapted, for example, by changing the pigment concentrations to meet the predefined threshold. Each digital representation is then modified to correspond to the adapted coating formula, and the transmission and / or reflection characteristics are calculated as described above to ensure that the predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance ranges are met for the adapted coating formula. If the predefined tolerance ranges are not met, the process is repeated.

[0086] In step (xi), at least one optimized transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate is provided. This may include automatically updating the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) in response to optimizing the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic in step (x). Providing the optimized transmission and / or reflection characteristic may include displaying the characteristic on a display including a GUI. This is particularly true when step (x) is performed by operating at least one adjustment tool or by downloading at least one modified digital representation D1, and / or D2, and / or D3 from a computer-readable medium. 3-x , which may allow interactive guidance for the user.

[0087] The proposed method further comprises at least steps (x) and (xi) providing digital representations D1, D2 and optionally D 3-x to optimize the transmission and / or reflection characteristics, in particular the attenuation in radar transmission and / or reflection, until a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance is reached. 3-x , in particular the chemical composition, is provided in step (i) by the digital representation D1, any D 3-x , can be checked for acceptable color tolerances, whereby the digital representations D1 and optionally D 3-x This allows for the selection of a coating material that provides the same visual appearance as the original but has transmission and / or reflection characteristics that fall within a predefined tolerance range. This is particularly useful when the selected coating material does not meet a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance and needs to be matched without visually affecting the resulting color. This is further particularly useful when a coating material needs to be selected that can be used to repair a trim part that includes a multi-layer coating having a defect site without resulting in an unacceptable visual appearance and unacceptable radar intensity attenuation in the multi-layer coating formed after the repair process.

[0088] Embodiments of the device of the present invention: In one embodiment, the computing device can further include at least one measurement device connected to the processing module via a communications interface. Suitable measurement devices can include multi-angle or spherical color measurement devices, spectrophotometers, digital cameras, and / or devices for determining data related to coating material properties. This allows the respective data to be provided directly to the processing module, thereby reducing the amount of input required from the user.

[0089] In one embodiment, the computing device may further comprise at least one database DB1 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, said database DB1 storing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and / or a digital representation D1 of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x , and / or vehicle identification data, which allows for easy selection of required data based on vehicle identification and reduces error-prone manual entry. If the vehicle identification number is scanned from the tag, the system may further include at least one reader, such as a barcode reader or a QR code reader.

[0090] In one aspect, the communication interface may comprise a display, in particular a display having a graphical user interface, in particular a display having a graphical user interface including at least one adjustment tool, which allows interactive user guidance during data entry and may also display a predicted index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL or a predicted transmission and / or reflection spectrum of the coated substrate.

[0091] In one embodiment, the computing device may further comprise at least one database DB2 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, said database DB2 storing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL associated with at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic, and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and / or a digital representation D3 of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x It may be preferable if step (x) of the proposed method is performed by carrying out a search in at least one database containing the aforementioned data.

[0092] In one embodiment, the computing device may further comprise at least one database DB3 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, said database DB3 containing coating formulations and associated color values, which means that step (x) of the proposed method is carried out by using the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i). 3-x A digital representation D having acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm It may be preferable if this is implemented by obtaining

[0093] In one embodiment, the computing device may further include at least one database DB4 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, the database DB4 including the data-driven model, which may be preferred when the data-driven model is a rigorous model.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, the processing module may comprise at least one artificial intelligence module, which means that step (x) of the proposed method is carried out by processing the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i). 3-x A digital representation D having acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm It may be preferable if this is done by obtaining:

[0095] An embodiment of the client device of the present invention: In one aspect of the client device of the present invention, the server device corresponds to the device of the present invention described above.

[0096] Further embodiments or aspects are described in the following numbered paragraphs: 1. A computer-implemented method for predicting the properties of a coating layer CL or the transmission and / or reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, said method comprising the following steps: (i) via a communication interface, a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, optionally a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL; 3-x to a computer processor; (ii) via a communications interface; - Digital representation of past coating layers h , and - a previous index value indicating the dielectric constant of said coating layer; providing a data-driven model parameterized based on the (iii) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL; determining, by a computer processor, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL based on the (iv) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - Digital representation of additional coating layer CL-x 3-x ; optionally determining, by a computer processor, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of at least one further coating CL-x layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL based on (v) - an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL provided in step (iii), - optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL 3-x or optionally a digital representation D of a further coating layer for which no index value indicative of the dielectric constant was provided in step (iv). 3-x an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the at least one further coating layer CL-x provided in step (iv) in combination with - Digital representation of the coated substrate D2; and optionally determining with a computer processor at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate based on the (vi) providing via the communication interface the determined index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL and / or the determined at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate; A method comprising:

[0097] 2. The method according to item 1, wherein the substrate is transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 22 to 300 GHz, preferably 22 to 144 GHz.

[0098] 3. The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the substrate comprises or consists of polycarbonate, a mixture of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate, elastomer-modified polypropylene, a mixture of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, a mixture of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer and polycarbonate, an acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polyamide and mixtures thereof, polyurethane, a mixture of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

[0099] 4. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the coating layer CL is selected from a pigmented coating layer, preferably a base coat layer.

[0100] 5. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the substrate is coated with a multilayer coating comprising the following layers, particularly in the order mentioned: optionally at least one primer layer PL, a coating layer CL, in particular a coating layer CL that is a base coat layer, optionally at least one further base coat layer different from the coating layer CL, and at least one clear coat layer CL.

[0101] 6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface comprises a display, preferably a display having a graphical user interface.

[0102] 7. In step (i), a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL, and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and / or a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x 3-x providing the vehicle identification data; generating digital representations D1, D2, and / or D3 based on the provided vehicle identification data; 3-x and obtaining said obtained digital representations D1, and / or D2, and / or D 3-x Item 11. The method of any one of the preceding items, comprising providing

[0103] 8. Digital Representation D1 and / or D2 and / or D 3-x Item 8. The method of item 7, wherein obtaining the digital representation is further defined as searching a database for the digital representation based on input vehicle identification data.

[0104] 9. Providing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL: - providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL; - optionally providing data on at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL; - optionally providing data on at least one physical property of the coating layer CL; Item 11. The method of any one of the preceding items, comprising:

[0105] 10. The method according to paragraph 9, wherein the data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material includes the type and amount of each pigment, in particular effect pigments, present in the coating material.

[0106] 11. The method according to paragraph 9 or 10, wherein providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material comprises importing the formulation of said coating material from a computer-readable medium, in particular from at least one database.

[0107] 12. The method according to any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein the data relating to at least one physical property of the coating material is selected from the solids content of the coating material.

[0108] 13. The method of any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein the data relating to at least one physical property of the coating layer CL is selected from (i) appearance data such as flop index data; (ii) color values; (iii) data describing the orientation of effect pigments, preferably aluminum pigments, in the coating layer CL; (iv) data obtained during application of the coating material; and (v) combinations thereof, preferably flop index data.

[0109] 14. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein providing a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate comprises providing a thickness of the substrate, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate, a layer of the coating layer CL, and optionally a layer of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL.

[0110] 15. A digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x The steps to provide are: - providing an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of any further coating layers CL-x present, or - providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the further layer CL-x and / or providing data on at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare the further layer CL-x and / or providing data on at least one physical property of the further coating layer CL-x, Item 11. The method of any one of the preceding items, comprising:

[0111] 16. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the data-driven model is an exact model, an empirical model, or a combination thereof, preferably an exact model.

[0112] 17. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the data-driven model provides a relationship, in particular a linear relationship, between at least one descriptor D and the index value indicative of the dielectric constant, said descriptor D describing the influence of the amount and type of pigment, preferably effect pigment, on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant in relation to the solids content of the coating material, and optionally the influence of further components of the coating material and / or the influence of properties of the coating layer CL or further coating layer CL-x on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant.

[0113] 18. Descriptor D is the pigment content descriptor D PIG , and optionally a component descriptor D R , and / or characteristic descriptor D PROP , the method of claim 17,

[0114] 19. Pigment Content Descriptor D PIG is expressed by formula (I)

number

[0115] 20. Component Descriptor D R is expressed by the formula (II)

number

[0116] 21. Characteristic Descriptor D PROP is expressed by the formula (III)

number

[0117] 22. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the index value indicating the dielectric constant is selected from the relative dielectric constant εr.

[0118] 23. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one transmission and / or reflection property of the coated substrate is selected from (i) transmission spectrum, (ii) attenuation in transmission, preferably unidirectional and / or bidirectional attenuation in transmission, (iii) reflection spectrum, (iv) attenuation in reflection, and (v) combinations thereof.

[0119] 24. The method of paragraph 23, wherein the transmission spectrum and the reflection spectrum are each calculated using the transfer matrix method.

[0120] 25. The method according to paragraph 23 or 24, wherein the transmission spectrum and the reflection spectrum are calculated in the frequency range of 15 to 300 GHz, preferably in the frequency range of 15 to 150 GHz, very preferably in the frequency range of 15 to 40 GHz, and / or in the frequency range of 60 to 90 GHz, and / or in the frequency range of 125 to 155 GHz, respectively.

[0121] 26. The method according to any one of paragraphs 23 to 25, wherein the attenuation in transmission, preferably the unidirectional and / or bidirectional attenuation in transmission, and the attenuation in reflection are calculated at a frequency of 24 GHz, and / or a frequency of 76.5 GHz, and / or a frequency of 137 GHz, respectively.

[0122] 27. A method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the step of providing an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL and / or the determined at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic comprises displaying the determined index value or at least one characteristic on a display, and / or storing the determined index value or at least one characteristic in a computer-readable medium, and / or providing the determined index value or at least one characteristic to a computer processor.

[0123] 28. Follow these steps: (vii) optionally determining whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is within at least one predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (viii) optionally providing, via the communications interface, the results of the determination performed in step (vii); (ix) optionally providing, via the communication interface, a recommendation as to whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is outside a predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (x) digital representation D1, and / or digital representation D2, and / or digital representation D provided in step (i);3-x optimizing at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) by modifying the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) until a predefined transmission and / or reflection tolerance is reached; (xi) via a communication interface, the optimized digital representation D1, and / or the digital representation D2, and / or the digital representation D 3-x and providing at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the optimized coated substrate; Item 11. The method of any one of the preceding items, further comprising:

[0124] 29. Digital representation D1 and / or digital representation D2 and / or digital representation D in step (x) 3-x The modification of step (i) includes manipulating at least one adjustment tool of a plurality of adjustment tools displayed on a communication interface having a display with a graphical user interface, each of the adjustment tools being adapted to the particular digital representations D1, D2 and any D provided in step (i). 3-x Item 29. The method according to item 28, corresponding to

[0125] 30. Digital representation D1 and / or D2 and / or D in step (x) 3-x Modifying the digital representations D1 and / or D2 and / or D 3-x Digital representation that is different from D 1m and / or D. 2m and / or D. 3-xm and providing the provided digital representation D 1m and / or D. 2m and / or D. 3-xm 30. The method of claim 28 or 29, comprising, in response to the command, optionally automatically moving an adjustment tool displayed on a communication interface comprising a display having a graphical user interface.

[0126] 31. In step (x), digital representation D1, and / or digital representation D2, and / or digital representation D 3-x modifying the digital representation D of the past coating layer with respect to at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic; 1h and D 3h-x , and / or a digital representation of the previously coated substrate D 2h 29. The method of claim 28, comprising conducting a search in at least one database comprising:

[0127] 32. Digital representation D1 and / or D in step (x) 3-x Modifying the digital representation D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) 3-xm A digital representation D with acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm 29. The method of claim 28, comprising obtaining

[0128] 33. Digital representation with acceptable color deviation D 1m and / or D. 3-xm obtaining the digital representation D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) to determine a proposed coating formulation and associated proposed color values ​​and to define differential color values; 3-x and calculating the difference between the color values ​​of the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) and the proposed color values. 3-x Item 33. The method of item 32, comprising inputting the color values ​​and the difference color values ​​into an artificial intelligence model, and utilizing the artificial intelligence model to determine whether the proposed coating formulation is acceptable.

[0129] 34. The step of determining the proposed coating formulation and associated proposed color values ​​may be performed using the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i). 3-x 34. The method of claim 33, further defined as searching a database for suggested color solutions based on the color values ​​of

[0130] 35. The method of claim 33 or 34, further comprising training an artificial intelligence model to determine acceptability.

[0131] 36. The method of clause 35, wherein training the artificial intelligence model includes comparing the output with known acceptability of the proposed color solution.

[0132] 37. The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein the artificial intelligence model is a neural network from the output, and further comprising providing feedback from the output to the neural network.

[0133] 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the neural network includes an input layer and an output layer, and further includes providing feedback from the output to the input layer.

[0134] 39. Transmitting the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in step (i) via a communication interface. 3-x A digital representation D with acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm 39. The method of any one of paragraphs 33 to 38, further comprising providing:

[0135] 40. The method of any one of paragraphs 28 to 39, wherein providing at least one optimized transmission and / or reflection property of the coated substrate in step (xi) comprises automatically updating the at least one transmission and / or reflection property provided in step (vi) in response to optimizing the at least one transmission and / or reflection property in step (x).

[0136] 41. - communication interface; - a processing module including at least one computer processor; - a memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processing module, configure the system to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 40; 1. A computing device comprising:

[0137] 42. The computing device of clause 41, further comprising at least one measurement device connected to the processing module via a communications interface.

[0138] 43. The method further comprises at least one database DB1 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, said database DB1 storing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate and / or a digital representation D3 of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x 43. The computing device of claim 41 or 42, comprising:

[0139] 44. A computing device according to any one of clauses 41 to 43, wherein the communication interface comprises a display, in particular a display having a graphical user interface, in particular a display having a graphical user interface including at least one adjustment tool.

[0140] 45. The method further comprises at least one database DB2 connected to the processing module via a communication interface, said database DB2 storing a digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL associated with at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic, and / or a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and / or a digital representation D3 of each further coating layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. 3-x 45. A computing device according to any one of clauses 41 to 44, comprising:

[0141] 46. ​​The computing device of any one of clauses 41 to 45, further comprising at least one database DB3 connected to the processing module via a communications interface, said database DB3 containing coating formulations and associated color values.

[0142] 47. The computing device of any one of clauses 41 to 46, further comprising at least one database DB4 connected to the processing module via a communications interface, said database DB3 containing a data-driven model.

[0143] 48. The computing device of any one of clauses 41 to 47, wherein the processing module comprises at least one artificial intelligence module.

[0144] 49. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps according to any one of clauses 1 to 40.

[0145] 50. - at least one coating layer CL; - at least one index value representative of the dielectric constant of said at least one coating layer CL, said index value representative of the dielectric constant being determined according to any one of the methods of paragraphs 1 to 40; A system including:

[0146] 51. Use of the method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 40 for screening a coating layer CL or a coated substrate comprising at least one coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x according to at least one criterion.

[0147] 52. A substrate coated with a coating layer CL and at least one further coating layer CL-x, the transmission and / or reflection properties of which are derived according to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 40.

[0148] 53. A client device in a server device for generating a request to initiate a prediction of at least one property of a coating layer CL or at least one transmission and / or reflection property of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, said client device receiving a digital representation D1 of said coating layer CL, optionally a digital representation D2 of said coated substrate, and optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on said substrate in addition to said coating layer CL. 3-x , and optionally a tolerance range, to the server device.

[0149] 54. The client device of clause 53, wherein the server device is a device according to any one of clauses 41 to 48. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0150] These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. To readily identify the discussion of any particular element or operation, the most significant digit(s) of a reference number will refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for predicting the transmission and reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a computer device according to the present invention; [Figure 4]FIG. 1 illustrates a client-server configuration of the proposed method. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an input screen on which data has been partially input. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an output screen showing the adjustment tool, where data is input and the output screen displays transmission and reflection spectra, transmission and reflection attenuation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0151] Detailed Description of the Drawings The detailed description set forth below is intended to describe various aspects of the present subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present subject matter may be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

[0152] 1 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a computer-implemented method for predicting the transmission and reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x. In this example, the coating layer CL is a base coat layer comprising aluminum effect pigments, and the substrate further comprises a clear coat layer.

[0153] In block 102, the routine 100 provides a digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL and a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate to at least one computer processor via a communications interface. In this example, a digital representation D1 of the clear coat layer present in addition to the base coat layer is provided. 3-1is provided to at least one processor via a communications interface, although this step is generally optional. In this example, providing a digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL includes providing the following data: the amount of aluminum pigment in the coating material used to prepare the base coat layer CL (in weight percent based on the total weight of the coating material), the solids content of the coating material used to prepare the base coat layer CL, and the flop index of the base coat layer CL. In this example, providing a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate includes providing the following data: the dielectric constant εr of the standard substrate, the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the base coat layer CL, and the layer thickness of the clear coat layer CL-1. In another example, providing a dielectric constant εr of the substrate that has been used or will be used in combination with the base coat layer CL. In this example, providing a digital representation D2 of the clear coat layer CL-1 includes providing the following data: the dielectric constant εr of the standard substrate, the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the base coat layer CL, and the layer thickness of the clear coat layer CL-1. 3-1 Providing a digital representation of the clear coat layer D may include providing a standard clear coat layer permittivity εr. According to the present invention, the permittivity εr of a specific substrate or a specific clear coat layer may be provided. Alternatively, a digital representation of the clear coat layer D may be provided. 3-1 may contain similar data rather than the digital representation D1, which may be preferable if the clear coat layer contains pigments known to affect the dielectric constant ε of the clear coat layer.

[0154] At block 104, the routine 100 transmits a digital representation D of the past basecoat layer to at least one computer processor via a communications interface. h , and a past index value εr of the dielectric constant of the base coat layer. In this example, a digital representation D of the past base coat layer is provided. h includes the formulation, e.g., the components and component amounts of the coating materials used to prepare the past base coat layer, the solids content and solids density, as well as the flop index, film thickness, and conductivity of the past base coat layer. In this example, the data-driven model is a digital representation D of the past base coat layer. hand the respective dielectric constants εr, providing a linear relationship between at least one descriptor D and the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer. The descriptor D is, in this example, the pigment content descriptor D according to formula (I): PIG It is calculated from

number

[0155] In block 106, the routine 100 determines, in at least one computer processor, the dielectric constant ε of the base coat layer CL based on the data-driven model provided in block 104 and the digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL provided in block 102. To this end, a descriptor D is determined from the digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL, as previously described, and is used in the data-driven model to obtain the dielectric constant ε of the base coat layer CL.

[0156] In block 108, the routine 100, using at least one computer processor, calculates the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer CL determined in block 106, in digital representation D. 3-1 and the dielectric constant εr of the standard substrate, the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the base coat layer CL, and the layer thickness of the clear coat layer CL-1 provided via the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, the transmission spectrum and reflection spectrum, and the attenuation in transmission and reflection of the coated substrate are determined.

[0157] In block 110, the routine 100 provides, via the communication interface, the transmission and reflection spectra and transmission and reflection attenuations determined in block 108.

[0158] 2 shows a further non-limiting embodiment of a computer-implemented method for predicting transmission and reflection characteristics of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and, optionally, at least one additional coating layer CL-x. In this embodiment, at least one digital representation provided in block 202 is modified until predefined transmission and reflection tolerances are met. In this example, the coating layer CL is a basecoat layer containing aluminum effect pigments. The steps performed in blocks 202 to 210 correspond to the steps performed in blocks 102 to 110 described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0159] In block 202, the routine 200 transmits to at least one computer processor via a communications interface a digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL, a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and a digital representation D3 of any clear coat layer present in addition to the base coat layer, as described in connection with block 102 of FIG. 1 . 3-1 to provide.

[0160] In block 204, the routine 200 transmits a digital representation D of the past basecoat layer to at least one computer processor via a communications interface, as described in connection with block 104 of FIG. 1. h and providing a data-driven model parameterized with historical index values ​​of the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer.

[0161] In block 206, the routine 200, in at least one computer processor, determines the dielectric constant ε of the base coat layer CL based on the data-driven model provided in block 204 and the digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL provided in block 202, as described in connection with block 106 of FIG. 1.

[0162] In block 208, the routine 200, with at least one computer processor, calculates the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer CL determined in block 206, the digital representation D 3-1 and the dielectric constant εr of the standard substrate, the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the base coat layer CL, and the layer thickness of the clear coat layer CL-1 provided via the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, the transmission spectrum and reflection spectrum, and the attenuation in transmission and reflection of the coated substrate are determined.

[0163] In block 210, the routine 200 provides, via the communication interface, the transmission and reflection spectra and attenuation in transmission and reflection determined in block 208.

[0164] In block 212, the routine 200 determines whether the attenuation in transmission and reflection provided in block 210 is within a predefined tolerance range of attenuation in transmission and reflection. In this example, this is determined by comparing the attenuation in transmission and reflection provided by the user to a predefined tolerance range. The predefined tolerance range may be, for example, a maximum attenuation in transmission of -2 dB. In another example, the comparison may be performed automatically by the routine 200 on at least one computer processor. In this case, the predefined tolerance range may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a database, and accessed by the computer processor to perform the comparison.

[0165] At block 214, the routine 200 continues to measure the digital representation D1 and / or digital representation D2 and / or digital representation D3 provided at block 202 until a predefined tolerance of attenuation in transmission and reflection is reached. 3-1In this example, the digital representation D2 of the coated substrate is modified by manipulating a virtual adjustment tool that includes different regulators for the thickness of the substrate and the layer thicknesses of the base coat layer CL and the clear coat layer CL-1. To this end, the regulator that displays the current thickness of the substrate is moved by the user clicking on the regulator and moving it until the attenuation in transmission falls below the tolerance or threshold given in block 212. In another example, the digital representation D1 and / or D 3-x This can be done by manipulating a virtual adjustment tool, by searching a database, or by using the digital representations D1 and / or D2 provided in block 202. 3-x A modified digital representation D having acceptable color deviations from 1m and / or D. 3-xm This may be done by obtaining

[0166] At block 216, the routine 200 transmits the optimized digital representation D via the communications interface. 1m and / or digital representation D 2m and / or digital representation D 3-xm , and provides optimized at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic. The communication interface may comprise a display including a GUI. In this example, the optimized substrate thickness and optimized attenuation in transmission and reflection are provided to a user via the communication interface comprising a display. In another embodiment, the optimized digital representation D 1m and / or D. 3-xm and the optimized at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic is provided via the communication interface.

[0167] FIG. 3 illustrates an example computing device 300, which includes: The computer processor 306 and the communication interfaces 308, 310, 312, when executed by the processor, perform the following steps: - via the communications interface to the computer processor, a digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL, a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate, and a digital representation D of a further clear coat layer CL-1 present on the substrate in addition to the base coat layer CL; 3-1 providing a - A digital representation of the past coating layer is sent to a computer processor via a communication interface. h and providing a parameterized data-driven model based on past index values ​​indicative of the dielectric constant ε of the past coating layer; - determining, in the computer processor, the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer CL based on the data-driven model provided in step and the digital representation D1 of the base coat layer CL; - determining, with a computer processor, transmission and reflection characteristics of the coated substrate based on the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer CL, the standard dielectric constant εr of the clear coat layer CL-1, and a digital representation D2 of the coated substrate; - providing the determined transmission and reflection characteristics of the coated substrate via a communication interface; and a memory 316 that stores instructions that configure the apparatus to perform the steps of:

[0168] In this example, the computer device further comprises an input / output device 304. In this example, the data-driven model is stored in a database 302. The database 302 is connected to the computer processor via a communication interface 308. In this example, the input / output device 304 stores digital representations D1 and D2 of the coating layers CL and CL-1. 3-1to the computer processor 306 via the communication interface 310. In this example, the digital representation D1 is provided in the form of the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare the base coat layer CL, the solids content of the coating material, and the flop index of the base coat layer CL. In this example, the digital representation D2 is provided in the form of the εr of the standard substrate, the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the base coat layer CL, and the layer thickness of the clear coat layer CL-1. The data-driven model is provided to the computer processor 306 via the communication interface 308. The computer processor 306 determines the transmission and reflection properties. In this example, the transmission and reflection properties are provided to the input / output device 304 via the communication interface 312. In another example, the transmission and reflection properties may be provided to the database 302 via the communication interface 308.

[0169] Turning to FIG. 4, an internet-based system for predicting at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and, optionally, at least one additional coating layer CL-x is shown. System 400 includes a server 402 accessible by one or more clients 406.1-406.n via a network 404, such as the Internet. Preferably, the server is an HTTP server and is accessed via conventional internet web-based technology. Clients 406 are computer terminals accessible by users and may be customized devices such as data entry kiosks or general-purpose devices such as personal computers. A printer 408 may be connected to client terminal 406. Internet-based systems are particularly useful when services are provided to customers or in large enterprises. Clients receive digital representations D1, D2, and optionally D3. 3-x to the server's computer processor.

[0170] 5 shows a graphical user interface 500 that is displayed to a user at the start of a method, such as at the start of routines 100 or 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. This graphical user interface 500 can be displayed on any device, such as a portable or fixed device, that has a display. In this example, the GUI is displayed on a computer display. The graphical user interface 500 includes a number of adjustment tools 502, 504 and buttons 506, 508 for inputting various data that can be used to predict the transmission and / or reflection properties of a coated substrate, and a number of areas 510, 512, 518 for displaying the predicted transmission and / or reflection properties of the coated substrate.

[0171] In this example, various adjustment tools 502, 504, each having various regulators that can be moved with a computer mouse or a finger (if the display is equipped with a touchscreen), are displayed on the GUI 500 to provide data regarding the coated substrate and coating layer CL. To increase user guidance during use of the adjustment tools 502, 504, values ​​corresponding to the actual position of the regulators are displayed on each regulator and are automatically updated as the user moves the regulator. The values ​​displayed on the adjustment tools 502, 504 are placeholders and need to be adjusted by the user as needed. In another example, buttons for importing data from a file or data entry fields can be used instead of or in combination with the adjustment tool 502. In this example, a portion of the digital representation D2 is provided by using the adjustment tool 502. In this example, a fixed dielectric constant εr of a standard substrate is used and cannot be provided via the adjustment tool 502. In another example, the dielectric constant εr can be input by a user by modifying the respective regulator using the adjustment tool 502. In this example, the adjustment tool 504 can be used to provide data regarding the coating material formulation and the properties of the resulting coating layer CL. In this example, coating layer CL is a basecoat layer. In another embodiment, GUI 500 can include multiple adjustment tools 504, such as 504.1-504.n, that can provide data regarding the formulation of coating materials and the properties of the resulting coating layer CL-x. The data provided by adjustment tools 504.1-504.n can be used to generate digital representations D 3-x This may be preferable, for example, if two different base coat layers are used and the dielectric constant ε of each base coat layer needs to be determined from the provided data.

[0172] In this example, area 506 comprises three different buttons that the user can press to switch between different modes of inputting data for adjustment tool 504. In "recipe mode" (i.e., when the button "recipe" is activated), the user can perform the following actions: - automatically set the values ​​of the aluminum content, solids content and flop index by importing the formulation of the coating material used to prepare the coating layer CL and further property data (i.e. the solids content of the coating material and the flop index of the coating layer CL) by clicking on the button "Choose file" in area 508. After importing the recipe, the regulators will automatically move to the values ​​of the imported data. The regulator "Al [%]" will be fixed after importing the recipe (i.e. the amount cannot be adjusted using this regulator), while the regulators of the solids content and the flop index can be moved if necessary even after importing the recipe, or - The values ​​for aluminum content or solid content or flop index are set automatically by data import as described above, and the remaining values ​​are adjusted by moving the respective regulators.

[0173] The dielectric constant εr of the coating layer CL is determined in the "recipe mode" based on the entered data, and the regulator "eps calculation" moves automatically to display the determined value.

[0174] In "Dielectric Constant Mode" (i.e. when the button "Dielectric Constant" in area 506 is activated), the user can only input the desired dielectric constant εr of the coating layer CL by moving the regulator "Calculate eps" in area 504; the other regulators in this area are blocked and the transmission and reflection characteristics are predicted solely based on the entered dielectric constant.

[0175] In "free mode" (i.e., when the button "free" in area 506 is activated), the user can move all adjustment tools displayed in area 504 and enter their respective values. If no recipe has been imported, only the aluminum content, solid content, and flop index values ​​shown in adjustment tools 504 are used to predict the transmission and reflection properties, even if a dielectric constant has been entered. The user can also import a recipe as described above, but in "free mode," the aluminum content can still be adjusted by the user after the recipe has been imported.

[0176] In this example, areas 508 and 510 contain the transmission and reflection spectra of the coated substrate in the frequency range of 60-90 GHz. The data displayed in areas 510 and 512 are placeholders and will automatically adjust once the user starts entering data in areas 502 and / or 504. In area 514, the user can select whether the graphs displayed in areas 510 and 512 have a fixed frequency and transmission range (button "Fixed Scale"), or whether the displayed graphs have a transmission range that is automatically scaled for user comfort (button "Auto Scale"). In this example, the button "Fixed Scale" is activated, so the graphs displayed in areas 510 and 512 have a fixed frequency and transmission range.

[0177] In this example, area 518 contains the transmission and reflection attenuation at a frequency of 76.5 GHz and the radar return obtained from the transmission and reflection spectra in areas 510 and 512. The data displayed in this area is placeholder data and is updated automatically when the user starts entering data in areas 502 and / or 504. In area 516, the user can choose whether to display the transmission and reflection attenuation and radar return (tab "Simple"), or whether to use the values ​​to calculate the descriptor D or to display more information such as the type of effect pigment present in the highest amount (tab "Advanced"). In this example, the tab "Simple" is active.

[0178] 6 shows a graphical user interface 600 that is displayed to a user after a recipe has been uploaded. This graphical user interface 600 may be displayed on any suitable portable or fixed device having a display. The graphical user interface 600 includes a number of adjustment tools 602, 604 that display the provided data, and a number of areas 610, 612, 618 that display the predicted transmission and / or reflection properties of the coated substrate based on the provided data.

[0179] In this example, the thicknesses of the substrate, basecoat layer, and clearcoat layer are adjusted by moving the regulators of adjustment tool 602 to their respective positions.

[0180] In this example, the recipe is uploaded by clicking the button "Select File" in area 608, and the regulator "Al [%]" in the adjustment tool 604 is moved to the amount described in the imported recipe. Based on this amount, the dielectric constant εr of the base coat layer CL is determined, and the regulator "eps calculation" in the adjustment tool 604 is automatically moved to display the determined value of 15.55.

[0181] 5 are updated based on the data entered via adjustment tools 602 and 604 and displayed in areas 610 and 612, respectively. Additionally, the placeholders "Transmission and Reflection Attenuation at 76.5 GHz" and "Radar Reflection at 76.5 GHz" are also updated and the updated values ​​are displayed in area 618.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for predicting the properties of a coating layer CL or the transmission and / or reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, said method comprising the following steps: (i) via a communication interface, a digital representation D of said coating layer CL; １ , optionally a digital representation D of the coated substrate ２ and optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL. ３－ｘ to a computer processor; (ii) via said communication interface, - Digital representation of previous coating layers D ｈ , and - a previous index value indicating the dielectric constant of said coating layer; providing the parameterized data-driven model to the computer processor; (iii) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - a digital representation D of said coating layer CL １ ; determining, by the computer processor, an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the coating layer CL based on the above; (iv) - the data-driven model provided in step (ii), and - a digital representation D of said further coating layer CL-x ３－ｘ ; optionally determining by the computer processor an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of at least one further coating CL-x layer present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL based on (v) an index value indicating the dielectric constant of said coating layer CL provided in step (iii), - said digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x optionally present on said substrate in addition to said coating layer CL ３－ｘ or a digital representation D of a further coating layer CL-x for which no index value indicative of said dielectric constant was provided in step (iv). ３－ｘ an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of said at least one further coating layer CL-x provided in step (iv), optionally in combination with - the digital representation D of the coated substrate ２ ; and optionally determining with the computer processor at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of the coated substrate based on (vi) providing via said communication interface the determined index value indicative of the dielectric constant of said coating layer CL and / or the determined at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of said coated substrate; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said coating layer CL is selected from pigmented coating layers, preferably base coat layers.

3. In step (i), a digital representation D of said coating layer CL is １ and / or a digital representation D of the coated substrate. ２ , and / or a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x ３－ｘ providing vehicle identification data; and generating the digital representation D based on the provided vehicle identification data. １ , and / or D ２ , and / or D ３－ｘ and obtaining said obtained digital representation D １ , and / or D ２ , and / or D ３－ｘ 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising providing:

4. A digital representation D of said coating layer CL １ Providing: - providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare said coating layer CL; optionally providing data relating to at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare said coating layer CL; optionally providing data relating to at least one physical property of said coating layer CL; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. A digital representation D of the coated substrate ２ The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein providing the index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the substrate comprises providing the thickness of the substrate, the layer thickness of the coating layer CL, and optionally the layer thickness of each further coating layer CL-x that is present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL.

6. the respective digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to the coating layer CL; ３－ｘ The steps to provide this are: providing an index value indicative of the dielectric constant of the further coating layer CL-x present, or providing data derived from the chemical composition of the coating material used to prepare said further layer CL-x and / or providing data relating to at least one physical property of the coating material used to prepare said further layer CL-x and / or providing data relating to at least one physical property of said further coating layer CL-x, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data-driven model is an exact model, an empirical model or a combination thereof, preferably an exact model.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data-driven model provides a relationship, in particular a linear relationship, between at least one descriptor D and an index value indicative of the dielectric constant, wherein the descriptor D describes the influence of the amount and type of pigment, preferably effect pigment, in relation to the solids content of the coating material on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant, and optionally the influence of further components of the coating material and / or the influence of properties of the coating layer CL or the further coating layer CL-x on the index value indicative of the dielectric constant.

9. The descriptor D is a pigment content descriptor D ＰＩＧ , and optionally a component descriptor D Ｒ and / or characteristic descriptor D ＰＲＯＰ 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the .times. ...

10. Steps below: (vii) optionally determining whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is within at least one predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (viii) optionally providing, via the communications interface, the results of the determination performed in step (vii); (ix) optionally providing a recommendation via the communication interface as to whether the at least one transmission characteristic and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) is outside a predefined transmission tolerance range and / or reflection tolerance range; (x) the digital representation D provided in step (i) １ , and / or said digital representation D ２ , and / or said digital representation D ３－ｘ optimizing the at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic provided in step (vi) by modifying the predetermined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range until the predetermined transmission and / or reflection tolerance range is reached; (xi) transmitting the optimized digital representation D via the communication interface. １ , and / or the digital representation D ２ , and / or the digital representation D ３－ｘ and providing said optimized at least one transmission and / or reflection characteristic of said coated substrate; The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. - a communication interface; a processing module including at least one computer processor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processing module, configure the system to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; 1. A computing device comprising:

12. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for screening a coated substrate comprising a coating layer CL, or at least one coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, according to at least one criterion.

14. A substrate coated with a coating layer CL and at least one further coating layer CL-x, the transmission and / or reflection properties of which are derived according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. a client device in a server device for generating a request to initiate a prediction of at least one property of a coating layer CL or at least one transmission and / or reflection property of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer CL-x, said client device receiving a digital representation D of said coating layer CL; １ , optionally a digital representation D of the coated substrate ２ , optionally a digital representation D of each further coating layer CL-x present on the substrate in addition to said coating layer CL ３－ｘ and optionally a client device configured to provide a tolerance to the server device.

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