Coating dispensing apparatus and coating composition

Abstract

A computer implementation method (and an apparatus implementing the method) may include receiving a set of coating variables, including (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) application variables provided by one or more end users for coating. The method may also include, based on the received coating variables, identifying (i) a subset of reagents including at least a polymer reagent, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio of said reagents. Furthermore, the method may include, based on the received coating variables, identifying a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in the subset of reagents. The method may also include determining the volume of reagents to be dispensed, the volume of which depends on the received coating variables. The method may also include, after confirmation, dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent in the determined volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This disclosure claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 507,323, filed Jun. 9, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] 1. Field This disclosure relates to devices, computer - implemented methods, and systems for providing coating reagents for final applications.

[0003] 2. Background Coating manufacturers generally provide coatings as a certain pre - set volume of a mixed reagent that is ready to be applied immediately. For example, a coating manufacturer may provide several sets of pre - mixed coatings in sealed containers to a retail store, where the end - user has to apply the coating or manually add another reagent such as a hardener and then apply the coating to a given object. In some cases, the user can then save the remaining unused volume for later use, but some mixtures may begin to degrade immediately if not applied quickly and thus need to be discarded after the project is completed. In an industrial environment, coating manufacturers may similarly provide mixed or unmixed coatings, and industrial users may use various equipment to properly mix toner and base before applying the coating. Generally, most conventional coatings in the form of a base coat or color layer can be pre - mixed and stored later without great difficulty. On the other hand, the vast number and variety of possible colors, shades, and finishes can create inventory problems in maintaining appropriate levels of coating reagents, toner, or other additives.

[0004] In addition to the difficulties mentioned above, a wide variety of coating products are available to satisfy diverse needs in a refinishing body shop, leading to significant variability in the complexity of the mixtures and, consequently, variability in the success of the results. This selection and mixing process can be particularly challenging for less skilled workers. A broader range of coating reagents must be kept in stock to accommodate different preferences and mixing capabilities. While these inventory issues can be challenging for both large and small application environments, they can be particularly serious for smaller body shops, which may have fewer resources to manage coating inventory and are therefore far more susceptible to wasted costs.

[0005] Therefore, there are several challenges in this field that can be addressed. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] This disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer program products that enable robust inventory management and supply of all types of coatings, including clear coats. For example, this disclosure includes a dispenser device that can prepare coating reagents over a nearly infinite range of expected properties to be applicable to a given type of coating, and can do so with relatively limited available stock. Upon receiving various parameters for a particular application, the dispenser can dispense a customized set of components to the end user. The end user then receives the customized reagents from the dispenser, either mixed or unmixed, and can use the provided reagents as intended with high confidence in the resulting finish, while minimizing waste.

[0007] For example, a computer implementation method (and a corresponding dispensing device for implementing it) may include receiving a set of coating variables by a computing system, the set of coating variables may include (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) coating application variables provided by one or more end users for applying the coating to an object. The method may also include, based on the received coating variables, the computing system identifying (i) a subset of reagents including at least a polymer reagent for applying the coating to an object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio of each identified reagent in the subset. Furthermore, the method may include, based on one or more received coating variables, the computing system identifying a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in the subset of reagents. Furthermore, the method may include determining the volume of a subset of reagents to be dispensed by a computing system, the volume depending on received environmental data relating to the paint application area and application variables provided by one or more end users, and, upon receiving user confirmation, dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent of the subset in the determined volume through a dispenser device.

[0008] Additional features and advantages are shown in the following description and may be partially evident from the description or acquired through practice. These features and advantages may be realized and acquired by means and combinations specifically indicated in the appended claims. These and other features may be more fully evident from the following description and the appended claims or acquired through practice in the embodiments shown below.

[0009] To describe the manner in which the above-listed and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more specific description of the subject matter briefly described above is made by reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. With the understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and should therefore not be considered limiting, embodiments will be described and explained in more specific and detail using the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a system for dispensing customized coating reagents for use with the coating application apparatus described herein is shown. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 shows a schematic sequence of the dispensing apparatus dispensing customized coating reagents for use in coating application. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 shows a schematic sequence of the dispensing apparatus dispensing customized coating reagents for use in coating application. [Figure 2C] Figure 1 shows a schematic sequence of the dispensing apparatus dispensing customized coating reagents for use in coating application. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2A-2C show other schematic diagrams of the dispensing machine used to dispense components for coating application. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows a decision tree used to determine and supply one or more applicable coating reagents. [Figure 5] This document describes additional or alternative computer implementation methods for determining and dispensing coating reagents according to environment variables and user preferences. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer program products that enable robust inventory management and supply of all types of coatings, including clear coats. For example, this disclosure includes a dispenser device that can prepare coating reagents over a nearly infinite range of expected properties to be applicable to a given type of coating, and can do so with relatively limited available stock. Upon receiving various parameters for a particular application, the dispenser can dispense a customized set of components to the end user. The end user then receives the customized reagents from the dispenser, either mixed or unmixed, and can use the provided reagents as intended with high confidence in the resulting finish, while minimizing waste.

[0012] In particular, as will be more fully understood herein from the following specification and claims, this disclosure provides one or more solutions that enable the appropriate tuning for localized coating environments and the satisfaction of different tuning preferences for a given end user, without overwhelming concerns about inventory and other resources. This can be achieved, at least in part, through highly tuning coating reagents that are supplied in an essentially on-demand format and have a wide range of available attributes in the finished product.

[0013] For example, a coating system such as a clear coat may contain several different types of resin / polymer reagents having good stability. The resin reagent may contain one or more unique resins, along with additives such as ultraviolet absorbers (UVA) and / or hindered amine light stabilizers (HAL) and solvents, such that the viscosity reaches approximately 500 centipoise (cP). Some unique resins may include a wide range of resins with different polymer properties, including differences in Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. A dispensing device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can select the most appropriate resin / polymer reagent for a given situation and provide the resin reagent in customized volumes / amounts and mixtures as required for given operating conditions.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure may include providing a wide range of additional reagents for use with polymer reagents, for example, crosslinking agent reagents in the case of coatings in the form of clear coats, through a dispenser (110). The crosslinking agent reagent may contain a unique type of crosslinking agent together with a solvent to achieve a viscosity of about 500 cP, or similarly, other desired attributes of coating or finishing. Several unique crosslinking agents may be used to cover a wide range of crosslinking agent properties, including Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. The dispenser (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can provide the crosslinking agent reagent in various volumes and mixing ratios together with any other additives. The dispenser (e.g., 110), which will be discussed in more detail herein, can hold physical containers of various types of crosslinking agent reagents and dispense the required corresponding amounts of crosslinking agent.

[0015] Furthermore, this disclosure can provide several catalyst reagents and the use of different types thereof. Each catalyst reagent may then comprise a solution further comprising one or more catalysts, catalyst modulators, inhibitors, and solvents. The catalyst concentration in the reagent may range from 1% to 100%. Furthermore, this disclosure can also provide several reducer reagents and several different types thereof. Each reducer reagent may similarly comprise one or more solvents having physical properties within a specific range, such as relative evaporation rate and Hansen solubility parameters.

[0016] As described above, the dispensing device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can store various catalyst reagents or reducer reagents in various physical containers, which may include sealed containers of different volumes that the dispenser accesses to dispense a specific amount to the end user. In other words, the dispensing device (e.g., 110), which will be discussed in more detail herein, can hold physical containers of catalyst reagents or reducer reagents and provide them in the relevant amounts required. The dispensing device 110 and the corresponding system 100 (including the computing system 170) can manage each of these different reagents to eliminate guesswork or other errors through systems and processes that enable the provision of the appropriate reagent in the correct amount. This ensures that the user always uses the right product in the right amount, thereby maximizing productivity while minimizing waste.

[0017] Firstly, for the purpose of understanding aspects of this disclosure, it will be understood that in this specification, the articles "a" or "an" may include "one or more." That is, this disclosure may be presented in terms such as "a" feature, "an" element, etc., but one or more of these or other mentioned elements may be used in accordance with this disclosure. Furthermore, where used herein, the terms "executable module," "executable component," "component," "module," or "engine" may refer to a hardware processing unit or a software object, routine, or method that may run on computer system 100. Various components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processors (for example, as separate threads) that run on computer system 100.

[0018] Generally, “modules” and “components” are understood as abstractions of generalized processing components that can be used in at least one implementation of the Disclosure, which may be more or less than those illustrated and described, and which may be suitable for specific server and cloud operating environments. As used herein, “module” means computer executable code that, when executed by one or more processors of a given computer system (e.g., computer system 170), causes a given computer system to perform a particular function. “Component,” on the other hand, means a passive set of instructions, or data structures, or records that store, manage, and / or otherwise provide information handled through a given module. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the distinction between different modules or components is at least partially arbitrary, and that modules or components may otherwise be combined, separated, and still remain within the scope of the Disclosure. Thus, the descriptions of a component as a “module” or “component” are provided for clarity and descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating that any particular structure of computer executable code and / or computer hardware is required unless expressly stated otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “component,” “agent,” “manager,” “service,” “engine,” and “virtual machine” may also be used interchangeably.

[0019] Now, looking at the drawings, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present disclosure for dispensing or otherwise supplying coating reagents for use in a coating application apparatus, according to user requirements. For example, Figure 1 shows that the system 100 comprises a dispenser (or dispensing device) 110 having a main body or frame 102, a user interface 120 (provided via a computing system 170), and a supply section 130. Figure 1 also shows that the dispensing device 110 can communicate over a network 105 via a network component 104 such as an illustrated wireless connection interface.

[0020] However, the network component 104 can be additionally or alternatively configured for hardwired network communication with the environmental monitoring device 113, which can then be equipped with one or more sensors 107. In one example, one or more sensors 107 are located on or inside the dispensing device 110, which can then also be located within the coating application area 160, or in close proximity to the coating application area 160. Furthermore, it will be understood that the illustrated one or more sensors 107 may include several different sensors for monitoring the physical environment of the coating application area 160, such as humidity sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors. Furthermore, the environmental monitoring device 113 can be configured as a standalone unit for use in the coating application area 160, or as an accessory to the spray applicator 150, or otherwise included with one or more other computing elements used in the coating application area 160. In yet another embodiment, the dispensing device 110 may be located in a geographically separate location from the coating application area 160.

[0021] In the coating application area 160, a spray applicator 150 (for example, robotic or operated by a human user) can apply or mix a given set of coating reagents to a given object, such as the illustrated vehicle 140. It will be understood that the illustrated vehicle 140 is just one type of object that can be coated or painted in the coating application area 160. The coating applicator may spray onto other types of objects or parts thereof, for example, body panels, original parts, replacement parts, etc., as needed. Other objects may include boats, bicycles, industrial equipment, commercial equipment, or other residential equipment, doors, walls, and parts or components thereof. Therefore, the terms object and vehicle will be understood to broadly encompass any physical object to be coated.

[0022] FIG. 1 also shows a schematic diagram of a computing system 170 that can be used in connection with system 100. The computing system 170 can be, for example, a stand-alone computing system operated by a remote user, or can be embodied within the dispensing device 110 itself, or can comprise a set of various client and server systems that communicate with one or more of the dispensing device 110 and / or the coating applicator 150. Further, the illustrated computing system 170 can comprise any number of software components and modules, as well as physical memory, physical storage, or even virtual or network-based versions thereof, necessary to implement the steps and mechanisms outlined herein. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the computing system 170 comprises a network interface component 163 for receiving and distributing communications via network 105.

[0023] FIG. 1 also shows that the computing system 170 can include a database 180 storing a set of various components including various data and logic for managing the amounts and mixing ratios of components compared to environmental data, as well as various end-user preferences and object / vehicle data. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the database 180 includes a mixing ratio component 185a, an environmental data component 185b, an inventory component 185c, a vehicle data component 185d, and a user preference component 185e. The components of FIG. 1 are referenced in the discussion related to FIGS. 2A-3 below.

[0024] For example, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show sequential schematic diagrams of the dispensing device 110 in operation. In particular, Figure 2A shows that the dispensing device 110 can provide a user interface 120 in which the end user can input various preferences and other inputs regarding the substance. As described above, the user can input this information directly into the user interface 120 presented by the dispensing device 110, or it can be supplied via one or more separate standalone computing systems, such as a mobile device or desktop computer system, operating in conjunction with the dispensing device 110. Therefore, the display shown on the dispensing device 110 is merely for illustrative purposes.

[0025] Figure 2A further illustrates that through the user interface 120, the user can select and provide data about the object to be coated, such as Auto ID, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the make / model / year of the object. For example, the user may interact with the user interface 120 on the dispensing device 110, or with the user interface 120 displayed via a mobile phone or desktop computer, and select the Auto ID button (or other object identification information). The user can then input object data, which may then display a variety of color or clear coat options that the user can subsequently select through the interface 120. Figure 1 shows a separate sensor 107 communicating environmental data 115b, but the user may also manually input this information so that the dispensing device 110 can receive environmental data from either the end user, the sensor 107, or a mixture thereof. For example, the user may simply read the sensor or other measuring instrument from device 113, or the user may collect other known environmental information about the coating application area 160 from publicly available data and input it through the user interface. In other cases, the dispensing device 110 may receive some environmental data directly from one or more sensors 107, while other environmental data is provided as input from the end user through the user interface 120.

[0026] In any case, some of the user preferences input through interface 120 may include, for example, various physical attributes of the coating when applied, or finishing speed preferences. These preferences can be input and processed by the computing system 170 as one or more messages 115a and stored in the user preference component 185e of the database 180. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 shows, purely for illustrative purposes, one or more messages 115a supplying user data being sent from the dispensing device 110 to the computing system 170. However, this schematic diagram is merely for convenience to illustrate the interaction between the user and the computing system 170, and the computing system 170 will then understand that these may be supplied, or may not be contained within the dispensing device 110, or through one or more other separate devices.

[0027] In any case, the finish preference 115a may include desired physical properties of the finished product, such as texture or color or other visible effects in the case of a general coating, or smoothness, shine or gloss in the case of a clear coat. The user may also provide other preferences sent with message 115a, such as preferences for a particular curing or solidification rate, application rate, and / or preferences to avoid certain compounds from other available reagent options. For example, an end user may want a particular preference for gloss or smoothness, or application rate, but want to avoid the use of certain types of volatile compounds, or other reagent compounds that may be more sensitive to the local environment.

[0028] Figure 1 also shows that, in addition to user-supplied data in one or more messages 115a, the computing system 170 can also process various environmental inputs via various messages 115b. These various environmental inputs 115b can be entered by the user or obtained from local environmental sensors 107 that can provide various local data for the coating application area 160. As described above, one or more messages 115b may include data corresponding to humidity, temperature, pressure, or other local environmental variables for the coating application area 160. The computing system 170 can compare requests or other information downloads from messages 115a, 115b directed towards the desired result or finish, and then determine an appropriate set of coating reagents optimized for or otherwise indicated by the user-supplied data or sensor-supplied data. For example, the determination module 175 may determine that the entered vehicle information and the finish information provided by the user in one or more messages 115a include a specific set of polymer reagents in a particular volume, as well as a specific set of crosslinking reagents and / or catalyst reagents in different volumes and mixing ratios. Each of these can take the form of one or more reagents dispensed into a user-specified volume (i.e., a customized volume).

[0029] For example, the dispensing device 110 may be configured for active inventory management and therefore may have multiple barcode (or other machine-readable) restricted physical compartments (not shown), meaning that scanning a barcode (or other relevant machine-readable) for a particular reagent compartment of a certain size may be required to open the compartment door. In these respects, there may be two physical locations for polymer reagents within the dispensing device 110 (or otherwise accessed by the dispensing device 110), e.g., a location / compartment for 1-ounce containers on containers up to 1 liter in size, and different locations / compartments for volumes in between. Similarly, there may be slots of physical size that restrict whether a container of a certain size or diameter can be inserted into the slot. The dispensing device 110 may then unlock the container and the relevant compartment or slot for a particular component only upon verification of a barcode or other machine-readable mark found on a given container (e.g., 133, 135). Therefore, although not shown, the dispensing device 110 may be equipped with various machine code readers, such as a barcode reader, a QR code® reader, an infrared reader, or other forms of wireless or Bluetooth® protocol that the computer system 170 can use to verify and / or process a given. Machine readers and machine-readable labels can enable rapid and accurate inventory management.

[0030] However, it will be understood that having such restrictions on inventory placement is not always necessary. For example, the dispensing device 110 may not have any kind of machine reading requirement, but instead may have a user interface (or general physical lock and key mechanism) that the user simply needs to input or unlock in order to unlock a given storage compartment. In yet another case, the dispensing device 110 may be configured for more passive management, meaning that the end user can disable such a lock mechanism, or the dispensing device 110 may generally allow the user to freely add or remove containers, so that the user manages the inventory directly, mainly through the user interface 120. Thus, the inventory components 185c of the database 180 may be configured alternatively for active and / or passive management. That is, active management involves a machine verification system for accessing storage compartments, while passive management avoids such requirements or otherwise delegates inventory management to user input or other forms of separate user management.

[0031] In any case, the dispensing device 110 can be configured to store polymer reagents in different volumes and mixtures, along with any additives, in various preset volumes, such as from a few ounces to several liters, as described above. For example, the polymer reagent storage compartment may have certain containers with various unique resins in separate physical size or volume compartments, along with the above-mentioned ultraviolet absorber (UVA) / hindered amine light stabilizer (HAL) additives and solvents mixed at a specific viscosity in predetermined volumes, in order to optimally manage inventory based on the denaturation rate of the polymer solution. The polymer compartment may include areas for storing a wide range of resins with different polymer properties, including different storage for polymers that differ in Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity, or for polymers that should be mixed at other viscosities.

[0032] Furthermore, the dispensing device 110 can be configured to store crosslinking agent reagents of different sizes and mixtures in certain preset volumes, such as in the case of coatings in the form of clear coats. For example, the dispensing device 110 may include various physical compartments (not shown) for storing crosslinking agent reagents having different crosslinking agents and solvents in various preset volumes, such as from a few ounces to a few liters, where applicable. The crosslinking agent storage compartments may include physical containers with several different unique crosslinking agents covering a wide range of crosslinking agent properties, including Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. The dispensing device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can then take and dispense the appropriate volume of the appropriate crosslinking agent from the physical container at the time of selection, or at the instruction of the computer system 170, where appropriate for the coating and final result properties selected by the user. Furthermore, the dispensing device 110 may have a sealed connection to the crosslinking agent reagent (or other sensitive reagents) in particular, so that the dispensing device can carefully draw and dispense the crosslinking agent from the container without damaging the remainder in the storage container, allowing the remainder to be used at a future point in time.

[0033] Furthermore, the dispensing device 110 may include different physical compartments (not shown) for storing catalyst reagents of different sizes and mixtures, which may also employ sealed connections, as in the case of the crosslinking agent reagents described above. In particular, the dispensing device 110 may include various physical compartments (not shown) for storing catalyst reagents having different modulators, inhibitors, and solvents in a given physical container in various preset volumes, such as several ounces to several liters, where applicable. The concentration of catalyst in the reagent may range from 1% to 100%, and may be stored in different physical locations to enable precise dispensing and supply of a given mixture by the dispensing device 110. Similarly, the dispensing device 110 may also store several reducer reagents in specially designated physical compartments in various preset volumes, as described above. As described above, each reducer reagent may contain one or more solvents having physical properties within a specific range, such as relative evaporation rate and Hansen solubility parameters. The computing system 170 can optimize the specific supply of different physical containers to best match user preferences and environmental information.

[0034] In relation to these points, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show sequential schematic diagrams illustrating how the dispenser of Figure 1, as disclosed herein, dispenses physical reagent containers for use in coating applications. Figure 2A, in particular, shows an end user inputting various labels via the user interface 120. As described above, the user interface 120 may include instructions rendered on a display provided by the dispenser 110, or alternatively, an interface rendered on a separate computer system. Through the user interface 120, the end user inputs information related to the object to be coated, such as the object or vehicle ID. This may be in the form of a vehicle identification number (VIN), the manufacturer / model / year of a given vehicle, or other forms of information that enable the computing system 170 to identify the amount and / or type of coating material to be used. The user may also input other information indicating the amount of the object to be coated, if less than the entire vehicle. Through the user interface 120, the user may input various preferences regarding the coating, such as gloss, smoothness, shine, texture, application or curing speed, or the type of component reagents to be used or avoided, where applicable.

[0035] As described above with respect to Figure 1, the computer system 170 can ensure that the recommended reagents are optimized for the environment by acquiring information entered by the user via one or more messages 115a and comparing the request with given environmental data 115b. In other cases, the computing system 170 may additionally or alternatively include publicly available weather information that may indicate future data regarding temperature, pressure, and humidity, and such information may be considered together with current local data within the coating application area 160. Thus, the computing system 170 can consider not only immediate timeframes but also final timeframes. This makes it possible to use the computing system 170 to remotely prepare containers that can be supplied for use within a given timeframe in the coating application area 160. Such a configuration may be particularly useful for smaller stores that may have difficulty storing excess inventory.

[0036] Figure 2B shows that, during the review and calculation of various inputs by the computing system 170, the dispenser 110 provides corresponding sets of reagents in containers such as the illustrated physical containers 133, 135. It will be understood that the physical containers 133, 135 may contain reagents in customized dispensing volumes, e.g., custom volumes of polymers and custom volumes of crosslinkers, or polymer mixtures, crosslinker mixtures, and / or catalyst mixtures, or other relevant combinations (not shown) customized to user input data (e.g., from Figure 2A) in appropriately configured dosing ratios. The dispenser 110 can dispense precise amounts optimized to parameters requested or entered by the user, thus helping to avoid waste as much as possible. The computing system 170 can also, for larger jobs, extract multiple volumes of reagents in mixtures of various container sizes and, where applicable, dispense all or part of them to the user. Therefore, the two physical containers 133 and 135 illustrated in Figure 2B are merely illustrative, and there may be many more physical containers of different sizes provided where applicable for the dispensing device 110 to dispense reagents. Furthermore, the dispensing device can provide mixing instructions through the user interface 120 or through printed materials provided at the dispensing position 130. For example, a computing system 170 can determine and provide specific recipes, mixing, and washing instructions for each reagent provided and / or combinations of reagents added together. This may be shown in the user interface 120 or printed on a label affixed to the cup from which the device 110 dispenses reagents.

[0037] Figure 2C further shows that an end user can then take the dispensed reagent and supply it directly to the coating applicator 150. For example, the coating applicator 150 may include an e-coat device, a coating atomizer, a spray gun, or other form of coating application device. Physical containers 133, 135, etc., can then be configured for direct application to the coating applicator 150. For example, physical containers 133, 135 may have specific physical connection interfaces (e.g., a lid, or other interfaces in a removable lid on top) that physically and directly interface with the corresponding physical interface of the coating applicator 150. The exact physical interconnection between the coating applicator 150 and the physical containers 133, 135 may be employed in several different ways. In one example, the physical containers 133, 135 have specially shaped lids that connect directly to a receptacle in the coating applicator 150 and release the reagent.

[0038] This may be done by perforating the membrane or bladder, or, for example, by inserting containers 133, 135, the sealing element is physically retracted, thereby allowing the reagent to flow inside. In yet another case, the user may simply manually open the lids of the physical containers 133, 135 and pour the specific reagent contents directly into the coating applicator 150. Similarly, the user may open the containers and mix manually according to the provided mixing instructions, and then supply the already mixed material to the coating applicator 150.

[0039] Figure 3 shows various alternative containers (e.g., 137a, 137b, 137c, 137d) that can be used in different forms to receive dispensed reagents. For illustrative purposes, the dispenser 110 can supply reagents in either a single container, a ready-to-use mixture, or a container ready for immediate mixing. In other cases, the dispenser 110 can supply reagents to one or more containers or multiple containers in compartments (e.g., Figures 2A-2B). In yet another case, the dispenser 110 can supply reagents to multiple containers or compartments all within the same container. For example, Figure 3 shows several exemplary alternative container forms 137a-137b, including circular or cylindrical forms 137a-b with internal compartment divisions, but containers 137c-137d represent square or rectangular containers with internal compartment divisions.

[0040] Therefore, while container 137 in Figure 3 represents a single container without extra compartments, the compartmentalization of alternative containers 137a-137d (or containers within containers) can be used to separate reactive components or other types of reagents that may denature more rapidly when mixed. In other cases, a given container (whether a single-compartment container or a multi-compartment container) may include a sealable bladder in one of its compartments, while the other compartments remain open to air. In yet another case, the container may include a specially shaped lid to preserve and seal the containers or compartments within containers 137a-137d. You will understand that other shapes and compartmentalization configurations may be used in accordance with this disclosure.

[0041] In addition to the above, the dispensing device 110 itself may also be specially configured with variously aligned dosing nozzles to achieve simultaneous or sequential supply of different reagents, as needed. For example, the dispensing device 110 may be configured to simultaneously supply both polymer reagents and crosslinking reagents to any two separate compartments of containers 137a to 137d. In particular, one set of one or more nozzles may be connected to a crosslinking agent or catalyst supply line, while another set of one or more nozzles may be connected to a polymer or other reagent supply line. The dispensing device 110 can supply both alternately or simultaneously through different nozzles to appropriate compartments of a given container to avoid mixing. The user can then seal container 137 (or 137a to d) with an airtight lid and then mix the reagents when ready for dispensing.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an exemplary flowchart 200 of a decision tree for use when dispensing one or more applicable coating reagents for use in accordance with this disclosure. For example, Figure 4 shows that the decision tree can begin with an action 205 in which the user enters details of the object. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the end user can enter various details of the object, such as vehicle identification number, manufacturer, model, year, and color. Furthermore, the object is not limited to automobiles and can represent other types of objects that require coating, including but not limited to aerospace, recreational vehicles (e.g., boats), or other consumer objects (e.g., bicycles).

[0043] Figure 4 further illustrates that in the following action 210, the user can input desired coating properties. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the user can input data through the user interface 120 indicating other physical properties of the desired finish or the final appearance and feel of the coating. For example, in a clear coat environment, the end user may specify gloss, smoothness, texture, or other types of variables to achieve a particular appearance and feel. This may influence the types of crosslinkers or other catalysts, inhibitors, solvents, reducers, etc., that may be required in the mixture to achieve a particular viscosity for a particular application or to obtain the final appearance.

[0044] In relation to these points, Figure 4 shows that the next step in the decision tree 200 may include an action 215 to calculate the repair size. For example, the computing system 170 (Figure 1) may take user input 115a which may include the choice of using user specifications or using computer-generated reagents. If the user selects their own reagent without optimization, the decision tree proceeds to actions 225 and 230, where the dispenser 110 identifies the requested reagent and dispenses it into a given container (e.g., 133, 135, and 137 in Figures 2A to 3). If the user selects an optimization such as "optimized coating", the computing system 170 may then optimize the user input in relation to user recommendations and environment variables.

[0045] For example, Figure 4 shows that, from the perspective of selected optimization, the computing system 170 can also take into account local environment variables. As described above, this can be achieved by the computing system 170 directly receiving and processing one or more messages 115b from one or more sensors 170, and / or similar data from end users. One or more sensors 107 can be included in or mounted on the coating applicator 150, and / or placed in one or more separate standalone devices, such as the illustrated environmental monitoring device 113. The computing system 170 can then work in conjunction with various rules / components in the database 180 to determine the optimal volume and type of reagent.

[0046] Therefore, Figure 4 shows that the decision tree may further include action 235 in which it determines a particular set of reagents. For example, for a job requiring 2.0 liters of polymer reagents and 0.5 liters of crosslinking agent and / or catalyst, the computing system 170 may dispense the same into separate containers (or multiple containers / compartments within a container) and print or display the relevant mixing instructions. The computing system 170 may adjust these requirements upward or downward based on current environmental variables and / or expected environmental variables based on other publicly available data regarding local temperature, pressure, and humidity. For example, in an alternative environment, one mixture of polymer reagents may normally be specified under standard environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, pressure, etc.), but the computing system 170 may instead determine that an alternative ratio of polymer reagents may be required to complete the job in correlation with non-standard environmental conditions (e.g., higher temperature, pressure, or humidity). This may result in substitution of reagent types, or even a different expected amount of a given reagent in volume, or a reduction or increase in other mixing ratio parameters. It will also be understood that the number or amount of reagents in a volume can be optimized based on a given inventory. For example, the computing system 170 may determine the number of reagents to dispense based on the number of reagents held in a given storage compartment. Alternatively, the computing system 170 may prepare a list of physical reagents of a given size based on expected future inventory, such as based on the expected shipment of a particular reagent.

[0047] Figure 4 further shows that the decision tree can then proceed to steps 240 and 245, in which the dispensing device 110 dispenses the reagents determined by the computing system 170. The dispensing device 110 (and / or the computing system 170) can then send one or more messages to the inventory components 185c in the database 180 indicating which reagents have been taken out (action 245) and which need to be refilled (e.g., in decision 250). Thus, inventory is automatically added and removed by the dispensing device 110 / computing system 170 each time reagents are received and stored, as well as each time they are supplied. In particular, as inventory approaches depletion, the decision tree in Figure 4 further proceeds to actions 250 and 255. In action 250, the computing system 170, in conjunction with the inventory components 185c described above, determines what remains in storage within the dispensing device 110, which components are in excess or near depletion, and therefore what needs to be reordered. The dispensing system can automatically send a replenishment request to the warehouse system in action 255, or display an alert to the user prompting it to do so. Figure 4 shows that the decision tree is completed at this point, i.e., in step 260.

[0048] This disclosure can also describe a method that involves a series of actions to achieve a particular result. For example, Figure 5 provides a flowchart of a method for dispensing a coating reagent to an end user through a dispenser device. The actions in Figure 5 will be discussed below in the context of the components, modules, and diagrams of Figures 1-3.

[0049] Figure 5 shows that an additional or alternative method 300 for use in determining and supplying one or more applicable coating reagent containers may include an action 310 for receiving a set of coating variables. The action 310 includes receiving a set of coating variables, which include (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) application variables provided by one or more end users for applying the coating to an object. For example, an end user provides various details about the object to be coated, as well as variables related to the final appearance and look, through a user interface 120. The user interface 120 may be presented directly to the dispensing device 110 or through a mobile or other standalone computing device functioning as a computing system 170, in which case the relevant data is transmitted to the dispensing device 110.

[0050] Figure 5 also shows that method 300 may include an action 320 to identify the ratios of reagents to be used. Action 320 includes, based on the received coating variable, identifying (i) a subset of reagents containing at least a polymer reagent for coating an object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio of each identified reagent within the subset. For example, the computing system 170, in relation to the dispensing device 110, may also use user-provided variable 115a and potentially one or more environment variables in message 115b to determine the amounts of different types of reagents to complete the task. This determination includes the appropriate ratio (or dosage ratio) of the final mixture to be applied for each reagent or for each type of reagent determined.

[0051] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows that method 300 may include an action 330 that determines the volume of reagent to be dispensed. Action 330 involves determining the volume of a subset of reagent to be dispensed, the volume depending on received environmental data regarding the coating area and coating variables provided by one or more end users. For example, in addition to determining the ratio from action 320, the computing system 170 may also determine various volumes of reagent to be dispensed, which may be based on the characteristics of various objects (size, manufacturing model, coating type) or various desired physical attributes of the coated coating.

[0052] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows that method 300 may include an action 340 for dispensing the identified reagents. Upon receiving user confirmation, action 340 includes dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent in a subset in a determined volume through a dispenser device. For example, Figures 2B and 2C show that the dispenser can supply the determined reagents to physical containers 133, 135, or 137(a-d) and further provide any associated mixing or other final use instructions.

[0053] Such instructions may further include various MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information necessary for the proper handling of a given reagent. Such instructions may further include computer-oriented instructions to be executed by a separate computing device such as a mobile device, tablet, watch, or personal computer, which provide various timing alerts regarding the expiration date of a given reagent or mixture from the point of supply or from other variables measured from the start / stop top of the coating applicator 150. The computing system 170 can determine the sequence of steps for adding the reagent, when to add the reagent, and in what quantity to add it to the coating applicator 150. The computing system 170 can also determine and provide instructions related to the shelf life of a given reagent when mixed with other reagents and / or when exposed to a reactive environment that initiates the decomposition of the reagent. For example, the computing system 170 may provide instructions that a mixture of polymer reagent and crosslinking reagent should be applied for approximately two hours before it needs to be discarded due to decomposition or other curing or solidification that would otherwise prevent wet application.

[0054] Additional aspects of this disclosure include one or more novel compositions that the dispensing device 110 can provide. For example, a coating composition mixed by or otherwise dispensed by the dispensing device 110 may contain a determined volume, the volume having multiple reagents. In one example, the multiple reagents dispensed may include one or more polymer reagents to be used, and an effective amount thereof. As used herein, “effective amount” means the amount or ratio of a reagent that, when applied to an object or in combination with one or more other determined reagents, produces the desired result in the final mixture. For example, the effective amount of polymer and / or crosslinking agent may vary depending on environmental variables and in relation to user preferences regarding smoothness or gloss, as described herein.

[0055] For example, the dispensed volume may further include, for example, one or more crosslinking reagents to be used, and their effective amounts, determined (by the computer system 170 in response to environmental input and user preferences). As described above, the volume and effective amount of each of the reagents are determined by the computing system 170 from coating application variables provided by the end user (message 115a) and environmental data in the form of temperature data, pressure data, and humidity data received from one or more environmental sensors (message 115b). In additional or alternative configurations, the composition may also include one or more catalyst reagents to be used and their effective amounts, as well as one or more reducer reagents to be used and their effective amounts. These amounts may also be determined by the computing system 170 from a wide variety of options, or otherwise optimized from specific user input. For example, a user may prefer a particular brand or type of crosslinking reagent or catalyst, thereby allowing the computing system 170 to adjust the amount / type of polymer reagent (or type thereof) or other additional reagent used.

[0056] In yet another example, one or more polymer reagents may also contain multiple additives, in which case the one or more polymer reagents and the multiple additives are mixed in the polymer reagent solution. The polymers and reagents can be adjusted depending on whether the coating is a clear coat, or whether the coating is intended as a multilayer coating, monocoat, topcoat, basecoat, primer, or adhesive layer, or other form of coating. Thus, depending on the type and volume of the resulting coating mixture, the computing system 170 may also determine the addition of one or more additives, including one or more of (i) UV absorbers and (ii) hindered amine light stabilizers. The listed coating compositions can further be adjusted to the polymer reagent solution for the desired viscosity to be dispensed.

[0057] As described above, the coating composition may include a crosslinking agent reagent, the crosslinking agent comprising a solution containing an effective amount of crosslinking agent and one or more solvents. The crosslinking agent reagent solution may also be adjusted to the desired viscosity for dispensing. Furthermore, in these respects, the composition may include a catalyst reagent comprising a solution having an effective amount of catalyst and one or more solvents. The catalyst reagent solution may contain one or more of either (iii) catalyst modulators or (iv) catalyst inhibitors, and the effective amount of each catalyst reagent depends on environmental sensor data and user-defined coating application variables. Furthermore, the composition dispensed through the apparatus 110 may include a reducer reagent comprising a solution containing multiple solvents, the multiple solvents varying by their evaporation rates. Thus, it will be understood that by using a selected relatively small number of reagents held in stock, the composition can be mixed and dispensed in many ways.

[0058] Accordingly, this disclosure provides several systems, components, compositions, and methods that enable several advantages beyond the current technology. For example, when a customer needs car repair and painting, the customer is provided with the appropriate product on demand that is ready to use or ready to mix. This allows the coating applicator to focus on spraying the paint or other coating formulation without having to make precise selections and mix them in precise ratios. This simplifies the work process for the end user and addresses some of the conventional difficulties. A coating manufacturer providing the solutions outlined herein can expand the ways in which they connect with end users, as they are providing not only paints but also services that are beneficial to the end user. Connections can be facilitated by providing ready-to-use products on demand that are best suited to the end user's needs. In other words, both large and small shops can order reagents on demand and apply them accurately, reliably, and in a timely manner as needed.

[0059] The following discussion is intended to provide a brief and general description of a preferred computing environment in which this disclosure may be implemented. While not required, this disclosure is described in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by computers in a networked environment. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code means for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures illustrates an example of a corresponding action for implementing the functionality described in such steps.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be put into practice in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, and mainframe computers. This disclosure can also be put into practice in distributed computing environments where local and remote processing devices perform tasks and are linked through a communication network (either by hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless). In a distributed computing environment, program modules may reside in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0061] This disclosure includes, or may utilize, a special-purpose or general-purpose computer system, including computer hardware such as processors and system memory, as will be discussed in more detail below. The scope of this disclosure also includes physical and other computer-readable media for holding or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a computer storage medium. A computer-readable medium that carries computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a transmission medium. Thus, as an example and not an limitation, this disclosure may include two distinctly different types of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0062] Computer storage media are 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 ("SSDs"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device(s) that can be used to store program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems to implement the functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0063] A transmission medium can be used to carry program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures and may include networks and / or data links accessible by general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems. “Network” is defined as a data link that enables the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. If information is transferred to or provided to a computer system via a network or another communication connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the computer system may consider the connection a transmission medium. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0064] Furthermore, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from the transmission medium to the computer storage medium (or vice versa). For example, computer executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module and then finally transferred to RAM and / or less volatile computer storage media in the computer system. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize the transmission medium.

[0065] Computer executable instructions include instructions and data that, when executed by a processor, cause a general-purpose computer system, a special-purpose computer system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a particular function or group of functions. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary, assembly language or other reagent-formatted instructions, or even source code.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be put into practice in network computing environments having many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. This disclosure can also be put into practice in distributed system environments where both local and remote computer systems, linked over a network (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links), perform tasks. Thus, in a distributed system environment, the computer system may include multiple configured computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may reside on both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will also understand that this disclosure can be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment may be distributed, but is not required. If distributed, a cloud computing environment may have components that are distributed internationally within an organization and / or owned across multiple organizations. In this specification and in the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model that enables on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the many other benefits that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0068] Cloud computing models can comprise a variety of characteristics, including on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid scalability, and measured service. Cloud computing models can also be offered in the form of various service models, such as Software as a Service ("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), and Infrastructure as a Service ("IaaS"). Cloud computing models can be deployed using various deployment models, such as private clouds, community clouds, public clouds, and hybrid clouds.

[0069] A cloud computing environment or platform may comprise a system that includes hosts capable of running virtual machines. While in operation, a virtual machine emulates a running computing system, supporting an operating system and possibly other applications. Each host may include a hypervisor that emulates virtual resources for the virtual machine using physical resources abstracted from the virtual machine's perspective. The hypervisor also provides adequate isolation between virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor gives the illusion that the virtual machine interfaces with physical resources, even though the virtual machine actually interfaces with the physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, and media drives.

[0070] The aspects of this disclosure can be described in terms of various different configurations and their substitutes. For example, in a first embodiment, a computer implementation method for dispensing coating reagents to an end user through a dispenser device includes: receiving a set of coating variables that may include data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to a coating application area, and (ii) application variables provided by one or more end users for applying a coating to an object; determining, based on the received coating variables, (i) a subset of reagents including at least a polymer reagent for applying a coating to an object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio of each identified reagent in the subset; determining, based on one or more received coating variables, a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in the subset of reagents, and determining, by the computing system, the volume of the subset of reagents to be dispensed, the volume depending on the received environmental data relating to the coating application area and the application variables provided by one or more end users; and, upon receiving user confirmation, dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent in the subset in the determined volume through the dispenser device.

[0071] In a second embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any of the first embodiments may further include by a computing system determining a second ratio of a crosslinking reagent as part of one or more additional reagents. In a third embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any of the first to second embodiments may further include by a computing system determining a plurality of types of crosslinking reagents to be used, and by a computing system determining a plurality of types of polymer reagents to be used. In a fourth embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any one of the first to third embodiments may further include receiving environmental data from one or more environmental sensors connected via a network. In a fifth embodiment, in the computer implementation method according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, one or more environmental sensors are located away from the dispenser device. In a sixth embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments may further include by a computing system determining the following additional reagents, namely a third ratio of a catalyst reagent and a fourth ratio of a reducer reagent, each of the first, second, third, and fourth ratios being determined from one or more received coating variables.

[0072] In the seventh embodiment, in the computer-aided implementation method according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the reducer reagent has an evaporation rate characterized as slow, moderate, or high. In the eighth embodiment, in the computer-aided implementation method according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the object includes a vehicle. In the ninth embodiment, in the computer-aided implementation method according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the coating application variables received from the end user define the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. In the tenth embodiment, in the computer-aided implementation method according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the application variables provided by the end user include desired physical properties of the coating once applied to the object. In the eleventh embodiment, in the computer-aided implementation method according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, the desired physical properties include one or more of (i) smoothness, (ii) gloss, (iii) texture, and / or (iv) film thickness. In the twelfth embodiment, in the computer mounting method according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, the desired physical properties include one or more of (i) abrasiveness, (ii) sanding suitability, and (iii) substrate type, wherein the substrate type includes plastic and / or metal. In the thirteenth embodiment, in the computer mounting method according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, the desired properties include (i) the application rate of the coating on the object or the curing rate of the coating, and (ii) whether the coating is air-dried or baked.

[0073] In the 14th embodiment, in the computer-aided mounting method according to any one of the 1st to 13th embodiments, the desired characteristic includes size, or the size of the object. In the 15th embodiment, in the computer-aided mounting method according to any one of the 1st to 14th embodiments, the desired characteristic specifies the coating as a single-layer coating or a multi-layer coating. In the 16th embodiment, in the computer-aided mounting method according to any one of the 1st to 15th embodiments, the desired characteristic includes a desired volume of the coating mixture. In the 17th embodiment, in the computer-aided mounting method according to any one of the 1st to 16th embodiments, the environmental data includes at least one of variables relating to the paint application area, namely (i) temperature, (ii) humidity, and (iii) atmospheric pressure. In the 18th embodiment, in the computer-aided mounting method according to any second embodiment or a preceding embodiment dependent thereon, it may further include dispensing a subset of reagents as a mixture corresponding to specified first and second ratios, and indicating a time limit for application to the object when the subset of reagents is mixed.

[0074] In a 19th embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any of the second embodiments or any of the preceding embodiments dependent thereon may further include dispensing a subset of reagents according to a first ratio and a second ratio, based on environmental input, into one or more physical containers in which the crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent are not mixed and are physically separated from each other so as not to react. In a 20th embodiment, the computer implementation method according to any of the first to 19th embodiments may further include receiving coating variables provided by an end user via the Internet from a geographically distant location.

[0075] In addition to the foregoing, a 21st aspect of the present disclosure includes a coating composition prepared using the computer implementation method described in any of the 1st to 20th aspects. In a 22nd aspect, the coating composition described in any of the 21st aspects may further include a predetermined volume having a plurality of reagents, the plurality of reagents may include (i) one or more polymer reagents to be used and an effective amount thereof, and (ii) one or more crosslinking agent reagents to be used and an effective amount thereof, the respective volume and effective amount of the plurality of reagents being determined from coating application variables provided by the end user and environmental data in the form of temperature, pressure, and humidity data received from one or more environmental sensors. In a 23rd aspect, the coating composition described in any of the 21st to 22nd aspects may further include at least one of (iii) one or more catalyst reagents to be used and an effective amount thereof, and (iv) one or more reducer reagents to be used and an effective amount thereof. In a 24th aspect, in the coating composition described in any of the 22nd to 23rd aspects, the one or more polymer reagents further include a plurality of additives, the one or more polymer reagents and the plurality of additives being mixed in a polymer reagent solution.

[0076] In the 25th embodiment, in the coating composition according to any of the 21st to 24th embodiments, the polymer reagent comprises a clear coat, and the polymer reagent further comprises one or more additives comprising one or more of (i) an ultraviolet absorber and (ii) a hindered amine light stabilizer. In the 26th embodiment, in the coating composition according to the 25th embodiment, the polymer reagent solution is adjusted to a desired viscosity for dispensing. In the 27th embodiment, in the coating composition according to any of the 22nd to 26th embodiments, the crosslinking agent reagent comprises a solution containing an effective amount of crosslinking agent and one or more solvents. In the 28th embodiment, in the coating composition according to any of the 21st to 27th embodiments, the crosslinking agent reagent solution is adjusted to a desired viscosity for dispensing. In the 29th embodiment, in the coating composition according to any of the 21st to 28th embodiments, the catalyst reagent may include a solution containing an effective amount of catalyst and one or more solvents.

[0077] In the 30th embodiment, in the coating composition according to any of the 21st to 29th embodiments, the catalyst reagent solution may further comprise one or more of (iii) a catalyst modulator or (iv) a catalyst inhibitor, the effective amount of each catalyst reagent depends on environmental sensor data and user-defined coating application variables. In the 31st embodiment, in the coating composition according to the 23rd embodiment or any of the 21st to 30th embodiments, the reducer reagent comprises a solution containing a plurality of solvents, the plurality of solvents differing in their evaporation rates.

[0078] In addition to the foregoing, a 32nd aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser configured to provide a ready-to-use package of customized quantities of coating reagents, comprising a processor and a plurality of containers for various reagents, each container of the plurality of containers being physically sealed so as not to interact with one another, and when run, the dispenser's processor receiving a set of coating variables, including (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) application variables provided by one or more end users for applying the coating to an object, and based on the received coating variables, (i) at least the coating applied to the object The dispenser may include: (ii) a subset of reagents containing polymer reagents for coating; (ii) one or more additional reagents; (iii) determining the dosage ratio for each identified reagent in the subset, determining a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in the subset of reagents based on one or more coating variables received; and determining the volume of the subset of reagents to be dispensed, the volume of which depends on received environmental data relating to the coating area and coating variables provided by one or more end users; and, upon receiving user confirmation, dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent in the subset in the determined volume through the dispenser device.

[0079] In a 33rd embodiment, in the dispenser according to any of the 32nd embodiments, the plurality of containers may further include one or more containers of crosslinking reagents. In a 34th embodiment, in the dispenser according to any one of the 32nd to 33rd embodiments, the dispenser is further configured to dispense a plurality of physical reagents in response to a set of coating variables received. In a 35th embodiment, in the dispenser according to any one of the 32nd to 34th embodiments, the plurality of physical containers comprises a plurality of containers of coating reagents in a single container, and the polymer reagent is kept physically separated from the crosslinking reagent or other reagents among the identified reagents so that at least the polymer reagent and the crosslinking reagent remain unreacted. In a 36th embodiment, in the dispenser according to any one of the 32nd to 35th embodiments, the dispenser is further configured to dispense both the polymer reagent and the crosslinking reagent in a mixed solution into a single container. In the 37th embodiment, the dispenser according to any of the 36th embodiment or any of the 31st to 35th embodiments is further configured to dispense one or more of the catalyst reagent and the reducer reagent into a single container.

[0080] This disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its intent or essential features. The examples described should be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is indicated not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalence of the claims shall be incorporated therein.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for dispensing coating reagents to an end user through a dispenser device, (i) data corresponding to environmental input corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) a set of coating variables including one or more application variables provided by an end user for applying a coating to an object, are received by the computing system. Based on the received coating variables, the computing system identifies (i) a subset of reagents including at least a polymer reagent for applying a coating to the object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio of each identified reagent within the subset. Based on one or more coating variables received, the computing system determines a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in a subset of the reagents. The computing system determines the volume of a subset of the reagent to be dispensed, the volume depending on the received environmental data relating to the paint application area and the application variables provided by one or more end users. A computer implementation method comprising receiving user confirmation and dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent of the subset in the determined volume through the dispenser device.

2. The computing system determines the second ratio of the crosslinking reagent as part of the one or more additional reagents, The computing system determines the number of types of crosslinking reagents to be used, The computer implementation method according to claim 1, further comprising determining by the computing system which of the polymer reagents to be used.

3. The further includes receiving the environmental data from one or more environmental sensors connected via a network, The computer implementation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more environmental sensors are located away from the dispenser device.

4. The next additional reagent, *, A third ratio of catalyst reagent, and The fourth ratio of reducer reagent and Further includes identifying by the computing system, Each of the first ratio, the second ratio, the third ratio, and the fourth ratio is determined from one or more received coating variables. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reducer reagent has an evaporation rate characterized as slow, moderate, or fast.

5. The aforementioned object includes a vehicle, The coating application variables received from the end user define the manufacturer and model of the vehicle, The computer mounting method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coating coefficient provided by the end user includes desired physical properties of the coating once applied to the object.

6. The computer mounting method according to claim 5, wherein the desired physical properties include one or more of (i) smoothness, (ii) glossiness, (iii) texture, and / or (iv) coating thickness.

7. The desired physical properties include one or more of the following: (i) abrasiveness, (ii) sanding suitability, and (iii) substrate type. The computer mounting method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the substrate type includes plastic and / or metal.

8. The desired characteristics are (i) The application speed of the coating to the object or the curing speed of the coating, (ii) The computer mounting method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising whether the coating is air-dried or fired.

9. The desired characteristics are (i) including one or more of either size or the size of the object, (ii) Specify the coating as a single-layer coating or a multi-layer coating, (iii) A computer mounting method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a coating mixture of a desired volume.

10. The computer implementation method according to any of the prior claims, wherein the environmental data includes at least one of the variables relating to the paint application area, namely (i) temperature, (ii) humidity, and (iii) atmospheric pressure.

11. Dispensing a subset of the reagent as a mixture corresponding to the first and second ratios identified above, A computer implementation method according to claim 2 or any one of the prior claims dependent thereon, further comprising displaying a time limit for when a subset of the reagents is applied to the object during mixing.

12. A computer implementation method according to claim 2 or any one of the prior claims relating thereto, further comprising dispensing a subset of the reagents into one or more physical containers in accordance with the first and second ratios, based on the environmental input, such that the crosslinking reagent and the polymer reagent are not mixed and are physically separated from each other so as not to react.

13. The computer implementation method according to any one of the prior claims, further comprising receiving the coating variables provided by the end user via the Internet from a geographically distant location.

14. A coating composition prepared using the computer mounting method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, A certain volume further contains multiple reagents, wherein the multiple reagents are (i) One or more polymer reagents to be used and their effective amount, (ii) One or more crosslinking agent reagents to be used and their effective amount, (iii) One or more catalyst reagents to be used and their effective amount, (iv) comprising one or more reducer reagents to be used and their effective amounts, The volume and effective amount of each of the aforementioned plurality of reagents are, The coating application parameters provided by the end user and A coating composition determined from environmental data in the form of temperature data, pressure data, and humidity data received from one or more environmental sensors.

15. The above one or more polymer reagents further contain multiple additives, The one or more polymer reagents and the plurality of additives are mixed in the polymer reagent solution. The polymer reagent includes a clear coat, The polymer reagent further comprises one or more additives, each containing one or more of (i) an ultraviolet absorber and (ii) a hindered amine light stabilizer. The coating composition according to claim 14, wherein the polymer reagent solution is adjusted to a desired viscosity for dispensing.

16. The crosslinking agent reagent comprises a solution containing the effective amount of the crosslinking agent and one or more solvents. The coating composition according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the crosslinking agent reagent solution is adjusted to a desired viscosity for dispensing.

17. The catalyst reagent comprises a solution containing the effective amount of catalyst and one or more solvents. The catalyst reagent solution further comprises one or more of (iii) a catalyst modulator or (iv) a catalyst inhibitor, The effective amount of each catalyst reagent depends on environmental sensor data and user-defined coating application variables. The reducer reagent comprises a solution containing multiple solvents, The coating composition according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of solvents differ depending on the evaporation rate.

18. A dispensing machine configured to provide ready-to-use packages of customized quantities of coating reagents, Processor and A plurality of containers for various reagents, comprising at least a container for polymer reagents and one or more containers for additional reagents, wherein each of the plurality of containers is physically sealed so as not to interact with the others. A dispensing machine comprising a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is When executed, the processor of the dispensing machine, (i) receiving data corresponding to environmental input corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) receiving a set of coating variables including one or more application variables provided by an end user for applying the coating to the object, Based on the received coating variables, (i) a subset of reagents including at least a polymer reagent for applying a coating to the object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, and (iii) the dosage ratio for each identified reagent within the subset. Based on one or more coating variables received, a first ratio of polymer reagents to be used in a subset of the reagents is determined, Determining the volume of a subset of the reagent to be dispensed, wherein the volume depends on received environmental data relating to the paint application area and application variables provided by one or more end users. A dispensing machine comprising: a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-executable instruction that, upon receiving user confirmation, causes the dispenser device to dispense an effective amount of each identified reagent of the subset in the determined volume.

19. The plurality of containers further include one or more containers of crosslinking reagents, The dispenser according to claim 18, which dispenses a plurality of physical reagents in response to the set of coating variables received.

20. The aforementioned multiple physical containers include multiple containers of coating reagents within a single container. The polymer reagent is kept physically separated from the crosslinking reagent or other reagents among the identified reagents so that at least the polymer reagent and the crosslinking reagent remain in an unreacted state. The aforementioned dispensing machine further, Both the polymer reagent and the crosslinking reagent are dispensed into a single container as a mixed solution. The dispenser according to any one of claims 18 to 19, configured to dispense one or more of a catalyst reagent and a reducer reagent into the single container.

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