Apparatus and method for selling coating reagents

Abstract

An automated vending machine for providing ready-to-use packages of coating reagents can be configured to receive (i) data received from an environmental input corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to a coating preparation area, and (ii) a set of coating variables including one or more application variables supplied by an end user for applying the coating to an object, to determine a first ratio of crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio of polymer reagent based on one or more coating variables, to determine a mixing command to apply the determined ratio of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent in a certain volume of coating that matches the received one or more application variables, and upon receiving a user selection, to dispense the containers of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent according to the volume corresponding to the determined mixing command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 507,303, filed Jun. 9, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

Background Art

[0003] Coating manufacturers generally provide coatings as a pre - mixed reagent of a certain preset volume that is ready to be applied. For example, a coating manufacturer may provide a retail store with several sets of pre - mixed coatings in sealed containers where the end - user either needs 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 application, but some mixtures can 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 likewise provide mixed or unmixed coatings, and industrial users may use various equipment to properly mix the toner and base before applying the coating. Generally, conventional coatings in the form of a base coat or color layer can be pre - mixed and stored without great difficulty later. 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] Several types of coatings or coating reagents can be particularly vulnerable to inventory issues because their respective selections or mixing ratios can vary depending on various factors, such as the environment or other factors concerning the object to be coated. Furthermore, many coating reagent products are available that can meet different needs in a refinishing body shop. Then, each given coating reagent may also have one or more designated accessory products to be used with a given coating, such as multiple selections for accompanying curing agents and reducers that provide a specific end-use effect. Users in a body shop generally need to select the appropriate coating and accessory products based on the given shop environment and / or the work requirements for a given repair. This selection process tends to be complex and is particularly difficult for less skilled workers. To accommodate different preferences and mixing capabilities, it may be necessary to maintain a wide variety of coating reagents in stock. While these inventory issues can be challenging for both large and small application environments, such issues can be particularly serious for smaller body shops, which may have fewer resources to manage coating inventory and are therefore much more susceptible to the cost of waste.

[0005] Therefore, there are several difficulties 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 distribution of all types of coatings, including clear coats. For example, this disclosure includes a vending machine-style device that maintains various volumes of coating reagents in various mixed states, applicable to a given type of coating. Upon receiving various parameters for a particular application, the vending machine can provide the end user with a suitable set of containers, as well as mixing instructions. The end user can then open the physical containers and mix the reagents with high reliability according to the provided instructions, minimizing waste.

[0007] For example, a vending machine (and a corresponding computerized method) may be configured to receive (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs 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 supplied by an end user for applying the coating to an object. The vending machine may also be configured to determine, based on one or more coating variables, a first ratio of crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio and type of polymer reagent in a certain volume of coating. Furthermore, the vending machine may be configured to determine a mixing command for applying the determined ratio of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent in a certain volume, matching the received one or more application variables. Furthermore, upon receiving a user selection, the vending machine may be configured to dispense containers of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent according to the volume corresponding to the determined mixing command.

[0008] Additional features and advantages are described 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 described below.

[0009] To illustrate the methods by 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 only show typical embodiments and should therefore not be considered limiting, embodiments will be described and explained in more specific and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This disclosure shows a schematic diagram of a system for selling coating containers for use with coating application equipment. [Figure 2A] This disclosure shows a sequential schematic diagram of the vending machine in Figure 1 distributing physical coating containers for use in coating application. [Figure 2B] This disclosure shows a sequential schematic diagram of the vending machine in Figure 1 distributing physical coating containers for use in coating application. [Figure 2C] This disclosure shows a sequential schematic diagram of the vending machine in Figure 1 distributing physical coating containers for use in coating application. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2A-C show alternative schematic diagrams of vending machines that dispense physical containers having one or more compartments for use in coating application. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows a decision tree used for determining and distributing one or more applicable coating reagent containers. [Figure 5] A flowchart shows additional or alternative computer implementation methods for determining and distributing one or more applicable coating reagent containers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer program products that enable robust inventory management and distribution of all types of coatings, including clear coats. For example, this disclosure includes a vending machine-style device that maintains various volumes of coating reagents in various mixed states, applicable to a given type of coating. Upon receiving various parameters for a particular application, the vending machine can provide the end user with a suitable set of containers, as well as mixing instructions. The end user can then open the physical containers and mix the reagents with high reliability according to the provided instructions, 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 a given end user to satisfy their preference for different coating reagents appropriately tailored to their local application environment without being overwhelmed by concerns about inventory and other resources. This can be achieved, at least in part, through highly tailored coating reagents that are delivered 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 or other coating system may contain several different types of resin reagents having good stability. The resin reagent may contain one or more proprietary resins, along with additives and solvents, for example, ultraviolet absorbers (UVA) or hindered amine light stabilizers (HAL). Some proprietary resins may include a wide range of resins having different polymer properties, including those differing in Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. A vending machine device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can provide the resin reagents in various physical containers, which may be sealed containers of various different volumes. A vending machine device (e.g., 110), which is discussed more fully herein, can hold physical containers of resin reagents.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure may include providing a wide range of crosslinking reagents through a vending machine (110), such as in the case of coatings in the form of a clear coat. The crosslinking reagents may contain a proprietary crosslinking agent together with a solvent. Several proprietary crosslinking agents may be used to cover a wide range of crosslinking agent properties, including Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. The vending machine device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can provide the crosslinking reagents in a variety of physical containers, which may be sealed containers of various different volumes. The vending machine device (e.g., 110), which is discussed more fully herein, can hold the physical containers of the crosslinking reagents and provide containers related to the determined reagents so that a sufficient amount is available for mixing by the user.

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

[0016] As previously stated, a vending machine device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can provide catalyst or reducer reagents in various physical containers that may contain sealed containers of various different volumes. A vending machine device (e.g., 110) discussed more fully herein can hold physical containers of catalyst reagents and provide containers associated with a determined reagent so that a sufficient amount is available for mixing by the user. The vending machine 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 a system and process that can correctly provide a given reagent in the correct amount. This ensures that the user always uses the correct product in the correct amount, thereby maximizing productivity while minimizing waste.

[0017] Firstly, for the purpose of understanding aspects of this disclosure, it will be understood herein that 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 described components may be used in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, as 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 can be executed within 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 present invention, which may be more or less than those illustrated and described, and which may be suitable for a particular server and cloud operating environment. As used herein, “module” means computer executable code that, when executed by one or more processors in a given computer system (e.g., computer system 170), causes a given computer system to perform a particular function.

[0019] In contrast, “Component” 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 be combined, divided, or still remain within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the description that a component is a “module” or “component” is 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. The terms “component,” “agent,” “manager,” “service,” “engine,” and “virtual machine” may also be used herein in the same manner.

[0020] Now, looking at the drawings, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present disclosure for selling, or otherwise delivering, a coating container for reagents to be used with a coating application apparatus, in response to user requests. For example, Figure 1 shows that the system 100 comprises a vending machine (or vending machine device) 110 having a main body or frame 102, a user interface 120 (provided via a computing system 170), and a delivery section 130. Figure 1 also shows that the vending machine device 110 can communicate over a network 105 via a network component 104 such as a wireless connection interface shown.

[0021] However, the network component 104 can be additionally or alternatively configured for hardwired network communication with the environmental monitoring device 113, and it will be understood that the environmental monitoring device 113 can then include one or more sensors 107. In one example, one or more sensors 107 are disposed on or within the vending machine 110, and the vending machine 110 can then also be disposed within or in sufficient proximity to the coating application area 160. Further, it will be understood that the one or more sensors 107 shown can include several different sensors for monitoring the physical environment of the coating application area 160, such as humidity sensors, temperature sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, etc. Further, the environmental monitoring device 113 can be configured as a stand-alone 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 aspect, the vending machine 110 can be disposed at a completely separate geographical location with respect to the coating application area 160.

[0022] In the coating application area 160, a spray applicator 150 (e.g., robotic or operated by a human user) can apply or mix and apply 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 only one type of object that can be coated or painted in the coating application area 160. The coating applicator can spray other types of objects, or parts thereof, including, for example, body panels, original parts, replacement parts, etc., as required. Other objects can include boats, bicycles, industrial equipment, commercial equipment, or other household equipment, doors, walls, and parts or portions thereof. Thus, the terms object and vehicle are both understood to broadly encompass any physical object to be coated.

[0023] Figure 1 also shows a schematic diagram of a computing system 170 that can be used in connection with the 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 vending machine 110 itself, or can comprise a set of various client systems and server systems that communicate with one or more of the vending machine 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 their virtual or network-based versions, necessary to implement the steps and mechanisms outlined herein. For example, Figure 1 shows that the computing system 170 comprises a network interface component 163 for receiving and distributing communications via the network 105.

[0024] Figure 1 also shows that the computing system 170 can comprise a database 180 having stored thereon 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, Figure 1 shows that the database 180 comprises 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 Figure 1 are discussed in more detail below with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

[0025] For example, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show sequential schematic diagrams of the vending machine 110 in operation. For example, in Figure 2A, the end user inputs various data for use by the vending machine 110 through the user interface 120. As previously stated, the user may input this information directly into the user interface 120 presented by the vending machine 110, or it may be supplied via one or more separate standalone computing systems, such as a mobile device or desktop computer system, operating in conjunction with the vending machine 110. As shown in Figure 2A, the user may select and provide data about the object to be coated, such as Auto ID, through the user interface 120. For example, the user may interact with the user interface 120 on the vending machine 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 may then input information about the year, manufacturer, and model of the object / vehicle, which may then display various color or clear coat options that the user can subsequently select through the interface 120.

[0026] Furthermore, Figure 2A shows that the user can input data about specific coating preferences through the user interface 120, such as by inputting preferences for various finishes or finishing speeds. 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. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 shows, for illustrative purposes only, one or more messages 115a supplying user data being transferred from the vending machine 110 to the computing system 170. However, it will be understood that this schematic diagram is merely for convenience to illustrate the interaction between the user and the computing system 170, and the computing system 170 may or may not be contained within the vending machine 110, or may be supplied through one or more other devices.

[0027] In any case, the finish preference 115a may include desired physical properties in 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 have 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 among other available reagent options. For example, an end user may want a particular preference regarding gloss or smoothness or application rate, but want to avoid the use of a certain type of volatile compound 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 messages 115b from local environmental sensors that may provide various localized data for the coating application area 160. As mentioned, one or more messages 115b relayed from one or more sensors 107 may include data corresponding to humidity, temperature, pressure, or other local environmental variables for the coating application area 160. Figure 1 shows a separate sensor 107 communicating environmental data 115b, but the user may also manually input this information, and as a result, the distribution device 110 may receive environmental data from the end user, the sensor 107, or any combination thereof. For example, the user may simply read sensors or other instrumentation from device 113, and / or the user may collect other known environmental information for the coating application area 160 from public data and input it through the user interface. In either case, 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 and sensor-supplied data. For example, the determination module 175 may determine that the input vehicle information and the finish information provided by the user in one or more messages 115a include a polymer reagent in a specific volume, as well as a set of specific crosslinking reagents and / or catalyst reagents in different volumes and mixing ratios. Each of these may take the form of one or more reagents packaged in a preset volume of a common size.

[0029] For example, the vending machine 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 a barcode (or other relevant machine-readable) scan may be required for a particular reagent compartment of a certain size in order for the compartment door to open. In line with these considerations, there may be two physical locations for polymer reagents in the vending machine 110, e.g., one for a 1-liter container and one for a 0.5-liter container. Similarly, there may be slots of a physical size that restrict which particular containers of a certain size or diameter can be inserted into the slot. The vending machine 110 may then unlock the relevant compartment or slot for a container and a particular ingredient 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 vending machine 110 may include various machine code readers, such as barcode readers, QR code readers, infrared readers, or other forms of wireless or Bluetooth protocols that the computer system 170 can use to verify and / or process a given.

[0030] However, it will be understood that having such restrictions on inventory placement is not necessarily required. For example, the vending machine 110 may not have any kind of machine reading requirement, but instead may have a user interface that requires the user to simply input or unlock in order to unlock a given storage compartment. In yet another case, the vending machine 110 may be configured for more passive management, meaning that the end user can disable such a locking mechanism, or the vending machine 110 may generally allow the user to freely add or remove containers, so that the user directly manages the inventory 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 includes 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 vending machine 110 can be configured to store polymer reagents of different sizes and mixtures, along with any additives, in various preset volumes, such as 1 liter or 0.5 liters. For example, the polymer reagent storage compartment may include certain containers having various proprietary resins, along with the aforementioned ultraviolet absorber (UVA) additives / hindered amine light stabilizer (HAL) additives and solvents mixed in sets such as 0.5 liter, 1.0 liter, and 1.5 liters, in compartments of separate physical size or volume. The polymer compartment may include areas for storing a wide range of resins with different polymer properties, including different storage of polymers that differ in Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity, or polymers to be mixed at other viscosities.

[0032] In addition, the vending machine 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 a clear coat. For example, the vending machine 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 0.5 liters, 1.0 liter, and 1.5 liters. The crosslinking agent storage compartments may include several different, unique physical containers having crosslinking agents that cover a wide range of crosslinking agent properties, including Mw, Tg, functionality, and reactivity. The vending machine device (e.g., 110 in Figure 1) can then retrieve a physical container of the appropriate crosslinking agent in the appropriate volume, either upon selection or upon specification by the computer system 170 when appropriate for the user-selected coating and final result properties.

[0033] Furthermore, the vending machine 110 may be equipped with different physical compartments (not shown) for storing catalyst reagents of different sizes and mixtures. In particular, the vending machine 110 may include various physical compartments (not shown) for storing catalyst reagents having different modulators, inhibitors, and solvents in given physical containers of various preset volumes, such as 0.5 liters, 1.0 liter, and 1.5 liters. The concentration of catalyst in the reagents may range from 1% to 100%, and they may be stored in different physical locations to allow for precise retrieval and delivery of a given mixture by the vending machine 110. In a similar vein, the vending machine 110 may also store a number of reducer reagents in various preset volumes and in specially designated physical compartments, as similarly described above. As previously stated, 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 delivery of different physical containers to best match user preferences and environmental information.

[0034] In line with these principles, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show sequential schematic diagrams illustrating how the vending machine of Figure 1 dispenses physical reagent containers for use in coating application, as disclosed herein. Figure 2A, in particular, shows an end user inputting various information via a user interface 120. As previously stated, the user interface 120 may include instructions rendered on a display provided by the vending machine 110, or alternatively, an interface rendered on a separate computer system. Through the user interface 120, the end user inputs information about the object to be coated, such as the object or vehicle ID. This could be the vehicle identification number (VIN), the manufacturer / model / year of a given vehicle, or other form of information that enables 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 object to be coated, if that is less than the total amount of the vehicle. Through the user interface 120, the user can also input various preferences for the coating, such as gloss, smoothness, shine, texture, application or curing speed, or the types of component reagents to be used or avoided, where applicable.

[0035] As previously mentioned with respect to Figure 1, the computer system 170 can acquire information entered by the user via one or more messages 115a and compare the request with given environmental data 115b to ensure that the recommended reagent is optimized for the environment. In other cases, the computing system 170 may additionally or alternatively include publicly available weather information that may indicate future data for temperature, pressure, and humidity, and may consider such information together with current local data in the coating application area 160. Thus, the computing system 170 can consider both immediate and final timeframes. This may enable the computing system 170 to be used to prepare containers at a remote location that can be delivered for use within a given timeframe in the coating application area 160. Such arrangements may be particularly useful for smaller stores that may have difficulty storing excess inventory.

[0036] Figure 2B illustrates that, during the review and calculation of various inputs by the computing system 170, the vending machine 110 provides a corresponding set of reagents in one or more physical containers, such as the illustrated physical containers 133, 135. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2B shows two containers being sold at the sales location 130, but in consideration of the specification and claims herein, it will be understood that the vending machine 110 may be configured to dispense one or more containers at a time. In addition, it will be understood that the physical containers 133, 135 contain preset volumes of reagents customized to user input data (e.g., from Figure 2A), such as polymers and crosslinkers, or polymer mixtures, crosslinker mixtures, and / or catalyst mixtures, or other relevant combinations (not shown). Figure 2B shows that containers 133 and 135 are objects of different sizes, further illustrating that the computing system 170 may further select containers with specific volumes to avoid waste as much as possible.

[0037] The computing system 170 can similarly dispense multiple volumes of reagents in mixtures of various container sizes for larger tasks. Therefore, the two illustrated physical containers 133 and 135 in Figure 2B are merely examples, and many more physical containers of different sizes may exist, provided where applicable. Furthermore, the vending machine can provide mixing instructions through the user interface 120 or through printed materials provided at the sales location 130. For example, the computing system 170 can determine and provide specific recipes, mixing, and cleanup instructions for each container and / or for combinations of containers added together.

[0038] Figure 2C further illustrates that the end user can then take the container and apply the reagent directly to the coating applicator 150. For example, the coating applicator 150 may comprise an e-coat device, a coating atomizer, a spray gun, or other form of coating application device. Exemplary 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 can be used 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. This may be due to perforation of the membrane, or it may be due to, for example, inserting containers 133, 135 to cause a physical retraction of the sealing element, thereby allowing the reagent to flow into it. 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 them manually according to the provided mixing instructions, and then provide the already mixed material into the coating applicator 150.

[0039] Figure 3 shows another alternative schematic diagram of the vending machine 110 in which the vending machine 110 sells containers containing multiple reagents in different containers. For example, the vending machine 110 may be configured to provide a single container having a single compartment, or the containers may be sold as segmented containers, and the illustrated containers 137a, 137b, 137c, and 137d are merely examples of alternatives. In particular, the system 100 may employ multiple different formats for storing certain reagents for common repeat mixtures while preventing the reagents from interacting until needed. In view of the foregoing, the vending machine 110 can deliver reagents in either a ready-to-use mixture or a ready-to-mix container, even in a single container. In other cases, the vending machine 110 can deliver reagents in multiple containers (e.g., Figures 2A-2B). In yet other cases, the vending machine 110 can deliver reagents in multiple containers or compartments, all within the same container. The illustrated alternative container formats 137a and 137b may include, as mere examples, circular or cylindrical formats 137a and 137b with internal compartment divisions, while containers 137c and 137d represent square or rectangular containers with internal compartment divisions. In the spirit of this disclosure, it will be understood that other types of shapes and divisions within the containers are possible.

[0040] In general, the compartmentalization within 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, the container may include a sealable bladder for one of the compartments, while the other compartments remain open to air or, normally, the atmosphere. In yet another case, the container may include a lid of a special shape for preserving and sealing the containers or compartments within containers 137a–137d. It will be understood that other shapes and compartmentalization configurations may be used in accordance with this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an exemplary flowchart of a decision tree for use when distributing one or more applicable coating containers for use in accordance with this disclosure. For example, Figure 4 shows that the decision tree can begin with 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).

[0042] 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 that indicates 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 affect the types of crosslinking agents or other catalysts, solvents, diluents, etc., that may be required in the mixture to achieve the desired final appearance.

[0043] In line with these principles, Figure 4 shows that the next step in the decision tree 200 may include an action 215 that determines the size of the object or repair. For example, the computing system 170 (Figure 1) may take user input 115a which may include the option of using user specifications or using computer-generated reagents. If the user chooses to select their own reagents without optimization, the decision tree proceeds to actions 225 and 230, where the vending machine 110 identifies and delivers the requested reagents. If the user chooses optimization such as "Smart Clear," the computing system 170 may then optimize the user input in relation to user recommendations and environment variables.

[0044] For example, Figure 4 shows that, considering "smart" optimization, the computing system 170 can also take local environment variables into account. As previously mentioned, this can be achieved by the computing system 170 receiving and processing one or more messages 115b from one or more sensors 170. One or more may be included in or mounted on the coating applicator 150 and / or located 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.

[0045] Therefore, Figure 4 shows that the decision tree may include an action 235 that determines a specific set of containers. For example, for a task requiring 2.0 liters of polymer reagent and 0.25 liters of crosslinking agent and / or catalyst, the computing system 170 may specify two 1.0 liter containers of polymer reagent and one 0.5 liter container of crosslinking agent / catalyst reagent. 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. In general, environmental factors may not change the total volume of the reagent mixture but may even affect the dosage ratio or type of reagent used in a given coating, which may in some cases change the number of containers to sell. However, it will be understood that the number of containers of a particular reagent tends to depend more on the characteristics of the object (e.g., size, coating type), whereas environmental factors tend to be more influenced by the given type of reagent used. In line with these considerations, the computing system 170 may also base the number of containers to sell on the number of containers held in a given storage compartment. Alternatively, the computing system 170 may prepare a list of physical containers of a given size based on expected future inventory, which is based on the expected shipment of physical containers of a particular reagent.

[0046] Figure 4 further shows that the decision tree can then proceed to steps 240 and 245, in which the vending machine 110 provides the containers determined by the computing system 170. The vending machine 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 physical containers 133, 135, etc., have been taken out and need to be refilled. Thus, inventory is automatically added and removed by the vending machine 110 / computing system 170 for each receipt and storage of physical containers 133, 135, as well as for each delivery. 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 aforementioned inventory components 185c, determines what remains in the storage locations within the vending machine 110, which components are in excess or near depletion, and therefore what needs to be reordered. In action 255, the inventory order can be automatically sent by the vending machine 110 (for example, from the computer system 170) or presented to the user as a warning for the final order. Figure 4 shows that the decision tree is completed at this point, i.e., in step 260.

[0047] Figure 5 shows that an additional or alternative method 300 for use in determining and delivering 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, including (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area, and (ii) application variables supplied 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 vending machine 110 or through a mobile or other standalone computing device acting as a computing system 170, on which relevant data is transmitted to the vending machine 110.

[0048] Figure 5 also shows that method 300 may include an action 320 to determine the ratio of reagents to be used. Action 320 includes determining a first ratio of crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio and type of polymer reagent based on one or more coating variables. For example, a computing system 170, in relation to a vending machine 110, may also use a user supply variable 115a and potentially one or more environment variables in message 115b to determine the amount of different types of reagents to complete an order. This determination includes the appropriate ratio for the final mixture to be applied to each reagent.

[0049] In addition, Figure 5 shows that method 300 may include an action 330 that determines a mixing instruction. Action 330 includes determining a mixing instruction for applying a specified ratio of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent that matches one or more application variables received. For example, in addition to determining the ratio from action 320, the computing system 170 may also determine a sequence of steps for adding reagents, such as when and in what quantity to add the reagents to the coating applicator 150. The computing system 170 may also determine and provide instructions related to the storage period of a given reagent when mixed with another reagent and / or when exposed to a reaction environment that initiates the decomposition of the reagent. For example, the computing system 170 may provide an instruction that the mixture of polymer reagent and crosslinking reagent should be applied within approximately two hours before the mixture needs to be discarded due to decomposition or other curing or setting that otherwise prevents wet application.

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows that method 300 may include an action 340 for dispensing containers of identified reagents. Action 340 includes dispensing crosslinking reagent containers and polymer reagent containers according to the volumes corresponding to the determined mixing instructions upon receiving user selection. For example, Figure 2B shows that a vending machine may deliver physical containers 133, 135 previously determined by a computing system 170 and further provide associated mixing or other end-use instructions. Such instructions may further include various MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information necessary for properly handling a given reagent. Such instructions may further include computer-oriented instructions for execution 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 time of delivery or from other variables measured from the start / stop of coating received from the coating applicator 150.

[0051] Accordingly, this disclosure provides several systems, components, and methods that enable several advantages over current technologies. For example, when a customer needs to repair and paint a car, the appropriate ready-to-use products are provided to the customer on demand. This allows coating applicators 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 end-user's work process and addresses several conventional difficulties. Coating manufacturers 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 end-users. This connection can be facilitated by delivering ready-to-apply or ready-to-mix and apply products on demand that are best suited to the end-user's needs. That is, both large and small shops can order reagents on demand and apply them accurately, reliably, and in a timely manner as needed, with minimal waste.

[0052] 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 will be described in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by computers in a networked environment. Generally, a program module includes 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 represents an example of a corresponding act for implementing the functionality described in such steps.

[0053] 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, 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 links). In a distributed computing environment, program modules may reside in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0054] This disclosure includes, or may utilize, a special-purpose or general-purpose computer system, including computer hardware such as a processor 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 holds computer executable instructions and / or data structures is a transmission medium. Thus, as an example, and not limited to, this disclosure may include two distinctly different types of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0055] 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 ("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 general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems to implement the functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0056] A transmission medium may include networks and / or data links that can be used to hold program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures and are accessible by general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems. “Network” is defined as a data link that enables the transfer 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.

[0057] 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 the network interface module and then finally transferred to the computer system RAM and / or less volatile computer storage medium within the computer system. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage medium can also be included in computer system components that utilize the transmission medium (or even more primarily).

[0058] 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, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

[0059] 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 configuration computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may reside on both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will also understand that this disclosure can be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment may, but is not required, be distributed. 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 for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the many other benefits that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0061] 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.

[0062] A cloud computing environment, or cloud computing platform, may comprise a system that includes hosts capable of running virtual machines. While in operation, a virtual machine emulates an operational 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 is interfaced with physical resources, even though the virtual machine is interfaced with the physical resources themselves (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, and media drives.

[0063] This disclosure can be described in relation to various different embodiments and configurations for putting this disclosure into practice, as well as alternative forms thereof. For example, a first embodiment is a vending machine configured to provide a ready-to-use package of coating reagents for the preparation and application of coatings, comprising: a processor; a plurality of first containers having a preset volume of at least one crosslinking reagent; and a plurality of second containers having a preset volume of at least one polymer reagent, wherein each crosslinking reagent is physically sealed from interaction with each polymer reagent; and a computer-readable storage medium containing stored computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, provide to the vending machine's processor: (i) environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to the coating application area. A vending machine comprising a computer-readable storage medium that performs the following actions: (i) receiving data corresponding to (ii) a set of coating variables including one or more application variables supplied by an end user for applying a coating to an object; determining a first ratio of a crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio and type of polymer reagent within a volume of coating based on one or more coating variables; determining a mixing command to apply the determined ratio of the crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent within a volume that matches the received one or more application variables; and, upon receiving a user selection, dispensing containers of the crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent according to the volume corresponding to the determined mixing command.

[0064] In a second embodiment, the vending machine described in the first embodiment may be further configured to determine the type of crosslinking reagent to be used and the type of polymer reagent to be used. In a third embodiment, the vending machine described in any of the first to second embodiments described above may be further configured to receive local environmental data from an environmental sensor, which is physically separate from the vending machine and communicates with the vending machine via a network. In a fourth embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to third embodiments described above, the environmental input includes the local temperature and humidity of the coating application area. In a fifth embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the vending machine may be further configured to dispense a plurality of physical containers of polymer reagents in addition to the dispensed crosslinking reagent containers in response to a set of received coating variables. In a sixth embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the coating application area includes a spray booth. In a seventh embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to sixth embodiments, one or more of the coating application variables in the set correspond to the appearance of the applied coating on the object.

[0065] In the eighth embodiment, in the vending machine described in the seventh embodiment, the appearance of the applied coating includes the gloss or smoothness of the applied coating on the object. In the ninth embodiment, in the vending machine described in either the seventh or eighth embodiment, the appearance includes the texture of the applied coating on the object. In the tenth embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the seventh to ninth embodiments, the appearance includes image clarity (DOI). In the eleventh embodiment, in the vending machine described in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments described above, one or more application variables 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, or both. In the twelfth embodiment, the vending machine described in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments described above is further configured to transmit one or more signals for use by another computer system, the one or more transmitted signals providing a timer that warns the end user regarding the expiration date of any of the dispensed reagents.

[0066] In a thirteenth embodiment, the vending machine according to the twelfth embodiment is further configured to transmit one or more transmission signals to the end user's mobile device to provide the mobile device with a timer that warns the end user about the expiration date of any of the dispensed reagents. In a fourteenth embodiment, the vending machine according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments described above is configured to dispense one of the first plurality of containers and one of the second plurality of containers into a single container that keeps both the reagent in the first container and the reagent in the second container in a non-reacting state. In a fifteenth embodiment, the vending machine according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments described above is further configured to identify a reducing reagent, identify one or more solvents for use with the reducing reagent, and identify one or more solvent parameters of the identified one or more solvents, including relative evaporation rate and Hansen solubility value.

[0067] In the 16th embodiment, in the vending machine according to any of the first to 15 embodiments described above, the user provides the vending machine with dispensing variables via a user interface of a remote application program connected over a network. In the 17th embodiment, in the vending machine according to the 15th embodiment, the vending machine provides one or more messages to a remote application program for the containers to be dispensed, and the remote application program instructs a change in inventory via the user interface in response to one or more messages. In the 18th embodiment, in the vending machine according to any of the first to 17 embodiments described above, the vending machine is connected to a single device having an environmental sensor and one or more additional sensors included in a single device. In the 19th embodiment, in the vending machine according to any of the first to 18 embodiments described above, the plurality of first containers include containers of different sizes containing different volumes of crosslinking reagents. In the 20th embodiment, in the vending machine according to any of the prior claims, the plurality of second containers include containers of different sizes containing different volumes of polymer reagents.

[0068] In a 21st embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to 20 embodiments described above, each of the first plurality of containers and the second plurality of containers includes a barcode or QR code. In a 22nd embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to 21 embodiments described above, the vending machine may further include a code reader for scanning the barcode or QR code of a given container of the first plurality of containers or the second plurality of containers. In a 23rd embodiment, the vending machine described in any one of the 21st or 22nd embodiments may further include a plurality of different physical compartments for holding a plurality of first containers and a plurality of second containers, and an inventory management system which provides instructions for a given physical compartment in response to scanning the barcode or QR code of a given container of the first plurality of containers or the second plurality of containers. In a 24th embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the first to 23 embodiments described above, the coating includes a clear coat. In the 25th embodiment, in the vending machine described in any of the 1st to 24th embodiments described above, the coating includes a primer, an undercoat, a topcoat, a monocoat, or a sealer.

[0069] In addition to or alternative to the foregoing, a 26th aspect of the present disclosure is a computer implementation method for storing and distributing reagents through a vending machine device, which includes: receiving by a computing system a set of coating variables, including (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent to a coating application area, and (ii) application variables supplied by one or more end users for applying a coating to an object; determining by the computing system a first ratio of crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio and type of polymer reagent based on one or more coating variables; determining by the computing system a mixing command for applying the determined ratio of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent that matches the received application variables; and, upon receiving a user selection, distributing by the vending machine device containers of crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent according to the volumes corresponding to the determined mixing command.

[0070] In a 27th embodiment, the method according to the 26th embodiment may further include receiving local environmental data via a network connection from one or more network-connected environmental sensors. In a 28th embodiment, in the method according to the 26th embodiment, one or more environmental sensors provide temperature and / or humidity data related to the coating application area. In a 29th embodiment, in the method according to the 26th embodiment, one or more application variables from the end user include the physical appearance of the applied coating on the object. In a 30th embodiment, in the method according to the 28th embodiment, the physical appearance includes one or more of the gloss or smoothness of the applied coating on the object. In a 31st embodiment, in the method according to any one of the 26th to 30th embodiments, one or more application variables 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, or both.

[0071] This disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its intent or essential features. The embodiments described should be considered in all respects to be merely 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 equivalent meaning and scope of the claims shall be incorporated within that scope.

Claims

1. A vending machine configured to provide ready-to-use packages of coating reagents for the preparation and application of coatings, Processor and A plurality of first containers having a predetermined volume of at least one crosslinking reagent, and a plurality of second containers having a predetermined volume of at least one polymer reagent, wherein each crosslinking reagent is physically sealed from interaction with each polymer reagent, A computer-readable storage medium containing stored computer-executable instructions, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed, the processor of the vending 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 supplied by an end user for applying the coating to an object, Based on the one or more coating variables, a first ratio of a crosslinking reagent to be mixed with a second ratio and type of polymer reagent in a certain volume of coating is determined. Determining a mixing instruction for applying the specified ratio of the crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent in a certain volume, which matches one or more received coating variables, A vending machine comprising a computer-readable storage medium that, upon receiving a user selection, causes the machine to dispense crosslinking reagent containers and polymer reagent containers according to the volume corresponding to the determined mixing command.

2. The aforementioned vending machine further, Determine the type of crosslinking reagent to be used. The vending machine according to claim 1, configured to determine the type of polymer reagent to be used.

3. The vending machine is further configured to receive the local environmental data at least partially from the environmental sensor. The aforementioned environmental sensor is It is physically separated from the aforementioned vending machine, and A vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, which communicates with the aforementioned vending machine via a network.

4. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the environmental input includes the local temperature and humidity of the coating application area.

5. The aforementioned vending machine further, The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, configured to dispense a plurality of physical containers of polymer reagents in addition to the containers of the distributed crosslinking reagents in response to the set of coating variables received.

6. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein one or more of the coating application variables in the set correspond to the appearance of the applied coating on the object.

7. The vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the appearance of the applied coating includes the gloss or smoothness of the applied coating on the object.

8. The vending machine according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the appearance includes the texture of the applied coating on the object.

9. The one or more coating variables are, (i) the application speed of the coating on the object or the curing speed of the coating, and (ii) The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the coating is either air-dried or baked, or both.

10. The aforementioned vending machine further, It is configured to transmit one or more signals for use by another computer system. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the one or more transmitted signals provide a timer that warns the end user regarding the expiration date of any of the distributed reagents.

11. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein one of the first plurality of containers and one of the second plurality of containers are distributed into a single container that keeps both the reagent in the first container and the reagent in the second container in a non-reacting state.

12. The aforementioned vending machine further, Identify the reducer reagent, Identify one or more solvents to be used with the reducer reagent, The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, configured to identify one or more solvent parameters, including the relative evaporation rate and the Hansen solubility value, of the one or more solvents identified.

13. The user provides the dispensing variable to the vending machine through the user interface of a remote application program connected over the network. The vending machine provides one or more messages to the remote application program regarding the containers to be dispensed. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the remote application program instructs the user interface to change the inventory in response to one or more messages.

14. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the plurality of first containers include containers of different sizes containing different volumes of crosslinking reagents.

15. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the plurality of second containers include containers of different sizes containing polymer reagents of different volumes.

16. A plurality of different physical compartments for holding the plurality of first containers and the plurality of second containers, An inventory management system, further comprising an inventory management system that provides instructions for a given physical compartment in response to scanning of a barcode or QR code on a given container of a first plurality of containers or a second plurality of containers, according to any one of the prior claims, for a vending machine.

17. The vending machine according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the coating comprises a clear coat, primer, undercoat, topcoat, monocoat, or sealer.

18. A computer implementation method for storing and distributing reagents through an automated vending machine device, (i) data corresponding to environmental inputs 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 supplied by an end user for applying the coating to an object, received by a computing system; Based on the one or more coating variables, the computing system determines the first ratio of the crosslinking reagent to be mixed with the second ratio and type of polymer reagent. The computing system determines a mixing instruction for applying the specified ratio of the crosslinking reagent and polymer reagent that matches one or more received coating variables. A computer implementation method comprising: receiving a user selection, dispensing a crosslinking reagent container and a polymer reagent container by the vending machine device according to the volume corresponding to the determined mixing command.

19. The further includes receiving the local environmental data via a network connection from one or more environmental sensors connected to the network, The method according to claim 18, wherein the one or more environmental sensors provide temperature data and / or humidity data related to the coating application area.

20. The one or more coating variables from the end user include the physical appearance of the applied coating on the object, The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the physical appearance includes one or more of the gloss or smoothness of the applied coating on the object.

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