Aircraft Inkjet Printing

Abstract

To provide a method, an apparatus, a system, and a computer product for applying a color to an aircraft.SOLUTION: A color (202) for an exterior surface (220) of an aircraft (206) is determined by a computer system (212) based on a design (216) of the aircraft (206). A position (222) of the color (202) in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system (212). The position (222) is in a color space coordinate system (224). An inkjet printer (234) in inkjet printers (228) with a point cloud (230) out of a plurality of point clouds (238) having the smallest Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202) is selected by the computer system (212). The inkjet printer (234) is used for applying the color (202) to the exterior surface (220) of the aircraft (206).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the manufacture of aircraft, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for printing color on an aircraft using an inkjet printing system.

Background Art

[0002] Aircraft, such as passenger airplanes, are generally painted. The combination of colors, shapes, and printed identifiers of a series of markings on an aircraft is called the livery of the aircraft. The livery of an aircraft can include titles, monograms, emblems, and other graphic elements on the exterior of the aircraft.

[0003] A title can have a specific style that includes specific fonts, font sizes, font cases, ratios, and other parameters. An emblem can have a specific shape that provides a logo for promoting the recognition of a particular airline or other customer. It can be difficult to paint these designs on an aircraft in the selected colors to form the livery of the aircraft.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to obtain methods and apparatus that take into account at least some of the above problems and other possible problems. For example, it would be desirable to have methods and apparatus for overcoming technical problems related to the livery of an aircraft.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for applying color to an aircraft. The color of the outer surface of the aircraft is determined from the design of the aircraft by a computer system. The position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system. The position is within a color space coordinate system. One of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of a plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color is selected by the computer system. The inkjet printer is used to apply the color onto the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for applying a color to an object. A determination is made by a computer system as to whether the position of the selected color for the object is within a point group that defines the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The position is within a three-dimensional space of a color space. When the color is within the point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, an inkjet printer to be used for applying the color to the object is selected by the computer system.

[0007] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automatic color system including a computer system and a color manager within the computer system. The color manager is configured to determine the color of the outer surface of an aircraft from the design of the aircraft. The color manager is configured to determine the position of a color in a three-dimensional space. The position is within a color space coordinate system. The color manager is configured to determine whether the Euclidean distance from the position of the color is zero with respect to any of a plurality of point groups that define the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer, and the points of the plurality of point groups represent colors that can be applied by the inkjet printer. The color manager is configured to select one of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of the plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color, and the inkjet printer is used to apply the color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0008] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automatic color system including a computer system and a color manager within the computer system. The color manager is configured to determine whether the position of the selected color for the object is within a point group that defines the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The position is within a three-dimensional space of a color space. The color manager is configured to select an inkjet printer to be used for painting the object when the color is within the point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer.

[0009] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product for applying colors to an aircraft. The computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium storing first program code, second program code, third program code, and fourth program code. The first program code is executable by a computer system to cause the computer system to determine the color of the outer surface of the aircraft from the design of the aircraft. The second program code is executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to determine the position of the color in three-dimensional space. The position is within a color space coordinate system. The third program code is executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to determine whether the Euclidean distance from the position of the color is zero for any of a plurality of point groups that define the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer, and the points of the plurality of point groups represent colors that can be applied by the inkjet printer. The fourth program code is executed by the computer system to cause the computer system to select one of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of the plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color. The inkjet printer is used to apply the color to the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product for applying colors to an aircraft. The computer program product includes first program code and second program code stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The first program code is executed by a computer system to cause the computer system to determine whether a position of a selected color on an object, which is a position in a three-dimensional space of a color space, is within a point cloud that defines the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The second program code is executed by a computer system to cause the computer system to select an inkjet printer to use for applying the color to the object when the color is within the point cloud that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer.

[0011] These features and functions can be realized alone in various embodiments of the present disclosure or can be combined in still other embodiments that can be understood in further detail by referring to the following description and drawings.

[0012] The novel features considered characteristic of the exemplary embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. However, for a better understanding of the exemplary embodiments, together with further objects and features, a preferred mode of use, which is a further object and feature thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Exemplary embodiments recognize and consider one or more different considerations. For example, an exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that currently, a customer can request a specific color configuration for painting the exterior of an aircraft and form a painting for the exterior of the aircraft. An exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that the color code of a color can be extracted from the design of an aircraft, such as an aircraft painting document.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments recognize and consider that the lettering, emblems, and painting of other design elements of an aircraft's painting can become more complex than desired. For example, an exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that when the lettering, emblems, and other design elements are complex, these design elements are constructed layer by layer in a time-consuming process. In some cases, an exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that decals or stickers applied to the exterior of an aircraft may have a certain degree of complex design printed on them. An exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that decals or stickers function well but can add an undesirable weight to the aircraft. An exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that decals or stickers can deteriorate over time.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments recognize and consider that the current technology for identifying the color code of paint for an aircraft's painting can be more cumbersome and error-prone. An exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that as the number of graphic elements and the colors of those graphic elements increase in an aircraft's painting, the time required to identify the color code for a color and mix the paint for those colors becomes longer than desired. Further, an exemplary embodiment recognizes and considers that as the number of graphic elements and colors increases when the color code identification is performed by a worker, the likelihood of errors increases. An exemplary embodiment also recognizes and considers that mixing paints of different color codes can also be cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0017] Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments provide a method, an apparatus, a system, and a computer program product for painting an aircraft. The exemplary embodiments recognize and consider that the painting can be performed using an inkjet printer. The exemplary embodiments recognize and consider that a design can be painted or "printed" on the outer surface of an aircraft using an inkjet printer.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, a color is printed on an object. A determination is made as to whether a position of the selected color for the object is within a point group that defines the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The position is within a three-dimensional space of a color space. When the color is within a point group that defines the color application capabilities of a particular inkjet printer, the particular inkjet printer to be used for printing the color on the object is selected.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, a color is printed on an aircraft. The color of the outer surface of the aircraft is determined from the design of the aircraft. A position of the color in a three-dimensional space is determined. The position is described using a color space coordinate system. A determination is made as to whether the Euclidean distance from the position of the color is zero with respect to any of a plurality of point groups that define the color application capabilities of an inkjet printer. The points in the plurality of point groups represent colors that can be printed by the inkjet printer. One of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of the plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color is selected. The inkjet printer is used to print the color on the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagram of a network of a data processing system in which an exemplary embodiment may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 is a network of computers in which an exemplary embodiment may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 includes a network 102, which is a medium used to provide a communication link between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system 100. Network 102 may include connections such as wired, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

[0021] In the depicted example, server computer 104 and server computer 106 are connected to network 102 along with storage unit 108. In addition, client device 110 is connected to network 102. As depicted, client device 110 includes client computer 112, client computer 114, and client computer 116. Client device 110 may be, for example, a computer, workstation, or network computer. In the depicted example, server computer 104 provides information such as boot files, operating system images, and applications to client device 110. Further, client device 110 may also include other types of client devices such as mobile phone 118, tablet computer 120, and smart glasses 122. In an exemplary embodiment, server computer 104, server computer 106, storage unit 108, and client device 110 are network devices connected to network 102, and network 102 is a communication medium for these network devices. Some of client device 110 form the Internet of Things (IoT), in which these physical devices are connected to network 102 and may exchange information with each other through network 102.

[0022] In this embodiment, the client device 110 is a client with respect to the server computer 104. The network data processing system 100 may include additional server computers, client computers, and other devices not shown. The client device 110 connects to the network 102 using at least one of a wired, fiber optic, or wireless connection.

[0023] The program code located in the network data processing system 100 is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and can be downloaded to the data processing system or other devices during use. For example, the program code can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium of the server computer 104 and downloaded to the client device 110 through the network 102 for use on the client device 110.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the network data processing system 100 is the Internet including the network 102 and represents a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), which is a set of protocols for mutual communication. At the center of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers consisting of thousands of commercial, government, educational, and other computer systems that transfer data and messages. Needless to say, the network data processing system 100 may also be implemented using any number of different types of networks. For example, the network 102 may consist of at least one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN). FIG. 1 is intended as an example and is not intended to structurally limit various exemplary embodiments.

[0025] As used herein, "a number of" when used in connection with an item means one or more items. For example, "a number of different types of networks" means one or more different types of networks.

[0026] Furthermore, the expression "at least one of" when used with the listed items means that one or more different combinations of the listed items can be used, and that only one of each of the listed items may be required. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination of items, and any number of items, can be used from the list, but not all of the listed items are necessarily required. An item can be a particular object, article, or category.

[0027] For example, without limitation, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" can include "item A", "item A and item B", or "item B". This example can also include "item A and item B and item C", or "item B and item C". Of course, any combination of these items can exist. In some exemplary embodiments, "at least one of" can be, by way of example and not limitation, "2 item As and 1 item B and 10 item Cs", "4 item Bs and 7 item Cs", or other suitable combinations.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the color manager 130 is executed on the server computer 104. The color manager 130 operates to print the color 139 on the aircraft 132.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the color manager 130 controls at least one of the inkjet printers 134 or the inkjet printer 136 to apply one or more colors onto the surface of the aircraft 132. As shown, the color manager 130 can control these inkjet printers by sending an instruction 138 to the client computer 112. Next, the client computer 112 sends appropriate instructions as signals to at least one of the inkjet printer 134 or the inkjet printer 136.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the instruction 138 can be at least one of color information, coordinates defining a surface area for printing, program code, inkjet printer settings, or other suitable information. In some exemplary embodiments, the instruction 138 is transmitted via the network 102 using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The instruction 138 can be transmitted as part of a flow of data on the network 102 that can place the instruction 138 within a data packet. Further, a tunneling protocol can be used to provide private network communication between the server computer 104 and the client computer 112.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, when generating the instruction 138, the color manager 130 determines the color 139 of the outer surface of the aircraft 132. This color can be determined using a design of the aircraft 132 such as a drawing 140.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the drawing 140 can be a two - dimensional or three - dimensional drawing of the aircraft 132. The drawing 140 can be in a computer - aided design file or can be generated from a computer - aided design file of the aircraft 132. In some exemplary embodiments, the drawing 140 includes information such as color codes and surface areas to be painted. This information can be obtained from at least one of the drawing 140 or metadata that processes the drawing 140.

[0033] For example, drawing 140 can be processed using at least one of image processing, text extraction, computational analysis, visual analysis, or other techniques for obtaining information about color 139 within the surface area to which color 139 is applied to aircraft 132. The surface areas may or may not be adjacent. The surface area can be part of the design of the aircraft paint for aircraft 132.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, based on the identification of color 139 of aircraft 132, color manager 130 determines whether color 139 is within or outside the color range of inkjet printers 134 and 136.

[0035] Determining whether a color is within the color range of an inkjet printer can be done by determining whether color 139 is within each point group of the inkjet printer. The color range of the inkjet printer is the color applicable to the inkjet printer. These point groups represent the color space of the color ranges of inkjet printers 134 and 136.

[0036] If the color is outside the point groups of these inkjet printers, color manager 130 can determine the distance of color 139 to each of the point groups. The inkjet printer having the point group with the minimum Euclidean distance within the threshold distance can be used to apply color 139 to aircraft 132. If the closest distance to one of the point groups of these two inkjet printers is greater than the threshold distance, then inkjet printers 134 and 136 may not be able to apply another color close enough to color 139. In this case, the customer can be consulted regarding whether the color closest to color 139 is available, whether another inkjet printer can be considered, or whether some other action can be taken.

[0037] If an inkjet printer is selected to apply color 139, color manager 130 sends an instruction 138 to client computer 112 to apply color 139 to aircraft 132 using the selected inkjet printer.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, an example block diagram of a color application environment is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, color application environment 200 includes hardware-implementable components such as the hardware shown in network data processing system 100 of FIG. 1.

[0039] In color application environment 200, color 202 can be applied to object 204. Object 204 can take any number of different forms. For example, object 204 can be selected from the group including a mobile platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water or underwater-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft, a commercial aircraft, a rotary-wing aircraft, a watercraft, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing factory, a building, an outer panel, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine housing, a wing, and a fairing, and other suitable types of objects.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, automated color system 208 operates to apply color 210 to object 204, such as aircraft 206 or some other type of object. As shown, automated color system 208 includes a computer system 212 and a color manager 214 within computer system 212.

[0041] The color manager 214 can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When software is used, the operations performed by the color manager 214 can be implemented in program code configured to be executed on hardware such as a processor unit. When firmware is used, the operations performed by the color manager 214 are implemented in program code and data, stored in persistent memory, and can be executed on the processor unit. When hardware is used, the hardware can include circuitry operative to perform the operations in the color manager 214.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the hardware can take a form selected from at least one of a circuit system, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or any other suitable type of hardware configured to perform any number of operations. Using a programmable logic device, the device can be configured to perform any number of operations. The device may be reconfigured later or may be permanently configured to perform any number of operations. Programmable logic devices include, for example, programmable logic arrays, programmable array logic, field programmable logic arrays, field programmable gate arrays, and other suitable hardware devices. Additionally, these processes can be implemented within organic components incorporated into inorganic components and can all consist of non-human organic components. For example, these processes can be implemented as circuits within an organic semiconductor.

[0043] The computer system 212 is a physical hardware system and includes one or more data processing systems. If there are two or more data processing systems within the computer system 212, these data processing systems communicate with each other using a communication medium. The communication medium can be a network. The data processing system can be selected from at least one of a computer, a server computer, a tablet computer, or some other suitable data processing system.

[0044] As illustrated, the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 can operate to identify the color 202 of the object 204 from the design 216. The design 216 is information in electronic form located in one or more files within the design database 218. In some exemplary embodiments, the design 216 can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional design of the object 204. The design 216 can be, for example, a computer-aided design of a data structure such as a file or some other suitable object stored on a computer-readable medium of the computer system 212. The design 216 can be, for example, a two-dimensional drawing including text and legends describing a color scheme such as the paint job of an aircraft when the object 204 is an aircraft 206.

[0045] The color manager 214 can process the design 216 to determine the selected color 202 for the object 204. For example, the color 202 can be for use on the outer surface 220 of the aircraft 206.

[0046] This determination of the color 202 can include, for example, locating metadata of the design 216 that identifies the color 202. The information identifying the color 202 can be a color code, a color space value, or some other description.

[0047] By identifying the color 202, the color manager 214 determines the position 222 of the color 202 in three-dimensional space. The position 222 of the color 202 in space is described using the color space coordinate system 224 of the color space 226.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the color space is an arrangement of colors. The color space 226 includes information that enables the reproduction of colors such as color 202. This information is represented in the color space coordinate system 224. As illustrated, the color space 226 can be selected from at least one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space, the XYZ color space, or other suitable types of color spaces.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printer 228 can be used to apply the color 202 to the object 204. In some exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printer 228 can be implemented using currently available inkjet printers designed for industrial use, such as for applying colors to moving objects such as automobiles or aircraft. In some exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printer 228 can take the form of a robot having a print head suitable for applying the color 202 to an object 204 such as an aircraft 206.

[0050] The inkjet printer 228 can apply the color 202 to the object 204 in any number of different ways. For example, the inkjet printer 228 can apply the color 202 by painting or printing. In some exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printer 228 can apply the color 202 by at least one of painting or printing.

[0051] For example, the paint can be a liquid consisting of a pigment, a solvent, and a binder. The ink can be a semi-transparent liquid mainly consisting of a pigment and a solvent with a small proportion of binder. The paint has a higher viscosity than the ink. Further, the pigment in the paint may be less soluble in the solvent compared to the ink.

[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the color manager 214 can determine whether the position 222 of the color 202 selected for the object 204 is within the point group 230 that defines the color application ability 232 of the inkjet printer 234. As shown, the color manager 214 can select the inkjet printer 234 within the inkjet printer 228 to apply the color 202 to the object 204 when the color 202 is within the point group 230 that defines the color application ability 232 of the inkjet printer 234.

[0053] For example, when selecting the inkjet printer 234, the color manager 214 can determine the position 222 of the color 202 in the three-dimensional space and determine whether the Euclidean distance 236 from the position 222 of the color 202 is zero for any of the plurality of point groups 238 that define the color application ability 232 of the inkjet printer 228. In this example, the points 240 of the plurality of point groups 238 represent colors 242 that can be applied to the object 204, such as the aircraft 206, by the inkjet printer 228.

[0054] As shown, the color manager 214 can select the inkjet printer 234 in the inkjet printer 228 that has one of the plurality of point groups 230 with the minimum Euclidean distance 244 to the position 222 of the color 202. Based on this selection, the color manager 214 can use the inkjet printer 234 to apply the color 202 to the object 204, such as on the outer surface 220 of the aircraft 206.

[0055] When selecting an inkjet printer, color manager 214 can identify inkjet printer 234 among inkjet printers 228 having point group 230 from among a plurality of point groups 238 for which the Euclidean distance 236 to position 222 of color 202 is zero. Further, when there is no Euclidean distance 236 that is zero from position 222 of color 202 to a plurality of point groups 238, color manager 214 can identify one inkjet printer 234 among inkjet printers 228 including one point group 230 from among a plurality of point groups 238 having a non-zero minimum Euclidean distance 246 to position 222 of color 202.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-zero minimum Euclidean distance 246 to color 202 is represented as an alternative color 248 that is an approximation of color 202. As shown, color manager 214 can use alternative color 248 in place of color 202 when the non-zero minimum Euclidean distance 246 is within a threshold distance 250.

[0057] Further, when a plurality of inkjet printers within inkjet printer 228 have a Euclidean distance 236 that is zero, these inkjet parameters have the ability to apply color 202. In this case, selecting a particular inkjet printer from among these inkjet printers having a distance that is zero with respect to Euclidean distance 236 can be done based on color application speed, cost, and at least one of any number of applied colors. Any number of applied colors determines whether all of the plurality of colors applied to an object are within the same point group of a particular inkjet printer. For example, if two colors are applied and the first color is included in all three point groups of three inkjet printers and the second color is included in only one point group of the three inkjet printers, the inkjet printer whose point group includes the two colors is selected.

[0058] By selecting the inkjet printer 234 within the inkjet printer 228, the color manager 214 can generate an instruction 252. In some exemplary embodiments, the instruction 252 represents an instruction that can be used to control the operation of the inkjet printer 234 to apply the color 202 to an object 204 such as an aircraft 206. In some exemplary embodiments, the instruction 252 is sent directly to the inkjet printer 234 or to a computer or some other type of controller that controls the operation of the inkjet printer 234. This computer or controller can be located inside or outside the inkjet printer 234.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, one or more technical solutions are disclosed that overcome technical problems in applying color to an aircraft. As a result, the one or more technical solutions can provide a technical effect that can apply color to an aircraft or some other type of object more quickly compared to the current technology. In the exemplary embodiment, the one or more technical solutions can identify an inkjet printer and shorten the time required to apply one or more colors for painting an aircraft or a color scheme for some other object from a design such as a drawing.

[0060] The computer system 212 can be configured to perform at least one of the steps, processes, or operations described in various exemplary embodiments using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. As a result, the computer system 212 operates as a dedicated computer system in which the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 can identify an appropriate inkjet printer for applying color to an object. In particular, the color manager 214 converts the computer system 212 into a dedicated computer system compared to currently available general-purpose computer systems that do not have the color manager 214.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the use of the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 integrates the process into the implementation of a method for applying color to an object and enhances the performance of the computer system 212. In short, the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 identifies an inkjet printer and is directed towards the implementation of a process integrated within the color manager 214 in the computer system 212 for applying color to an object. In some exemplary embodiments, the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 determines whether the position of the selected color for an object is within or the same as a point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer. The position is within the three-dimensional space of the color space. When the color is within the point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, the inkjet printer used to apply the color to the object is selected by the computer system, resulting in the desired accuracy. The desired accuracy for applying a color to an object to meet the color specification of the color space is controlled by the computer system 212. Thus, the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 provides the implementation of applying color to an object such as an aircraft, improving the functionality of the computer system 212.

[0062] The figure of the color application environment 200 of FIG. 2 is not intended to suggest a physical or structural limitation to the manner in which an exemplary embodiment may be implemented. Other components may be used in addition to or in place of the illustrated components. Some components may be unnecessary. Further, blocks are presented to illustrate some of the functional components. When implemented in an exemplary embodiment, one or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided so as to become different blocks.

[0063] For example, the automatic color system 208 can identify any number of colors in addition to or instead of color 202. Further, the color manager 214 can apply these different colors to an object 204, such as an aircraft 206, by the painting mechanism currently used for the aircraft 206 to form the aircraft's painting, instead of or in addition to the application of color.

[0064] In still other exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printer 228 can be considered an external component of the automatic color system 208. In still other exemplary embodiments, the instruction 252 can be generated by another software or hardware component in addition to or instead of the color manager 214.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 3, an illustration of information extraction from an aircraft drawing is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, the drawing 300 is an example of the design 216 of FIG. 2. The drawing 300 is, in this embodiment, a two-dimensional drawing and is a view within a computer-aided design model or is created using a computer-aided design model. In some exemplary embodiments, the table 302 is an example of information that can be extracted by processing the drawing 300. In some exemplary embodiments, the information identified from the drawing 300 in the table 302 includes a program name 304, a revision 306, a customer 308, a date 310, a color code 312 for the color, a location 314, an area to which the color is applied 316, and a color space value 318. As illustrated, the color space value provides the position of the color to identify the color code 312 of the color space. This information can be used to determine whether the color can be applied by a particular inkjet printer.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram of the Euclidean distance determined for the colors up to the point cloud is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, the table 400 shows the position of the colors with respect to the point cloud for the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer. As shown, Table 400 includes columns for color code 402, position 404, Euclidean distance (dE) 406, nearest point group 408, and inkjet printer identifier 410.

[0067] In this example, color code 402 identifies the color applied to the aircraft exterior. Position 404 identifies the position of the color in color space. In some exemplary embodiments, the color space is the LAB color space. Euclidean distance 406 is the closest distance from the position of the color to the point group of a particular inkjet printer. Nearest point group 408 is the closest point of the point group to the position of the color.

[0068] In this illustrated example, there are five color entries applied to the aircraft exterior. In this example, the colors include color A420, color B422, color C424, color D426, and color E428.

[0069] In this example, to apply the color to the aircraft, an inkjet printer having the point group with the closest Euclidean distance to the position of the color can be selected. For example, color A420 has the point group of an inkjet printer that can be considered for applying color A420. In this example, Inkjet 4 is the inkjet printer having the closest distance to the position of color A420 where dE is 0.771423554. The point group having the closest distance can also be referred to as the nearest point group in this exemplary embodiment. As another example, for color B422, Inkjet 4 is the inkjet printer having the closest distance to the position of color B422 where dE is 2.084864427.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, if the distance threshold is 1.5, Inkjet 4 can be selected as the inkjet printer that can apply an alternative color from color A420. Even though Inkjet 4 is the inkjet printer having the closest distance to the position of color B422, a warning is generated using color B422. Since this Euclidean distance is not within the threshold limit of 1.5, a warning is generated.

[0071] Next, referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 5 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code executed by one or more processor units installed in one or more hardware devices within one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented within the color manager 214 in the computer system 212 of FIG. 2. This process can be utilized to apply color to at least one of the exterior or interior of an object, such as the object 204 in the form of the aircraft 206 of FIG. 2.

[0072] The process begins by determining whether the position of the selected color for the object is within the point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer (step 500). In step 500, the position is in a three-dimensional space of a color space. For example, in the LAB color space, the coordinates are l = lightness, a = green axis, and b = blue axis.

[0073] When the color is within the point group that defines the color application capabilities of the inkjet printer, the process selects an inkjet printer to use for applying the color to the object (step 502). The process then ends. The process can apply the color to the object using the selected inkjet printer.

[0074] Next, referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a process for applying color to an object is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, this flowchart shows additional steps that can be executed as part of the flowchart of FIG. 5. These steps can be executed when the position of the color is not within the point group of the inkjet printer in step 502 of FIG. 5.

[0075] The process determines (step 600) whether the position of the selected color for an object is within another point group that defines the color application capabilities of another inkjet printer when the color is not within the point group of the inkjet printer. The process selects (step 602) another inkjet printer to apply the color to the object when the color is within the point group of the inkjet printer. The process then ends.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram of a process for determining whether the position of a color is within a point group is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 7 is an example of one way to implement step 500 of FIG. 5.

[0077] The process determines (step 700) the Euclidean distance from the position of the color to the closest point in the point group. In step 700, when the Euclidean distance is zero, the position of the color is within the point group. The process then ends.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a process for applying a color to an aircraft is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 8 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code executed by one or more processor units installed in one or more hardware devices within one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 of FIG. 2.

[0079] The process begins by determining (step 800) the outer surface of the aircraft from the aircraft design. The process determines (step 802) the position of the color in three-dimensional space. In step 802, the position is within a color space coordinate system.

[0080] The process selects one of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of a plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color (step 804). In step 804, the points in the plurality of point groups represent colors that can be applied to the aircraft by the inkjet printer. In step 804, the selected inkjet printer can be used to apply the color on the outer surface of the aircraft. The process then ends.

[0081] In this flowchart, the inkjet printer with the minimum Euclidean distance to the position of the color can be zero. A distance of zero means that the position of the color is on or inside the point group.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a process for applying color to an aircraft is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 9 is an example of one way in which step 804 of FIG. 8 can be implemented.

[0083] The process begins by determining (step 900) for one of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of a plurality of point groups whether there is a zero Euclidean distance from the point group to the position of the color. If the distance from the point group to the position of the color is zero, the process selects the inkjet printer as a candidate to be used when applying the color (step 902). The process then ends.

[0084] Referring again to step 900, if there is no non-zero distance, the process identifies one of the inkjet printers having one of the plurality of point groups with the non-zero but minimum Euclidean distance from the point group to the position of the color when there is no Euclidean distance of zero from the position of the color to the plurality of point groups (step 904). The process then ends.

[0085] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a flowchart of a process for selecting an inkjet printer when there are points with non-zero Euclidean distances to the point cloud is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 10 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code executed by one or more processor units located within one or more hardware devices in one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 of FIG. 2.

[0086] As an alternative color, the process identifies a point within the point cloud having the minimum non-zero Euclidean distance to the color (step 1000). This alternative color is an approximation of the color. The process determines whether the Euclidean distance from the points within the point cloud to the position of the color is within a threshold distance (step 1002). The threshold distance in step 1002 is selected to indicate a case where the color is close enough to be used as an alternative color. For example, the threshold distance can be selected such that the difference between the color and the alternative color is not visually recognizable.

[0087] In step 1002, the threshold distance can be selected in any number of different ways. The threshold distance can be a distance at which a person cannot recognize the difference between the color and the alternative color.

[0088] If the Euclidean distance is within the threshold, the process selects an inkjet printer to apply the alternative color (step 1004). The process then ends. If the Euclidean distance is greater than the threshold distance, the process generates a warning (step 1006). The process then ends. This warning can indicate that the color that can be applied by the inkjet printer is too different from the color selected by the customer. Depending on this warning, any number of different actions can be taken. For example, the customer can be consulted regarding the color selection. As another example, additional inkjet printers can be identified and analyzed to determine whether these additional inkjet printers can apply the desired color.

[0089] Next, referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart of a process for creating an instruction to apply a color to an object is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 11 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code executed by one or more processor units located within one or more hardware devices within one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 of FIG. 2.

[0090] The process begins by determining the surface area of the colored surface on the outer surface of the aircraft (step 1100). In step 1100, the surface area is determined using the design of the aircraft. The process determines the amount of color required by an inkjet printer to apply the color to the surface area on the outer surface of the aircraft (step 1102). The process controls the inkjet printer to create an instruction to be used to apply the color to the surface area on the object (step 1104). The process then ends.

[0091] Now referring to FIG. 12, a flowchart of a process for selecting an inkjet printer for applying a color to an aircraft is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 12 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code executed by one or more processor units located within one or more hardware devices within one or more computer systems. For example, the process can be implemented in the color manager 214 within the computer system 212 of FIG. 2. This process can be utilized to apply a color to at least one of the exterior or interior of an object, such as the aircraft 206 of FIG. 2 in the form of an object 204.

[0092] The process starts by identifying a set of colors from an aircraft drawing (step 1200). In step 1200, the set of colors can be identified by performing image processing on the drawing. This image processing can include optical character recognition. In this step, information such as customer name, program name, painting date, revision number, and color code can be identified.

[0093] The process then selects a color from the set of colors for processing (step 1202). The process determines whether the color is within the color range of a set of dot groups of a set of inkjet printers (step 1204). In step 1204, the color is within the color range of the dot groups when it has a position within the color space inside the dots. This determination can be made using robust internal and external segmentation using generalized winding numbers.

[0094] If the color is within the color range of any number of dot groups in the set of dot groups, the set of inkjet printers corresponding to the any number of dot groups is selected as the inkjet printer that can apply the color (step 1206).

[0095] Otherwise, the closest Euclidean distance is determined at the position of the color with respect to the set of dot groups (step 1208). In step 1208, the process identifies one dot group among the set of dot groups of the set of inkjet printers that has the closest Euclidean distance. In this example, it is assumed that only one of the multiple dot groups will have the closest Euclidean distance.

[0096] In step 1208, the Euclidean distance can be determined in the LAB color space as follows. dE is the reference color TIFF0007704559000001.tif9170 and another color TIFF0007704559000002.tif9170 is the difference. TIFF0007704559000003.tif20170 Here, TIFF0007704559000004.tif96170, and kC and k H are both usually 1, and the weight coefficient k L , K1, and K2.

[0097] The process then determines whether the distance is within the distance of the threshold (step 1210). If the distance is within the distance of the threshold, the process then selects the inkjet printer corresponding to the point group with the closest distance as a candidate for applying the color (step 1212).

[0098] Next, a determination is made as to whether there is another color for processing (step 1214). The process also proceeds from step 1206 to the determination in step 1214 in this example.

[0099] If there is another unprocessed color, the process returns to step 1202.

[0100] Referring to step 1210 again, if the distance is not within the threshold, a warning is generated (step 1216). In step 1216, the warning can be used as an instruction that an additional inkjet printer should be identified in order to consider the application of the color. The process then proceeds to step 1214.

[0101] Referring to step 1214 again, if there is an additional color for processing, the process then identifies one or more inkjet printers from the candidate inkjet printers identified for applying a set of colors to the aircraft (step 1218). There can be multiple inkjet printers capable of applying a particular color. The selected inkjet printer can be a printer that can print most or all of the colors identified for the aircraft.

[0102] The process then determines a set of surface areas on the aircraft to which a set of colors are to be applied (step 1220). The process then identifies the resources required to apply the set of colors to the aircraft (step 1222). The process then ends. These resources identified in step 1222 include the amount of color and the availability of the selected inkjet printers. For example, multiple inkjet printers of the same type can be selected to increase the speed at which the colors can be applied. The identification of these resources in step 1222 can be used to schedule and indicate how much time is required to apply the color. This determination can be used to determine how this part of the aircraft manufacturing process affects the delivery date of the aircraft.

[0103] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the various illustrated embodiments show the structure, functions, and processes of some possible implementations of the apparatus and method in the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent at least one of a module, segment, function, or part of a process or step. For example, one or more blocks can be implemented as program code, hardware, or a combination of program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware can take the form of, for example, an integrated circuit manufactured or configured to perform one or more processes of the flowchart or block diagram. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, this implementation can take the form of firmware. Each block of the flowchart or block diagram can be implemented using a dedicated hardware system that performs the various processes of the dedicated hardware and the program code executed by the dedicated hardware or a combination thereof.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments of the illustrative embodiments, one or more of the functions described in the blocks may be performed out of the order described in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes the blocks may be performed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the blocks depicted in the flowchart or block diagram.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 13, a block diagram of a data processing system is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The data processing system 1300 may be used to implement the server computers 104, 106, and the client device 110 of FIG. 1. The data processing system 1300 may also be used to implement the computer system 212 of FIG. 2. In some illustrative examples, the data processing system 1300 includes a communication framework 1302 that facilitates communication between a processor unit 1304, a memory 1306, a fixed storage 1308, a communication unit 1310, an input / output (I / O) unit 1312, and a display 1314. In this example, the communication framework 1302 takes the form of a bus system.

[0106] The processor unit 1304 serves to execute instructions for software loaded into the memory 1306. The processor unit 1304 includes one or more processors. For example, the processor unit 1304 may be selected from among at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or other suitable type of processor. Further, the processor unit 1304 may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a primary processor and a secondary processor coexist on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processor unit 1304 may be a symmetric multiprocessor system that includes a plurality of processors of the same type on a single chip.

[0107] Memory 1306 and fixed storage device 1308 are examples of storage device 1316. A storage device is any hardware that can temporarily and / or permanently store at least one of, for example, but not limited to, data, information such as program code in functional form, or other suitable information. Storage device 1316 may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage device in these exemplary embodiments. In these embodiments, memory 1306 can be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Fixed storage device 1308 can take various forms depending on the particular embodiment.

[0108] For example, fixed storage device 1308 can include one or more components or devices. For example, fixed storage device 1308 can be a hard drive, a solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The medium used by fixed storage device 1308 can also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive can be used for fixed storage device 1308.

[0109] In these exemplary embodiments, communication unit 1310 provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these exemplary embodiments, communication unit 1310 is a network interface card.

[0110] Input / output unit 1312 enables data input and output between data processing system 1300 and other devices that can be connected thereto. For example, input / output unit 1312 can provide a connection for user input through at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable input device. Further, input / output unit 1312 can send output to a printer. Display 1314 provides a mechanism for displaying information to the user.

[0111] Instructions for at least one of an operating system, an application, or a program may be located in a storage device 1316 that communicates with a processor unit 1304 via a communication framework 1302. The processes of various embodiments may be implemented by a processor unit 1304 using computer-executable instructions that may be located in a memory such as memory 1306.

[0112] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code, which may be read and executed by a processor in a processor unit 1304. In various embodiments, the program code may be embodied on various physical or computer-readable storage media such as memory 1306 or fixed storage device 1308.

[0113] Program code 1318 may be placed in functional form on a computer-readable medium 1320 that is selectively removable and loaded or transferred into a data processing system 1300 for execution by a processor unit 1304. Program code 1318 and computer-readable medium 1320 form a computer program product 1322 in these examples. In an exemplary embodiment, computer-readable medium 1320 is a computer-readable storage medium 1324.

[0114] In these examples, computer-readable storage medium 1324 is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code 1318 rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code 1318. Computer-readable storage medium 1318 as used herein should not be construed to be a transient signal itself such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse passing through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0115] Alternatively, the program code 1318 can be transferred to the data processing system 1300 using a computer-readable signal medium. The computer-readable signal medium can be, for example, a propagated data signal that includes the program code 1318. For example, the computer-readable signal medium can be at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals can be transmitted via a connection such as a wireless connection, an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, an electric wire, or any other suitable type of connection.

[0116] Furthermore, as used herein, "computer-readable medium 1320" can be singular or plural. For example, the program code 1318 can be located on the computer-readable medium 1320 in the form of a single storage device or system. In another example, the program code 1318 can be located on the computer-readable medium 1320 that is distributed across multiple data processing systems. In short, some instructions in the program code 1318 can be located on one data processing system, while other instructions in the program code 1318 can be located on another data processing system. For example, a portion of the program code 1318 can be located on the computer-readable medium 1320 of a server computer, while another portion of the program code 1318 can be located on the computer-readable medium 1320 located on a set of client computers.

[0117] It is not intended that the various components illustrated with respect to data processing system 1300 impose structural limitations on the ways in which various embodiments may be implemented. In some illustrative examples, one or more of the components may be incorporated into another component or otherwise form part of another component. For example, in some illustrative examples, memory 1306 or a portion thereof may be integrated within processor unit 1304. Different illustrative embodiments may be implemented within a data processing system that includes additional or alternative components with respect to the components illustrated with respect to data processing system 1300. Other components shown in FIG. 13 may be different from the illustrative examples shown. Various embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of executing program code 1318.

[0118] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in light of an aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1400 shown in FIG. 14 and an aircraft 1500 shown in FIG. 15. First referring to FIG. 14, an aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In a pre-manufacturing stage, the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1400 may include a specification and design 1402 of the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15 and a procurement of materials 1404.

[0119] In a manufacturing stage, a manufacturing 1406 of components and subassemblies of the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15 and a system integration 1408 are performed. Thereafter, the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15 undergoes certification and delivery 1410 for use in operation 1412. During operation 1412 by a customer, the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15 has scheduled periodic servicing and maintenance 1414 (which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other servicing or maintenance).

[0120] Each process of the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1400 can be implemented or executed by a system integrator, a third party, a contractor, or some combination thereof. In these examples, the contractor can be the customer. As used herein, a system integrator can include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and prime system subcontractors, a third party can include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers, and a contractor can be an airline, a leasing company, a military organization, a service agency, etc.

[0121] Referring now to FIG. 15, a diagram of an aircraft in which an exemplary embodiment can be implemented is shown. In this example, the aircraft 1500 can include a fuselage 1502 manufactured by the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1400 of FIG. 14 and having a plurality of systems 1504 and an interior 1506. Examples of the systems 1504 include one or more of a propulsion system 1508, an electrical system 1510, a hydraulic system 1512, and an environmental system 1514. Any number of other systems may be included. Although examples of the aerospace industry are shown, different exemplary embodiments can also be applied to other industries such as the automotive industry.

[0122] The apparatus and method embodied herein can be employed at at least one stage of the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1400 of FIG. 14.

[0123] In one exemplary embodiment, a component or subassembly manufactured in the manufacture 1406 of the components and subassemblies of FIG. 14 can be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to that of a component or subassembly manufactured during the operation 1412 of the aircraft 1500 in FIG. 14. In yet another example, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof can be utilized at manufacturing stages such as the manufacture 1406 of the components and subassemblies of FIG. 14 and system integration 1408. One or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof can be utilized while the aircraft 1500 is in operation 1412 and / or maintenance and servicing 1414 in FIG. 14. By using any number of different exemplary embodiments, significant efficiency improvements to the assembly of the aircraft 1500, cost reduction of the aircraft 1500, or both significant efficiency improvements to the assembly of the aircraft 1500 and cost reduction of the aircraft 1500 may be made.

[0124] For example, the color manager 214 of FIG. 2 can be used during at least one of the manufacture 1406 of the components and subassemblies of the aircraft 1500 or system integration 1408 of FIG. 15 to achieve colors applied to the aircraft 1500 more quickly and effectively compared to current techniques. Further, the color manager 214 can be used during maintenance and servicing 1414 as part of the retrofit, reconfiguration, repair, and other maintenance and servicing of the aircraft 1500 to apply color to the aircraft 1500.

[0125] Referring now to FIG. 16, a block diagram of a product management system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The product management system 1600 is a physical hardware system. In this example, the product management system 1600 includes at least one of a manufacturing system 1602 or a servicing system 1604.

[0126] The manufacturing system 1602 is configured to manufacture products such as the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. As shown, the manufacturing system 1602 includes manufacturing equipment 1606. The manufacturing equipment 1606 includes at least one of fabrication equipment 1608 or assembly equipment 1610.

[0127] The fabrication equipment 1608 is equipment used to process components for parts used in forming the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. For example, the fabrication equipment 1608 can include machines and tools. These machines and tools can be at least one of a drill, a hydraulic press, a heating furnace, a mold, a composite tape layer, a vacuum system, a lathe, or other suitable types of equipment. Using the fabrication equipment 1608, at least one of metal parts, composite parts, semiconductors, circuits, fasteners, ribs, outer panels, spars, antennas, or other suitable types of parts can be processed.

[0128] The assembly equipment 1610 is equipment used to assemble parts that form the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. Specifically, the assembly equipment 1610 can be used for assembling components and parts that form the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. The assembly equipment 1610 can also include machines and tools. Such machines and tools can be at least one of a robotic arm, a crawler, a fastener installation system, a rail-based drill system, or a robot. The assembly equipment 1610 can be used, for example, for assembling parts such as seats, horizontal stabilizers, wings, engines, engine housings, landing gear systems, and other parts for the aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15.

[0129] In this embodiment, the maintenance system 1604 includes maintenance equipment 1612. The maintenance equipment 1612 can include any equipment necessary to perform the maintenance of the aircraft 1500 in FIG. 15. The maintenance equipment 1612 can include tools for performing various operations on the parts of the aircraft 1500 in FIG. 15. These operations can include at least one of disassembling parts, repairing parts, inspecting parts, reworking parts, manufacturing replacement parts, or other operations for performing the maintenance of the aircraft 1500 in FIG. 15. These operations can be regular maintenance, inspection, upgrade, repair, or other types of maintenance work.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the maintenance equipment 1612 can include an ultrasonic inspection device, an X-ray imaging system, a vision system, a drill, a crawler, and other suitable devices. In some cases, the maintenance equipment 1612 can include manufacturing equipment 1608, assembly equipment 1610, or both for producing and assembling parts that may be required for maintenance.

[0131] The product management system 1600 also includes a control system 1614. The control system 1614 is a hardware system and can also include software or other types of components. The control system 1614 is configured to control at least one process of the manufacturing system 1602 or the maintenance system 1604. Specifically, the control system 1614 can control the operation of at least one of the manufacturing equipment 1608, the assembly equipment 1610, or the maintenance equipment 1612.

[0132] The hardware of control system 1614 can be implemented using hardware, which can include computers, circuits, networks, and other types of devices. The control can take the form of direct control of manufacturing equipment 1606. For example, robots, computer-controlled machines, and other devices can be controlled by control system 1614. In other exemplary embodiments, control system 1614 can manage the work performed by personnel 1616 in the manufacture or maintenance of aircraft 1500. For example, control system 1614 can assign tasks, give instructions, display models, or perform other operations to manage the work performed by personnel 1616. In these exemplary examples, color manager 214 of FIG. 2 is implemented in control system 1614 and can manage at least one of the manufacture or servicing of aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. For example, color manager 214 can operate to select an inkjet printer to be used when applying color to a product such as aircraft 1500. Further, color manager 214 can control the operation of the inkjet printer to apply color to a product such as aircraft 1500.

[0133] In various exemplary embodiments, personnel 1616 can operate or interact with at least one of manufacturing equipment 1606, servicing equipment 1612, or control system 1614. This interaction can occur in manufacturing aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15.

[0134] Of course, product management system 1600 can also be configured to manage products other than aircraft 1500 of FIG. 15. Although product management system 1600 is described in relation to manufacturing in the aerospace industry, product management system 1600 can also be configured to manage products of other industries. For example, product management system 1600 can be configured to manufacture products of the automotive industry and any other suitable industry.

[0135] Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments provide a method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for applying color to an aircraft. The color of the outer surface of the aircraft is determined from the aircraft design by a computer system. The position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system. The position is within a color space coordinate system. One of a plurality of inkjet printers having one of a plurality of point groups with the minimum Euclidean distance to the color position is selected by the computer system. The inkjet printer is used to apply color onto the outer surface of the aircraft.

[0136] In the exemplary embodiments, various processes can be automatically executed to identify a set of colors from a design and select one or more inkjet printers to apply color to an object such as an aircraft. Exemplary examples can be applied to products such as aircraft, ground vehicles, spacecraft, ships, and other objects to which color is applied.

[0137] One or more technical solutions that overcome the technical problems in applying color to an aircraft exist among the exemplary examples. As a result, one or more technical solutions can provide a technical effect that can apply color to an aircraft or other types of objects more quickly compared to the current technology. In the exemplary embodiments, one or more technical solutions can identify an inkjet printer and shorten the time required to apply one or more colors for painting an aircraft or a color scheme for other objects from a design such as a drawing.

[0138] The description of various exemplary embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the disclosed forms. Components that execute operations or actions are described by various examples. In an exemplary embodiment, a component can be configured to perform the described operations or actions. For example, the component can have a structure or design that provides the component with the ability to perform the operations or actions described as being performed by the component in the exemplary embodiment. Further, as long as the terms "includes," "has," "contains," and variations thereof are used herein, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprises" as a broad transitional term without precluding additional elements or other elements.

[0139] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses.

[0140] Clause 1. A method for applying a color (202) to an aircraft (206), comprising: a computer system (212) determining (800) a color (202) of an outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) from a design (216) of the aircraft (206); the computer system (212) determining (802) a position (222) of the color (202) in a three-dimensional space, the position (222) being in a color space coordinate system (224); the computer system (212) selecting (804) an inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one of a plurality of point groups (238) with a minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202); and wherein the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply the color (202) onto the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0141] Clause 2. The method according to clause 1, further comprising a computer system (212) applying a color (202) to an aircraft (206) using an inkjet printer (234). The method according to clause 1, further comprising.

[0142] Clause 3. A computer system (212) selecting one inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein one of the plurality of point groups (238) has the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202). A computer system (212) identifying (904) one inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein one of the plurality of point groups (238) includes a point group (230) having a Euclidean distance (236) of zero from the point group (230) to the position (222) of the color (202). The method according to clause 1 or 2, further comprising.

[0143] Clause 4. A computer system (212) selecting one inkjet printer (234) from a plurality of inkjet printers (228), wherein one of the plurality of point groups (238) has the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202). When there is no Euclidean distance (236) of zero from the position (222) of the color (202) to a plurality of point groups (238), a computer system (212) identifying one inkjet printer (234) from inkjet printers (228) including one of the plurality of point groups (230) having a non-zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the position (222) of the color (202). The method according to clauses 1 to 3, further comprising.

[0144] Clause 5. The method according to clause 4, wherein the non-zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the color (202) is an alternative color (248) approximating the color (202).

[0145] Clause 6. The computer system (212) uses an alternative color (248) instead of the color (202) when the minimum Euclidean distance (244) is within a threshold distance (250). The method according to clause 5, further comprising the above.

[0146] Clause 7. The computer system (212) determines (1100) a surface area of the color (202) on the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206), the surface area being determined using the design (216) of the aircraft (206), and the computer system (212) determines (1102) the amount of the color (202) required by the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206). The method according to clauses 1 to 6, further comprising the above.

[0147] Clause 8. The computer system (212) controls the inkjet printer (234) to create (1104) an instruction (252) used to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the aircraft (206). The method according to clause 7, further comprising the above.

[0148] Clause 9. The method according to clauses 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of point clouds (238) are for a color space (226) that is one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space, and the XYZ color space.

[0149] Clause 10. A method for applying a color (202) to an object (204), the computer system (212) determines (500) whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) for the object (204) in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), and When a computer system (212) selects an inkjet printer (234) to be used to apply a color (202) to an object (204) when the color (202) is within a point cloud (230) that defines the color application capabilities (232) of the inkjet printer (234) A method comprising:

[0150] Clause 11. The computer system (212) applies the color (202) to the object (204) using an inkjet printer The method according to clause 10, further comprising:

[0151] Clause 12. When the color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) of the inkjet printer (234), the computer system (212) determines whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) for the object (204) is within another point cloud that defines the color application capabilities (232) of another inkjet printer (234) (660) The method according to clause 10 or 11, further comprising:

[0152] Clause 13. Determining whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) for the object (204), which is in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226), is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capabilities (232) of the inkjet printer (234) is The computer system (212) determines the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the closest point of the point cloud (230) The method according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero, the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point cloud (230).

[0153] Clause 14. The computer system (212) determines the color code of the color (202) selected from the design (216) of the object (204) The method according to any one of clauses 10 to 13, further comprising:

[0154] Clause 15. A computer system (212) determines (1100) the surface area of a color (202) on an object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the object (204), the determining (1100) of the surface area of the color (202), the computer system (212) determines (1102) the amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area The method according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, further comprising.

[0155] Clause 16. The computer system (212) creates (1104) an instruction (252) for controlling an inkjet printer (234) to apply a color (202) to a surface area on an object (204) The method according to clause 15, further comprising.

[0156] Clause 17. The method according to any one of clauses 10 to 16, wherein the point cloud (230) is for a color space (226) that is one of the LAB color space, the LMS color space, and the XYZ color space.

[0157] Clause 18. The object (204) is selected from the group including a mobile platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water-based or underwater-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotary-wing aircraft, a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spaceship, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing factory, a building, an outer panel, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine housing, a wing, and a fairing. The method according to any one of clauses 10 to 17.

[0158] Clause 19. A computer system (212), a color manager (214) within the computer system (212), comprising, wherein the color manager (214) Determining the color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) from the design (216) of the aircraft (206), Determining the position (222) of the color (202) in three-dimensional space, which is the position (222) in the color space coordinate system (224), Determining whether the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) is zero for any of the plurality of point groups (238) that define the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (228), where the points (240) of the plurality of point groups (238) represent the colors (242) that can be applied by the inkjet printer (228), and determining whether the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) is zero for any of the plurality of point groups (238) that define the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (228), Selecting one of the plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one of the point groups (230) among the plurality of point groups (238) with the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202) An automatic color system (208) configured to perform the above, where the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply the color (202) to the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206).

[0159] Clause 20. The color manager (214) Is configured to apply the color (202) to the aircraft (206) using the inkjet printer (234) The automatic color system (208) according to Clause 19.

[0160] Clause 21. When selecting one of the plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one of the point groups (230) among the plurality of point groups (238) with the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202), the color manager (214) Identifying one inkjet printer (234) out of a plurality of inkjet printers (228) that includes one point group (230) out of a plurality of point groups (238) where the Euclidean distance (236) from the point group (230) to the position (222) of the color (202) is zero The automatic color system (208) according to clause 19 or 20, configured as such.

[0161] Clause 22. When selecting one inkjet printer out of a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) out of a plurality of point groups (238) where the Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202) is the minimum, the color manager (214) When there is no Euclidean distance of zero from the position (222) of the color (202) to the plurality of point groups (238), identifying one inkjet printer (234) out of the inkjet printers (228) that includes one point group (230) out of the plurality of point groups (238) having the non - zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the position (222) of the color (202) The automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 19 to 21, configured as such.

[0162] Clause 23. The automatic color system (208) according to clause 22, where the non - zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the color (202) is the alternative color (248) of the approximation of the color (202).

[0163] Clause 24. The color manager (214) Using the alternative color (248) instead of the color (202) when the minimum Euclidean distance (244) is within the threshold distance (250) The automatic color system (208) according to clause 23, configured as such.

[0164] Clause 25. The color manager (214) Determining a surface area of a color (202) on an outer surface (220) of an aircraft (206), the surface area being determined using a design (216) of the aircraft (206), Determining an amount of paint required by an inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206), An automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 19 to 24, configured to perform the above.

[0165] Clause 26. A color manager (214) Controls an inkjet printer (234) to create instructions used to apply a color (202) to a surface area on an aircraft (206). An automatic color system (208) according to clause 25, configured as above.

[0166] Clause 27. A plurality of point groups (238) are for a color space (226) that is one of an LAB color space, an LMS color space, and an XYZ color space. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 19 to 26.

[0167] Clause 28. A computer system (212), A color manager (214) within the computer system (212), The color manager (214) determines Whether the position (222) of a selected color (202) for an object (204) in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226) is within a point group (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), When the color (202) is within the point group (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), selects an inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the object (204). An automatic color system (208) configured to perform the above.

[0168] Clause 29. The color manager (214) uses an inkjet printer (234) to apply color (202) to an object (204). The automatic color system (208) according to clause 28, which is configured as such.

[0169] Clause 30. The color manager (214) When the color (202) is not within the dot pattern (230) of the inkjet printer (234), determines whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) for the object (204) is within another dot pattern that defines the color application ability (232) of another inkjet printer (234). The automatic color system (208) according to clause 28 or 29, which is configured as such.

[0170] Clause 31. When determining whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) for the object (204) in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226) is within the dot pattern (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the color manager (214) determines the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the closest point of the dot pattern (230). The automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 28 to 30, which is configured as such and when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero, the position (222) of the color (202) is within the dot pattern (230).

[0171] Clause 32. The color manager (214) determines the color code of the selected color (202) for the object (204) from the design (216) of the object (204). The automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 28 to 31, which is configured as such.

[0172] Clause 33. The color manager (214) Determining the surface area of a color (202) on an object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the object (204), and Determining the amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area An automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 28 to 32, configured to perform the above.

[0173] Clause 34. A color manager (214) is configured to create instructions for controlling an inkjet printer (234) to apply a color (202) to a surface area on an object (204). An automatic color system (208) according to clause 33, configured as above.

[0174] Clause 35. A point cloud (230) is for a color space (226) that is one of an LAB color space, an LMS color space, and an XYZ color space. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 28 to 34.

[0175] Clause 36. The object (204) is selected from the group including a moving platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water-based or underwater-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotary-wing aircraft, a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spaceship, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing factory, a building, an outer panel, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine housing, a wing, and a fairing. An automatic color system (208) according to any one of clauses 28 to 35.

[0176] Clause 37. A set of inkjet printers (228) and a controller communicating with the set of inkjet printers (228), and comprising, the controller being Determining whether the position (222) of a color (202) selected for an object (204) in the three-dimensional space of a color space (226) is within a point cloud (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of one of a set of inkjet printers (228), Selecting an inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the object (204) when the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), Controlling the operation of the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the object (204) A product management system configured to perform.

[0177] Clause 38. When determining whether the position (222) of a color (202) selected for an object (204), which is a position (222) in the color space (226), is within a point cloud (230) that defines the color application ability (232) of an inkjet printer (234), the controller Determines the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the closest point in the point cloud (230) The product management system according to clause 37, configured such that when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero, the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point cloud (230).

[0178] Clause 39. The controller Determines the color code of the color (202) selected for the object (204) from the design (216) of the object (204) The product management system according to clause 37 or 38, configured as such.

[0179] Clause 40. The controller Determining the surface area of the color (202) on the object (204), wherein the surface area is determined using the design (216) of the object (204), and determining the surface area of the color (202) on the object (204) Determining the amount of paint required to apply color (202) to the surface area A product management system according to any one of clauses 37 to 39, configured to perform

[0180] Clause 41. A product management system according to any one of clauses 37 to 40, wherein a set of inkjet printers (228) is located in at least one of a manufacturing system or a maintenance system.

[0181] Clause 42. A computer program product for applying color (202) to an aircraft (206), a computer-readable storage medium, a first program code stored on the computer-readable storage medium and executable by a computer system (212) to cause the computer system (212) to determine the color (202) of the outer surface (220) of the aircraft (206) from the design (216) of the aircraft (206), a second program code stored on the computer-readable storage medium and executable by a computer system (212) to cause the computer system (212) to determine the position (222) of the color (202) in three-dimensional space, the position (222) being in a color space coordinate system (224), a third program code stored on the computer-readable storage medium and executable by a computer system (212) to cause the computer system (212) to determine whether the Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) is zero with respect to any of a plurality of point groups (238) that define the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (228), wherein the points (240) of the plurality of point groups (238) represent colors (242) that can be applied by the inkjet printer (228), To cause a computer system (212) to select one inkjet printer (234) out of a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) among a plurality of point groups (238) with the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of a color (202), wherein the inkjet printer (234) is used to apply the color (202) onto the outer surface (220) of an aircraft (206), a fourth program code executable by the computer system (212) and A computer program product including the same.

[0182] Clause 43. A computer program product for applying a color (202) to an aircraft (206), A computer-readable storage medium, and A first program code executable by a computer system (212) and stored on the computer-readable storage medium, for causing the computer system (212) to determine whether the position (222) of a selected color (202) with respect to an object (204) in a three-dimensional space of a color space (226) is within a point group (230) defining the color application ability (232) of an inkjet printer (234); and A second program code executable by the computer system (212) and stored on the computer-readable storage medium, for causing the computer system (212) to select an inkjet printer (234) to be used to paint the object (204) with the color (202) when the color (202) is within the point group (230) defining the color application ability (232) of the inkjet printer (234). A computer program product including the same.

[0183] Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, different features may be provided by various exemplary embodiments as compared to other preferred embodiments. One or more selected embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to facilitate understanding of various modifications suitable for a particular application considered in view of the disclosure of the various embodiments to other persons skilled in the art.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for applying a color (202) to an object (204), comprising: a computer system (212) determining (500) whether a position (222) of the selected color (202) with respect to the object (204) in a three-dimensional space of a color space (226) is within a point cloud (230) that defines a color application capability (232) of an inkjet printer (234); the computer system (212) selecting (502) the inkjet printer (234) to be used to apply the color (202) to the object (204) when the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234); and the computer system (212) determining whether a position (222) of the selected color (202) with respect to the object (204) in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226) is within the point cloud (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the computer system (212) determining a Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the closest point of the point cloud (230), wherein the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point cloud (230) when the Euclidean distance (236) is zero. Claim 2 the computer system (212) applying the color (202) to the object (204) using the inkjet printer (234), and / or the computer system (212) determining (660) whether a position (222) of the selected color (202) with respect to the object (204) is within another point cloud that defines a color application capability (232) of another inkjet printer (234) when the color (202) is not within the point cloud (230) of the inkjet printer (234); The method according to claim 1, further comprising. Claims 3. The computer system (212) further includes selecting (804) one inkjet printer (234) from among a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) of a plurality of point groups (238) having the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202). The computer system (212) selecting one inkjet printer (234) from among a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) of a plurality of point groups (238) having the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202). The computer system (212) identifying one inkjet printer (234) from among a plurality of inkjet printers (228) including one point group (230) of the plurality of point groups (238) having a non-zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the position (222) of the color (202) when there is no Euclidean distance (236) of zero from the position (222) of the color (202) to the plurality of point groups (238). The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: Claims 4. The computer system (212) further includes determining a color code of the color (202) selected from the design (216) of the object (204). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Claims 5. The computer system (212) determining (1100) a surface area of the color (202) on the object (204), determining (1100) the surface area using the design (216) of the object (204), and The computer system (212) determining (1102) an amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: Claims 6. The computer system (212) further includes creating (1104) an instruction (252) for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the object (204). The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Claims 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the point group (230) is in the color space (226) which is one of an L*a*b* color space, an LMS color space, and an XYZ color space.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the object (204) is selected from the group consisting of a moving platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water-based or underwater-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotary-wing aircraft, a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spaceship, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing factory, a building, an outer panel, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine housing, a wing, and a fairing.

9. A computer system (212), and a color manager (214) within the computer system (212), wherein the color manager (214) is configured to determine whether a position (222) of a selected color (202) with respect to an object (204) in a three-dimensional space of a color space (226) is within a point group (230) that defines a color application capability (232) of an inkjet printer (234); and select the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the object (204) when the color (202) is within the point group (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234). The automatic color system (208) is configured to perform the above, and when determining whether the position (222) of the selected color (202) with respect to the object (204) in the three-dimensional space of the color space (226) is within the point group (230) that defines the color application capability (232) of the inkjet printer (234), the color manager (214) is configured to determine a Euclidean distance (236) from the position (222) of the color (202) to the closest point of the point group (230). When the Euclidean distance (236) is zero, the position (222) of the color (202) is within the point group (230).

10. The color manager (214) is configured to apply the color (202) to the object (204) using the inkjet printer (234) and / or When the color (202) is not within the point group (230) of the inkjet printer (234), determining whether the position (222) of the color (202) selected for the object (204) is within another point group that defines the color application capability (232) of another inkjet printer (234). The automatic color system (208) according to claim 9, configured to perform the above.

11. Selecting one inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) among a plurality of point groups (238) having the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202), When selecting one inkjet printer from a plurality of inkjet printers (228) having one point group (230) among a plurality of point groups (238) having the minimum Euclidean distance (244) to the position (222) of the color (202), the color manager (214) When there is no Euclidean distance of zero from the position (222) of the color (202) to the plurality of point groups (238), identifying one inkjet printer (234) among the plurality of inkjet printers (228) including one point group (230) among the plurality of point groups (238) having the non-zero minimum Euclidean distance (246) to the position (222) of the color (202). The automatic color system (208) according to claim 9 or 10, configured as above.

12. The color manager (214) Determining the color code of the color (202) selected for the object (204) from the design (216) of the object (204). The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, configured as above.

13. The color manager (214) Determining the surface area of the color (202) on the object (204), determining the surface area using the design (216) of the object (204), and Determining the amount of paint required to apply the color (202) to the surface area. The automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, configured to perform the above.

14. The color manager (214) Create an instruction for controlling the inkjet printer (234) to apply the color (202) to the surface area on the object (204). The automatic color system (208) according to claim 13, configured to be like this.

15. The point cloud (230) is in the color space (226) which is one of the L*a*b* color space, LMS color space, and XYZ color space, and / or the object (204) is a moving platform, a fixed platform, a land-based structure, a water or underwater-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft (206), a commercial aircraft (206), a rotary-wing aircraft, a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spaceship, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, a motor vehicle, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a manufacturing factory, a building, an outer panel, a wall, a door, a fuselage, an engine housing, a wing, and a fairing, and is selected from the group consisting of, the automatic color system (208) according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

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