Coating color design assistance device, coating color design assistance method, program, and user device

Abstract

This coating color design assistance device is provided with a control unit that executes: coating color information acquisition processing for acquiring, from information on conditions related to a coating color, coating color information suitable for the conditions; and output processing for causing a display device to display the coating color information.

Description

Paint color design support device, paint color design support method, program, and user device

[0001] The present invention relates to a paint color design support device, a paint color design support method, a program, and a user device. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-054095, filed in Japan on March 27, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The paint colors used for industrial products such as automobiles are developed through collaboration between designers and paint companies. Often, designers have paint companies create sample boards painted with candidate colors, and then evaluate these boards to identify the desired color. Paint companies select a color with the desired color and texture from their extensive color library. Using this as a base color, they adjust the color and texture to create the desired color, then create a sample board and present it to the designer. Designers often express their desired colors in abstract terms, making it difficult for paint companies to provide a suitable color. Furthermore, the creation and application of the paint required considerable effort. Additionally, it was necessary to create sample boards to determine whether the desired color possessed the required performance characteristics of the paint film (such as protective function for the painted object). Therefore, a great deal of trial and error was required in the communication and sample board prototyping between designers and paint companies.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 188964

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a paint color design support device, a painting result estimation method, and a program that can provide users with paint color information based on conditions.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a paint color design support device comprising a control unit that performs a paint color determination process for determining a paint color suitable for the conditions from condition information relating to the paint color, and an output process for outputting the determined paint color information.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide users with color information based on conditions.

[0007] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the paint color design support system 1 according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the paint color design support device 10 and user device 20 according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation second embodiment. This is an example of screen D1 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the first embodiment. This is an example of screen D2 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the first embodiment. This is an example of screen D3 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. This is an example of screen D4 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. This is an example of screen D5 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a paint color design support system 1 according to the first embodiment. The paint color design support system 1 comprises a paint color design support device 10 and a user device 20. The paint color design support device 10 and the user device 20 transmit and receive data. The user device 20 receives input from the user. Input is received by an input device (for example, a mouse, keyboard, or external storage connected to the user device 20 via an interface). The user device 20 outputs the input condition information to the paint color design support device 10.

[0009] The paint color design support device 10 determines the paint color based on the data received from the user device 20. The paint color design support device 10 outputs the determined paint color information to the user device 20. The paint color information is input to the user device 20 from the paint color design support device 10. The paint color information input to the paint color design support device 10 is displayed, for example, on a display device connected to the user device 20.

[0010] The paint color design support device 10 is, for example, a server. The paint color design support device 10 does not have to be a single computer; it may be a combination of multiple computers that appear to behave as a single server using virtualization technology. In other words, the paint color design support device 10 may be implemented using cloud computing technology.

[0011] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a paint color design support device 10 and a user device 20 according to the first embodiment. The paint color design support device 10 includes a control unit 11 which comprises a processor 91 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) connected by a bus, and memory 92. The paint color design support device 10 also includes an interface 12. Similarly, the user device 20 includes a control unit 21 which comprises a processor 93 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) connected by a bus, and memory 94. The user device 20 also includes an interface 22.

[0012] The control unit 11 acquires information from the user device 20 via the interface 12 and outputs the information to the user device 20. The control unit 21 acquires information from the paint color design support device 10 via the interface 22 and outputs the information to the paint color design support device 10. Input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel may be connected to the interface 22, and the control unit 21 may acquire information from the input device. A display device may be connected to the interface 22, and the information output from the control unit 21 may be displayed on it.

[0013] The control unit 11 performs, for example, condition acquisition processing, color determination processing, and output processing.

[0014] The condition acquisition process is the process of acquiring condition information related to paint color from the user device 20.

[0015] The coating color determination process is a process for determining a coating color based on condition information relating to the coating color. The coating color information determined herein includes information indicating a color and a texture.

[0016] The output process is a process for outputting the determined coating color information. The coating color information is input to a user device 20, and displayed on a display device, for example.

[0017] Hereinafter, the condition information relating to the coating color will be described.

[0018] The condition information relating to the coating color includes, for example, information for specifying a color. The information for specifying a color is, for example, information representing lightness, chroma and hue. Information representing lightness, chroma and hue is also called a color system, for example, an XYZ color system (X, Y, Z values), an RGB color system, L ＊ a ＊ b ＊ color system (L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ values), Hunter Lab color system (L, a, b values), L specified in CIE (1994) ＊ C ＊ h color system (L ＊ , C ＊ , h values), Munsell color system (H, V, C values) and other color systems. Examples of information that can specify a color by calculation include spectral reflectance for each wavelength obtained by measuring the coating color with a spectrophotometer, and color images acquired by a camera, scanner, or the like.

[0019] The condition information relating to the coating color includes, for example, keyword information. The keyword information is, for example, the name of a color.

[0020] For example, color system information may be generated based on keyword information and included in the condition information regarding the paint color. The generation of color system information based on keyword information can be done, for example, by using a generation AI to generate information indicating the color system associated with the keyword. The input keywords may be direct expressions (highly saturated red, dark blue, etc.), abstract expressions (sun-like red, deep ocean blue, etc.), or expressions that do not include color names (sun, ocean, etc.). The color system information based on keyword information can be generated, for example, by using a database of correspondences between color names and color systems to search the database for and identify the color system corresponding to the color name that matches the keyword.

[0021] The conditional information regarding the paint color includes, for example, image information. For example, information that identifies a color, such as a color system, may be generated based on the image information and included in the conditional information regarding the paint color. The generation of information that identifies a color, such as a color system, based on image information can be done, for example, by generating information that indicates the color system of the representative color in the image. The generation of information that can identify a color, such as a color system, based on image information can be done, for example, by extracting information about the color system of the most frequent pixels in the image.

[0022] Furthermore, images may be acquired based on keywords, and information identifying the color, such as a color system, may be generated based on the information of the acquired images and included in the condition information regarding the paint color. Acquiring images based on keywords can be done, for example, by using an image generation AI to generate images based on keywords. Acquiring images based on keywords can also be done, for example, by performing an image search using keywords and acquiring the images from the search results.

[0023] In generating information to identify colors based on keywords or images, information identifying two or more colors based on the keyword or image may be generated. For example, if the generation of information to identify colors based on keywords is performed using a trained model, the trained model will generate information identifying two or more colors that are highly associated with the keyword. For example, if the generation of information to identify colors based on keywords is performed using a database, information identifying two or more colors identified by the keyword may be generated.

[0024] The information identifying the two or more colors generated here may be displayed by the display device of the user device 20. At this time, the two or more generated colors may be displayed on the display device, and the user may select one color using the input device, or one of the two or more generated colors relating to a pre-selected condition information with higher priority may be displayed on the display device. The control unit 11 may use the information identifying the selected color as information included in the condition information relating to the paint color for the search described later.

[0025] Furthermore, if information specifying two or more colors is generated based on keywords or images, the color-specific condition information may include information specifying two or more colors. In this case, the color determination process described later will determine the color based on the information specifying two or more colors.

[0026] The information identifying the color included in the color-related condition information may be changed by input to the user device 20. For example, the information identifying the color included in the color-related condition information is displayed on the display device of the user device 20. The user may change the information identifying the color included in the color-related condition information by inputting change information to the user device 20. For example, the display device will show the color along with the information identifying the color. If the user wants to search based on a different color, they can change the information identifying the color included in the color-related condition information by inputting, for example, information about the changed color system to the user device 20.

[0027] The condition information on coating color includes, for example, information on the texture of the coating color. The texture information is information relating to the impression an observer receives when viewing the coating color and the impression the coating color gives to people. Specifically, it is information relating to, for example, macroscopic brilliance, microscopic brilliance, depth perception (sense of depth), sharpness, and the like.

[0028] Macroscopic brilliance is a texture perceived by macroscopic observation. Macroscopic brilliance includes multi-angle spectral reflectance obtained by receiving reflected light at each angle and measuring color when the coating film surface is irradiated with uniform light, the FF value (flip-flop value) representing the flip-flop phenomenon in which colors (lightness, chroma, hue) change depending on the adjustment of illumination and observation angle when the coating film surface is observed from a long distance, the IV value (intensity value) representing the visual brightness on the highlight side between an opening angle of 10 degrees to 25 degrees from the specular reflection light appearing on the opposite side of incident light, the SV value (scatter value) indicating the lightness at the front of the highlight side, and the cFF value (L obtained from spectral reflectance measured from a direction with a deflection angle of 15 degrees ＊ c ＊ h color system in c ＊ value is set as c ＊ 15, and L obtained from spectral reflectance measured from a direction with a deflection angle of 45 degrees ＊ c ＊ h color system in c ＊ value is set as c*45, and can be obtained by the following formula: cFF value=2×(c*15-c*45) / (c*15+c*45)), and the metallic feeling index (where the Y value in the XYZ color system obtained from spectral reflectance measured from a direction with a deflection angle of 15 degrees is Y15, and the FF value is FF, which can be obtained by the following formula: metallic feeling index=Y15×FF ２ ), which can be expressed by a gloss value representing gloss, and the like.

[0029] Microluminescence is a texture perceived through microscopic observation, and is a sensibility related to the non-uniformity of two-dimensional brightness, such as sparkle and graininess, which is expressed by the luminous pigments in the coating surface when the coating surface is observed from close range. Sparkle can be expressed, for example, by the Si value (Sparkle intensity) that can be measured with BYK-mac i manufactured by BYK-Gardner, and can be given a high correlation with the sensory evaluation of "sparkle" by visual observation. Graininess can be expressed, for example, by the SG value (Sparkle Grade) or G value (Graininess) that can be measured with BYK-mac i manufactured by BYK-Gardner.

[0030] The sense of depth represents the sense of depth imparted by the luminous pigment, and is calculated from the spectral reflectance at a representative angle. ＊ c ＊ L in the h color system ＊ Value and c ＊ The values ​​are L ＊ R and c ＊ Let R be the case, and use these c ＊ R / L ＊ It is determined by R. For example, using a multi-angle spectrophotometer, light is shone from an angle of 45 degrees, and c at a reception angle of 75 degrees is determined. ＊ The value c*75 and L at a light receiving angle of 75 degrees. ＊ The value L*75 can be measured, and the shade depth can be calculated using the following formula: Shade depth = c*75 / L*75

[0031] The clarity is L ＊ R and c ＊ Using R, it can be calculated, for example, by the following formula: Sharpness = sqrt[(L*R)] 2 + (c * R) 2 ]

[0032] The coating texture information included in the condition information related to coating color is, for example, numerical information indicating texture. Here, the numerical values represent the FF values, G values, etc. described above. The coating texture information included in the condition information related to coating color may be obtained by selecting one or more words from words expressing texture. Words expressing texture include, for example, high FF (flip-flop), high density, strong graininess, color change, solid-like, matte finish, etc.

[0033] The coating texture information included in the condition information related to coating color may be based on keyword information. Here, the keyword information serves as words expressing texture.

[0034] Generation of texture information based on keywords is performed, for example, using a trained model. The trained model used herein is a model trained to output texture information when a keyword is input.

[0035] Generation of texture information based on keywords may be performed using a database of correspondence between texture names and texture information. In this process, a texture corresponding to a texture name that matches the keyword is retrieved and identified from the database, thereby generating texture information.

[0036] It should be noted that in generating texture information based on keywords, two or more pieces of texture information may be generated based on the keywords. For example, when texture information generation based on keywords is performed using a trained model, the trained model outputs two or more textures highly relevant to the keyword, thereby generating two or more pieces of texture information. For another example, when texture information generation based on keywords is performed using a database, two or more pieces of texture information specified by the keyword may be generated. The names of two or more generated textures may be displayed on a display device of a user device 20 and presented to the user. In this case, the user selects one texture from the presented texture names using an input device. Thereby, the texture information included in the condition information related to coating color may be determined.

[0037] The information regarding the texture of the paint color included in the paint color condition information may be based on image information.

[0038] Image-based texture information generation is performed, for example, using a pre-trained model. The pre-trained model used here is one that has been trained to output the texture of an image when it is taken as input.

[0039] Furthermore, in generating texture information based on an image, two or more texture information pieces may be generated based on the image. For example, if the generation of texture information based on an image is performed using a trained model, the trained model outputs two or more textures that are highly related to the image, thereby generating two or more texture information pieces. The two or more texture information pieces that are generated may be displayed on the display device of the user device 20 and presented to the user. At this time, the user selects one texture from the presented textures using an input device. This may determine the texture information to be included in the condition information regarding the paint color.

[0040] Furthermore, if two or more texture information is generated based on keywords or images, the color-related condition information may include two or more texture information. In this case, the color determination process described later will determine the color based on the two or more texture information.

[0041] The following describes the method for determining the paint color. In the paint color determination process, paint color information is determined through a paint color search process that searches for paint colors based on condition information related to the paint color. In the paint color search process, a database in which the paint color information is stored is used. The paint color information stored in the database includes color information and texture information. The color information includes, for example, color system information. The color information includes, for example, the name of the color. The texture information includes, for example, numerical information indicating the texture. The texture information includes, for example, word information that expresses the texture.

[0042] In the color search process, for example, color information containing color system information that matches or is similar to the color system information included in the condition information is retrieved from the database. In the color search process, for example, color information containing name information that matches or is similar to the color name information included in the condition information is retrieved from the database. In the color search process, for example, color information containing numerical information indicating texture that matches or is similar to the numerical information indicating texture included in the condition information is retrieved from the database. In the color search process, for example, color information containing all or part of the words that express texture included in the condition information is retrieved from the database.

[0043] The output processing outputs the search results to the user device 20 and displays them on the display device. However, the display order on the display device, that is, the method for searching for the top-ranking color information, can be any method. For example, if the condition information includes multiple pieces of information, the similarity between the multiple pieces of information included in the condition information and the corresponding pieces of information included in the color information stored in the database is calculated, and the color information with the largest sum of similarities will be ranked higher in the search. However, the multiple pieces of information included in the condition information may be weighted.

[0044] For example, if color system information is given a higher weight compared to other information, the top search results will display color information with similar color system information. For example, if color name information is given a higher weight compared to other information, the top search results will display color information with the same color name, followed by color information with similar color names. For example, if numerical information indicating texture is given a higher weight compared to other information, the top search results will display color information with similar numerical information indicating texture. For example, if information on words describing texture is given a higher weight compared to other information, the top search results will display color information that includes all of the words describing texture, followed by color information that includes some of the words describing texture.

[0045] The color-related condition information can be changed by inputting it into the user device 20, and the search may be re-searched based on the changed condition information. For example, the color-related condition information and search results are displayed on the display device of the user device 20. The user may change the color-related condition information by inputting the change information into the user device 20. For example, the display device shows information that identifies the color, information that identifies the texture, etc. If the user wants to change the conditions and re-search, they can change the color-related condition information by inputting, for example, the information that identifies the new color or the information that identifies the texture into the user device 20, and then re-search for the color based on the changed condition information.

[0046] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paint color design support device 10 and the user device 20 according to the first embodiment. The user device 20 outputs paint color condition information to the paint color design support device 10 (step S21), and the control unit 11 acquires paint color condition information from the user device 20 through condition acquisition processing (step S11). The control unit 11 searches for paint color information based on the paint color condition information through paint color determination processing (step S12). The control unit 11 outputs the search results for paint color information to the user device 20 through output processing (step S13).

[0047] The user device 20 obtains the search results for paint color information from the paint color design support device 10 (step S22). The obtained search results for paint color information are displayed, for example, on a display device.

[0048] Based on the above, users can obtain color information based on the given conditions.

[0049] In the color determination process, color information may be determined by performing a color generation process that generates color. In the color generation process, generation AI or the like may be used. In the color generation process, color generation may be performed using information from a database that stores the color information used in the above color search process.

[0050] In the color generation process, for example, color information containing color system information that matches or is similar to the color system information contained in the condition information is generated by the generation AI. In the color generation process, for example, color information containing name information that matches or is similar to the name information of the color contained in the condition information is generated by the generation AI. In the color search process, for example, color information containing numerical information indicating texture that matches or is similar to the numerical information indicating texture contained in the condition information is generated by the generation AI. In the color search process, for example, color information containing all or some of the words that express texture contained in the condition information is generated by the generation AI.

[0051] The generated color information is output to the user device 20 and displayed on the display device, but the display order on the display device can be any order. For example, if the condition information includes multiple pieces of information, the similarity between the multiple pieces of information included in the condition information and the corresponding multiple pieces of information included in the generated color information is calculated, and the color information with the largest sum of similarity is displayed at the top. The multiple pieces of information included in the condition information may be weighted as described above.

[0052] The color-matching condition information may be changed by input to the user device 20, and the color-matching information may be regenerated based on the changed condition information.

[0053] The color-related condition information may include information indicating the function of the coating film. Examples of information indicating coating film function include color travel effect, heat shielding effect, and millimeter-wave transmission effect. The color travel effect is the effect where the color changes depending on the viewing angle. Information indicating coating film function may also be obtained by selecting one or more effects from a group of effects.

[0054] If the conditional information regarding paint color includes information indicating the paint film function, the paint color information stored in the database will also include information indicating the paint film function. In the paint color search process, paint color information that includes all or some of the paint film functions included in the conditional information is retrieved from the database.

[0055] The color-matching information may include information about the object to be painted and target information. The object to be painted is information about the object to which the color is applied, such as a car or a building. The target information is information about the user who will be using the object to which the color is applied, such as the user's age, residential area, gender, and family structure.

[0056] If the condition information regarding paint color includes information about the object to be painted or the target, the paint color search process retrieves paint color information that includes information about the color and / or texture of paint colors that are preferred for the object indicated by the object to be painted or that tend to be preferred by the target indicated by the target information. In the paint color search process, information on the correspondence between the object to be painted or the target layer and the color information and / or texture information that are preferred for the object to be painted or that tend to be preferred by the target is used.

[0057] Furthermore, the color information included in the database may also include information about the object to be painted and target information, and the color search process may search for color information that includes the information about the object to be painted and target information included in the color-related condition information.

[0058] Information regarding the conditions of the paint color may include information on the paint formulation, raw materials used, and painting conditions. Examples of paint formulations include the type of glossing agent, the amount of glossing agent, the type of coloring pigment, the amount of coloring pigment, the type of resin, and the amount of resin. Examples of information on raw materials used include the color of the glossing agent, the particle size of the glossing agent, the thickness of the glossing agent, the type of surface treatment of the glossing agent, the color of the coloring pigment, the chemical structure of the coloring pigment, the particle size of the coloring pigment, the chemical structure of the resin, whether or not it is a sustainable raw material, whether or not it is a substance subject to legal regulations, and whether or not it has a history of use. Examples of glossing agents include aluminum, mica, glass, and silica.

[0059] Painting conditions may be determined by inputting information regarding the painting method, painting work conditions, drying conditions, and coating film structure. Examples of painting methods include electrostatic painting, powder coating, curtain flow painting, roll coating, dip coating, air spray painting, airless spray painting, brush painting, and roller painting. Examples of painting work conditions include the orientation of the painted surface on the object to be painted (vertical surface, inclined surface, flat surface, etc.), temperature during painting, humidity during painting, painting location, painter, etc.), painting equipment, and painting equipment operating conditions. Examples of drying conditions include baking temperature, maximum temperature reached, heating time, heating rate, cooling rate, and cooling time. Examples of coating film structure include single layer, multi-layer, number of layers, layering order, number of coats for each layer, function of each layer, and film thickness of each layer.

[0060] If the condition information regarding paint color includes information about paint formulation, raw materials used, and painting conditions, the paint color information stored in the database will also include information about paint formulation, raw materials used, and painting conditions. In the paint color search process, paint color information that includes all or some of the paint formulation, raw materials used, and painting conditions included in the condition information will be retrieved from the database.

[0061] Furthermore, since the paint formulation and raw materials used affect the color and texture of the paint, information regarding the paint formulation and raw materials used may change the color-specific information and texture information included in the color-related condition information.

[0062] If the color information stored in the database is linked to a value indicating the feasibility of the color, the search results may be displayed in ascending or descending order of the value indicating the feasibility of the color. In this case, a predetermined number of color information entries extracted from the database based on the search criteria are sorted and displayed in ascending or descending order of the value indicating the feasibility of the color.

[0063] If the paint color information stored in the database is linked to a value indicating the rarity of the paint color, the search results may be displayed in ascending or descending order of the value indicating the rarity of the paint color. In this case, a predetermined number of paint color information entries extracted from the database based on the search criteria are sorted and displayed in ascending or descending order of the value indicating the rarity of the paint color.

[0064] If the color information stored in the database is linked to the timing at which it was stored in the database, the search results may be displayed in order of newest or oldest storage timing. In this case, a predetermined number of color information entries extracted from the database based on the search criteria are sorted and displayed in order of newest or oldest storage timing.

[0065] If the paint color information stored in the database is linked to the price of the paint color, the search results may be displayed in descending order of price (highest first, lowest first). In this case, a predetermined number of paint color information entries extracted from the database based on the search criteria are sorted and displayed in descending order of price (highest first, lowest first).

[0066] If the condition information regarding paint color includes information about the object to be painted or target information, the paint color generation process may generate paint color information that includes information about the color and / or texture of paint colors that are preferred for the object indicated by the object to be painted or that tend to be preferred by the target indicated by the target information. This paint color generation process is performed by a generation AI or the like.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will now be described. In addition to the processing performed by the control unit 11 in the first embodiment, the control unit 11 in the second embodiment performs paint image estimation processing and paint image output processing. Paint image estimation processing is the process of estimating a paint image when one of the paint colors indicated by the retrieved paint color information is applied to the object to be painted. The object to be painted is, for example, a car or a building. The object to be painted is, for example, one that has been set in advance. Here, before executing the paint image estimation processing, the control unit 11 obtains paint color information to estimate the paint from the user device 20. For example, the retrieved paint color information is displayed on the display device of the user device 20, and the user of the user device 20 selects one of the displayed paint color information, and the selected paint color information is input to the control unit 11.

[0068] The paint image output process is a process that outputs estimated paint image information to the user device 20. When the paint image information is input to the user device 20, it is displayed on the display device of the user device 20.

[0069] The user may input information about the object to be painted into the user device 20. At this time, the user device 20 outputs the information about the object to be painted to the paint color design support device 10. The control unit 11 executes a paint object information acquisition process to acquire information about the object to be painted. In the paint image estimation process, the paint image of the object to be painted, as indicated by the acquired information, is estimated.

[0070] The control unit 11 may output information on multiple painting target candidates to the user device 20 and display multiple painting target candidates on the display device. In this case, the user may select one of the multiple painting target candidates using the input device 40 and output information on the painting target to the paint color design support device 10.

[0071] The objects to be painted preferably include at least one of the group consisting of objects to be painted, flat plates, curved plates, and spherical shapes. Examples of objects to be painted include cars and buildings.

[0072] In the paint image estimation process, the result of painting the object is estimated based on the color indicated by the paint color information. Furthermore, if the paint color information includes texture information, the paint image estimation process estimates the paint image to exhibit the texture indicated by the paint color information as a result of painting the object.

[0073] A painted image is displayed, for example, as a 3D model of the object being painted. The 3D model of the object being painted may include information about the surface shape and appearance, such as mesh, material, and texture, and can be displayed through rendering to match the color and texture indicated by the paint information.

[0074] If the object to be painted is pre-configured, the painted image will be displayed as a pre-configured 3D model. If the object to be painted is selected by the user, the object to be painted will be displayed as a 3D model of the object selected by the user. Note that there may be multiple 3D models corresponding to the object to be painted. For example, if multiple 3D models of cars classified under a particular vehicle type are associated with that vehicle type, and the vehicle type is selected by the user, the object to be painted will be displayed as multiple 3D models of cars classified under the vehicle type selected by the user.

[0075] The painted image is displayed, for example, as a two-dimensional image of a painted panel. Preferably, the two-dimensional image of the painted panel shows its texture. The painted panel can be flat, curved, or spherical. The displayed two-dimensional image of the painted panel may be switched between a flat panel, a curved panel, and a spherical panel.

[0076] The 3D model of the object to be painted and the 2D image of the painted surface may be displayed simultaneously, or the display of only the 3D model of the object to be painted and the display of the 2D image of the painted surface may be switched between.

[0077] The displayed 3D model and / or 2D image of the object to be painted may be moved, rotated, and scaled in response to user input. For example, the user may use an input device to select the 3D model of the object to be painted displayed on the display device and perform operations such as dragging, thereby moving and rotating the 3D model of the object to be painted, allowing the user to confirm changes in the appearance of the object to be painted. For example, the user may enlarge or rotate the displayed 3D model of the object to be painted or the 2D image of the painted plate to confirm at least one of the textures of the painted plate, consisting of macro glossiness, micro glossiness, density, matte finish, and solid finish. At this time, information of the operation performed from the user device 20 is input to the paint color design support device 10, and the control unit 11 of the paint color design support device 10 modifies the painted image based on the input operation information and outputs information of the modified painted image.

[0078] In the displayed 3D model, the type, angle, and position of the light source may be changed. By changing the type, angle, and position of the light source, the user can check how the appearance of the painted object changes due to the change in light source.

[0079] The 3D model to be painted may be displayed along with a background. The background may be a fixed one or one that the user can select. We have described moving, rotating, and scaling the 3D model to be painted, but the 3D model and background may be moved simultaneously or independently. For example, if the 3D model and background are moved and displayed simultaneously, it will appear as if the camera photographing the object to be painted is moving. For example, if the background is fixed and only the 3D model is moved and displayed, it will appear as if the camera photographing the object to be painted is fixed and only the object to be painted is moving.

[0080] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paint color design support device 10 and user device 20 according to the second embodiment. The operation of steps S11 to S13 and S21 to S22 is the same as in the first embodiment. The user device 20 outputs information to specify one paint color from the acquired paint color information (step S23). The control unit 11 estimates the paint image when the specified paint color is applied to the object to be painted using paint image estimation processing (step S14). The control unit 11 outputs the estimated paint image information to the user device 20 using paint image output processing (step S15).

[0081] The user device 20 acquires information from the paint color design support device 10 (step S24). The acquired paint image information is displayed on the display device of the user device 20. The user device 20 may also change the position and angle of the painted object displayed on the display device by outputting information about changes in the appearance of the painted object in the paint image to the paint color design support device 10.

[0082] The user can check the painted image displayed on the display device of the user device 20 and change the paint color information that forms the basis for estimating the painted image by inputting change information into the user device 20. At this time, the control unit 11 outputs the painted image information, then acquires the change information of the paint color information, estimates the painted image again based on the changed paint color information, and displays the painted image on the display device of the user device.

[0083] The control unit 11 may determine the paint color information based on the condition information and estimate the painted image without outputting the paint color information to the user device 20. In this case, the control unit 11 only needs to output the information of the painted image.

[0084] The control unit 11 may perform a formulation estimation process to estimate the formulation of the paint used for the paint color based on the paint color information. The control unit 11 can obtain information on the formulation of the paint used for the paint by, for example, searching for the color indicated by the paint information using CCS (Computer Color Search). The control unit 11 can obtain information on the formulation of the paint used for the paint by, for example, using CCM (Computer Color Matching) for the color indicated by the paint information. For example, information on the formulation of the paint used for the paint can be obtained by using CCS and CCM in combination.

[0085] In the paint image estimation process, the results of painting the same object using multiple colors indicated by the information of multiple paint colors may be estimated and simultaneously displayed on the display device of the user device 20. At this time, the user can check the same object painted with different colors displayed on the display device and compare the paint colors.

[0086] The control unit 11 may perform a formulation estimation process by using a model that has been trained to output information on the formulation of the paint used for a given paint color when information on the paint color is input.

[0087] The control unit 11 may output information about the estimated paint composition to the user device 20. The paint composition information input to the user device 20 is displayed on the display device.

[0088] The control unit 11 may perform a coating performance estimation process to estimate the performance of the coating film produced by the paint based on the estimated paint formulation. The performance of the coating film includes at least one of the following: paintability, weather resistance, opacity, light transmittance, solvent resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, circulation stability, storage stability, dispersion stability, viscoelasticity, chipping resistance, adhesion, water resistance, heat shielding, color retention, impact resistance, thermal cycle resistance, scratch resistance, and yellowing. In particular, it is preferable to include at least one of paintability, weather resistance, opacity, light transmittance, solvent resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, circulation stability, and storage stability. Note that the above paintability includes color stability, coating film smoothness, recoat color development, etc. Estimation of coating film performance based on information on the paint formulation is performed, for example, using a trained model. The trained model used here is a model that has been trained to output performance information of the coating film when information on the paint formulation is input.

[0089] The control unit 11 outputs information on the estimated coating performance to the user device 20. The coating performance information input to the user device 20 is displayed on the display device.

[0090] The control unit 11 may perform a feasibility evaluation process to evaluate the feasibility of a paint color based on the paint color information. In the feasibility evaluation process, for example, it is determined whether or not the paint color is feasible. The control unit 11 determines that the paint color is feasible if, for example, the performance of the paint film estimated by the paint film performance estimation process is above a predetermined level. The control unit 11 determines that the paint color is not feasible if, for example, there are raw materials that cannot be used to create the paint color. The control unit 11 can determine whether or not a paint color is feasible based on information showing the correspondence between the paint color and the raw materials used to create the paint color, and information on usable raw materials. When the feasibility of a paint color is determined by whether or not there are raw materials that cannot be used to create the paint color, "whether or not the paint color is feasible" can be rephrased as "whether or not it is possible to create a paint to realize the paint color due to the lack of raw materials." The control unit 11 determines that the paint color is feasible if the paint formulation used for the paint color has a proven track record of commercialization. The control unit 11 can determine whether a paint color is feasible based on information indicating the formulation of paints with a proven track record of commercialization and information indicating the formulation of paints used for the paint color. When the feasibility of a paint color is determined by whether or not the formulation of the paint used for the paint color has a proven track record of commercialization, "whether or not the paint color is feasible" can be rephrased as "whether or not the paint color can be easily realized using the paint, given that the formulation of the paint has a proven track record of commercialization." Based on the estimated paint formulation, the control unit 11 performs a paint film performance estimation process to estimate the performance of the paint film produced by the paint, and if the paint film performance does not meet a certain level, it determines that the paint color is not feasible.

[0091] The control unit 11 may determine the degree to which the paint color can be realized based on how many of the two or more elements included in the performance of the paint film estimated by the paint film performance estimation process are at or above a predetermined level. For example, if three of the three elements included in the performance of the paint film are at or above a predetermined level, the paint color is determined to be feasible. If two of the elements are at or above a predetermined level and the remaining element is below a predetermined level, the paint color is determined to be neither feasible nor unfeasible. If two or three of the elements are below a predetermined level, the paint color is determined to be unfeasible.

[0092] In the feasibility evaluation process, for example, a value indicating that the paint color is feasible may be calculated. The control unit 11 calculates a value indicating feasibility using a predetermined formula based on the performance of the paint film estimated by the paint film performance estimation process, for example. The control unit 11 calculates a value indicating feasibility using a predetermined formula depending on whether or not there are raw materials that cannot be used to create the paint color. The control unit 11 calculates a value indicating feasibility using a predetermined formula if the paint formulation used for the paint color has a proven track record in commercialization.

[0093] The control unit 11 outputs to the user device 20 the result of the determination of whether or not it is feasible, or information of a value indicating feasibility. The result of the determination of whether or not it is feasible, or information of a value indicating feasibility, input to the user device 20 is displayed on the display device. The feasibility evaluation of the paint color is performed on all paint colors stored in the database, and the feasibility information may be included in the paint color information, or it may be performed on the searched or selected paint color information.

[0094] The control unit 11 may perform a raw material estimation process to estimate the raw materials used to create the paint based on the estimated paint formulation. Estimation of raw materials based on information about the paint formulation is performed, for example, using a trained model. The trained model used here is a model that has been trained to output information about raw materials when information about the paint formulation is input. The control unit 11 may estimate the raw materials used to create the paint color based, for example, on information showing the correspondence between the paint color and the raw materials used to create the paint color, as described above.

[0095] The control unit 11 outputs the estimated raw material information to the user device 20. The raw material information input to the user device 20 is displayed on the display device.

[0096] The control unit 11 may perform a training deficiency determination process to determine whether the feasibility evaluation of the paint color was performed by a model that is undertrained, based on the raw material information estimated by the raw material estimation process. Specifically, whether the feasibility evaluation of the paint color was performed by a model that is undertrained is determined by whether the feasibility evaluation of the paint color was performed based on the information contained in the estimated raw materials. The control unit 11 determines whether the feasibility evaluation of the paint color was performed by a model that is undertrained by determining whether the information of the estimated raw materials is included in the raw material information used for training. Here, "raw material information used for training" refers to the raw materials of the paint in the information used for training a model that has been trained to output information on the formulation of the paint used for a paint color when information on the paint color is input, or a model that has been trained to output performance information of the paint film when information on the formulation of the paint is input.

[0097] The control unit 11 outputs information to the user device 20 indicating whether the feasibility evaluation of the paint color was performed using an undertrained model. The information of the determination result input to the user device 20 is displayed on the display device.

[0098] (Example of display) Figure 5 is an example of screen D1 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0099] The user can use the input device to enter keywords into input bar D11. The user can use the input device to paste image data into area D12. The user can use the input device to paste color measurement value data into area D13. The user can use the input device to select a color system shown in area D14. When the user enters keywords into input bar D11, pastes image data into area D12, pastes color measurement value into area D13, or selects a color system shown in area D14, the control unit 11 generates information to identify the color included in the condition information regarding the paint color. Instead of pasting image data into area D12, a word may be entered. In this case, an image search is performed based on the word, and information to identify the color is generated based on the retrieved image data. Instead of pasting color measurement value data into area D13, a color measurement value may be entered. In this case, information to identify the color is generated based on the entered color measurement value. Instead of pasting color measurement value data into area D13, a numerical value may be directly entered. In this case, a color measurement value is searched from the database based on the numerical value. Information to identify the color may be generated based on the retrieved color measurement value.

[0100] The generated color is shown in area D15. The information that identifies the generated color is shown in area D14. The information that identifies the color can be changed by the user using an input device to change the color picker shown in area D14, or the lightness, saturation, and hue shown in area D16.

[0101] The user can use the input device to input numerical information (FF value and G value) of the texture shown in area D17. This includes the numerical texture information as texture information in the color-related condition information. The user can also use the input device to select a word that expresses the texture shown in area D18. This includes the word information that expresses the texture as texture information in the color-related condition information.

[0102] Texture information may be generated based on keywords entered in input bar D11, image data based on input to area D12, and / or colorimetric values ​​entered in D13.

[0103] The user can use the input device to select area D19, thereby searching for or generating color information based on the entered condition information and determining the color information. The searched color information is displayed in area D21. Similarly, the searched color information is also displayed below area D21. The color information includes the color name, color ID, painting process, track record, keywords, ΔE, preference level, and feasibility. The keywords displayed here are those included in the color information that match keywords included in the condition information related to the color or words that express the selected texture. ΔE is a value that indicates the difference (color difference) between the color specified by the condition information and the color shown in each color information. The preference level indicates the preference level based on the object to be painted or the target as indicated in the condition information.

[0104] The user uses an input device to select area D22 labeled "Details," which displays the detailed color information indicated by area D21.

[0105] The user uses an input device to select area D23, thereby adding the color information indicated by area D21 to the color palette.

[0106] The user can use the input device to select area D24, which will display the feasibility of the paint color information, and / or actual paint film performance data or estimated paint film performance data.

[0107] The user can add other information to the color-related condition information by using the input device and selecting area D25. Figure 6 is an example of screen D2 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0108] In area D251, you can add additional paint condition information to the color-related condition information by selecting each item and then selecting area D255. For example, you can search for paint information based on conditions such as paints containing aluminum, paints containing mica, sustainable paints, and paints with heat-shielding properties.

[0109] In area D252, by selecting each item and then selecting area D255, vehicle information can be added as painted object information to the paint color condition information.

[0110] In areas D253 and D254, target information can be added to the color-related condition information by selecting each item and then selecting area D255. As mentioned above, target information includes, for example, age, region, gender, and family structure.

[0111] The user may change the color information displayed as the top search result by using the input device and selecting area D26. For example, if "Sort by color match" is selected, color information with similar color system information will be displayed as the top search result.

[0112] The following describes the screen displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. By using the input device and selecting the area D27 labeled "ColorSim", the user can have the system estimate the result of painting the object to be painted based on the paint color information added to the color palette.

[0113] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen D3 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. The three-dimensional model D31 of the object to be painted is shown by the paint color indicated by the paint color information added to the color palette. The background D32 can be changed by selecting the background name indicated by the region D33.

[0114] The user can change the color information used to estimate the painting result by using the input device to select region D34. Figure 8 is an example of screen D4 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. When region D34 is selected, the color information on which the displayed painting result is based is displayed in region D41. The user can change the color information used to estimate the painting result by using the input device to change the color system displayed in region D41, and display a 3D model of the object to be painted based on different color information.

[0115] Furthermore, by using the input device to select area D35, the user can display a two-dimensional image D42 of the object to be painted. This allows the user to check the color and texture of the paint when viewed up close. Additionally, by using the input device to select area D36, the user can switch the displayed painting result from a three-dimensional model to a painted plate model (flat plate, curved plate, etc.). Furthermore, by using the input device to select the displayed three-dimensional model or painted plate model, the user can move, rotate, and scale it to check the color and texture of the paint.

[0116] Furthermore, by selecting region D24 on screen D1, or region D37 on screen D3, the feasibility of paint color information, and / or paint film performance data or estimated paint film performance data may be displayed. Figure 9 is an example of screen D5 displayed on the display device of the user device 20 in the second embodiment. On screen D5, the degree of paint color realization is based on the determination result of whether the workability, opacity, and weather resistance of the paint color included in the paint film performance are above a predetermined level. In the example shown in Figure 9, the workability is below a predetermined level, the opacity is above a predetermined level, and the weather resistance is above a predetermined level, and the degree of paint color realization is determined to be △ (neither feasible nor impossible). Furthermore, the evaluation of the feasibility of the paint color is shown to be performed by an undertrained model, which is indicated by the determination of "none" in the "new raw materials" item.

[0117] When multiple paint color information is added to the color palette, selecting area D38 will display the results of painting the same object with each paint color side by side.

[0118] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0119] In the embodiment described above, the paint color design support device 10 and the user device 20 are implemented by separate devices, but they may also be implemented by the same device. In this case, the information input by the input device 40 does not need to be output externally; the input information is processed internally and the paint color information is determined.

[0120] According to the present invention as disclosed herein, it is possible to provide users with color information based on conditions.

[0121] 1. Paint color design support system, 10. Paint color design support device, 11. Control unit, 12. Interface, 20. User device, 21. Control unit, 22. Interface, 91. Processor, 92. Memory, 93. Processor, 94. Memory

Claims

1. A paint color design support device comprising: a control unit that performs a paint color determination process that determines a paint color suitable for the conditions based on condition information related to paint color; and an output process that outputs information of the determined paint color.

2. A paint color design support device comprising: a control unit that performs a paint color determination process that determines a paint color suitable for the conditions based on condition information related to the paint color; a paint image estimation process that estimates a painted image when the determined paint color is applied to the object to be painted; and an output process that outputs information of the painted image.

3. The paint color design support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further performs a paint image estimation process for estimating a paint image when the determined paint color is applied to the object to be painted, and an output process for outputting information of the paint image.

4. The paint color design support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condition information relating to the paint color includes at least one from the group consisting of color system, keyword, image, texture, paint film function, object to be painted, target, paint formulation, raw materials used, and painting conditions.

5. The paint color design support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the output processing causes the painted image to be displayed on a display device, and the painted image is displayed as a three-dimensional model and / or two-dimensional image of a painted object which includes at least one of the group consisting of an object to be painted, a flat plate, a curved plate, and a spherical shape.

6. The paint color design support device according to claim 5, wherein the three-dimensional model and / or the two-dimensional image can have their display changed by at least one operation from the group consisting of movement, rotation, scaling, change of light source, and change of background, in response to user input.

7. The paint color design support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a feasibility evaluation process for evaluating the feasibility of the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information, and an output process for outputting the feasibility evaluation information.

8. The paint color design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a paint film performance estimation process for estimating the paint film performance of the determined paint color, and an output process for displaying the paint film performance information on a display device.

9. The coating film performance includes at least one of the group consisting of paintability, weather resistance, opacity, light transmittance, solvent resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, circulation stability, storage stability, dispersion stability, viscoelasticity, chipping resistance, adhesion, water resistance, heat shielding, color retention, impact resistance, thermal cycle resistance, scratch resistance, and yellowing, according to claim 8.

10. The paint color design support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a formulation estimation process to estimate the paint formulation based on the paint color information.

11. The paint color design support device according to claim 10, which performs output processing to display the paint composition on a display device.

12. The paint color design support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit performs a paint film performance estimation process to estimate the performance of the paint film produced by the paint based on the estimated paint formulation.

13. In the feasibility evaluation process, the feasibility is determined based on the coating performance of the determined color and / or the paint formulation estimated based on the information of the determined color, as described in claim 7, a color design support device.

14. The paint color design support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs: a paint color information change process for acquiring change information regarding the paint color conditions; a paint color re-determination process for determining a paint color suitable for the conditions from the changed paint color condition information based on the change information; and a re-output process for outputting the re-determined paint color information.

15. The paint color design support apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit performs a paint color information modification process to acquire information on changes to the paint color information used for estimating the paint image; a paint image re-estimation process to estimate the modified paint image based on the modification information; and an output process to display the paint image obtained in the paint image re-estimation process on a display device.

16. The paint color design support device according to claim 15, wherein the modification information includes information that modifies at least one of the group consisting of color system, texture, paint formulation, and raw materials used.

17. The paint color design support apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit performs a feasibility re-evaluation process to evaluate the feasibility of the modified paint color based on the acquired change information, and an output process to display the re-evaluated feasibility information on a display device.

18. The paint color design support device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit performs a paint film performance reestimation process to estimate the paint film performance of the changed paint color based on the acquired change information, and an output process to display the paint film performance information of the changed paint color on a display device.

19. A computer-based method for supporting paint color design, comprising: a paint color determination process that determines a paint color suitable for the conditions based on condition information related to paint color; and an output process that outputs information of the determined paint color.

20. A paint color design support method according to claim 19, comprising a modification function that modifies paint color information displayed on a display device by the output processing, wherein the modification function is a paint color information modification process that acquires modification information of the displayed paint color information, a paint image re-estimation process that estimates the modified paint image based on the modification information, and an output process that displays the modification information of the paint color information and the paint image obtained by the paint image re-estimation process on a display device.

21. A program that causes a computer to perform the following: a color determination process that determines a color suitable for the conditions based on condition information related to the color of the paint; an output process that outputs information about the determined color of the paint; and an output process that displays the color of the paint on a display device.

22. The program according to claim 21, having a modification function for modifying paint color information displayed on the display device, wherein the modification function includes a paint color information modification process for acquiring modification information for the displayed paint color information, a paint image re-estimation process for estimating a modified paint image based on the modification information, and an output process for displaying the modification information for the paint color information and the paint image obtained in the paint image re-estimation process on the display device.

23. A user device that outputs condition information related to paint color to a paint color design support device and obtains paint color information determined based on the condition information from the paint color design support device.

24. The paint color design support device according to claim 7, wherein in the feasibility evaluation process, it is determined whether or not the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information is feasible, and in the output process, information indicating whether or not it is feasible is output.

25. The paint color design support device according to claim 24, wherein the control unit performs a paint film performance estimation process to estimate the paint film performance of the determined paint color, and in the feasibility evaluation process, if the estimated paint film performance is above a predetermined level, it is determined that the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information is feasible.

26. In the feasibility evaluation process, if there are raw materials that cannot be used to create the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information, it is determined that it is not feasible, the paint color design support device according to claim 24.

27. The paint color design support device according to claim 24, wherein the control unit performs a formulation estimation process to estimate the paint formulation based on the paint color information, and in the feasibility evaluation process, if the estimated paint formulation has a track record of being commercialized, it is determined that the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information is feasible.

28. The paint color design support device according to claim 24, wherein the control unit performs a paint film performance estimation process to estimate the performance of a paint film produced by the paint based on the estimated paint formulation, and in the feasibility evaluation process, if the estimated performance of the paint film does not meet a predetermined level, it is determined that the paint color indicated by the determined paint color information is unrealizable.

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