Automatic Colorant and Flake Selection for Coating Appearance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for matching the color and appearance of surface coatings containing flakes are inefficient, as they require manual selection of effect pigments like flakes, leading to repeated spraying and visual comparisons of test panels, which is time-consuming and lacks accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically selecting colorants and flakes by obtaining and comparing appearance and color data with databases, determining concentrations, and producing matching formulas that closely match the target coating's color and appearance, reducing the need for manual adjustments and repeated testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection of flakes and colorants is used, then expertise-based accuracy can be achieved, but productivity is reduced due to repeated testing and visual comparisons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection and expert judgment system with an automated optical measurement system using spectrophotometers and image analysis cameras. This substitution enables objective, quantitative measurement of coating appearance properties, eliminating the need for repeated visual comparisons while maintaining or improving match accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces appearance parameter measurements and flake detection algorithms as intermediaries between the target coating and the matching formula development process. These intermediaries provide objective data about flake distribution, size, and orientation, enabling automated selection of appropriate flake types and concentrations without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If repeated test sprays and visual comparisons are performed, then accurate flake selection can be achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the target coating's appearance properties and flake characteristics before beginning formula development. By measuring and characterizing the target coating's flake distribution, size, and orientation in advance, the system can directly select appropriate flake types and concentrations, eliminating the need for iterative testing and visual adjustments.
3Productivity
If automated colorant selection is implemented, then productivity improves, but accurate selection of effect pigments like flakes becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies or models of the target coating's appearance properties through optical measurement and image analysis. These digital representations capture flake distribution, size, and orientation characteristics, enabling automated algorithms to analyze and replicate the appearance properties without manual intervention, thus making flake selection as automated as colorant selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for automatic selection of colorants and flakes to produce one or more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating containing flakes. The present invention is further directed to a system for automatic selection of colorants and flakes for producing one or more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating.