Coating Color Matching Using Image Features and Flake Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for matching the color and appearance of target coatings are cumbersome and expensive, particularly due to the use of spectrophotometers and fandecks, which are not readily available or practical for economy markets.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an electronic imaging device, data processors, and machine learning models to analyze target coating images, extract features, and identify matching coating formulas through a database of sample images, enabling efficient and accurate color and appearance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectrophotometers are used to measure color and appearance attributes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital images as copies of the target coating instead of requiring physical spectrophotometer measurements. The image processing system extracts color and appearance attributes from these digital copies, eliminating the need for expensive spectrophotometer hardware while maintaining measurement capability through computational analysis of the image data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (spectrophotometer) with an electronic image processing system. Instead of using physical instruments to measure color attributes, the system uses digital image capture and computational algorithms to extract the same information, substituting mechanical measurement with electronic processing
2Ease of operation
If fandecks with sample coating layers are used for visual comparison, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical fandeck samples with digital image copies stored in a database. Instead of handling physical coating samples that require maintenance and storage space, the system uses digital representations that can be easily stored, retrieved, and displayed on electronic devices, maintaining visual comparison capability while eliminating physical maintenance burdens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal digital database that can serve multiple functions: storing sample images, providing visual comparison, and enabling automated image processing. This single digital system replaces the specialized physical fandeck, making the solution more versatile and easier to maintain across different applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of alternate coating formulas are provided to account for variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copying of target coating images to identify the most appropriate coating formula from the database. By analyzing the digital representation of the target coating and comparing it with stored sample images, the system can select the best matching formula without requiring physical test samples or complex manual evaluation of multiple alternatives
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include receiving target image data associated with a target coating. A feature extraction analysis process is applied to the target image data to determine a target image feature. The feature extraction analysis process includes dividing the target image into sub-images which contains a plurality of target pixels. A machine learning model identifies one or more types of flakes present in the target coating using target pixel features.