Networked Color Matching System Automating Paint Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual color matching for paint is time-consuming and relies heavily on expert personnel, as it involves adjusting multiple parameters like hue, saturation, and lightness, making it inefficient for high-quality color recommendations.
Innovation Solution
A networked color matching system that integrates user specifications, spectral data, and environmental factors, using spectrophotometers and algorithms to automate color identification and formulation, accessible via multiple devices, and storing data in a central repository for real-time, on-demand color matching across various substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual color matching is performed by expert personnel, then high-quality color recommendations are achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of expert color matching with an automated optical system using spectrophotometers to measure color values and computer algorithms to calculate formulations, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment while maintaining or improving color matching accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service color matching where the automated algorithm independently determines color formulations based on spectral data and database comparisons, without requiring expert personnel intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining quality through objective computational analysis
2Reliability
If multiple color parameters are manually adjusted to identify desirable colors, then color quality is improved, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex manual adjustment process and replaces it with an automated computational algorithm that processes spectral data and database information to determine optimal color formulations, simplifying the user interface while maintaining accuracy through systematic computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the manual adjustment of color parameters (hue, saturation, lightness) into an automated computational process that calculates optimal parameter values based on spectral measurements and database comparisons, reducing process complexity while improving consistency through objective algorithmic determination
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized system provides color technology over the internet, then global accessibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized color matching system accessible via internet that provides color formulation services to multiple users globally through a unified platform, enabling widespread accessibility while managing system complexity through standardized database structures and networked instrument communication protocols
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently provides high-quality color recommendations by automating the color matching process, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enabling real-time, global access, ensuring accurate and efficient color formulations for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrophotometer (available from X-Rite, Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich.), coupled to a color matching engine
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for determining an amount of color additive to add to paint. Color measurement data is transmitted via a network is received at a server. A color formulation is identified based on the color measurement data. Historical color recommendation data is accessed from a data repository, where the data repository contains color data that is based on previous color recommendations. The color formulation is adjusted based on the historical color recommendation data, and the adjusted color formulation is transmitted from the server via the network.