Color Measuring Device Orientation Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color measurement systems for vehicle refinishing struggle with accurately matching directional paint due to the lack of reliable orientation data for color measuring devices, leading to suboptimal paint formulas and manual trial-and-error adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating accelerometers or orientation sensors in color measuring devices to record their three-dimensional orientation and position, which is stored as metadata with color data, allowing for accurate paint formula determination during vehicle repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual color matching tools are used, then color matching can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and subject to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual color matching methods with automated optical measurement systems (spectrophotometers and goniospectrophotometers) that objectively measure color values and flake orientation, eliminating human subjectivity and significantly reducing matching time while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service color matching by storing reference color data and flake orientation characteristics in databases, allowing the measurement system to automatically compare and identify matching formulas without requiring expert visual assessment
2Measurement precision
If computer controlled colorimeter or spectrophotometer is used, then color measurement accuracy is improved, but the system cannot identify matching formulas based on vehicle identification information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges computer controlled color measurement systems with vehicle identification databases and paint formula databases, creating an integrated system that can automatically query vehicle information, measure color, and retrieve matching formulas in a unified workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the measurement device to not only measure color values but also to query vehicle identification information, access paint formulas, and provide comprehensive refinish solutions through a single integrated platform
3Measurement precision
If effect pigment flake orientation is considered, then color and appearance accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for orientation sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) as intermediary devices that measure the orientation of effect pigment flakes and translate this physical orientation data into usable color measurement parameters, enabling accurate characterization of directional paints without complicating the core measurement function
4Ease of operation
If proper orientation of goniospectrophotometer is not verified, then measurement process is simpler, but paint formula selection may be suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using orientation sensors to continuously monitor and record the goniospectrophotometer's orientation during measurement, providing real-time data that confirms proper measurement geometry and enables verification that the instrument was correctly positioned relative to the paint surface
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
This approach ensures accurate paint matching by accounting for the orientation of the color measuring device, reducing errors and the need for manual adjustments, and providing a quick, easy method to determine the best aftermarket refinish coating composition.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating accelerometers or orientation sensors in color measuring devices to record their three-dimensional orientation and position
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for measuring and storing the paint color formula of a sample. Paint is sprayed on directional samples. The horizontal standard is measured and stored in a database. A vertical standard is measured at a plurality of locations and orientations and stored in the database.