Color Quality Indicator Mapping for Paint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for color quality control of paints struggle to effectively assess and compare paint colors applied to different surfaces, particularly with effect paints, as they do not account for varying behavior on different substrates and surfaces, leading to inconsistent external appearances.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine multiple color quality indicators by calculating color differences and normalizing colorimetric coordinates across various measurement geometries and light sources, using a mapping rule to assign a scale value for each indicator, considering the specific behavior of paints on different surface elements and control surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement geometries and light sources are used to assess paint color, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color assessment into multiple independent measurement geometries (45°/0°, 75°/0°, 75°/45°, gloss 20°/75°) and light sources (D65, TL84). Each measurement is performed separately and then integrated through a standardized mathematical model, allowing comprehensive color evaluation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal assessment system that evaluates paint color across multiple surfaces (vehicle bodies, add-on parts, control plates) using the same spectrophotometer and measurement protocols. The standardized color difference calculation and normalization methods enable the system to function universally across different substrates and painting conditions, eliminating the need for substrate-specific measurement equipment.
2Reliability
If comprehensive color assessment across different surfaces is performed, then reliability of color control is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary normalization of colorimetric coordinates and establishes standardized weighting factors for different measurement geometries before final color difference calculation. By pre-defining the assessment protocol and normalization parameters, the system prepares the data structure in advance, enabling faster final evaluation across multiple surfaces without repeating the entire analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw colorimetric coordinates into normalized parameters with standardized weighting factors that account for different surface types and painting conditions. This parameter transformation consolidates complex multi-surface data into comparable metrics, allowing rapid assessment of color consistency across vehicle bodies, add-on parts, and control plates without analyzing each surface independently in detail.
3Measurement precision
If effect pigments are considered in color comparison, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds measurement angle as an additional dimension for effect paint assessment by incorporating 45°/0°, 75°/0°, 75°/45° geometries alongside traditional measurements. This dimensional expansion captures the angular-dependent optical properties of effect pigments, providing comprehensive color characterization without requiring complex specialized effect measurement equipment beyond standard spectrophotometers.
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 allows for a comprehensive and standardized assessment of paint quality, enabling quick and simple evaluation of paint batches across different surfaces, ensuring consistent color performance and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
the mixed paint is measured spectrophotometrically
Implementation Method 2
determine, for a number of measurement geometries and a number of light sources, colorimetric coordinates of a color reference and colorimetric coordinates of a paint
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a plurality of colour quality indicators for a colour control of a paint, in which colorimetric coordinates of a colour reference and colorimetric coordinates of the paint are determined for a plurality of surface elements painted with the paint, each with a spectrophotometer for a number of measurement geometries and a number of light sources, wherein, for every measurement geometry of the number of measurement geometries and every light source of the number of light sources, respective colour differences are calculated from the colorimetic coordinates of the colour reference and the respective colorimetric coordinates of the paint for the plurality of surface elements painted with the paint, wherein the respective colorimetric coordinates are scaled with a respective weighting factor, wherein each of the plurality of colour quality indicators is determined at a scale value of a predefined scale by means of a mapping of functional values defined by a mapping rule, said functional values each being determined for the number of measurement geometries and the number of light sources by means of a mathematical correlation - specific to the respective colour quality indicator - between colour differences of at least one of the surface elements. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.