Colored Sparkle Coating Matching Through Perceptual Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for matching the color and appearance of coatings with effect pigments, particularly in terms of colored sparkle, are cumbersome and inefficient, especially when dealing with spatially nonuniform color variations and directional illumination effects, leading to difficulties in identifying the most similar coating formula for repair and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that processes digital images of coatings using high dynamic range imaging and advanced color appearance models to calculate colored sparkle visual scaling values, comparing these values against candidate specimens to determine the best match based on human perception principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-angle spectrophotometers or fan decks are used to measure color and appearance attributes, then coating matching accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital imaging system to capture optical properties of coatings under controlled lighting, creating digital representations that can be analyzed computationally. This replaces complex physical measurement devices with a camera-based system that captures images for subsequent digital processing, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical measurement instruments (multi-angle spectrophotometers, fan decks) with a digital imaging system combined with computational algorithms. The measurement process transitions from physical instrument interaction to digital image capture and processing, simplifying the physical apparatus while enabling sophisticated analysis through software
2Measurement precision
If fan decks with numerous sample coating layers are used to account for all coatings on vehicles, then coating matching accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring physical fan decks with numerous sample coating layers, the patent creates a digital library of coating images. Users can digitally browse and compare coating formulas through captured images and computational analysis, eliminating the need to physically handle and visually compare numerous sample patches while maintaining comprehensive coating coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical fan deck patches to digital image representations that can be displayed, manipulated, and analyzed on screens. This adds the dimension of digital processing capabilities, allowing for automated comparison, enhancement, and analysis of coating appearances without the physical constraints of fan decks
3Ease of operation
If visual comparison methods are used for coating matching, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatially nonuniform color variation and directional illumination effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual comparison with objective computational image analysis. Digital images of coatings are processed through algorithms that quantitatively evaluate colored sparkle, color, and appearance properties, eliminating human subjectivity and inconsistency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms visual appearance properties into quantifiable digital parameters through image processing. By converting optical properties into numerical data that can be objectively measured and compared, the system maintains the simplicity of visual assessment while achieving precise, repeatable evaluation of colored sparkle and appearance characteristics
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
Accurately evaluates and matches the colored sparkle appearance of coatings by emulating human visual perception, providing precise identification of similar coating formulas despite variations in lighting and viewing conditions, thus enhancing the efficiency of coating selection and repair processes.
Implementation Method 1
a digital image of a coating sample to be colored sparkle matched, the digital image captured by a digital image capture system
Implementation Method 2
converting the captured color image data into pixel-specific sparkle point data and pixel-specific background data, wherein the pixel-specific sparkle point data and the pixel-specific background data are both formatted in accordance with an advanced color appearance model that corresponds to human color perception
Implementation Method 3
Effect coatings further complicate coating matching due to spatially nonuniform color variation in visual texture or appearance, such as colored sparkle, always present under directional illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system and associated methodology of evaluating and matching colored sparkle appearance of coatings containing at least one effect pigment type are disclosed. The methodology processes a digital image of a coating sample obtain pixel-specific sparkle point data and pixel-specific background data, both of which are formatted in accordance with an advanced color appearance model that corresponds to human color perception. A colored sparkle visual scaling value is calculated from the pixel-specific data, wherein the visual scaling value indicates colored sparkle characteristics of the coating sample. The visual scaling value of the coating sample is compared against the visual scaling value of a previously-characterized candidate coating specimen. The results of the comparison are used to determine how well the candidate coating specimen matches (in colored sparkle characteristics) the coating sample.