Custom Tint Formulation From Low-Resolution Spectral Measurements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in creating custom tinted coatings that match the color of a preexisting surface, particularly due to the limitations of low-resolution colorimeters and the need for expensive and bulky spectrophotometers, which are impractical for on-site use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a low-resolution spectrophotometer, combined with a color data translation engine and tint formulation engine, generates high-resolution spectral data for custom tint formulas by interpolating low-resolution measurements, enabling on-site matching of preexisting colors under various lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution spectrophotometer is used to measure color data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of high-resolution spectral data by interpolating measurements from a low-resolution spectrophotometer. The system generates a high-resolution spectral curve (31-point curve) by mathematically interpolating data points from the low-resolution device, effectively copying the detailed spectral information without requiring the expensive high-resolution hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter of spectral measurements by transforming low-resolution data into high-resolution data through interpolation algorithms. The low-resolution spectrophotometer measures at fewer wavelength points, but the system mathematically reconstructs the full high-resolution spectral curve by changing the data density parameter through computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If a high-resolution spectrophotometer is used to measure color data, then measurement precision is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of high-resolution spectral data by interpolating measurements from a low-resolution spectrophotometer. The system generates a high-resolution spectral curve (31-point curve) by mathematically interpolating data points from the low-resolution device, effectively copying the detailed spectral information without requiring the expensive high-resolution hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter of spectral measurements by transforming low-resolution data into high-resolution data through interpolation algorithms. The low-resolution spectrophotometer measures at fewer wavelength points, but the system mathematically reconstructs the full high-resolution spectral curve by changing the data density parameter through computational methods.
3Ease of operation
If a low-resolution spectrophotometer is used to measure color data, then device portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the resolution parameter of spectral measurements by transforming low-resolution data into high-resolution data through interpolation algorithms. The low-resolution spectrophotometer measures at fewer wavelength points, but the system mathematically reconstructs the full high-resolution spectral curve by changing the data density parameter through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that bridges the gap between low-resolution measurements and high-resolution requirements. The interpolation algorithm acts as a mediator that takes the limited data points from the portable low-resolution device and generates the detailed spectral curve needed for accurate color matching, effectively mediating between hardware limitations and measurement requirements.
4Measurement precision
If a physical sample is transported to a laboratory for color measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service color measurement at the job site by providing a portable spectrophotometer that can directly measure the color of the surface to be matched. The operator can perform the measurement locally without needing to transport samples to a laboratory, making the measurement process self-contained and eliminating transportation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of high-resolution spectral data by interpolating measurements from a low-resolution spectrophotometer. The system generates a high-resolution spectral curve (31-point curve) by mathematically interpolating data points from the low-resolution device, effectively copying the detailed spectral information without requiring the expensive high-resolution hardware.
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
Enables the creation of custom tinted coatings that accurately match preexisting colors, allowing on-site color measurement and remote formulation without the need for transporting samples, thus reducing costs and improving practicality.
Implementation Method 1
A spectrophotometer is a device capable of sensing the amount of light a colored surface reflects at various wavelengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A custom-tint paint production system that includes a color sensing device such as a low- resolution spectrophotometer to measure color values of a preexisting surface color, a color data translation engine to convert the measured values to spectral curve values, and a tint formulation engine to determine a custom tint formulation based upon the spectral curve values, which is usable by a tinter to tint a base coating composition by adding one or more colorants in amounts based on color measurements from the color sensing device.