Paint Color Sample Creation with Formula-Guided Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional paint sampling methods are inaccurate, wasteful, and time-consuming, as they often use low-grade samples that do not match the final paint product, and lighting conditions distort color perception, leading to consumer frustration and unnecessary iterations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a paint analysis module, conversion module, and kit to create customized, accurate paint samples by generating colorant identifiers and quantities based on user input, allowing users to mix pre-reduced paint products with colorants to form user-preferred colors, which can be applied to display means for confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional low-grade paint samples are used for color sampling, then the sampling process is simple and inexpensive, but the samples do not accurately represent the final paint product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidsampling process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary color analysis and formula generation before the user creates the final paint sample. The paint analysis module analyzes the user's desired color and generates a precise colorant formula in advance, ensuring accuracy before the actual mixing occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to create their own accurate paint samples at home using a kit with pre-measured colorants and a mixing device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for retail store visits while maintaining high color accuracy through automated measurement and mixing guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple iterations of paint samples are created to achieve accurate color matching, then color accuracy improves, but time consumption and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidsampling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback to users during the mixing process, allowing them to monitor color development and make adjustments if needed. This feedback mechanism ensures accuracy on the first attempt by guiding users through the precise mixing ratios and observing the color formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The color formula is calculated and verified in advance by the conversion module before the user begins mixing. This preliminary calculation ensures that the correct proportions of colorants are used from the start, eliminating the need for multiple trial iterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional paint sampling methods are used, then the process is simple, but waste of paint and resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling simplicityVSAvoidpaint waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the paint sample creation process into precise, controlled steps with pre-measured colorant portions. The kit includes individually packaged colorant amounts that correspond exactly to the required quantities, preventing over-pouring and waste while maintaining simplicity through pre-portioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual estimation and free-form mixing with automated measurement and control mechanisms. The mixing device and pre-measured colorants substitute for imprecise manual processes, ensuring exact quantities are used and minimizing waste while keeping the process simple for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If electronic devices are used to scan and display paint colors, then the process becomes more convenient, but color accuracy decreases due to pixel matching limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor viewing convenienceVSAvoidcolor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary physical mixing process with real paint and colorants rather than relying solely on digital display. The user mixes actual paint samples that can be viewed in natural light and real-world conditions, serving as an intermediary between digital color selection and final paint application, thereby ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12459290B2Method and system for creating paint color examples

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CASSIDY MICHAEL DREW

AI summary

A method and system for creating exemplary end-use paint color includes a network module providing a first user input including paint color characteristics from a user device of a user to a paint analysis module. At least one colorant identifier associated with the first user input is generated by the paint analysis module via a color formula database. Colorants associated with the colorant identifiers are supplied to a kit, which is provided to the user. A second user input including a paint quantity is provided to the conversion module from the user device. A conversion module generates a quantity of each of the colorants based on the second user input; the quantities are sent to the user device. User-preferred paint colors are formed via a mixing means and applied to a display means. One or more user-preferred paint colors are confirmed as exemplary end-use paint colors by the user.