Heuristic Color Formula Calculation with Dynamic Effect Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing color formulas in paint batches fail to account for fluctuations in raw materials and production methods, leading to significant color differences and increased costs due to the need for repeated matching and adaptations.
Innovation Solution
A heuristic process that continuously updates effect matrices with shade-relevant information during operation, using calibration scales, optical materials parameters, and color difference calculations to minimize color differences from the target shade in fewer tinting steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional color formula production processes are used without continuous updates, then the process is simple and stable, but significant color differences occur due to raw material fluctuations requiring repeated matching
Solution Approach 1:
The effect matrices are pre-calculated for different raw material variations and operational conditions, allowing the system to predict and compensate for fluctuations before they affect production. This preliminary preparation enables rapid color matching without extensive trial-and-error tinting steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The effect matrices are continuously updated during operation to reflect current raw material properties and production conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the color formula calculation to remain accurate despite variations in raw materials, reducing the need for repeated matching adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional color formula production processes are used without continuous updates, then the process is simple, but increased costs occur due to repeated matching and adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where actual production data and color measurements are continuously fed back to update the effect matrices. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the color formulas to compensate for raw material variations, maintaining high precision without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual color matching and repeated physical tinting adjustments with an automated computer-based calculation system. This substitution uses mathematical models and updated effect matrices to predict optimal color formulas, eliminating the need for extensive trial-and-error physical matching processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If effect matrices are continually updated with shade-relevant information, then color matching accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The effect matrices serve multiple functions: they characterize raw material properties, predict color outcomes, and guide formula adjustments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a unified approach, managing complexity while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A heuristic process for color formula calculation of pigmented shades matched to a target shade, comprising the steps ofi) using suitable calibration scales to compile an effect matrix for each of the ingredients included in a coloring system,ii) determining the optical materials parameters of the target shade,iii) selecting a suitable starting formula,iv) determining the color difference between the starting formula and the target shade,v) calculating a first matched color formula while taking account of the effect matrices,vi) repeating steps iv) and v) until an acceptable remaining color difference is reached,wherein the effect matrices are continually updated with shade-relevant information during ongoing operation, achieves an improvement on the existing processes for shade formula calculation, not only in terms of reducing the number of tinting steps needed but also in terms of minimizing the remaining color difference.