Multi-angle coating pigment identification via spectral reflectance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating colorimetric and physical properties of complex coatings, such as paint mixtures, fail to adequately characterize new effect pigments like colored aluminums due to limitations in existing portable gonio spectrophotometer devices and require complex data streams, subjective user intervention, and inaccurate pigment identification.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses multi-angle, multi-planar spectral and visual data, with or without a color camera, to identify bulk and specific toners in coatings by determining color and intensity at different viewing angles, and outputs a formulation that matches the target coating's properties, including color, texture, and opacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable gonio spectrophotometer devices are used to evaluate colorimetric properties, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for effect pigments like colored aluminums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional in-plane viewing to out-of-plane viewing angles (45°, 90°, 135°) to characterize effect pigments. This dimensional change in measurement geometry enables accurate capture of sparkle, graininess, and coarseness properties that are invisible from conventional viewing angles, thereby resolving the precision problem for effect pigment measurement
2Productivity
If traditional spectrophotometer techniques are used, then analysis speed is improved, but pigment identification accuracy deteriorates for special effect pigments
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures spectral data at multiple out-of-plane angles (45°, 90°, 135°) simultaneously, enabling rapid identification of effect pigments through their characteristic angular reflectance patterns. This multi-angle approach maintains speed while dramatically improving identification accuracy for pearls, colored aluminums, and other effect pigments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple viewing angles and calculating derived parameters (sparkle, graininess, coarseness) from the spectral data. These parameter transformations enable accurate pigment identification while maintaining rapid analysis throughput
3Loss of information
If complex data streams from multi-angle devices are used, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for pigment identification by calculating specific parameters (sparkle, graininess, coarseness) from the multi-angle spectral data. This extraction approach maintains complete pigment characterization while simplifying the data output to actionable insights rather than raw complex datasets
4Measurement precision
If out-of-plane viewing angles with multiple light sources are used, then pigment characterization accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and viewing angles into a single integrated measurement system that automatically captures data at 45°, 90°, and 135° angles. This merging eliminates the need for manual repositioning of samples or light sources, maintaining high measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation
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 provides simplified and accurate results for pigment characterization and sample properties, enabling faster and better color matching by identifying specific toners and their orientations, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies in characterizing complex coatings.
Implementation Method 1
performing at least one of a visual evaluation and an instrument measurement of a target coating on a target sample to generate colorimetric information
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A computer implemented method. The method includes performing (73) at least one of a visual evaluation and an instrument measurement of a target coating on a target sample to generate colorimetric information, and identifying (82), using a processor, a bulk toner that is present in the target coating by determining a color and a color intensity at different viewing angles relative to the target sample. The method also includes identifying (84), using the processor, at least one specific toner that is present in the target coating by detecting a presence and an orientation of colored and/ or non- colored pigmentation effects that arc present in the target coating, and outputting (86), using the processor, a formulation of the target coating that includes at least the at least one specific toner.