Paint Application Adaptation for Accurate Color Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color matching and predicting methods are inaccurate due to the influence of varying paint application processes, leading to significant systematical errors and reduced accuracy, especially in manual processes where individual sprayer characteristics and process variations cause substantial color deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that compensates for the influence of target paint application processes by using application adaption parameters, which are calculated based on existing sample coatings applied with the target process, to adapt color matching and predicting methods, incorporating a database of specific optical data and a physical model to optimize color formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common reference paint application process is used for determining specific optical constants of colorants, then the color matching method can be standardized and simplified, but the accuracy of color matching for different target paint application processes deteriorates due to systematical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces application adaption parameters that change the optical constants of colorants based on specific paint application process characteristics. Instead of using fixed optical constants from a reference process, the system adjusts these parameters to compensate for variations in target application processes, thereby maintaining high accuracy across different application methods while keeping the base method standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses application adaption parameters as an intermediary between the standardized color matching method and the specific target paint application process. These parameters act as a mediator that translates the general reference process into accurate predictions for specific application processes, resolving the contradiction between standardization and accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual spray application processes are used for color matching, then flexibility and adaptability to different substrates are improved, but individual sprayer characteristics and process variations cause substantial color deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines application adaption parameters specific to each manual spray application process by analyzing sample coatings. These parameters capture the unique characteristics of individual sprayers and processes, allowing the system to maintain color consistency despite the inherent variability of manual application methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where measured reflectance data from sample coatings applied with the target process is used to determine and refine application adaption parameters. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously improve color prediction accuracy for manual spray processes by learning from actual application results.
3Measurement precision
If application adaption parameters are determined by analyzing existing sample coatings, then color matching accuracy for the target process is improved, but the time and resources required for lab work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of sample coatings to determine application adaption parameters before the actual color matching task. By preparing these parameters in advance for different paint application processes, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming lab work during the color matching process itself, thereby reducing overall time loss while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a database of application adaption parameters that copies and stores the characteristics of different paint application processes. Instead of performing physical lab work for each new color matching task, the system retrieves pre-determined parameters from this database, significantly reducing time and resource requirements while maintaining accuracy.
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
Improves color matching accuracy by considering the specific characteristics of target paint application processes, allowing closer matches from scratch and faster convergence, reducing lab effort and improving color development processes.
Implementation Method 1
Physical models can predict the light reflectance properties (color) of a paint layer / paint coating based on an information about the included colorants
Implementation Method 2
The specific optical constants of colorants describe e. g. the absorption and scattering properties of colorants in the context of the physical model
Implementation Method 3
the absorption and scattering properties (or the effect flake orientation) of colorants in the context of the physical model
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a computer-implemented method for providing application adaption parameters (105) to compensate for an influence of a given target paint application process on a color matching method and/or to consider an influence of a given target paint application process within a color predicting method.