Iterative Paint Matching via Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for matching repair paint to a painted substrate surface are inadequate in achieving precise color matching due to variations in process conditions and environmental influences, and require expensive or sensitive equipment, making it difficult for inexperienced users to achieve excellent results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented process that selects a candidate paint recipe, applies it to a test panel, visually compares the appearance under multiple angles, and modifies the recipe based on visual differences to minimize discrepancies, using a database of toner appearance properties to suggest adjustments in toner amounts or additions, without relying on spectrophotometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a first candidate recipe for matching repair paint is retrieved from a recipe database, then the initial color matching process is simplified, but the visual appearance match is insufficient due to variations in process conditions and environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an iterative feedback process where the painted test panel is visually compared to the painted substrate surface, and the recipe is modified based on observed deviations. This continuous feedback loop allows inexperienced users to achieve precise color matching by systematically adjusting toner amounts based on visual assessment rather than relying on a single database lookup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares a test panel with the candidate paint recipe before final application to the substrate. This preliminary action allows visual comparison and recipe optimization to be performed on a small scale, preventing wasted material and enabling precise matching before committing to the full repair job.
2Measurement precision
If expensive or sensitive equipment such as spectrophotometers is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic measurement devices with human visual assessment. The expert color matching process is copied and replicated through systematic visual comparison instructions, allowing inexperienced users to achieve expert-level results through methodical observation rather than sophisticated instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive test panel as the measurement medium. Instead of expensive spectrophotometers, the system employs disposable or reusable test panels that can be painted, compared, discarded, and replaced as needed, dramatically reducing equipment cost and complexity while maintaining matching precision.
3Ease of operation
If a limited number of toners are provided for mixing, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to compensate for color variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic recipe modification process where the initial candidate recipe serves as a starting point that is systematically adjusted based on visual comparison results. The system adapts to different color variations by iteratively modifying toner amounts, allowing a limited set of toners to handle a wide range of color matching scenarios through flexible, adaptive adjustment rather than requiring extensive pre-programmed recipes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer implemented process for matching a paint to the visual appearance properties of a painted substrate surface comprising the steps of a) selecting a potentially matching first candidate paint based on a first paint recipe comprising one or more color and/or effect imparting toners, b) applying the first candidate paint to a test panel to obtain a first painted test panel c) visually comparing the appearance properties of the painted substrate surface and the first painted test panel under more than one viewing angle, wherein the visual comparison comprises c1) selecting a visual appearance category wherein the appearance of the painted test panel most prominently deviates from the painted substrate, wherein the categories are selected from a number of pre-defined visual appearance categories displayed on an output device of a computer, c2) inputting the selected visual appearance category in an input device of the computer, c3) visually determining the visual appearance difference of the painted test panel and the painted substrate in the selected appearance category, d) entering the determined visual appearance difference in an input device of the computer, e) optionally, entering only the types of toners of the candidate paint in an input device of the computer, f) providing a paint recipe modification advice consisting an advice of increasing or reducing one or more of the toners in the recipe, or adding an additional toner to the recipe or, on an output device of the computer, wherein the computer software provides the modification advice on the basis of i) the entered visual appearance difference and ii) a database in which only visually determined appearance properties of available toners under two or more viewing angles are stored, with the aim to minimize the appearance difference, g) preparing a second candidate paint based on the recipe modification advice, h) applying the second candidate paint to a test panel to obtain a second painted test panel, and i) repeating steps c) to h) until the visual comparison in step c) indicates that the candidate paint sufficiently matches the appearance properties of the painted substrate surface.