Sparkle Color Identification in Complex Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing complex coating mixtures, particularly those with sparkle colors, are inadequate as they struggle to accurately characterize new effect pigments like Colorstream pearls and colored aluminums, leading to inconsistent results and time-consuming microscopic evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a multi-angle color camera and spectrophotometer, combined with image processing techniques such as high pass filtering and regional labeling, to efficiently determine the distribution and ratios of special effect pigments, allowing for quick and accurate color matching by comparing the analyzed data to a database of known toners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microscopic evaluation methods are used to identify pigments in complex coating mixtures, then detailed pigment analysis may be achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and requires skilled user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual microscopic evaluation with an automated optical system using a spectrophotometer and image processing algorithms. The system captures multi-angle images and spectral data, then uses computer vision techniques (edge detection, region labeling, color space transformation) to automatically identify and quantify pigments, eliminating the need for skilled users to manually examine samples under microscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the physical coating sample through multi-angle imaging and spectral measurement. These digital representations are then processed through algorithms that simulate and identify pigment characteristics without requiring physical manipulation or microscopic examination, enabling rapid automated analysis while preserving measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subjective visual comparison techniques are used for color matching, then user flexibility is maintained, but results become inconsistent depending on user skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform color matching independently without relying on user skill. The automated image processing and spectral analysis algorithms objectively identify pigments and calculate formulations based on database comparisons, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining the flexibility to handle various coating types and special effect pigments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates iterative feedback mechanisms where initial color measurements are compared against database formulations, predictions are generated, and subsequent measurements validate or adjust the formulation recommendations. This closed-loop approach ensures consistent, reliable results while maintaining adaptability to different coating scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If existing spectrophotometer techniques are used for effect pigment analysis, then standard color measurements are obtained, but new effect pigments like Colorstream cannot be adequately characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds angular dimension to traditional spectrophotometry by capturing images and spectral data at multiple viewing angles. This multi-angle approach enables characterization of effect pigments like Colorstream that exhibit angle-dependent optical properties, while maintaining the precise color measurement capabilities of standard spectrophotometric methods for conventional pigments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that handles both standard pigments and new effect pigments through the same multi-angle imaging and spectral analysis platform. The system automatically adapts its analysis methods based on the sample type, providing consistent characterization across diverse pigment categories without requiring separate specialized equipment or procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method that includes obtaining, using a processor, image data from a target coating. The method also includes performing, using the processor, an image analysis to determine at least one sparkle point from the image data, and performing, using the processor, a hue analysis to determine a sparkle color from the sparkle point. The method further includes calculating, using the processor, a sparkle color distribution, and generating, using the processor, a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating.