Multi-dimensional Geometry for Spectral Data Texture Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectrophotometric systems face challenges in effectively evaluating and interpreting the vast amount of angular color response data from multiple incident light sources and angles, which can result in either too little or too much information about a target coating.

Innovation Solution

The use of multi-dimensional geometric objects and calculations to process spectrophotometric data, allowing for the identification of pigment effects in target coatings by correlating calculated geometric properties with empirical datasets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple incident light sources and angular response data are collected from a spectrophotometer, then the quantity of spectral reflectance data is improved, but the complexity of data evaluation and interpretation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of spectral reflectance dataVSAvoidcomplexity of data evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transforming spectral reflectance data from traditional 2D representations (wavelength vs. reflectance) into multi-dimensional geometric objects that incorporate additional dimensions such as incident light angles, reflected light angles, and spectral reflectance values. This allows the system to process and visualize complex angular color response data from multiple light sources in a structured geometric framework, making the evaluation more systematic and interpretable despite the increased data quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional single-angle spectrophotometric measurement is used, then the simplicity of measurement is improved, but the completeness of coating texture and pigment effect information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of measurementVSAvoidcompleteness of coating information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex spectral reflectance measurement into multiple discrete angular components. Instead of measuring all angles simultaneously or using a single angle, the system segments the measurement into specific incident light angles (e.g., 45 degrees, 15 degrees) and reflected light angles, with each segment contributing specific information about different pigment effects and texture characteristics. This segmented approach makes the measurement process more manageable while capturing comprehensive coating information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds angular dimensions to the traditional spectrophotometric measurement. By incorporating incident light angle and reflected light angle as additional dimensions beyond wavelength, the system transforms single-angle measurements into multi-angular geometric representations, enabling complete characterization of gonioapparent effects and texture without sacrificing measurement simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multi-dimensional geometric calculations are performed on spectral data, then the accuracy of pigment effect identification is improved, but the computational complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of pigment effect identificationVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming spectral reflectance values into geometric parameters such as perimeter, area of faces/planes, total surface area, and volume of multi-dimensional geometric objects. This transformation changes the parameter representation from spectral intensity values to geometric measurements, enabling more accurate pigment effect identification through correlation with empirical datasets while maintaining computational feasibility through standardized geometric calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2972247B1Systems and methods for texture analysis of a coated surface using multi-dimensional geometries
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC
  • EP2972247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2972247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2972247B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer implemented method. The method includes generating, using a processor, a multi-dimensional object from a plurality of data obtained from a spectrophotometric measurement of a target coating. The method also includes calculating, using the processor, at least one geometric property of the multi-dimensional object. The method further includes correlating, using the processor, the at least one value with a plurality of known values to identify at least one pigment effect in the target coating, and outputting, using the processor, the at least one pigment effect.