3D Virtual Asset Refinishing Estimate System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately and efficiently identifying and estimating coating formulations for refinishing assets, particularly in automotive repair, where complex mixtures and aging of coatings lead to color mismatches and cost estimation errors, resulting in financial losses and waste inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of computerized systems employing machine learning algorithms and 3D rendering techniques to provide accurate, just-in-time estimates for refinishing assets, utilizing digital scans, images, and user input to retrieve closest color matches and display their effects under different lighting conditions, along with cost indicators, enabling precise color selection and material estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic color comparison on a display screen is used, then the overall color match appears suitable, but close inspection reveals small deviations in color that lead to mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D flat color display on screens to 3D virtual representations that incorporate depth, lighting angles, and surface curvature. This dimensional enhancement allows operators to view color matches from multiple perspectives and under different lighting conditions, revealing deviations that are invisible in flat 2D displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the asset with applied coating representations that can be manipulated and examined without physical application. These digital twins allow for precise color comparison and effect evaluation before actual refinishing, enabling operators to identify mismatches virtually rather than through limited screen viewing.
2Reliability
If multiple layers or added ingredients are used to achieve a particular coating effect, then the desired visual effect is obtained, but the cost and complexity of the formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary virtual application and evaluation of multiple coating formulations before physical application. By simulating the effects of different single-layer versus multi-layer approaches in the virtual environment, operators can identify the simplest formulation that achieves the desired effect, avoiding unnecessary complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable parameters in the virtual environment such as lighting conditions, viewing angles, and surface properties to evaluate different coating formulations. By changing these parameters, operators can assess whether a simpler formulation can achieve the same effect under various conditions, potentially reducing formulation complexity.
3Productivity
If estimators use traditional methods to identify coating compositions, then the process is simple, but significant cost estimation errors and waste inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through virtual application results, allowing operators to see the actual appearance of matched coatings under different lighting and angles before finalizing the estimate. This real-time feedback loop enables rapid iteration and correction of color matches, improving estimation accuracy and reducing costly rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary virtual evaluation of coating matches and cost estimates before physical application and billing. By completing the color matching and effect evaluation in the virtual environment first, the system ensures accurate estimates are established upfront, preventing financial losses from mismatches and waste from incorrect formulations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method can provide a graphical user interface comprising one or more selectable elements for entering information about a paint job corresponding to repair of an asset that has been damaged. The method can also include receiving user input including: (i) a digital scan of the asset by a hand-held instrument: (ii) a digital image taken of a portion of the asset to be repainted; and (iii) a user time estimate that corresponds to an amount of time needed to repaint the asset. Upon final selection of color, the method can further include displaying on the graphical user interface a final estimate to refinish the asset, wherein the final estimate includes a cost of repainting the asset based on a volume and cost of paint determined from the received final color selection and received user input via the one or more initial input fields.