HK1189072A - Web-based color selection system - Google Patents

Description

WEB-based color selection system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/429,642, entitled Web-based color Selection System, filed on 4.1.2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a system and a method for selecting colors.

Background

In the automotive repair industry, several tools are used to assist repair technicians in identifying the correct color for vehicle repair. Currently, paint manufacturers assist paint technicians with paint chip books that show arrays of Original Equipment (OE) colors for each model year and paint chips (paint chips) of those colors that have remained from a previous year. These color chip books show the color of both body and non-body and contain information organized by original equipment manufacturers, and are printed once a year and organized by domestic and imported brands of vehicle manufacturers. Color selection is accomplished by browsing the pages of the color chip book to find the color chip that best represents the color of the vehicle. The critical color information can then be used by the color software program to begin searching for color formulas for repairs in the correct paint system.

Additional information is used to narrow the color search range in the color chip book-typically the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), vehicle model, model year, and color code. Once the correct paint color card for the body color and corresponding information is determined, there is additional compatible information about the vehicle color that may need to be found, such as accent color (ace), interior, engine room, and wheel color data. When the correct color is identified, the key color information can be used to find the correct paint formulation, and a software program can be used to retrieve the paint formulation for the vehicle repair.

Since the color card book is printed only once a year, critical vehicle data may be missing, which delays the end user's search. In addition, due to the limited number of releases of the color charts, not all users can utilize the information, and therefore, the information cannot be referenced immediately.

Improved methods and apparatus for selecting colors are desired. Moving the color selection and identification process to a Web-based application would allow more current and updated information to be available to repair technicians. Web applications can reach a wider end user population. The digital color image can be viewed to confirm that the correct vehicle color has been selected. The current digital color image display has been given in a background color of white or black. This approach does not provide sufficient perception of color and, therefore, an improved background viewing color scheme is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention discloses a device, comprising: a database having a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value (value) for each image; a processor configured for receiving search criteria and for identifying one or more digital color images that meet the search criteria; and a display configured to display the at least one identified digital color image on a neutral gray background, wherein a brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by a neutral gray background brightness of the displayed image.

The invention discloses a computer-implemented method, comprising: providing a database having a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value for each image; identifying one or more digital color images using one or more search criteria; and displaying the at least one identified digital color image on a neutral gray background, wherein the brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by the neutral gray background brightness of the displayed image.

In another aspect, a computer-implemented method includes: providing a database of digital images of colors and metadata relating the images to vehicle information and color usage; identifying one or more digital image colors using one or more search criteria; displaying a digital image of the identified color; selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; identifying additional information related to the color of interest using the metadata; displaying the digital image of the color of interest and the additional information; and uses the displayed digital image of the color of interest and additional information to make a final color selection.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system that can be used to implement one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a database structure.

Fig. 3-8 are representations of the varying effect of color images displayed on different background colors.

Fig. 9-12 are representations of various screen displays.

Detailed Description

In automotive applications, the color selection system provides a computer-implemented method of accessing and selecting color and/or paint formulations for a user. Color information can be stored in a database containing high resolution digital representations (i.e., images) of color cards (color chips), panels, or color swatches (color swatches), as well as additional information (e.g., metadata) related to each color. The additional information may contain specific information of the vehicle for assisting the color selection. The database of color images can be stored in a memory of a computer server or other type of processing device. In one embodiment, for fast and easy color identification and selection, a Web-based color search and formula retrieval tool provides a visual representation of the color on the display and associates the color with relevant compatibility information.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one implementation of the system. In the example of fig. 1, multiple users may use a computer, terminal, tablet, smartphone, PDA, or other device 10, 12, or 14 having a user interface that allows the user to input information and includes a visual display. The user device can communicate with a server or other information processing device 16 over, for example, the internet or another network, the server or other information processing device 16 including a memory 18 for storing a color image database 20 and a processor 22 adapted to receive a user request and search the database for color information in response to the user request. The user initiates a request at the user device and the request is transmitted to the server. The server searches a database to obtain information from the database. The search request can be transmitted using a variety of computer-based protocols. The returned information is transmitted to the user and displayed at the user location. The returned information can be transmitted to the user device in, for example, XML format, and can include image data in a variety of file formats (e.g., png, bmp, jpeg, gif, etc.) for color cards, panels, or samples. However, the system is not limited to any particular data transmission protocol or image format.

The numerical representation of the color and the associated information in the form of metadata are stored in a database. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a database structure. The database 24 includes a plurality of information sets. Such sets include a set 26 of high resolution images, a color by model set 28, a color by use set 30, and a model/use compatibility by color set 32. The collection is attribute descriptive data associated with the digital color image. It is desirable to describe the image in multiple sets. Having many sets allows a user to search for and quickly and accurately retrieve the necessary information under multiple conditions. Many sets provide the following benefits: speed, unlimited search potential, and multiple search criteria/groupings of information in one visual representation on the screen. The database can also contain additional information 34, such as: on-line paint or color formulation information, dealer location information, product bulletins, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), etc., or a link to a website capable of obtaining such information.

To populate the image database, digital color images can be captured using known (e.g., commercially available) image capture devices (e.g., without limitation, a flatbed scanner or digital camera). The raw material to be scanned can be a vehicle part, an OEM metal part or OEM color standard, a laboratory painted panel, a color card stock (stock) that has been painted with the actual paint, or any other coated article. For the scanned image, a desired image resolution can be determined, for example, a DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) setting. A typical image resolution can be 72-1200 DPI. The image output size can also be determined, for example, 2 inches by 2 inches when using DPI resolution settings. The captured image may be processed using known (e.g., commercially available) image processing software (e.g., without limitation, PhotoShop) to obtain a processed image. To perform image processing, an editor who can accurately evaluate color can make a determination as to whether and how the image should be created and potentially modified to visually represent the coated article on a visual display. Daylight illumination can be constructed to view the coated article when compared to the digital color image on a calibrated and color corrected monitor. Correction apparatus and software programs of a number of computer monitors may be used to maintain a high level of color accuracy in an image capture process. The desired viewing angle/geometry can be determined, for example, the daylight illumination angle and the angle of the coated article for optimally simulating the visual response of the actual pigmentation (effect pigmentation). Commercially available processing software can be set with the appropriate resolution and background viewing color. Editors can use features of commercially available software to process the original scanned or digitally captured image to meet visual approval. The final image can be assigned a file name and file format. The final licensed images are stored within an image database for use with various data sets.

The color image evaluation/color approval process can involve the selection of a neutral gray background corresponding to the visual lightness or darkness of the initial color image. This neutral gray background can be used to determine image acceptability of the physical sample. There can be at least three neutral gray backgrounds with different brightness levels, e.g., dark gray, medium gray, and light gray, that the color image editor can select. The use of a neutral gray background for judging differences in colored articles is a long-standing industry practice. Viewing colors in a neutral background minimizes the effect of other colors on the perception of the properties, hue, lightness and chroma of the three primary colors. Hue is a color attribute that is perceived as red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and the like. Lightness is the lightness or darkness of a color, while chroma is a color attribute associated with the perception of saturation or deviation from gray. In the art and industry, the terms hue, lightness and chroma are all used together to describe a color. Selecting a gray background whose luminance values approximate the digital color image being edited avoids the perceptual variations and errors associated with simultaneous contrast (simulaneous contrast) caused by a background that is too light or too dark relative to the brightness of the digital color image.

Fig. 3 shows a phenomenon of simultaneous contrast that promotes the observer to perceive a color difference depending on adjacent colors. Michel Eugene Chevreul describes this phenomenon in 1839 for his observation of how certain colors look brighter and more intense when placed side by side. The Chevreul work describes how complementary colors such as red and green or yellow and violet will change our perception of their hue and apparent chroma, unlike our perception of them when viewed alone. Simultaneous contrast also changes the perception of the color's hue and brightness when viewed against a background whose lightness-darkness values are similar and different relative to the color being viewed. Fig. 4 shows how the difference between color a and color B shrinks when viewed against a high contrast background compared to the two colors. Fig. 5 shows that color a and color B appear different when viewed against a gray background of similar lightness to the two colors.

The optimal background set for display of a digital color image of an automobile may contain up to six available neutral shades of gray. The expanded set can contain seven or more neutral shades of gray. Fig. 6 shows six neutral gray backgrounds that can be identified using integers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 corresponding to a scale represented by six equal steps of neutral gray ranging from gray value1 comprising a dark gray roughly equivalent to Munsell (Munsell) color designation N3, through incremental steps of graded luminance, ending with gray value 6 of a very light gray roughly equivalent to Munsell color designation N8. The munsell labels are approximated by gray values 1 to 6 for defining a visual evaluation background that can be used in the adjustment and approval of digital color images. The correct background is selected for each digital color image and the gray value of the background is recorded and designated as a marker for that image and entered into the database.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are a variety of ways for assigning corresponding neutral gray values to digital images for use in a display. One such method may use the RGB values of the image and match them to the neutral gray of the same RGB. Another approach would be to use the RGB of the image and convert it to values of la b corresponding to the values of la b of the solid sample represented by the digital image. Another approach may be to use the solid sample's L a b and convert it to RGB, and use the RGB values to select the corresponding neutral gray that has been rationalized for the RGB range. Other methods are equally possible, and the method of the present invention is not limited to any particular technique for assigning corresponding neutral grayscale values.

The use of a corresponding neutral gray background improves the correlation and accuracy of the numerical representation of the color with the physical color sample. This approach takes into account the "simultaneous contrast" phenomenon and the related phenomenon, the "Crispening effect". While the contrast causes the viewer to perceive the color differently depending on which color is adjacent to or surrounded by which color. The use of a neutral gray background for the display of the digital color image makes the perception of color more realistic than displaying the digital color image only on a white or black background. Providing a neutral background with luminance values approximating a set of color images allows enhancing the perception of subtle differences between the colors of the set of digital color images displayed. This process can improve the color selection of the end user corresponding to the vehicle being repaired. Fig. 7a and 7b show the effect of a medium-brightness color displayed on a standard white background compared to the same medium-brightness color displayed on a gray background that has been calculated by using the mean of the gray levels of the displayed image. There is better color recognition for darker colors when viewed against the correct calculated gray background. Likewise, fig. 8a and 8b show the effect of the color of the luminance value displayed in a standard black background versus the color of the same luminance value displayed in a gray background that has been calculated by using the mean of the gray levels of the displayed image. In this example, there is better color recognition for lighter colors when viewed against the calculated correct gray background.

The sensitivity to increase color difference by using a background whose luminance value is similar to the displayed image is called "cripending effect". It is a phenomenon of the human visual system that causes a change in the perception of color differences due to a change in background color. If a white background is used to view two medium-darkness color images of approximately equal brightness (fig. 4), the ability of the observer to distinguish between the two color images is compromised by the large color-tone value difference between the background and the color images. Similarly, if two lighter color images of approximately equal brightness are viewed against a dark background, the ability of the observer to distinguish between the two images is likewise compromised. By choosing a neutral gray color with a luminance/darkness value that approximates the image, the Crispening effect will occur and will increase the viewer's sensitivity to the difference between the two images (fig. 5). An editor or color licensor can make a better decision using the Crispening effect before the digital color image is published to the database. The customer or end-user of the image database can then make a better selection based on the optimization of the correlation of the background's tonal luminance values to the image within the display area.

In one embodiment, the background can be tonal value uniform and not graded or mottled in any way. By leaving the background ungraded or unpigmented, this approach reduces any false positives caused by confusion regarding the relative brightness or darkness of the image.

It should be appreciated that viewing digital color images is affected by many factors (e.g., computer monitor, graphics card, viewing conditions, etc.). It should be appreciated that the end user may perceive the digital color image differently depending on the display capabilities of the hardware used to retrieve and view the image. The display device used to evaluate, adjust, and license the digital color image can be calibrated prior to each use using a commercially available display calibration device (e.g., without limitation, X-Rite hue). Calibrating the display in this manner maintains relative color consistency between images as they are licensed over time and added to the database.

The digital color images in the database can be associated to a set of models related to the manufacturer's vehicle model name. A "table" of attribute descriptive data can be created for each image. Searching for digital images by model can provide the user with the ability to search and focus on model level by manufacturer. The selected image can then be linked to corresponding usage information.

The set of colors for use relates the digital image colors to the way such colors have been used, for example, as the colors of auxiliary components of a vehicle. Searching digital images based on usage can provide users with the ability to search and focus on usage tiers based on manufacturer. The selected image can then be linked to the corresponding model information.

Following a workflow similar to using a color chip book, an end user (e.g., paint technician, evaluator, store manager, etc.) can select an OE color and request to view an auxiliary compatible color. Digital color images of the colors of accent colors, interiors, engine rooms (underhood), and wheels can be retrieved with OE names or paint formula codes. The database can be searched in a number of queries, including (but not limited to): OE color code, color system, model year, brand code, solid, metal, and use.

In one aspect, the system provides the ability to combine a high resolution image of an automobile repair color with a set of specific descriptive data relating to the color. The system also enables a user to quickly identify a compatible color associated with the selected color.

High resolution images can be grouped into different "sets" based on the segment (segment) category in which the image represents (e.g., collision (collision), custom (custom), locomotive (motorcycle), historical (historical), commercial, etc.). Each "set" can be further categorized according to a set of descriptive data (metadata) that facilitates the selection of colors. The metadata of the image can include: manufacturer, model year, type of use, OEM code, brand code, color system, type of effect done, model, query for compatible information, link to online recipe and/or link to product information, technical data, ready-to-spray data, and/or MSDS information.

The manufacturer data identifies the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (general purpose (GM), Ford (Ford), klebsiler (Chrysler), etc.) that manufactured the original vehicle. The model year data identifies a gregorian year of manufacture of the vehicle. The usage type data identifies the vehicle area or component to which the color is applied (e.g., accent color, which can be bumper, trim, and grill information; interior; engine compartment; wheels, etc.). The OEM code data identifies unique codes assigned to colors by the manufacturer, including bi-tonal colors. The brand code data identifies the unique code assigned to the color by the paint manufacturer. The color system data identifies the chromaticity color system (red, blue, green, etc.) assigned to the color. Colors used in association with each other (referred to as multi-hues) can also comprise a unique color family type. The finish effect data identifies the visual characteristics of the paint (solid, metal, etc.). The model data identifies the unique name assigned to the vehicle by the manufacturer (Mustang, Wrangler, etc.). The compatibility information data contains compatibility information that enables a user to view all compatible colors (e.g., accent colors, interiors, engine rooms, wheels, etc.) associated with the selected color. The link to the online recipe database provides access to the specific paint recipe/recipe (recipe) that is used to create the paint color specific to the paint system selected by the end user.

A software program having a user interface in conjunction with a color display can be used to browse, sort, and define searches for digital color images based on information/metadata associated with the digital color images. This enables the user to focus on identifying the color image by selecting specific information about the color. The software allows the user to define the conditions of the search, e.g., manufacturer, model year, model, completion effect, usage, etc., based on the associated metadata.

The user can initiate a search for a digital color image with minimal input such as selecting a segment and an OEM color code or a paint company brand code. The user can initiate a search for a digital color image by selecting a section and model year. Alternatively, the user can select the sector and manufacturer to initiate the search. These simple searches would activate the display of all digital color images with metadata in the full set within the product section identified with the selected attribute.

Because the number of images displayed by a simple search using only two or three attributes as search criteria may be large, the user is provided with the option to refine the search by selecting any number of additional attributes of the color (e.g., sector, model year, completion effect, color family, etc.). The more detailed the search criteria identified by the user, the fewer and more specific the displayed digital color images will be returned. In addition, once a particular color is identified and selected, the software will allow the user to take one or more different actions based on that color, including: isolating and viewing the color; a display of a digital color image representing compatible colors for the auxiliary component; and via links to other databases, identify where to purchase the paint, the paint formulation itself, and the like.

When a plurality of digital color images are defined via search conditions and displayed for a user, the gray value level of the background on which these color images are presented is calculated by averaging the background levels of the marker images. The calculation of the image level mean can be performed by summing the image level values and dividing this number by the number of displayed images. If the mean appears as an integer plus a fraction, the number is rounded down and together with the set of images gives a deeper background than the true mean. The more refined the user is the less images will be presented in the display area and the background gray value level can be recalculated based on the gray value levels associated with the presented reduced number of images. This correction of the background of the displayed image minimizes the negative perceptual effects associated with simultaneous contrast and enables the benefits of the Crispening effect.

Alternatively, the user can initiate a search for a digital color image by selecting a segment and model year and color system or by selecting a segment and model year, color system and finish effect. This type of search will show all the colors of the designated color system (red, blue, yellow, etc.) and the accomplishment of the year of model (metal, pearl, solid). Those skilled in the art will recognize the opportunity to automatically select the best background for viewing the particular set of color images by applying a hue recognition function in addition to the brightness-darkness scaling function to minimize the perceived error of the user when viewing the approximately-hued colors. If hue identification is to be added as a function of background determination, the color editor can assign a hue number level to a permitted image when a gray value level is assigned to that image. In this way, each image will be marked with both a gray scale value and a tone identification number. The hue numbers can be assigned the hues described for the common color wheels. The numbering scheme of the hues can also be described as follows: red =1, reddish yellow =2, yellow =3, yellowish green =4, green =5, cyan =6, blue =7, bluish violet =8, violet =9, and purplish red = 10.

Each tonal background can be divided into six separate background colors with increasing brightness gradations and assigned tone numbers and grey value levels. The background available for the displayed color from the color family search could potentially be viewed under one of six possible backgrounds of graded brightness and specific hue number starting from the darkest background of the color labeled Gray Value1 (Gray Value 1). For example, if a plurality of images of red color system are displayed and their average gradation value level is 3, the given background will be identified as having a tone number of 1 and a gradation value of 3. If images of a plurality of cyan color systems are displayed and their average gray value level is 2, the given background will be identified as having a hue number of 6 and a gray value of 2. In this way, the gray value levels are averaged to determine the correct background to be displayed for each of the ten shades from that set of six possible backgrounds. If only one color image is displayed after narrowing down the color system to a single image, the given background is identified as having the same tone number and gray value level as the tone number and gray value level marked for the digital color image. For the user's convenience, interface features can be provided within the software to allow the user to select to overlay a color-based background and display a color image with only a gray-value background, if desired. Alternatively, the user can choose not to use a grey value background, but to use a white or black background.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that adjusting the background of the chromaticity will improve the benefits of the Crispening effect. If chroma scaling is used in combination with luma scaling and hue recognition, the chroma levels will also need to follow the luma level pattern by adding the third marker value to the digital color image and incorporating the mean of the image to be displayed within the recognition of the background to be rendered. In this embodiment, as few as two or as many as 18 or more chroma value levels may be used. An optimized set may contain only five and be substantially similar to munsell chroma values C4, C8, or C12.

Software programs are used to display, search and classify digital color images according to image information/metadata, thereby enabling users to focus on identification and selection of key color information. The software program is not intended to be used as a color matching tool, and it is not intended to allow a user to compare and contrast multiple color images on a display that represent recipe changes and/or alternatives for the same paint color. It should be understood that the accuracy of the colors on the display monitor will vary with the type of monitor, age, and resolution. The software program will allow: view all colors within a particular set or palette of colors; and selecting specific conditions based on the metadata that would result in the retrieval and displaying only those colors that meet the conditions. In addition, once a particular color is identified, the software enables the user to take one or more different actions based on that color, including: visualizing the color using a color visualization software program; displaying a digital image for paint on the auxiliary member; and identifying where to purchase the paint, the paint formulation itself, etc.

In various embodiments, high quality digital color images can be captured and used for a searchable catalog of Web-based OEM crash, custom, locomotive, historical, and business/fleet (fleet) colors. Web-based systems provide a convenient solution for a broad group of users to find information about specific car OE, custom, locomotive, historic automobile/fleet colors, or colors used in other industries. The database may contain digital color images that can be linked to data identifying the vehicle manufacturer, model year, and vehicle model on which the color is available, as well as compatible accent colors, interiors, engine room, and wheel colors. The images of the colors are stored in and retrievable from a database. Custom, locomotive, historical, and commercial colors can also be linked to a number of associated information: paint formulations, product information, technical data, and other information for achieving a desired finish.

In one embodiment, a welcome screen display, such as the screen in FIG. 9, appears when the user accesses the system. In this screen, the user can select an application section, for example, collision, custom, locomotive, historical, or commercial.

For example, if a collision is selected, the user can perform an initial search using drop-down boxes 48, 50, and 52 on the left side of FIG. 10. In this example, a drop down box for year, manufacturer, and model is provided. After the search condition is input and submitted by clicking the button 54, or while the search condition is input, a digital color image 60 of an external color recognized to meet the search condition can appear on the screen. The color image is displayed on a gray background that has been selected as described above. Clicking on one of the color card images brings up a screen such as the one shown in fig. 11. A return button 56 allows the user to return to the previous screen and an exit button 58 allows the user to exit the application.

Fig. 11 is a final inspection screen displaying the selected color 62 and associated color 66 (e.g., the color of the vehicle interior).

The final review screen (fig. 11) shows the selected color from the screen of fig. 10 and also includes an additional drop-down box 64 for associated information (e.g., without limitation, compatibility information). If the search condition has compatible information, it is displayed. If there is no additional information, the compatibility box may not appear or may be displayed in gray. If the compatibility box is selected, the system will display the color cards that meet the compatibility search criteria.

In the screen of FIG. 11, the user can click on the digital color image and can be directed to another website or information database where the user can either obtain the paint formula for the selected color, or obtain any technical data, product information, or location regarding where the paint can be obtained.

In another embodiment, a digital color image database may be used in conjunction with a blending software platform to allow paint components to be blended in one application. In addition, repair orders can also be captured and paint selection information can be stored for future use on similar vehicles.

The online tool allows a user to select body colors and request colors and information for non-bodies (e.g., accent colors, interiors, engine rooms, wheels, etc.). The selected color code, displayed on the screen as a digital color image of the paint color chart, can be selected for activating a link to the color recipe website, as shown by screen 68 in fig. 12. This allows the user to go from the selected color image to the auxiliary information about the relevant color and obtain a paint formula that can then be mixed and sold. If the user cannot securely access the online recipe website, a distributor locator box (locator box) may appear. By entering the zip code, the user can initiate a search and display of the nearest paint distributor or store from which the user can purchase paint products.

Using several search criteria, the user can narrow the recognition and selection to a small set of digital color images. Selecting a digital color image will yield additional information about the color as well as information about compatible colors. The digital color images can be arranged in shades of color for easier selection. The final selection can link the selected color image to a color formula retrieval tool. Alternatively, the final selection can link to the nearest distributor/supplier to purchase the paint and ancillary products. The final selection may also be linked to additional technical information.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: displaying an image of the body paint color surrounded by a gray background as discussed in US20090295823, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; narrowing the identification and selection to a small set of digital color images using a number of search criteria; and selecting a digital color image that is capable of producing additional information about the color and/or information compatible with the color. The digital color images can be arranged in shades of color for easier selection, for example, by ordering from light to dark or by other methods. A final selection capable of linking the digital color image to a color formula retrieval tool; or alternatively, the final selection can link to the nearest distributor/supplier to purchase the paint and ancillary products. In addition, the final selection can be linked to additional technical information. The correct formula can be selected using color retrieval software; the recipe can be mixed based on the retrieved recipe; and the vehicle is painted.

The system described above can be used to implement a method comprising: providing a database of digital representations of colors and metadata relating colors to vehicle information and color usage; identifying one or more colors using one or more search criteria; displaying the identified color; selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; identifying one or more additional colors related to the color of interest using the metadata, the search criteria, and/or the vehicle information; and displaying the selected color and the one or more additional colors.

The metadata can include at least one of: chromatically classified (sortedchromatically) color systems, solid, metallic, specialty pigments, and dyes. The vehicle information can include at least one of: original equipment manufacturer, vehicle model, model year, or color code. The color use can comprise at least one of the following: accent color, interior, engine compartment, or wheel. The color of interest can be an exterior body color, and the metadata can identify at least one of: engine room color, interior color, decorative color, accent color, bumper color, grill color, wheel color, multi-and bi-tonal information, solid finish effect, or metal finish effect.

The method can further include: paint formulas that display colors of interest and/or additional colors; allowing for linking to a color formula retrieval tool and/or allowing access to locations where paint and/or ancillary products may be purchased.

The search criteria can include at least one of: vehicle manufacturer, vehicle model, model year, original equipment color code, brand code, color system, finish effect, color usage information, or application section. The achievement effect can comprise at least one of: solid or metallic, specialty pigments (e.g., pearlescent), and dyes. The application section can include: collision, custom, locomotive, historical, fleet, commercial, or other industries.

The method can also include displaying additional information, the additional information including at least: paint code label location, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model assembly plant, technical data sheet, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), ready to spray information (RTS), Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) information, and product use related to the selected color.

The method can further include: using a color visualization tool in which a selected color is capable of being visualized on a three-dimensional representation of an article of manufacture, the article of manufacture comprising at least one of: a vehicle, a vehicle component, a fender, a fuel tank, a spoiler (spoeller), a cladding (cladding), a bonnet, a geometric test panel, or a speed profile product (speed shape).

The method can further include: mixing the selected color paints; entering a selected color on the repair order; displaying a link to a color formula retrieval tool; and/or display a link to a distributor or supplier from which paint and/or ancillary products may be purchased.

As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers (e.g., those expressing values, ranges, amounts, and percentages) may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Plural encompasses singular and vice versa. For example, although reference is made to "a" color, "a" color image/sample, "a" recipe, etc., multiple (or multiple) colors, images, samples, or recipes can also be selected and/or accessed. When ranges are given, the endpoints of those ranges and/or numbers within those ranges can be combined with the scope of the invention. The terms "comprising," "such as," "for example," and the like mean "including/such as/for example (but not limited to)". Additionally, "body" is not limited to OE vehicles, custom vehicles, or commercial/fleet vehicles, but can refer to any surface to be painted, whether a vehicle or not.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (36)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a database containing a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value for each of said images;

a processor configured to receive a search criteria and to identify one or more of the digital color images that meet the search criteria; and

a display configured to display the at least one identified digital color image on a neutral gray background, wherein a brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by a neutral gray background brightness of an image being displayed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when a plurality of digital color images are displayed, the neutral gray background is determined by an average of the neutral gray background values of the displayed digital color images.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the neutral gray background values comprise integers and when the mean includes a fraction, the neutral gray background values corresponding to integers without the fraction are used in the display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the database further comprises a hue number for each of the images, and the hue of the neutral gray background is determined by the hue number of the image being displayed.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the database further comprises a chroma value for each of the images, and the chroma of the neutral gray background is determined by the chroma value of the image being displayed.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the neutral gray background surrounds the displayed digital color image.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the database further includes metadata relating to vehicle information and color usage; and the processor is configured to receive the search criteria transmitted by a user via a network and to identify one or more additional colors associated with the identified digital color image using the metadata.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the database comprises a plurality of collections of the digital color images and metadata, and wherein the collections comprise at least one of:

an image set, a color set by module, a color set by use, and a model/use compatibility set.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the metadata comprises at least one of:

color system, solid, metallic, specialty pigments, or dyes.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the additional color comprises at least one of:

accent color, interior, engine room, or wheel color.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search criteria comprises at least one of:

vehicle manufacturer, vehicle model, model year, original equipment color code, brand code, color system, finish effect, color usage information, or application section.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor implements a color visualization tool in which the selected color is visualized on a three-dimensional representation of an article of manufacture comprising at least one of:

a vehicle, a vehicle component, a fender, a fuel tank, a spoiler, an enclosure, a hood, a geometric test panel, or a speed profile product.

13. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

providing a database containing a plurality of digital color images and a neutral gray background value for each of said images;

identifying one or more of the digital color images using one or more search criteria; and

displaying at least one identified digital color image on a neutral gray background, wherein a brightness of the neutral gray background is determined by the neutral gray background brightness of an image being displayed.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein when a plurality of digital color images are displayed, the neutral gray background is determined by an average of neutral gray background values of the displayed digital color images.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the neutral gray background values comprise integers and when the mean includes a fraction, the neutral gray background values corresponding to integers without the fraction are used in the display.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the database further includes a tone number for each of the images, and the tone of the neutral gray background is determined by the tone number of the image being displayed.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the database further includes a chroma value for each of the images, and the chroma of the neutral gray background is determined by a chroma value of the image being displayed.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the neutral gray background surrounds the displayed digital color image.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the database further comprises metadata relating to vehicle information and color usage; and the processor is configured to receive the search criteria transmitted by a user via a network and to identify one or more additional colors associated with the identified digital color image using the metadata.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the database comprises a plurality of collections of the digital color images and metadata, and wherein the collections comprise at least one of:

an image set, a color set by module, a color set by use, and a model/use compatibility set.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the metadata comprises at least one of:

color system, solid, metallic, specialty pigments, or dyes.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the additional color comprises at least one of:

accent color, interior, engine room, or wheel color.

23. The method of claim 12, wherein the search criteria comprises at least one of:

vehicle manufacturer, vehicle model, model year, original equipment color code, brand code, color system, finish effect, color usage information, or application section.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the completion effect comprises at least one of:

solid or metallic, e.g. pearlescent specialty pigments and dyes.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the application section comprises:

collision, custom, locomotive, historical, fleet, commercial, or other industries.

26. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors;

identifying one or more additional colors related to the color of interest using the metadata, search criteria, and/or vehicle information; and is

The selected color is displayed along with one or more additional colors.

27. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

displaying the paint formula of the color of interest and/or additional colors.

28. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

allowing linking to a color formula retrieval tool.

29. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

access is allowed to locations where paint and/or ancillary products may be purchased.

30. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

displaying additional information, the additional information including at least:

paint label location, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model assembly plant, technical data sheet, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), ready to spray information (RTS), Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) information, and product use related to the selected color.

31. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

using a color visualization tool in which the selected color can be visualized on a three-dimensional representation of an article of manufacture, the article of manufacture comprising at least one of:

a vehicle, a vehicle component, a fender, a fuel tank, a spoiler, an enclosure, a hood, a geometric test panel, or a speed profile product.

32. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

the selected color paints are mixed.

33. The method of claim 12, wherein the selected color is entered into a repair order.

34. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

a link to a color formula search tool is displayed.

35. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

a link is displayed to a distributor or supplier from which paint and/or ancillary products may be purchased.

36. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

providing a digital image of a color and a database of metadata relating the image to vehicle information and color usage;

identifying one or more of the digital image colors using one or more search criteria;

displaying the digital image of the identified color;

selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors;

identifying additional information related to the color of interest using the metadata;

displaying the digital image of the color of interest and the additional information; and

making a final color selection using the displayed digital image of the color of interest and the additional information.