Abstract: A computer-implemented apparatus and method for coordinating paint-related process steps of at least one paint-related facility. The paint-related process steps exhibit paint-related characteristics. A data acquisition module is provided for acquiring paint characteristic data indicative of the paint-related characteristics. A paint process control data structure is provided for interrelating the acquired paint characteristic data with at least two of the paint-related process steps to produce interrelated paint process control data. A paint process control coordinator is connected to the data acquisition module for storing the acquired paint characteristic data in the paint process control data structure. A data display is connected to the paint process control data structure for remotely receiving and viewing the interrelated paint process control data.

Abstract: The painting equipment controller controls automotive painting equipment so that desired painting attributes can be achieved. A database is used for storing mathematical models which interrelate painting factors with painting responses. The painting factors include the control settings of the painting equipment. The painting responses include such painting attributes as the appearance of the paint and application attributes of the paint. A database engine determines the values for the painting responses based upon the model and upon initially selected painting factor values. A cooptimizer uses the output of database engine to determine a second set of values for the painting factors which achieve the desired painting attributes. Thereupon, the painting equipment is controlled based upon the painting factor values as determined by the cooptimizer.