Abstract: A computer-implemented method for displaying on a color display device a realistic color of a paint coating comprising the following steps: (A) identify L*, a* b* color values at at least three different angles for a paint coating from a data base; (B) convert the at least three angle L*, a* b* color values to tristimulus X, Y, Z values; (C) develop continuous function equation for each tristimulus X, Y, Z values vs. aspecular angle via computer implementation and calculate the range of angles to be displayed; (D) calculate a range of aspecular angles required to display the object; (E) calculate R,G,B values from tristimulus values over the range of aspecular angles and determine maximum saturation of R,G,B values and bring into range allowed by color display device; (F) determine statistical texture function of paint coating to be simulated; and (G) apply statistical texture function to the R,G,B values of step (E) and display color pixels on color display device to show realistic color of paint coating.

Abstract: A process for refinishing or repainting a damaged paint area of a vehicle or part thereof using a computer-implemented method to determine a refinish paint formula that can be matched to the color of the original paint; in this process: a) the color data values of the original paint to be matched are determined; b) the color data values are entered into a computer containing a color cluster data base and color clusters each having a centroid and a refinish paint formula associated with each centroid; c) the color data values of the original paint are positioned in a color cluster via computer implementation and a refinish paint associated with the centroid of the color cluster having color characteristics close to the color characteristics of the original paint is obtained; and d) spray applying the refinish paint of step c) to the damaged paint area using conventional techniques thereby matching the color characteristics of the refinish paint to the undamaged original paint of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device that use spectral measurements of the color of a target coating on a substrate, such as auto body being matched. The method utilizes pigment mixture models to produce a matched coating composition that when applied as a coating matches in appearance with that of the target coating, while also providing other desired coating properties, such as durability, gloss and adhesion. Various colorant combinations are analyzed to produce approximate spectral curves that substantially match the spectral curve of the target color. A colorant optimization function is then used to identify the optimum formula. This function utilizes acceptability factors, such as closeness of match based on a color tolerance formula, metamerism indices, shape of spectral curves, cost, and pigment durability. Each factor is weighted according to the specific end-use of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a computer-implemented method for determining a color matched repair paint formula, wherein color characteristics of a target color to be matched are identified, inputted, and processed in such way as to enable a visual display of the target color, then alternate color(s) is/are selected from a color database based upon color characteristics of the target color to be matched, then subsequently processed and visually displayed thus enabling comparison of the alternate color(s) with the target color; and finally, a desired alternate color is selected and a formulation determined thereof. Further, the target color may be superimposed over an image of a vehicle to be repaired, and alternate candidate may even be superimposed over the target color in the area of the vehicle to be repaired, in order to assist the user with selecting the best match.