Abstract: An automated computer-controlled method and apparatus for measuring the quality or fineness of a pigment dispersion sample, comprising placing the pigment dispersion at the deep end of the tapered path of a Hegman gage block, placing the Hegman gage block in a holder in a motorized drawdown device that draws the scraper along the length of the tapered path at an angle and to at a contact pressure and at a controlled rate, thereby creating a tapered film sample of paint whose thickness tapers from a maximum thickness of 100 micrometers to a minimum thickness of zero. An illuminator assembly illuminates the sample with a substantially collimated light source at an intensity level and the light reflected from the sample is collected by a lens onto a photodetector array in a digital camera. After a time interval the camera acquires an image of the sample.

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: An image analysis method to quantify visual showthrough of printed images on the reverse face of planar objects, such as paper. An illumination level is set using a white reference object. A white reference image is stored in a computer memory. An image of a planar object having a printed image on the reverse face is stored in a computer memory. A pixel by pixel ratio of the two images is calculated and a mean value of the ratios is calculated to characterize the visual showthrough. The measurements are substantially independent of both the illumination level and image shading.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monitoring device for producing a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint. The device includes a client computer in communication with a host computer and means for dispensing required items for making a desired amount of the target composition. The computer readable program code means in the computers identify one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of the target composition and dispense through means for dispensing the required items listed in the formula. The code means search for the required items in the various inventories, including updating the inventories if required. The device can be also used to control the inventory by shipping just in time any components required to produce target compositions, such as refinish tints used in automotive refinish paints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for monitoring production of a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint and a monitoring device used therein. The process includes (a) identifying one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of the target composition, the formula providing a required inventory for making a desired amount of the target composition; (b) generating a current inventory; (c) terminating the process if the current inventory does not match with a stored inventory; or (d) continuing the process if the current inventory matches with the stored inventory.