Patent ID: 6343264
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: G01J,G06T

Abstract:
A method of categorizing a plurality of products by color, the method comprising the steps of:(a) compiling a set of flat, solid, color surfaces, including all of the colors associated with the products to be matched; (b) determining a color value for each of the flat color surfaces; (c) comparing samples of the products to be matched to the flat color surfaces in order to color-match each one of the samples to one of the flat color surfaces, the comparison being performed by a person in an environment of controlled lighting and reflection; (d) assigning to each sample the color value of the flat color surface to which the sample was color-matched; (e) categorizing each color value into a plurality of color categories; (f) creating a color graphic representation of each of the samples on a monitor using the assigned color values; (g) creating a design graphic representation of a texture, pattern, or other design aspect of each sample on the monitor; and (h) creating a graphic product simulation of each of the samples by merging the color graphic representation for the sample with the design graphic representation for the sample on the monitor.