Abstract:
A method that includes obtaining, using a processor, reflectance data from a target coating and calculating, using the processor, pivot-normalized reflectance data. The method also includes generating, using the processor, a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,498, filed on Nov. 8, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In various embodiments, the present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus that use a pivot-normalization to relate spectral reflectances or colorimetric information from spectrophotometric angles and/or incident light sources to identify the proper pigment(s) to match both the texture and/or gonioapparent effect(s) occurring within an unknown target coating. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a standard portable spectrophotometer, the incident light is generally, set at an angle of forty-five (45) degrees from normal. The resulting spectral reflectances that can be gathered are generally in the same plane as the incident light and are on either side of the specular angle (equal and opposite angle to the incident light) as well as nearer to the incident light source itself 
         [0004]    New portable spectrophotometric devices offer a vast multitude of angular color response (spectral reflectance) data. Besides the addition of several new angles, including azimuthal, or out-of-plane, angles, many instruments also offer additional light sources with different geometries from standard. By way of example, the incident light source of a second illuminator may be located at fifteen (15) degrees from normal. The plurality of combinations of incident light and angular response can be both too little and too much information to be handled at one time. 
         [0005]    Thus, a need exists for systems and methods that may be used to evaluate all of the data and specific combinations of data from a spectrophotometer. There is also a need for systems and methods in which the individual angular spectral reflectance and colorimetric (e.g. XYZ, L*a*b*, L*C*h*, etc.) responses are handled as both independent entities as well as entities dependent upon the other responses (whether all responses or specifically selected responses) received from the device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In a first aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a computer implemented method. The method includes obtaining, using a processor, reflectance data from a target coating and calculating, using the processor, pivot-normalized reflectance data. The method also includes generating, using the processor, a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a system. The system includes a database and a processor in communication with the database. The processor is programmed to obtain reflectance data from a target coating, calculate pivot-normalized reflectance data, and generate a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes means for obtaining reflectance data from a target coating and means for calculating pivot-normalized reflectance data. The apparatus also includes means for generating a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating. 
         [0009]    In a further aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a non-transitory computer readable medium including software for causing a processor to: obtain reflectance data from a target coating; calculate pivot-normalized reflectance data; and generate a coating formulation that is the same or substantially similar in appearance to the target coating. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a process that calculates a formula for a target complex coating. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of raw spectral reflectance data from an industry-standard six angles. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a “standard” normalization result. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of various pivot-normalized curves overlaying each other. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the use of pivot-normalized reflectance data where the mean and standard deviation have been calculated across the first array of associated information and graphed against one another. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the use of a pivot-normalized data set using a specific set of angles to predict whether a target coating will contain a gonioapparent effect. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a system which may be used to identify physical property attributes of a coating mixture of a target sample. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    While the description herein generally refers to paint, it should be understood that the devices, systems and methods apply to other types of coatings, including stain and industrial coatings. The described embodiments of the invention should not be considered as limiting. A method consistent with the present invention may be practiced in a variety of fields such as the matching and/or coordination of apparel and fashion products. 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the invention may be used with or incorporated in a computer system that may be a standalone unit or include one or more remote terminals or devices in communication with a central computer via a network such as, for example, the Internet or an intranet. As such, the computer or “processor” and related components described herein may be a portion of a local computer system or a remote computer or an on-line system or combinations thereof. The database and software described herein may be stored in computer internal memory or in a non-transitory computer readable medium. 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the invention are directed generally to spectral analysis of coatings, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to devices, methods and systems for predicting and formulating a complex coating mixture containing metallic, pearlescent, and/or special effect pigments. 
         [0020]    In various embodiments, the present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for identifying physical property attributes of cured complex coating (e.g., paint) mixtures using pivot-normalization data that are calculated, using a processor, based on the spectral reflectance and colorimetric response from a spectrophotometer. 
         [0021]    In various embodiments, the purpose of using pivot-normalization methodology is multi-fold. First, in order to use all available angles within a given system, pivot-normalization may be used to create an alternate bi-directional reflectance distribution function (“BRDF”)-type analysis. This type of analysis does not exclude any angles, but uses all angles to create a hemispherical “map” or “fingerprint” of a particular texture or pigment type, whether gonioapparent or not. Second, pivot-normalization may be used to evaluate only specific combinations of angles in order to achieve purposeful manipulations. Similarly, this includes the specific exclusion or inclusion of specific singular angles or combinations of angles when a particular texture or effect is being sought after as included or not included in a target coating. Third, pivot-normalization may be used to accommodate for and correct the potential assumption that the received spectral reflectance values are incorrect in some way. Some potential reasons for irregularity or abnormality of the spectral reflectance data, even if minor, may include incident light angle location, incident light fluctuation, aperture size, target coating surface non-uniformity, etc. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a process that calculates a formula for a target complex coating. At step  10 , data is gathered from, for example, a spectrophotometer. In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the present invention may be employed in several ways. For example, the systems and methods may be used on raw data, for example spectral reflectance data and/or colorimetric (e.g., XYZ, L*a*b*, L*C*h*, etc.) and data that may have already been treated. The data are treated data that may include, but are not limited to, multi-dimensional geometric data, vector data, unmodified or modified specular spectral reflectance data, etc. In various embodiments, the data that undergoes pivot-normalization may have two or more identified, associated arrays based on the functionality of the original data. For example, spectral reflectance data may be considered to have arrays comprised of angle and wavelength. Another example includes colorimetric data as a function of angle and reference type (i.e., L*, a*, or b*). In situations where more than two arrays exist, various sets of two may be tested independently, or the various arrays may be condensed into only two arrays. In various embodiments, in order to choose the optimal set of arrays within a data set, testing may be required on several scenarios to both the variety of potential resulting pivot-normalized data sets and the optimum based on desired functionality of the algorithm, with respect to color, texture, pigmentation and all variations within complex mixtures. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of raw spectral reflectance data from an industry-standard six angles. In a “standard” normalization situation, the goal of the process is to adjust differing scales of data from multiple data sets (i.e. different angles) to one common scale, thus creating a set of shifted or scaled data that allow for relational analysis and understanding between the original data sets. An example of a “standard” normalization result is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In various embodiments, the goal of the pivot-normalization of the present invention is not to align differing scales to a common scale, but to cause further separation in order to gain improved insight as to similarities and differences between the original data sets and their associated arrays of information.  FIG. 4  illustrates an example of various pivot-normalized curves overlaying each other. As can be seen, there is a difference between the resultant information from a “standard” normalization method versus a pivot-normalized method. In  FIG. 4  the resolution of the graph has been accounted for using an overlay method rather than aligning the y-axes of each curve. 
         [0024]    At step  12  of  FIG. 1 , the data are sorted based on a secondary array of associated information. For example, if using raw spectral reflectance data with associated arrays of angle and wavelength, the data may be sorted by wavelength in order to create a commonality between the scales of the angles within the individual wavelengths. This is contrary to a “standard” normalization method, which sorts by angle in to make a common alignment between the scales of the wavelengths within individual angles. In various embodiments, by sorting by the secondary array first (e.g., the wavelength), the angles become the “commonality.” Within each set of the secondary array, the pivot-normalization calculation at step  14  may take on a standard form. In various embodiments, the normalization calculation is: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     X 
                     - 
                     μ 
                   
                   σ 
                 
               
               
                 
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         [0000]    where X is the specific data set value, μ is the sample or population average of the data set values within the sorted secondary array, and σ is the sample or population standard deviation of the data set values within the sorted secondary array. 
         [0025]    Due to the fact that the standard deviation across the first array of data may be much smaller than that across the second array of data, the resultant pivot-normalized set of data may appear to not yield useful information. Thus, if the resolution of the inspection, analysis, graphing, etc. is poor, detailed features may be missed. Therefore, the resolution of the inspection, analysis, graphing, etc. may be optimized so as to ascertain the benefits of the analysis. 
         [0026]    In various embodiments, when using spectral reflectance data, the calculation may occur individually for the first array of data based on each secondary array of data. However, the output remains linked with the original two associated arrays. Statistics, such as for example mean, median, and sum may be used to create a singular array out of multi-array calculated pivot-normalized data. In another embodiment, an individual specific array value or values may be compared between the pivot-normalized analyses. The value of such a situation is to focus on the particular array value or values of maximum or statistical significance, where a majority of color and/or texture information is visibly or numerically perceived. 
         [0027]    At step  16  of  FIG. 1 , the calculated pivot-normalized values or statistics from the pivot-normalized data may further be empirically correlated to known characteristics in order to identify textures, primary flake types, or other appearance information in complex coating mixtures. To employ an empirical method, the pivot-normalized data is calculated for an empirical dataset. All desired statistical or mathematical conversions of the data into a single point may be employed, or the data may remain as functions of the first and second arrays of linked information. In various embodiments, the empirical data set is representative of the expected mixtures and colors that will need to be handled in everyday situations. The empirical data set may be used to create a predictive correlation: y=f(x), where y represents the desired characteristic for identification or a qualitative question regarding the target coating, and f(x) is some function of x&#39;s, where x is one or multiple variables using the pivot-normalized calculated values or statistics from the pivot-normalized data from a specific set or multiple sets of associated arrays. The resulting function may be linear or non-linear as defined by the empirical data set. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the use of pivot-normalized reflectance data where the mean and standard deviation have been calculated across the first array of associated information and graphed against one another. The resulting correlations show a high probability of the usage of a colored aluminum pigment only in specific situations, whereas the lack of usage of a colored aluminum pigment exemplifies a significantly different graphical display and therefore also associated probabilities. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the use of a pivot-normalized data set using a specific set of angles to predict whether a target coating will contain a gonioapparent effect. In this case, a calculated range value from the pivot-normalized data for the particular angles resulting in 0.5 or above indicates a higher likelihood of not containing a gonioapparent pigment, whereas a calculated range value closer to 0.2 or below has a higher likelihood of containing the gonioapparent pigment in question. 
         [0030]    Once an empirical correlation has been determined, it may be used at step  18  of  FIG. 1  to derive the predicted value for the target coating. This may be achieved by using the target coating&#39;s values for the x&#39;s (pivot-normalized data, etc.) and calculating the answer for y (the texture effect). While examples have been given herein for the content of a gonioapparent pigment, embodiments of the present invention may derive a result as specific as which gonioapparent pigment at which size flake of that pigment by iteratively choosing the most important single angles or combinations of angles for the pivot-normalization calculations and empirical correlations. The choice of angular comparisons and to what level they are combined may be used to create the best possible empirical correlation. In various embodiments, empirical correlations may also be improved by including other non-pivot-normalization information, for example singular angle colorimetric data. 
         [0031]    In various embodiments, the quality of the overall “map,” or “fingerprint,” approach and the quality of the empirical correlation approach may be dependent upon the quality of the input data. The quality of the input data may be dependent upon the quality of the instrumentation and the quality of the data set used to create a set of known for the overall map or the empirical correlation. While any quality of data from an instrument or an empirical data set will result in an answer, the answer may be improved with the use of a high quality instrument and a widely varied, high quality empirical data set. 
         [0032]    The entire set of calculations described herein may be used in conjunction with a processor in order to facilitate the choice of specific associated array combinations as well as accommodate the volume of calculations required in order to derive and then use an empirical correlation using pivot-normalized data. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a system  90  which may be used to identify physical property, attributes of a coating mixture of a target sample. A user  92  may utilize a user interface  94 , such as a graphical user interface, to operate a spectrophotometer  96  to measure the properties of a target sample  98 . The data from the spectrophotometer  96  may be transferred to a computer  100 , such as a personal computer, a mobile device, or any type of processor. The computer  100  may be in communication, via a network  102 , with a server  104 . The network  102  may be any type of network, such as the Internet, a local area network, an intranet, or a wireless network. The server  104  is in communication with a database  106  that may store the data and information that is used by the methods of embodiments of the present invention for comparison purposes. In various embodiments the database  106  may be utilized in, for example, a client server environment or in, for example, a web based environment such as a cloud computing environment. Various steps of the methods of embodiments of the present invention may be performed by the computer  100  and/or the server  106 . 
         [0034]    It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the forgoing description. Such modifications are to be considered as included within the following claims unless the claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 
         [0035]    In another aspect, the invention may be implemented as a non-transitory computer readable medium containing software for causing a computer or computer system to perform the method described above. The software can include various modules that are used to enable a processor and a user interface to perform the methods described herein. 
         [0036]    It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the forgoing description. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention.