Patent Publication Number: US-2023153881-A1

Title: Color Coordination For Scanned Products

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/371,302, filed Jul. 9, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/970,223, filed May 3, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,062,373, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/504,004, filed on May 10, 2017. The entire disclosure of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to color coordination and, more particularly, to color coordination of paint colors with a non-paint product identified using an optical code reader. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Retail stores that sell coating products, such as paints and stains, often sell other products for interior design and decoration, such as carpet, flooring, window treatments, lighting fixtures, other fixtures, furniture, decorations, and other items located within an interior of a building, such as a home or commercial space. For a particular project, a consumer may first select one of the other products for interior design and decoration and then look for matching or coordinating paint colors that go with the selected product. The consumer, however, may be unsure as to which paint colors match or coordinate with the selected product and, as a result, may limit their paint color selection. 
     Consumers may browse and select particular colors electronically using, for example, a kiosk, a website, a website application, a mobile application, etc. For example, a color selection and coordination system that allows a user to select a starting color and that provides coordinating colors for the starting color is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,629, “Data-driven color coordinator,” which is incorporated herein by reference. For further example, an automated method and apparatus for providing color selection capability is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,530,163, “Automated Color Selection Method and Apparatus,” which is also incorporated herein by reference. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     The present disclosure provides a system comprising a kiosk having a control module, an input device, a display device, and an optical code reader, and having access to a product/color database. The control module is configured to receive an identification code scanned by the optical code reader, determine a sample product associated with the identification code, determine at least one coordinating color for the sample product based on the product/color database, display on the display device a simulated environment including a sample room having at least one selectable surface, display on the display device the at least one coordinating color, receive with the input device a selected color from the at least one coordinating color, receive with the input device a selected surface from the sample room, display on the display device the simulated environment showing the sample room with the sample product and with the selected color on the selected surface of the sample room. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is a carpet sample. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is one of a flooring, a window treatment, a lighting fixtures, a room fixtures, a piece of furniture, and a room decoration. 
     In some configurations, the identification code is one of a barcode and a QR code. 
     In some configurations, the system further comprises a touchscreen device that includes the input device and the display device. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a method that includes receiving, with a control module of a kiosk, an identification code scanned by an optical code reader. The method also includes determining, with the control module, a sample product associated with the identification code. The method also includes determining, with the control module, at least one coordinating color for the sample product based on a product/color database accessible to the control module. The method also includes displaying, on a display device of the kiosk, a simulated environment including a sample room having at least one selectable surface. The method also includes displaying, on the display device, the at least one coordinating color. The method also includes receiving, with an input device of the kiosk, a selected color from the at least one coordinating color. The method also includes receiving, with the input device, a selected surface from the sample room. The method also includes displaying, on the display device, the simulated environment showing the sample room with the sample product and with the selected color on the selected surface of the sample room. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is a carpet sample. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is one of a flooring, a window treatment, a lighting fixtures, a room fixtures, a piece of furniture, and a room decoration. 
     In some configurations, the identification code is one of a barcode and a QR code. 
     In some configurations, the input device and the display device are integrated into a touchscreen device. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a system comprising a mobile device having a touchscreen and a camera and having access to a product/color database. The mobile device is configured to receive an identification code scanned by the camera, determine a sample product associated with the identification code, determine at least one coordinating color for the sample product based on the product/color database, display on the touchscreen a simulated environment including a sample room having at least one selectable surface, display on the touchscreen the at least one coordinating color, receive with the touchscreen a selected color from the at least one coordinating color, receive with the touchscreen a selected surface from the sample room, display on the touchscreen the simulated environment showing the sample room with the sample product and with the selected color on the selected surface of the sample room. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is a carpet sample. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is one of a flooring, a window treatment, a lighting fixtures, a room fixtures, a piece of furniture, and a room decoration. 
     In some configurations, the identification code is one of a barcode and a QR code. 
     In some configurations, the mobile device is configured with a mobile application that includes the product/color database. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a method that includes receiving, with a mobile device having access to a product/color database, an identification code scanned by a camera of the mobile device. The method also includes determining, with the mobile device, a sample product associated with the identification code. The method also includes determining, with the mobile device, at least one coordinating color for the sample product based on the product/color database. The method also includes displaying, on a touchscreen of the mobile device, a simulated environment including a sample room having at least one selectable surface. The method also includes displaying, on the touchscreen, the at least one coordinating color. The method also includes receiving, with the touchscreen, a selected color from the at least one coordinating color. The method also includes receiving, with the touchscreen, a selected surface from the sample room. The method also includes displaying, on the touchscreen, the simulated environment showing the sample room with the sample product and with the selected color on the selected surface of the sample room. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is a carpet sample. 
     In some configurations, the sample product is one of a flooring, a window treatment, a lighting fixtures, a room fixtures, a piece of furniture, and a room decoration. 
     In some configurations, the identification code is one of a barcode and a QR code. 
     In some configurations, the mobile device is configured with a mobile application that includes the product/color database. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a color coordination system for scanned products according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is another block diagram of a color coordination system for scanned products according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate a product sample and, in particular, a carpet product sample with an optical identification code. 
         FIG.  4    illustrate a screenshot of a color coordination system for scanned products according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate a perspective view of a mobile device and a screenshot of a color coordination system for scanned products according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart for a color coordination method for scanned products according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     The present disclosure includes color coordination systems and methods that allow a user to scan a barcode of a selected non-paint product, such as a carpet sample or other product, using a barcode reader or a camera of a mobile device. The color coordination system then accesses a lookup table in a product/color database and retrieves a predetermined set of coordinating or matching paint colors for the scanned product. The color coordination system displays the predetermined set of coordinating or matching paint colors, with associated identification information, such as color names and/or color codes, for the user to view. The color coordination system can also display a simulated environment showing a sample room, for example, with the scanned product. For example, if the scanned product is a carpet sample, the simulated environment can include the sample room shown carpeted with the carpet associated with the scanned carpet sample. The color coordination system can also display the predetermined set of coordinating or matching paint colors and can allow the user to select one or more particular paint colors from the predetermined set of coordinating or matching paint colors along with selectable surfaces of the sample room shown in the simulated environment. The color coordination system can then display the simulated environment showing selected paint colors on the selected surfaces of the sample room while continuing to display the selected carpet in the sample room. In this way, the user can see the simulated environment with the scanned product, such as the scanned carpet, along with a number of predetermined coordinating and/or matching paint color options for the room. In this way, the user is provided with a number of paint color coordination and matching options for a particular scanned product, such as a carpet sample, and can confidently purchase paint colors for a particular interior project that coordinate or match with the particular scanned product. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , a block diagram of a color coordination system  10  for scanned products according to the present disclosure is shown. In the example shown in  FIG.  1   , the color coordination system  10  includes a kiosk  12  having a touchscreen input/output device  14 . Although the example of FIG.  1  shows a touchscreen input/output device  14 , separate input and output devices may be used. For example, the kiosk  12  may include a monitor with an output display screen and separate keyboard and mouse input devices. The kiosk  12  includes a control module  16  that is in communication with the touchscreen input/output device  14 , a product/color database  18 , and an optical code reader  20 . The control module  16  receives input from the touchscreen input/output device  14  and controls a display output on the touchscreen input/output device  14  in accordance with the present disclosure, as discussed in further detail below. The kiosk  12  can be located with a retail store that sells, for example, paint products along with non-paint products, such as carpet, flooring, window treatments, lighting fixtures, other fixtures, furniture, decorations, and other home improvement items. 
     The optical code reader  20  can scan and receive a machine-readable optical code associated with scanned products, such as carpet samples, flooring samples, window treatments, lighting fixtures, other fixtures, furniture, decorations, and other items for sale within the retail store. The machine-readable optical code may be, for example, a barcode, a Quick Response (QR) code (i.e., a two-dimensional barcode), or an alphanumeric code associated with and used for identifying the particular scanned product. While the present disclosure provides examples of a barcode, a QR code, and an alphanumeric code, other suitable machine-readable optical codes may be used. The machine-readable optical code may uniquely identify an associated product. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG.  1   , the optical code reader  20  can be used to scan a barcode  30  of a sample product. In the example of  FIG.  1   , the sample product is a carpet sample  32 , which is shown in further detail in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . With reference to  FIG.  3 A , a front side of the carpet sample  32  is shown and includes an actual sample square of the carpet. With reference to  FIG.  3 B , a back side of the carpet sample  32  is shown. The back side includes the barcode  30 . The backside also includes associated information  34  of the carpet sample  32 , including, for example, a name and a color of the carpet, a fiber of the carpet, and a face weight of the carpet. In the example of  FIG.  3 B , the name of the carpet is “Ambrosina II,” the color of the carpet is “Desert Villa-THS,” the fiber of the carpet is “100% BCF Triexta,” and the face weight of the carpet is “38.4 oz.” In the example of  FIG.  3 B , the backside of the carpet sample  32  also includes a QR code  36  and a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number  38 . While the example of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  includes a carpet sample  32 , any other sample product can be used, including, for example, other types of flooring or floor coverings, window treatments, lighting fixtures, other fixtures, furniture, decorations, and other items located within an interior of a building. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  1   , the optical code reader  20  of the kiosk  12  can scan the barcode  30  of the sample product, such as the carpet sample  32 . The control module  16  receives the barcode  30  associated with the sample product and accesses the product/color database  18  to lookup the sample product. The product/color database  18  can store information associated with multiple products. For each product stored, the product/color database  18  can include one or more matching or coordinating paint colors preselected for the particular sample product. In other words, the product/color database  18  can include a lookup table whereby the control module  16  can look up a particular sample product and can retrieve the one or more matching or coordinating paint colors that have been preselected for the particular sample product. For example, the product/color database  18  can include an Extensible Markup Language (XML) lookup table that includes particular products and associated preselected matching or coordinating paint colors for each of the particular products. In the example, of  FIG.  1    the control module  16  can receive the barcode  30  of the carpet sample  32  and can then query the product/color database  18  for the entry corresponding to the carpet sample  32  associated with the scanned barcode  30 . The control module  16  can then retrieve the one or more matching or coordinating paint colors that have been preselected for the carpet sample  32  for display and selection on the touchscreen input/output device  14 , as discussed in further detail below. 
     While the examples provided above include scanning a machine-readable optical code, such as a barcode or QR code for a sample product, the user can alternatively enter an identification code, such as the SKU number associated with the sample product. For example, the user can type in the SKU number, or other alphanumeric identification information using the touchscreen input/output device  14 . 
     With reference again to  FIG.  1   , the kiosk  12  also includes a communication module  50  in communication with a server  54  over a network  52 . The network  52  may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) such as the internet. The communication module  50  may include a suitable network connection for wired or wireless communication with the network  52 . For example, the communication module  50  can include a suitable Ethernet connection for wired communication with a network router or suitable wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers for Wi-Fi or cellular communication with the network  52 . 
     The server  54  may be a central server  54  that stores and deploys updates for the product/color database  18 . The control module  16  of the kiosk  12  can communicate with the server  54  through the network  52  using the communication module  50  to receive updates to the product/color database  18 . For example, the updates can include additional sample products and/or additional or different coordinating or matching colors for a particular product sample. The server  54  may be associated with an administrator for all retail stores with kiosks  12  according to the present disclosure. The server  54  can push out updates to the kiosks  12  at the various retail store locations and/or the control modules  16  of the various kiosks  12  can periodically check the server  54  for updates to the product/color database  18 . 
     While the example of  FIG.  1    is shown with the product/color database  18  located at or with the kiosk  12 , alternatively the product/color database  18  can be located at the server  54 . In such case, the control module  16  can access the product color database  18  located at the server  54  through communication with the server  54  over the network  52  and via the communication module  50 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , another block diagram of a color coordination system  11  for scanned products according to the present disclosure is shown. The color coordination system  11  of  FIG.  2    is similar to the color coordination system  10  of  FIG.  1   , except that the color coordination system  11  of  FIG.  2    includes a mobile device  60  instead of the kiosk  12 . The mobile device  60  may be a smartphone, a tablet, or other suitable computing device. In the color coordination system  11  of  FIG.  2   , the mobile device  60  performs the functionality of the kiosk  12  described above with reference to  FIG.  1   . The mobile device  60  includes a touchscreen input/output device  62  and a camera  64 . In the example of  FIG.  2   , the camera  64  can be used to scan the machine-readable optical code, such as the barcode  30 , of the sample product, such as the carpet sample  32 . In particular, the mobile device  60  can include a mobile application or app installed on the mobile device  60  to perform the functionality described in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the mobile device  60  can use the camera  64  to take an image of the barcode  30  of the carpet sample  32 . The mobile application can then scan the image to identify and recognize the barcode  30  within the image. The mobile application of the mobile device  60  can then access a product color database either stored on the mobile device  60  or stored at the server  54  to access and retrieve matching or coordinating colors for the sample product, e.g., the carpet sample  32 , associated with the scanned barcode  30 . For example, the mobile device  60  can communicate with the server  54  over the network  52  using a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. The mobile device  60  can then display the sample product, e.g., the carpet sample  32 , with the preselected matching or coordinating colors in a simulated environment including a sample room, as discussed in further detail below. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , a screenshot  100  of a color coordination system for scanned products is illustrated. The screenshot  100  can be displayed on the touchscreen input/output device  14  of the kiosk  12  shown in  FIG.  1   . Additionally or alternatively, the screenshot  100  can be displayed on the touchscreen input/output device  62  of the mobile device  60  shown in  FIG.  2   . The screenshot  100  illustrates a display including a sample product section  102  that shows the sample product previously scanned by optical code reader  20 . Continuing with the example of the carpet sample  32  shown in  FIGS.  1  to  3 B , in  FIG.  4    the sample product section shows an icon corresponding to the carpet sample, along with the associated information, such as the name of the carpet, the fiber, the face weight, the SKU, etc. 
     The screenshot  100  also includes a color selection section  104  that includes the preselected matching or coordinating colors from the product/color database  18  for the sample product displayed in the sample product section  102 . The screenshot  100  also includes a selected color section  106  that displays a selected color from the color selection section  104  along with associated identification information, such as a color name and a color identification number. The selected color section  106  also includes a “Locate Chip” button. Selection of the “Locate Chip” button provides the user with instructions to locate a color chip associated with the selected color in the retail store. 
     The screenshot  100  also includes a simulated environment section  108  that displays a simulated environment with an image of a sample room that includes the selected product. For example, in the example of  FIG.  4   , the simulated environment displayed includes carpeting corresponding to the carpet sample displayed in the sample product section. 
     In addition, the simulated environment section  108  allows a user to select one or more surfaces, such as walls and/or trim, in the sample room to be displayed with one or more colors from the color selection section  104 . In other words, the user can paint surfaces, such as walls and trim, of the sample room in the simulated environment with selected colors from the color selection section  104 . In this way, the user can view a simulated environment that includes the scanned sample product, such as the carpet sample  32 , in the sample room along with walls or trim painted with selected colors from the preselected set of matching or coordinating colors shown in the color selection section  104 . 
     While the example of  FIG.  4    shows a simulated environment with a bedroom as the sample room, any type of sample room can be used. For example, the user can select the “Change Room” button  110  and be provided with a different type of sample room, such as a kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the color coordination system  10 ,  11  may present the user with multiple types of rooms or multiple sample rooms within a particular room type and allow the user to select a particular type of room and/or a particular sample room within a room type. 
     In addition, the example of  FIG.  4    includes options for the user to share the particular project, including the sample room in the simulated environment, the selected sample product, and the corresponding matching or coordinating colors, via one of the sharing buttons  112 . In the example of  FIG.  4   , the user can select an email icon or a mobile application icon to have the project emailed to an email address or saved/sent to a corresponding mobile device or mobile application. With reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , screenshots of emails received corresponding to the project shown in  FIG.  4    are displayed. For example,  FIG.  5 A  shows a perspective view of an email displayed on a mobile device.  FIG.  5 B  shows another view of the same screenshot of an email received in response to a user selected the email icon displayed in  FIG.  4   . 
     With reference to  FIG.  6   , a flow chart for a color coordination method  600  for scanned products according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The method  600  can be executed by the control module  16  of the kiosk  12  shown in  FIG.  1    and/or by the mobile device  60  shown in  FIG.  2   . The method  600  starts at  602 . At  604 , the machine-readable optical code, such as a barcode, for a sample product, such as a carpet sample, is scanned. 
     At  606 , control module  16  or the mobile device  60  retrieves the preselected coordinating paint colors associated with the sample product scanned at step  604 . For example, the control module  16  or the mobile device  60  can access the product/color database  18  stored at the kiosk  12 , at the mobile device  60 , and/or at the server  54 , as discussed in detail above. 
     At  608 , the control module  16  or the mobile device  60  displays the scanned product in a sample environment along with the preselected coordinating or matching paint colors on the touchscreen input/output device  14  of the kiosk  12  or the touchscreen input/output device  62  of the mobile device  60 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     At  610 , the control module  16  or the mobile device  60  receives input from the touchscreen input/output device  14  of the kiosk  12  or the touchscreen input/output device  62  of the mobile device  60  selecting particular colors for display on particular surfaces of the simulated environment, as discussed above with reference to  FIG.  4   . At  612 , the control module  16  or the mobile device  60  displays the simulated environment on the touchscreen input/output device  14  of the kiosk  12  or the touchscreen input/output device  62  of the mobile device  60 , including a display of the sample room with the sample product and the selected coordinating or matching paint colors shown on particular selected surfaces, such as walls, trim, etc., of the sample room. 
     At  614 , the control module  16  or the mobile device  60  outputs identifying information for selected particular coordinating paint colors. In this way, the user can utilize the identifying information to purchase the identified paint while in the retail store. In this way, the user can, in a single trip to the retail store, select and purchase a non-paint product, such as carpet, along with coordinating or matching paint colors for the non-paint product, such as the carpet. 
     The method  600  ends at  616 . 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In this application, including the definitions below, the terms controller, control module, or module may be replaced with the term circuit. The terms controller, control module, or module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. 
     The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared processor encompasses a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor encompasses a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all code from one or more modules. The term shared memory encompasses a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory encompasses a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium, and may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium include nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage. 
     The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include and/or rely on stored data. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.