Patent Description:
This invention relates to systems and methods for selecting colors.

There are many industries in which color selection of paint is relevant, including the architectural coatings, automotive OEM, and aerospace businesses, as well as many industrial businesses; industrial businesses that deal with consumer goods have a particular interest in color selection, such as appliances, metallic office furniture, motorcycles, and consumer electronics including cell phones, MP3 players, and the like.

The current process for the selection of a color for the purpose of painting an interior or exterior of a building entails the use of color stripe cards and/or color sample jars, the use of which requires the individual making the color selection to either travel to a location to retrieve these items or to order them and have them shipped to a specified location. This causes a significant delay in the overall process of purchasing and applying paint.

Various known systems currently enable a consumer to select a paint color based upon a color shown on a computer display. Various color selection methods and systems and/or as color databases have been described, see e.g., <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, BASF's Antique Color Chip Guide on CD-Rom, <NPL>, <NPL> and <NPL>". In addition, color confidence tools such as color visualization aid the consumer in the color selection process. These methods alone, however, are limited by the accuracy of the user's computer display thereby causing some doubt regarding a color choice in the consumer's mind.

Improved methods and apparatus for selecting and/or matching color are desired.

A computer implemented method for selecting and/or matching color includes: providing a database of digital images of colors captured using an image capture device and metadata related to the colors; using one or more search criteria to identify one or more of the digital image colors; displaying the digital images of the identified colors surrounded by a consistent gray background on a screen; a user selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; using the metadata to identify additional information related to the color of interest; displaying the digital image of the color of interest and the additional information; using a color visualization tool, in which the color of interest can be visualized on a three dimensional representation of a manufactured article; and a user using the displayed digital image of the color of interest and the additional information to make a final color selection.

In various embodiments, the method can include purchase of color samples/gallons; and/or linkages to home décor matching/coordinating with the selected color.

An apparatus for selecting and/or matching color includes a memory for storing a database of digital images of colors and metadata related to the colors; a processor configured to receive search criteria transmitted from a user over a network and to use the search criteria to identify one or more of the digital image colors; a user interface for displaying the digital images of the identified colors surrounded by a consistent gray background on a screen and for selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; and a color visualization tool for visualizing the color of interest on a three dimensional representation of a manufactured article; wherein the processor uses the metadata to identify additional information related to the color of interest; and the user interface displays the digital image of the color of interest and the additional information.

In various embodiments, the processor can be configured to purchase of color samples/gallons; and/or linkages to home décor matching/coordinating with the selected color.

In one aspect, a method and apparatus are provided to address the limitations and/or other deficiencies in the art by enabling the consumer to use digital representations of a color (e.g., digital images of the color) as well as additional information pertaining to each color, such as metadata and the like, to make a color selection decision. As used in this description, a consumer (also called a user) includes anyone who purchases, uses, specifies, and/or selects paint or colors. The metadata pertaining to the color could include, but is not limited to: color family (i.e., red, green, blue, etc.); color group (i.e., clean, muted, shaded, pure); and color popularity based upon how much that color has been purchased in the past. In certain embodiments, the additional information regarding a specific color can include other colors that have been preselected to coordinate with a selected color; photographs of interior or exterior images where the selected color has been previously used; and/or other home décor items including, for example, carpet, wallpaper and fabrics that may match or coordinate with the selected color.

The digital representation of the color and the additional information such as metadata are stored in a database. A software program on a computer or other information processing device can be used to display, search and sort the colors based upon the information/metadata thereby enabling the consumer to focus less on the accuracy of the color on their monitor (or other display) and more on the data about the specific color that they have in mind. This software program can enable the viewing of all colors in a specific color collection or palette; the zooming in and out of the palette to view specific colors; and the selection of search criteria that would result in the retrieval and displaying of only those colors meeting the search criteria. In addition, once a specific color (e.g., a color of interest) has been identified, the software can enable the user to take one or more different actions based upon the identified color including: the display of digital representations (or images) of matching or coordinating home décor items; the display of digital photographs of interior or exterior images where the color has been applied; the purchase of color samples or full containers (e.g., quart, gallon, five gallons) of paint; the identification of places to purchase such paint; the paint formulation itself; and the like. Using a color visualization tool, the color of interest is visualized on a three dimensional representation of a manufactured article.

Accordingly, various embodiments directed to systems and methods for selecting a color from a database of digital color images are described herein. In an architectural color application, the color selection system provides a web-based system (e.g., using the Internet or another network) and a computer-implemented method for users to access and select colors and/or paint formulas. Color information can be stored in a database that includes high resolution digital representations (e.g., images) of color chips, panels or color swatches as well as additional information (e.g., metadata) pertaining to each color. The additional information can be used by a consumer to assist in color selection. The database of color images can be stored in a memory of a computer server or other type of processing device. In one embodiment, a web-based color search and formula retrieval tool provides a visual representation of color(s) on a display and associates the color(s) with relevant compatibility information for the purpose of quick and easy color identification and selection.

A computer or processor can perform the steps needed to implement the process in response to software instructions that are contained in a computer memory or in a compact disk, DVD, or other non-transitory computer readable medium.

<FIG> is a block diagram of one implementation of a system that can be used to select colors. In the example of <FIG>, a plurality of users have access to a computer, terminal, tablet computer, smart phone, PDA, or other device <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> having a user interface that allows the users to enter information and includes a display. The user device can communicate, for example, over the Internet or another network with a server, computer, or other information processing device or system <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as a server) including a memory <NUM> for storing a color image database <NUM> and a processor <NUM> adapted to receive user requests and to search the database to obtain color information in response to the user requests. The user initiates a request at the user device and the request is transmitted to the server. The server searches the database to obtain information from the database. The search request can be transmitted using the known network protocols. The retrieved information is transmitted to the user and displayed at the user location. The retrieved information can be transmitted to the user device, for example, in an XML format, and can include image data in the form of images of color chips, panels or swatches. The system is not limited to any particular data transmission protocol or image format. The user device can use commercially available software to view the images.

When used in connection with an architectural color search, the system of <FIG> can provide a searchable web-based catalog of colors for which paint formulas are available. The database contains digital color images that can be linked to additional information identifying, for example, matching or coordinating colors, home décor items, paint purchase information, paint formulations, etc..

<FIG> is a schematic representation of the database structure. The database <NUM> includes a plurality of collections of information. The high resolution images can be stored in an image library <NUM>. The images can be grouped in different "collections" and each "collection" can be further categorized by a set of descriptive data (metadata) that facilitates the selection of a color. A collection includes attribute descriptive data which relates to a digital image. More than one collection can be used to describe an image. By having multiple collections, a user can search using multiple criteria and retrieve the desired information quickly and accurately. A table of attribute descriptive data can be created for each image. For example, a search of digital images by color family will provide the user with the ability to search by other criteria and focus on a desired color.

Examples of the type of data that could be included are: a link to an online paint formulation database, and/or a link to color compatibility information. Such collections include a collection of colors by color popularity <NUM>, a collection of colors by family <NUM>, a collection of colors by group <NUM>, and usage compatibility collections by color <NUM>. Multiple collections can provide speed, a wide variety of search options, multiple search criteria and/or grouping information in one visual representation on a display.

In various embodiments, high quality digital images of colors can be captured and used in a searchable web-based catalog of the colors for which paint formulas are available. A web-based system provides a broad set of users with an easy solution to finding information relevant to available colors.

To populate the database with images, color images are captured using a known (e.g., commercially available) image capture device such as but not limited to, a scanner or digital camera. The captured image may be processed using a known (e.g., commercially available) image processing software such as but not limited to, e.g., PhotoShop, to obtain a processed image. To perform the image processing, an editor can make decisions about if and how the image should be modified. Then the image can be modified in accordance with those decisions using the commercially available software. The final digital color image is then stored in the database. The images can be stored in several file formats, such as png, bmp, jpeg, gif, etc. images of color chips, panels or swatches. However, the images are not limited to any particular file format.

Generally, the database of color images/swatches can contain any number of different colors. Color information retrieved from the database can be displayed in various ways. For example, in one embodiment, a representation of the full set of color choices in a color family (e.g., a full color palette) can be displayed digitally, as shown in <FIG>. Sort criteria are also displayed on the screen. A user can select various search criteria by clicking on buttons on the screen. The user can zoom in (e.g., via a mouse click on a thumbnail image) and select a color based solely on the color being displayed in <FIG> to produce the screen shown in <FIG>, or the user can group colors on the screen by choosing sort criteria from a menu on the screen. <FIG> shows colors sorted by group, for example, blues, greens, oranges, reds, violets, or yellows. Once colors are sorted into groups, the colors in a particular group can be selected as shown in <FIG>. These colors can be further sorted by characteristics such as clean, muted, pure, or shaded. <FIG> shows muted colors. A particular color from the muted colors in the green group can be selected as shown in <FIG>. Then a screen showing the selected color and a popularity indication can be displayed as shown in <FIG>. Next, the selected color can be visualized by inserting the color into an image, such as a room, as shown in <FIG>. While the drawings show various patterns and shades of gray, it will be apparent that the patterns and shades in the drawings would actually be colors in a user's display device.

In the case of architectural paint colors, examples of search criteria could be: color family; color group; popularity and the color collections containing specific colors. As used in this description, "color collections" refers to two or more colors that are complementary or otherwise grouped together for use in designing and/or decorating.

Using the screens of <FIG>, the user can filter the color choices to a manageable set for further assessment such as color visualization (<FIG>), paint sample ordering, or physical color chip review. Using various search criteria, the user can identify the color or colors of interest. Additional information associated with the color(s) of interest can provide additional functionality. For example, the system might be used in combination with a paint formulator, and the color may be linked to a formulation database that provides a formula for a paint having a selected color. Alternatively or in addition, the selected color could be linked to information as to where to purchase a paint having such a color. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are further directed to systems and methods for selecting a color from a database of color images and/or swatches, and further accessing additional information regarding the color.

The systems/methods include a color visualization tool, in which the selected color or colors can be visualized in a room as shown in <FIG>, on a wall, or an appliance, cell phone and the like. In some examples, the user may upload and/or otherwise access an image of his or her own room or consumer item and depict the color on their own image. Architects and designers could use the tool to depict what a building, bridge or other structure will look like with the chosen color, as can a designer of motorcycles, airplanes, boats, cargo ships, buses, trains, and the like. Accordingly, other aspects of the present invention are further directed to systems/methods for selecting a color from a database of color images and/or swatches and visualizing the selected color on an image, which may be their own image or an image provided by the system.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the user can select a color and request to see the ancillary compatibility colors. Images of rooms or items having the selected color can be retrieved with the color name and paint formula.

The database can be searched by multiple queries, including but not limited to color family, color group, or color popularity. The search criteria and data are linked to the digital color images through the database. The system can be implemented using a variety of software platforms or web applications, such as but not limited to Microsoft Pivot.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the user can navigate an overall color palette to identify colors that are lighter or darker than a currently displayed color. The user can use an interface that permits the user to easily view colors that are chromatically arranged in color space that match the search criteria. This interface can resemble something similar to that of compass navigation that would enable the user to select a direction in color space that they would like to explore. Movement of a cursor on a display could be used to identify colors that are lighter or darker than a currently displayed color.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the user can specify a change in hue of the selected color, for example, that a color has more red, blue, etc. than a currently displayed color. Then the system would identify another color meeting the new criteria.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the user can share a selected color with others, such as friends and family, via a social networking site such as Facebook, or via Twitter or e-mail. This would enable the user to obtain confidence in their selection by receiving feedback on their color choice. For example, the user may click on a button or link that would enable them to share the color via social media and from there they would select their preferred networking method, such as Facebook, Twitter or email.

In one aspect, the system provides the ability to integrate high resolution images of colors with a collection of specific descriptive data related to the colors. This data can be presented to the user via a deep zoom graphical interface that enables the user to choose characteristics of the color in order to narrow the potential list of target colors. This system can also enable the user to quickly identify compatible colors that are associated with the selected color.

A software program can be used to display, search and sort the colors based upon the image information/metadata thereby enabling the users to focus less on the accuracy of the color on their monitor and more on the data about the specific color that they have in mind. This software program would enable the viewing of all colors in a specific color collection or palette; the zooming in and out of the palette to view specific colors; and the selection of specific criteria based upon the metadata that would result in the retrieval and displaying of only those colors meeting that criteria. In addition, once a specific color is identified, the software would enable the user to take one or more different actions based upon that color including: the visualization of that color using a color visualization software program; the display of the digital images for paints used on auxiliary components; and the identification of places to purchase paint, the paint formulation itself and the like. In one embodiment, Microsoft Silverlight software can be used to perform the search and display functions.

In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of displaying a plurality of digital images; inputting search criteria; searching a computer database for color images associated with the search criteria; determining a data set of colors that match that search criteria; and identifying the desired color in combination with additional data relating to the desired color.

In one embodiment, a web-based color search and formula retrieval tool provides a visual representation of colors on screen and associates the color with relevant compatibility information for the purpose of quick and easy color identification and selection.

A plurality of color images can be displayed on a monitor or other type of display device at the user's location. The user can enter various search criteria that can be used to identify one or more of the color images. For searches on color family, a feature can be deployed to create a chromatic array of color on screen.

Once the user selects the color, a paint brand code appearing on a screen can be selected to activate a link to a distributor locator application. By entering a postal zip code, the user can initiate a search for, and display of, the nearest paint distributor or store where the user can purchase the paint product. Alternatively or in addition, the user can easily migrate to an online color formulations site to access the color formula in the desired paint system or will be directed to the nearest distributor where they can purchase the required paint and ancillary products.

The screen displays a gray background for the digital color images. This design of the digital display takes into account the phenomena of "simultaneous contrast" and the "crispening effect. " Simultaneous contrast causes an observer to perceive colors differently depending on what colors they are adjacent to, or surrounded by. The use of a gray background surrounding the digital color images displayed on a screen allows the human eye to calibrate to the digital color image better than digital color images presented on a white background. The crispening effect is a human visual system phenomenon that causes a change of perception to color differences due to changes in background color. The method for displaying multiple digital color images keeps a consistent gray background to avoid a change in perception due to a change in background color.

In another embodiment, the digital color image database may be used in conjunction with a mixing software platform to allow mixing the paint components in one application. The selected color displayed on screen as a digital color image can be used as a user selection button to activate a link to a color formulation website. This allows the user to go from a selected color image to the ancillary information about related colors and to access paint formulas that can then be mixed and sold.

Utilizing several search criteria, the user may narrow the identification and selection to a small group of digital color images. Selecting a digital color image can produce additional information about that color as well as compatible color information. Digital color images can be arranged chromatically for easier selection. Final selection can link the selected color image to a color formula retrieval tool. Alternatively, final selection can link to the nearest distributor/supplier to purchase the paint and ancillary products. Final selection may also link to additional technical information.

The method can further include displaying additional information including at least one of: a technical data sheet; a material safety data sheet (MSDS); ready to spray information (RTS); volatile organic compound (VOC) information; and product usage about the selected color.

The method can further include entering the selected color on a purchase order; displaying a link to a color formula retrieval tool; and/or displaying a link to a distributor or supplier where paint and/or ancillary products may be purchased.

The color selection method can be implemented using software such as Microsoft PIVOT, in combination with a database of the color images. A computer or processor can perform the steps needed to implement the process in response to software instructions that are contained in a computer memory or in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about," even if the term does not expressly appear. Plural encompasses singular and vice versa. For example, while reference is made to "a" color, "a" color image/swatch, "a" formulation and the like, multiple colors, images, swatches or formulations can be selected and/or accessed. Words or phrases: "including," "such as," "for example" and like terms mean "including/such as/for example but not limited to.

Claim 1:
A computer implemented method for selecting and/or matching color, the method comprising:
providing a database (<NUM>, <NUM>) of digital images of colors captured using an image capture device and metadata related to the colors;
a user using one or more search criteria to identify one or more of the digital image colors;
displaying the digital images of the identified colors surrounded by a consistent gray background on a screen;
a user selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors;
using the metadata to identify additional information related to the color of interest;
displaying the digital image of the color of interest and the additional information;
using a color visualization tool, in which the color of interest can be visualized on a three dimensional representation of a manufactured article;
and a user using the displayed digital image of the color of interest and the additional information to make a final color selection.