System and method for controlling metamerism

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 09/931 678, filed August 16, 2001, entitled System and Method for Managing Electronic Transmission of Color Data, the entire description of which is contained herein as a reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for electronic communication, coordination and spread of formula data for the production of dyed materials among many entities.

Background of the invention [0003] Hardware and software systems are known which separately and independently carry out tasks associated with the production of color-related products. For example, a known system reads the visible spectrum of a color sample and generates data based on the amount of absorption absorbed at specific points in this or reflected light. Each color has a spectral characteristic that fulfills the function of a color signature. After determining the spectral characteristics, the visible spectrum and coefficients are then processed to predict the color formula for reproduction. The color formula can then be analyzed, for example, to create a paint color formula for producing colored objects.

[0004] Other common color representations are known, for example RGB representing levels of red, green and blue in color. CMYK represents the levels of cyan, magenta, yellow and black in a given color. Accurate translation between color representations, e.g. translation from RGB to CMYK for computer monitors and computer printers, is implemented by various applications. Accurate color reproduction is achieved, in part, by searching data for multiple input and output devices, such as printers, monitors and color measuring devices, and then modifying the color translation formulas to include specific data receiving devices. Computer design software packages such as ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR and PAGEMAKER provide such conversion functions. Another known system provides a method and device for exact color matching. For example, spectral data is received from a color measuring device, and the corresponding color is matched in an electronic color library. The desired color is compared to the colors stored in the electronic color library, and the color or colors in the library that are in the specified color range are reported. By searching in the electronic library to locate the desired color, the traditional book of color samples is exchanged. However, the electronic color library is exposed to problems associated with sample playback from multiple devices.

[0005] Another method involves receiving communication with the image from the designer computer and converting the RGB settings to CIELAB values. Design software packages such as ADOBE PHOTOSHOP provide such conversion functions.

[0006] Methods are known for defining paint color formulas so that the paint is suitable for creating a particular color on at least two substrates or materials. For example, it is known that the paint formula produces a specific shade of blue on corrugated cardboard. It is known that another paint formula produces the same shade of blue on aluminum. However, it is known that there will be problems arising from metamerism. In this case, when the two shades of blue in the above example look identical in one lighting environment, these shades look different in the other lighting environment. It is known that the problems associated with metamerism exacerbate specific colors such as light purples, grays, light browns, and shades of blue. In addition, the types of paint used to produce colors can affect the degree of metamerism. For example, when the color of a label is to match colored plastic packaging, pigment paints tend to minimize appearance changes caused by metamerism, while dye-based paints will look different under different lighting conditions. Paints, usually applied to a white or metallic substrate in the form of a transparent film, will exhibit some metamerism compared to an identical pigment mixed with a white pigment, which is common practice in structured plastics or colored covering films.

[0007] Another example of the problem associated with metamerism is caused by using different batches of dyes to produce a colored product. For example, the color of a garment strip containing dye from two different lots may look the same under certain lighting conditions, but differently under different lighting conditions. The right batches of dye can reflect and absorb other wavelengths of light in a slightly different way and thus make the appearance of the clothes different in different lighting conditions. See for example the document Metamerism and Metameric Pairs,

M. David Stone, June 9, 2001 (published on the site <a href="http://www.extremetech.com/">www.extremetech.com</a>).

[0008] In commercial conditions, undesirable effects due to metamerism can be expensive and cause significant effects. Due to the unwanted appearance caused by metamerism, it may be necessary to re-manufacture or modify products to meet customer requirements. The consequences of customer dissatisfaction due to metamerism can result in high financial costs. All commercial suppliers of computer color matching software, such as Datacolor International, GretagMacbeth, and X-Rite offer a certain way of storing and searching colors and formulas, often called a palette. However, these options are only available for a single product application (single paint palette, single plastic palette or single fabric palette). Using separate pallets requires optimization against an external standard. Two optimized matches with an external standard may not reveal an optimal match with each other leaving the final product with an unacceptable color mismatch.

[0009] US2003 / 0184772A1 discloses a color matching system comprising a database of information describing dyes organized into dye groups. The computer device identifies at least one dye recipe that can reproduce the desired color by selecting at least one dye group, identifying possible recipes using dyes in the group, and selecting the best recipe from the possible recipes based on the cost of the recipe and the calculated recipe metamerism.

[0010] Description US2003 / 0035126A1 discloses a system that allows electronic communication, coordination and dissemination of color-related designs, specifications and products. Simultaneous production and management are provided between many different entities in real time. Integrated color production is appropriate to import electronic output from many different instruments, including color production hardware and software, and then to further use the output to automatically deliver product data to and from many geographically dispersed entities. This document also describes an electronic library containing colors and textures to use for the exact match of a color sample and / or specification.

[0011] EP0767362A1 discloses a method and system for formulating color matching. The method and system for formulating a color match from a set of previously used color studies involves reading the standard color spectrum. After acquiring the color spectrum, sets of previously used color studies are searched for a set of color formulas that approximates the color of the standard. Then from the set of formulas, a formula is selected that preferably matches the color of the standard. Later, a trial batch is made and checked for acceptability with the best matching color formula. If the formula is not acceptable, the color formula with the best match is adapted. Adaptation involves at least one of the steps: manually adjusting the color loading of a given formula, synthesizing a match with the color of the standard, or searching from a set of previously used color designs until an acceptable match is found. If the adapted color formula does not match the color of the standard, then the formula is further adapted until an acceptable match is achieved.

Brief Description of the Invention [0012] The above description shows the need for a system and method that solves the problems associated with metamerism. The present invention is implemented according to the features of the method of independent claim 1 and the corresponding device of independent claim 9. In a preferred embodiment, the designer or entity specifying the materials uses an electronic color library to select a color that can be applied to a range of material types. In a preferred embodiment, at least two types of material to be used for the selected color are identified by the designer or specifier, usually in relation to a single production application. For example, a paper label on plastic

- 4 bottles are to be colored with a specific shade of blue, and the plastic cap on the bottle will also have the same shade of blue. According to the present invention, the designer or material identifier uses this invention to provide a first dye formula for the paint to be printed on a paper label and a second dye formula for the plastic bottle cap. The present invention preferably electronically optimizes the first and second formulas to minimize and control metamerism between the paper label and the plastic bottle cap. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for electronically providing multiple formulas that are applicable in producing color for at least two colored products, providing an electronic selection of colors that can be selected to represent the color and providing electronic selection of criteria that can be selected to represent at least the characteristics of the colored products. Furthermore, the present invention provides the receipt of an electronic color selection, the receipt of an electronic selection of the first criterion, the receipt of an electronic selection of the second criterion and the electronic matching of the electronic color selection and the electronic selection of the first criterion to provide the first formula, which is appropriate to produce the color represented by the electronic color selection for the first of the at least two colored products and electronically matches the electronic color selection and the electronic selection of the second criterion to provide a second formula suitable for producing the color for the second of the at least two colored products. In addition, the present invention electronically optimizes the first formula and the second formula for controlling metamerism between the first colored product and the second colored product.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] In order to illustrate the invention, a preferred embodiment is now shown in the drawings, however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact systems and devices shown. The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the present description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of an example equipment layout for a hybrid color shade library system constructed according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of functional elements of local processors and user terminals.

Fig. 3 shows the relationships between the database tables used in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows the relationships between related entities.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart that identifies the control of processes involved in providing formulas for producing one color on multiple colored products.

Fig. 6 illustrates the steps of a flowchart associated with optimizing multiple paint color formulas for metamerism control.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary monitor screen received by the user of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention [0014] As used herein, the term "web page" refers to a set of files that are managed in at least one "web server" and which are then transmitted to a user terminal causing the user terminal to display and / or invoke programmable operations corresponding to the data contained in the files. Typically, files containing a web page are prepared using at least one of the following file types: hypertext markup language (HTML), text markup language (XML), Java applets, ActiveX programs, standard generalized markup language (SGML) and similar. Web page files are usually transmitted to the user terminal using at least one protocol, such as hypertext transmission protocol (HTTP) working under the control of a set of communication protocols, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP).

[0015] Also used herein the term "browser" refers to a computer program stored and executed on a user terminal that acts as an HTTP client, sends requests to network servers to download network page files. The request is usually sent in the form of a uniform resource locator (URL) or by selecting the link displayed on the user's terminal screen. The browser receives the file and / or data from the web server and significantly formats the received files and / or data in the manner described here, displaying them on the user's terminal. Examples of browsers are MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER and NETSCAPE COMMUNICATOR.

[0016] Furthermore, the term "visually perceptible representation" as used herein refers to the perception of color in a manner perceived by the human eye or other detection device regardless of the representation medium, e.g. computer monitor, paper, printed press etc.

[0017] The term "reference" as used herein refers to a connection between at least one word, image or other information object and the other by means of which the selectable connection is represented in a browser. The information object may include audio and video material. The selection is usually done by "clicking" the link using an input device such as a computer mouse, trackball, etc. Of course, specialists in this field will recognize that any method of selecting an object presented on the screen is sufficient.

[0018] According to the present invention, dye formulas are developed for at least two colored materials, one of which may be a paint and the other a non-paint material, such as structural or decorative plastic, cover paint or fabric. The colors of such different materials are matched if the comparison of the visual appearance is acceptably similar. The level of acceptability is, usually,

- 6 commercial contractual agreement between designer and producer. According to the present invention, the manufacturer of colored material will optimize (i.e. select the type of dye and its amount) formulas until the color of the first material (e.g. paint) and the color of the second material (e.g. plastic) reach an acceptable level and the desired level of metamerism is achieved.

[0019] Referring now to the drawing figures in which reference numbers refer to the respective elements, Fig. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary hybrid color shade distribution system built according to the principles of the present invention and generally designed as "Hybrid color shade system 2". Preferably, the system 2 comprises at least one core processor 4 associated with the at least one user terminal 6 in the communication network 8. Preferably, the core processor 4 includes all databases necessary to support the present invention. However, it is contemplated that the core processor 4 may be able to access any required database via communication network 8 or any other communication network to which the local processor 4 could be connected. In the event that the local processor 4 is separate from the database, it can communicate with it using any known method of communication, including a direct serial or parallel connection, or through a local or wide area network. User terminals 6 communicate with core processors 4 using data connections 9, which are properly connected to communication network 9. The communication network 8 may be any communication network, but usually it is the Internet or a similar global computer network. Data connections 9 can be any means of access to communication network 8, such as serial communication protocol / point-to-point transmission protocol (SLIP / PPP), digital network with service integration (ISDN), dedicated leased connection service (cable) broadband access, frame relay protocol, digital subscriber line (DSL), asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) or other access techniques. The user terminals 6 have the ability to send and receive data over the communication network 8 and are equipped with browsers for later displaying the received data on the screen.

[0020] For example, user terminals 6 may be personal computers, such as Intel Pentium class computers or Apple Macintosh computers, but are not limited to these computers. Other terminals that can communicate over a global computer network may be used, such as palmtops, handheld computers (PDAs), and common Internet access devices such as WebTV. In addition, user terminals 6 include related equipment, e.g. printers, monitors, scanners, etc.

[0021] Furthermore, the term "workstation" used herein for convenience refers to the user terminal 6 and, if the context implies, also the person operating the user terminal 6. In addition, the terms "workstation features" and "user terminal features" used herein refer to the functional elements of each workstation, including, but not limited to, processors, ROM, RAM, display devices, printing devices, network interfaces, drives disks, floppy disk drives, drives

- 7 tape, CD-ROM or DVD drives, databases, application code and at least one input device, e.g. keyboard, mouse, trackball, etc.

[0022] In addition, as used herein, conditional matching generally refers to the case in which "unconditional matching cannot be made, which requires that the colorant is satisfied with creating close matching in limited lighting sets and viewing conditions" (see Principles of Color Technology, Fred W. Billmeyer, Jr. and Max Saltzman, Second Edition, pp. 144-145, John Wiley &amp; Sons, 1981). As noted in the above publication, "When it is agreed that conditional matching must be made, it is important to know under what conditions (e.g. preferred lighting source or sources) the matching is to be assessed, because the matching is necessarily metameric and will vary depending on the nature of the source and observer. "

[0023] Furthermore, the equipment arrangement of the present invention is not limited to devices that are physically connected to the communication network 8. It is contemplated that wireless devices using the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) can cooperate with core processors 4 using wireless data communication connections.

[0024] According to the present invention, the user terminal 6 provides the user with access to core processors 4 for receiving and sharing product color data. Specific functionality provided by System 2 and specific core processors 4 is described in detail below.

[0025] System 2 uses software that provides functionality related to color. For example, many types of information are stored and can be searched for using software that is preferably located on at least one core processor 4. Examples of information types include electronic color information, paint color formulas, and resistance.

[0026] One of the functions capable of being performed by the core processor 4 is its work as a network server and a network page host. The core processors 4 typically communicate with the communication network 8 over a permanent, i.e. non-switched, network connection. Constant connectivity ensures that access to 4 core processors is always possible.

[0027] According to fig. 2, the functional elements of each core processor 4 preferably include at least one central processing unit (CPU - processor) 10 used to execute the program code for controlling the core processor 4, read only memory (ROM) 12, random access memory (RAM) 14 , at least one network interface (16) for transmitting and receiving data to and from computer devices in the communication network, data storage devices 18, such as a hard disk, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM or DVD drive for storing program code, databases and application code, at least one input device 20, such as keyboard, mouse, trackball etc. and display 22.

[0028] Different components of the core processor 4 do not have to be physically contained in the same housing, and they do not even have to be in the same location. For example, as explained above with respect to databases that can be stored in the data storage device 18, the data storage device 18 may be located in a remote location from the other components of the local processors 4 and may even be connected to the processor 10 via a communication network 8 via the network interface 18.

[0029] The functional elements shown in Fig. 2 (described by reference numbers 10-22) are preferably the same categories of functional elements, preferably present in the core processor 4. However, there is no need for all elements to be present, e.g. data storage devices for PDAs. In addition, the capabilities of various elements are adjusted to meet the user's expectations. For example, the processor 10 in the user terminal 6 may have lower performance than the processor 10 present in the core processor 4. Similarly, it is likely that the core processor 4 will include a data storage device 18 with a much larger capacity than the data storage device 18 present in the terminal 6 users. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the performance of functional elements can be improved if desired.

[0030] A feature of the present invention is that specialists in the field of writing executed computer code (software) can implement the described functions using at least one of the combinations of popular programming languages ​​including C ++, Visual Basic, Java, ActiveX, XML, HTML and other development environments network applications, e.g. ALLAIRE'S COLD FUSION® and MICROSOFT'S FRONT PAGE®.

[0031] References used herein to display data on a user terminal 6 are related to the process of communicating data to the user terminal through the communication network 8 and processing this data so that it can be viewed on the display screen 22 of the terminal using a browser or similar software. The display screens of terminal 6 represent areas of System 2 such that the user can move from area to area in System 2 by selecting the desired reference. Thus, the experience of each System 2 user will be based on the order in which they will pass through the display screens. In other words, due to the fact that the system is not fully hierarchical in its structure of display screens, users can move from area to area without having to "go back" through a series of display screens. For this reason, unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is not intended to present any sequential operation of the stages, but rather it is to be a discussion of System 2 elements.

[0032] Although the present invention is described based on an example of a network system using browsers and a web site server (core processor 4),

System 2 is not limited to this particular configuration. It is contemplated that System 2 can be arranged so that user terminal 6 can communicate with and then send, receive and display data to and from the core processor 4 using

- any known method of communication and display, for example using a non-internet browser connected to a local area network protocol, such as inter-network packet exchange (IPX). Any operating system adapted for this can be used on the user's terminal 6, for example WINDOWS 3.x, WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS XP, LINUX, Apple OS / 9 or OS / X and any suitable plus an operating system for PDA and PALM computers.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, System 2 provides a comprehensive but easy-to-use network page that allows users to transmit and receive data related to developing at least two colored materials of the same color. The reference to material used here is generally related to everything that can be applied to color, including - but not limited to - paints, coatings, engineering materials and textiles. In particular, System 2 allows users to select a color and select at least two material criteria to create colored materials for the selected color and each of the selected criteria. For example, one criterion is selected to represent a paper substrate, and another criterion is selected for an aluminum substrate. System 2 determines the appropriate formulas for producing the selected color on paper and aluminum. After the system determines the appropriate formulas, it optimizes the formulas to control metamerism. Such optimization may include, for example, adjusting the RGB values ​​of the respective color formulas.

[0034] Specialists in color products, including customers, designers, separators, printers, processors, etc., preferably contact each other and with System 2 via at least one hardware and / or software user interface. The user interface includes on-screen controls, such as input text boxes, drop-down lists, buttons, and on-screen menus that provide the user with tools to add, view and edit data.

[0035] In one embodiment, the user terminal 6 receives data from a color measurement device, for example a spectrocolorimeter. The data stream is transmitted from a device that can originally be formatted into various device-related (native) configurations. For example, the sequence of data values ​​derived from a certain measurement source corresponds to the range in which the reflection coefficient of the spectral characteristics is read. One specific measuring device may have a reading range of the spectral characteristic reflectance coefficient of 20 nm, resulting in a data sequence consisting of 16-digit formulas. Another measuring device may have a range of 10 nm, which will give data formatted into 31-digit sequences. Preferably, data is received, formatted to a common standard and processed despite its device-dependent quality.

[0036] Continuing the above example, the user terminal 6 validates the received data, translates the data into other representations, performs calculations on the data (e.g., averages and interpolates color data), and further transmits data in many formats to other devices and applications. Preferably the data is transmitted directly to the devices

- 10 recipients. Alternatively, the formatted data is transmitted to the core processor 4 and then forwarded to the appropriate devices and applications.

[0037] In another embodiment, the user terminal 6 is coupled to the color measurement device and receives spectral data, but does not perform any data processing functions. The user terminal 6 transmits spectral data to the core processor 4 at virtually the same time as the data is received from the measuring device. The programmed data formatting functions are run on the side of the core processor 4, and the data is further transmitted to devices and applications.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the color measuring device is not used during the development of the colored material. Instead, a color sample is created or downloaded to user terminal 6 using software provided by the system. For example, the designer operating user terminal 6 creates a color swatch. The sample is transmitted to System 2 and the color product development continues. In this application example, no device for measuring colors, except user terminal 6, is used by appropriate entities.

[0039] Formulas for producing colored material that match many material criteria can be determined by manually mixing the dyes selected by the primary person responsible for the colors, and then by confirming the color visually or with an instrument. The formula for paint or other material can also be determined using a computer with color matching software ("CCM"), which is also called a computer color creation program or computer prediction program. Formulas of paint and other materials are obtained either on the basis of a preliminary test of possible combinations of dyes, e.g. 1, 2 and 3 at a given moment (combining algorithm) or by downloading a close but unacceptable color from the library, and then modifying the formula to provide an acceptable color. Preferably, no matter how many paint formulas and other materials have been specified, when the formula is stored in the database for use, essentially as described herein.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows the relationships of database tables in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Tables are used by System 2 to store and manipulate data related to the development of colored materials, including colored paint. Preferably, System 2 users have access to database tables and to the data contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, users are provided with a pointer to a specific database table and / or data, instead of receiving entire database tables or all data on user terminal 6.

[0041] According to Fig. 3, table 24 of the color library preferably includes color records. For example, the spectral data associated with a particular color is stored in table 24 of the color library. Other types of information stored in table 24 of the color library are color material formulas that can reproduce colors or

- 11 different materials. In addition to spectral data and color material formulas, spectral data and color material formulas have many names associated in Table 24 of the color library. In addition, Table 26 of the other criteria contains data related to the elements that may affect the color.

[0042] Table 26 of the other criteria contains, for example, data related to the color's ability to withstand various factors such as water, solvent, acid, base, temperature, humidity, abrasions, curing, bending, light and ultraviolet radiation. Additional examples of information stored in Table 26 other criteria include freeze-thaw cycles and laminate bond strength. In addition, these criteria can take the form of ISO standard performance indicators, such as the ISO 105 / A05 Grayscale Index. ISO indicators for dyeing, solvent resistance etc. are also available, and all have numeric scales.

[0043] Table 30 of the color formats preferably contains data associated with the color representations (e.g. RGB, CMYK and CIE XYZ) used by various devices in System 2. Table 32 of the color material formulas contains data associated with the supply of many colored materials for the production of colored products, including those related to the supply of inks for various printing methods, for example for offset printing and gravure printing. Different printing methods can affect the formulas for creating colored inks to create a specific color. Table 34 of hardware devices contains data related to many hardware devices involved in the development of a color product, e.g. monitors, printers and scanners. The optimization table 35 contains data directed to formulas of colored materials that are optimized for metamerism control. For example, the formula for making a specific shade of blue and stored in Table 32 of formulas for colored materials may require optimization to reduce or eliminate the effects caused by metamerism. Continuing this example, the formula is optimized by limiting the value of the green channel (RGB channels for a specific color). By reducing the amount of green in the RGB values, the color will be slightly modified, as is the formula for the production of materials for the production of color to reduce or eliminate undesirable effects caused by metamerism. Similarly, the formula is optimized and preferably the formula was stored in the optimization table.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, all records in tables 26-35 of the database are related to each other by relation to a color record in table 24 of the color library. For example, in Table 24 of the color library there are many records corresponding to a specific shade of blue. Table 26 of other criteria includes records for multiple substrates or materials. Table 32 of colored material formulas preferably includes colored material formulas that correspond to a particular shade of blue and many of the materials in Table 26 other criteria. Table 26 of other criteria also contains records that are related to the possibility of the considered blue color resistance to many factors, such as water, solvent, acid, base, temperature, humidity, abrasions, hardening, bending,

- 12 light and ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to related records in many tables to at least one record in table 24 of the color library. System 2 provides an efficient system and selection method focused on the design and development of a color product.

[0045] In addition, System 2 provides many selectable options for users that allow you to search for multiple paint colors and material formulas for transmission to at least one color paint specialist, for example paint manufacturers, and for at least one chemical composition of the material.

[0046] A detailed description of System 2 entities and their corresponding functions will be provided below with reference to Figure 4. According to the principles of the present invention, System 2 preferably receives color product data from a number of sources, including color measuring devices and user terminals 6 . As described above, System 2 preferably stores multiple color material formulas in a database and provides a colored material formula for producing colored material. In addition, System 2 provides a way to choose among colors, substrates and other criteria to search for many paint color formulas for its transmission to specialists in developing a colored product.

[0047] Demands for the colors of materials and services come from many types of business and non-business entities that report the need to manufacture colored products. For example, companies that manufacture consumer goods, ads, promotional materials, and forms that design interior and exterior surfaces require color-related services. Customers of colored products 26 specify color requirements for product packaging, for example food packaging. In addition, customers of 36 color products provide details, including packaging design parameters, colors, substrates and printing process to at least one entity. System 2 basically allows collaborating specialists developing a color product to simultaneously communicate. There is a lot of communication between those involved in the development of a color product . For example, printers / converters 42 work with paint generators 44. Formulators 40 calculate appropriate color formulas that define the appropriate color weights and pigment combinations to form a specific color, e.g., by referring to the data in Table 24 of the color library. The paint generator 44 also communicates with suppliers of raw materials, dyes, separators, vessels, cylindrical engraving, etc. to obtain materials that meet certain parameters. As noted above, the method of communication of this information according to the prior art is expensive and time consuming.

[0048] Other embodiments of the present invention are achievable with respect to the way the user works with the System 2. For example, after the designer 38 selects the desired color (e.g. navy blue), the System 2 will show available substrates that can handle this Colour. In addition, after the designer 38 selects the substrate, System 2 will present available printing techniques that can produce the desired color product. In an alternative embodiment, System 2 provides many choices for designer 38 at the beginning of product design, and designer 38 makes choices

- 13 (e.g. navy blue on a specific substrate). Other features of the material supplied include details such as color, rheological properties, product resistance and chemical sludge requirements. For example, completed paint samples are transmitted to a printer / transducer 42, and are delivered to many entities, including color product customer 36, designer 38, and / or formulator 40 for approval.

[0049] An example of providing multiple color material formulas for producing color for multiple color materials will now be described with reference to the flow diagram shown in Fig. 5. This example represents one possible sequence of events. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many steps and combinations of procedure steps are possible to provide multiple color formulas to produce color for many colored products.

[0050] According to Fig. 5, a color selection is received from a user operating the embodiment of the present invention (step S100). Preferably, the color selection can be received by the user selecting a value on the screen in a graphic control element, such as a drop-down list. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many ways to provide data, with or without graphic controls such as lists, text boxes, etc. displayed on the screen. At step S102, the variable N is set to a value of 1. The value of N is used to represent the respective criterion choices made by the user of the present invention. In addition, the first criterion selection (N criterion selection) is received from the user. The user can, as in step S100, choose from many options available in the graphic control, such as a drop-down list. Then another criterion selection (N + 1 criterion selection) is received from the user (step S104). For example, the selected color is blue with a greenish tint, the first criterion represents the paper substrate, and the second criterion represents the aluminum substrate. Then, in step S106, it is determined whether an additional criterion is to be received from the user. If so, the processing loop returns to step S104, the N value is increased by 1, and an additional criterion selection (N) is received from the user. In the event that additional criteria are not to be received, the process proceeds to step S108. After the user has made all of the criteria selections and received them by System 2, the N value is reset to 1 (step S108). At step S110, a correlation process is performed and System 2 matches the color selection received in step S100 with the first criterion received (because N = 1). After correlating the Nth criterion, System 2 in step S112 produces a formula (e.g. paint or dye) to reproduce the selected color and the Nth selected criterion. The formula is stored in a table (e.g., optimization table), and the N value is increased by 1 (step S114). After creating the formula and saving it in the database, it is determined in step S116 whether additional criteria have been selected. Because only one formula was created in the process up to this point, System 2 will determine that the selection of an additional criterion took place in step S104. Hence, after saving the first formula in the database and increasing the N value, the process will loop back to step S110 and the color selection made in step S100 is matched to the selection of criterion N. When the process

- return to step S116, System 2 will again determine if additional criteria have been received. If so, the process will continue to return to step S110. If not, the process will proceed to step S118. After correlating all criteria choices to the selected color and providing and saving all color formulas, the process goes to step S118 and the formulas are optimized to control undesirable effects, for example caused by metamerism.

[0051] The steps associated with the optimization process will be further described with reference to Fig. 6. After optimizing the formulas in step S118, the process proceeds to step S120, and the optimized formulas are transmitted to the appropriate recipients. For example, the paint generator 44 that produces the aluminum substrate of the color product receives an optimized formula for producing the selected color, blue with a greenish tint, on aluminum. The same or different paint generator 44 that produces the colored paper product receives the formula optimized for producing blue with a greenish tint on the paper. Preferably, the optimized formulas are transmitted electronically, for example by email, file transfer protocol (FTP) or fax. Every known method of transmitting optimized formulas is provided here. Then, after sending the optimized formulas to the appropriate recipients, the process is terminated in step S122.

[0052] The exemplary flowchart in Figure 5 illustrates one way in which System 2 may receive a single color selection and multiple criteria selection to provide optimized formulas for producing color with respect to the selection criteria. The procedural steps involved in optimizing color formulas and an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screen that provides the user with available choices are shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example flowchart of steps involved in optimizing the color formulas of step S118 (Fig. 5). According to the steps shown in Fig. 6, in step S200 the variable X is set to 1. The variable X is used to represent the many formulas provided according to steps S100-S118 (Fig. 5). After setting the variable X to 1, the process continues and the formula X representing the dye formula for the selected color and the corresponding criterion is received, for example from table 32 of colored material formulas (step S202). In step S204, the degree of metameric effect is determined for the selected color. As noted above, certain colors such as gray, light brown, shades of blue are more or less prone to metamerism. Next, the degree of metamerism effect on the selection of the criterion is determined (step S206). After the determination is made, the formula is optimized to reduce or eliminate the metameric effect on color and criterion (step S208). The optimized formula is then stored in a database table, for example in the optimization table (step S210). At step S212, the value of X is increased by 1, and at step S214 it is determined whether another formula has been provided for optimization. If another formula is available, the process returns the loop to step S202. If no other formula is available, the process ends in step S216. Thus, by means of the steps described above with reference to Figure 6, many formulas have been optimized

- (step S118, Figure 5) to provide a single color on multiple colored products on which the effects caused by metamerism are limited or eliminated.

[0053] Fig. 7 is an exemplary display screen 99 that illustrates the GUI enabling System 2 users to choose the color and criterion so that they can benefit from the present invention. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the example shown in Figure 7 is only one of many possible ways to orientate how the data provided is represented. On the example display screen in Fig. 7, the user selects a color from the drop-down list 100. The choice of color made by the user is shown in the color text box 102. The user has the ability to use the drop-down list 104 to select many criteria for colored products to which the selected color will be applied. The selected criteria are shown in the text field of criteria 106. After the user selects a color and multiple criteria, the formula box 108 presents formulas for producing the color with the appropriate criteria. The number of text fields 108 presented to the user depends on the number of criteria selected using the drop-down list 104. Preferably, the formulas are calculated after pressing a graphic control element, such as the formula calculation button 110. The formulas in text boxes 108 are not optimized and do not provide the ability to reduce or eliminate undesirable effects caused by metamerism. Similarly, the formula optimization button 112 is available, which allows the user to call up step S118 (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) and provide optimized formulas. Preferably, the optimized formulas are provided to the user, for example in the text fields of the optimized formulas 114. In addition, corrections made to formulas are shown in text fields 116. In the example shown in Fig. 7, corrections are made to the RGB values ​​of the color that are used to represent the color. After the formulas have been optimized, a color preview is presented to the user in field 118. Optimization procedures implemented on color formulas can affect the appearance of a color. Therefore, the user has the option of previewing the color to ensure that the color matches the user's specification. In addition, the user can freely modify the selections made on the display screen 99 to make sure that the color is correct. For example, different colors and criteria can be selected, and formulas can be calculated and optimized accordingly. When the user is satisfied with the results, he presses the transmission button 120, which will cause the formulas to be transmitted to the respective receiving entities. Thus, the present invention preferably provides a versatile network function that allows various participants in the color product production chain to communicate with each other color information and the color paint formula, for example by using a simple web browser interface. In fact, many users receive the same information firsthand. In addition, a virtually unlimited number of users can log in and enter, monitor and solve color problems described here, limited only by the capabilities of communication network 8 and core processor 4. System users can enter their requests independently, and data communication is triggered automatically without the need for intervention by the supplier's personnel

- 16 systems. Thus, the invention allows manufacturers, designers and printers to work at maximum efficiency, ensuring high commercial growth, high customer satisfaction and a successful return on investment.

Prepared and verified

Grażyna Palka

Patent Attorney