Color visualization system

1. A method for producing a colour recommendation for a structure or part of a structure to be painted which comprises:

a) selecting from a database containing images of structural archetypes stored in electronic format on storage means an archetype image that closely matches the structure to be painted,

b) selecting a colour or colours from a database comprising colours stored on in electronic format on storage means wherein the colours are grouped by colour names or in groups where the colours are either complementary or contrasting one with another;

c) applying the colour or colours to the image to produce a colour scheme and

d) displaying the structure or part of a structure with the colour applied and providing information from which paint corresponding to the colour or colours in the colour scheme can be identified.

2. A method according to claim 1 , where the structural archetypes are images of a building.

3. A method according to claim 2 , where the image is an interior of a building.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2 , where the building is an exterior of a house.

5. A method according to claim 1 , where separate areas of the archetypes can be coloured separately one from another.

6. A method according to claim 5 , where the archetype is an interior of a building and the separate areas are walls, doors, coving, ceiling, dado rails, skirting boards, window frames, sills and fireplaces.

7. A method according to claim 1 , where the archetype is an interior of a building and also contains furniture or furnishings.

8. A method according to claim 7 , where colour can be applied separately to the furniture or furnishings.

9. A method according to claim 1 , where the images are photographic quality.

10. A method according to claim 1 , where there is remote access to the database.

11. A method according to claim 10 , where access is via the Internet.

12. A method according to claim 1 , where a user can enter into the method from his point of access, the image to be coloured in electronic form.

13. A method according to claim 1 , which includes printing the colour recommendation for a structure or part of a structure as photographic quality print.

14. A method according to claim 13 , wherein the message includes a source from which the paint can be purchased.

15. A method according to claim 1 , which includes printing the colour recommendation for a structure or part of a structure as a message specifying the colour or colours by an indicator.

16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the message includes a source from which the paint can be purchased.

17. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the storage means is selected from floppy discs or compact discs.

18. A method for producing a colour recommendation for a structure or part of a structure to be painted which comprises

a) selecting from a database containing images of structural archetypes stored in electronic format on storage means an archetype image that closely matches the structure to be painted,

b) selecting a colour or colours from a database comprising colours stored on in electronic format on storage means wherein the colours are grouped by colour names or in groups where the colours are either complementary or contrasting one with another so that a user can select by clicking a mouse button, touching the screen, or using voice activation to pick the colour name or complementary or contrasting color;

c) applying the colour or colours to the image to produce a colour scheme, and

d) displaying the structure or part of a structure with the colour applied and providing information from which paint corresponding to the colour or colours in the colour scheme can be identified.