Methods and software applications for tinting using low resolution spectrophotometer
Methods and software applications for transmitting high-resolution spectral curve data to a tinter for generating a tint formula usable to custom-tint a base paint or coating to match the color of a sensed surface. The high-resolution spectral curve data is derived from low-resolution or wideband spectral data obtained via a low resolution or wideband spectrophotometer. Additional user information, order information, or location information may be transmitted to the tinter.
1 . A software application including computer-implemented code to provide data to a tinter for custom-tinting paint to match the color of a sensed surface, the code directing:
transmission of high-resolution spectral data and order information including one or more requested base coating compositions or sheens and requested volumes for tinting a base paint or coating according to a custom-tint formula;
wherein the high-resolution spectral curve data is derived from wideband spectral data of the sensed surface; and
wherein the custom-tint formula includes amounts of one or more colorants from an array of colorants to be added to a base coating composition to generate a custom-tinted coating composition; and
wherein the amounts of one or more colorants is not pre-determined.
2 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein transmission of the high-resolution spectral data uses a barcode.
3 . The software application of claim 2 ,
wherein the barcode is a QR code.
4 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the code further directs display of location information of the sensed surface on a mobile device.
5 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the location information includes a GPS location.
6 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the code further directs transmission of user information.
7 . The software application of claim 6 ,
wherein the code further directs display of user information or order information on a mobile device.
8 . The software application of claim 6 ,
wherein the user information includes an identification of a user, an account number, a user's address, or combinations thereof.
9 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the code further directs displaying a depiction of the color of the sensed surface on a mobile device screen.
10 . The software application of claim 1 further comprising:
wherein the code further directs displaying a color in a pre-existing library of palette colors that is a closest match to the color of the sensed surface.
11 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the high resolution spectral curve data has 16 points or 31 points.
12 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the high resolution spectral curve data ranges from about 450 nm to about 650 nm.
13 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the high resolution spectral curve data is derived from interpolating more than one low resolution spectral data.
14 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the high resolution spectral curve data accounts for surface texture of the sensed surface.
15 . The software application of claim 1 ,
wherein the base coating composition is a paint and the custom-tinted coating composition is a tinted paint.