System and process for identifying, choosing and matching colors

• US 20050135671A1
• Filed: 12/05/2003
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: K1C2, LLC
• Original Assignee: K1C2, LLC
• Inventors: Levin, Susan, Tracy, Gloria
• Granted Patent: US 7,561,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/162
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/522 circular colour charts
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/528 using colour harmony theory

Abstract

A color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods includes assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors. The identification code includes color family indicia, color value indicia, and color selector device indicia. Preferably, each color is assigned a unique color name as well. Manufacturers utilizing the system of the present invention label or otherwise associate each good with the identification code for each color used therewith to assist the consumer in matching and coordinating colors. Color selector devices and tables can be used by the consumer or manufacturer in finding matching colors or coordinating/complimentary color combinations.

Claims

1. A method for creating a color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods, comprising the steps of:

assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors, the identification code comprising color family indicia and color value indicia; and

associating with each good the identification code for each color used therewith.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the color family indicia is selected from the list consisting of:

red, red/orange, orange, yellow/orange, yellow, yellow/green, green, blue/green, blue, blue/violet, violet, and red/violet.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the color value indicia is a number.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the color value indicia for each color of the plurality of colors is between 0 and 8.

5. The method of claim 1, including the step of using means to determine coordinating color identification codes.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the determining means comprises a color selector device.

7. The method of claim 6, including the step of providing at least one of a true color selector device, a tonal color selector device, or a neutral color selector device.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the identification code for each of the plurality of colors further comprises a color selector device indicia.

9. The method of claim 8, including the step of associating the unique identification code for each color displayed on the color selector device.

10. The method of claim 1, including the step of assigning a unique color name to each identification code.

11. The method of claim 10, including the step of cross-referencing matching and coordinating colors using a table listing at least a portion of the plurality of colors according to each color'"'"'s identification code and assigned color name.

12. A method for creating a color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods, comprising the steps of:

assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors, the identification code comprising color family indicia, color value indicia, and color selector device indicia;

associating with each good the identification code for each color used therewith; and

determining coordinating color identification codes using a color selector device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the color family indicia is selected from the list consisting of:

red, red/orange, orange, yellow/orange, yellow, yellow/green, green, blue/green, blue, blue/violet, violet, and red/violet.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the color value indicia is a number.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the color value indicia for each color of the plurality of colors is between 0 and 8.

16. The method of claim 12, including the step of providing at least one of a true color selector device, a tonal color selector device, or a neutral color selector device.

17. The method of claim 12, including the step of associating the unique identification code for each color displayed on the color selector device.

18. The method of claim 12, including the step of assigning a unique color name to each identification code.

19. The method of claim 18, including the step of cross-referencing matching and coordinating colors using a table listing at least a portion of the plurality of colors according to each color'"'"'s identification code and assigned color name.

20. A method for creating a color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods, comprising the steps of:

assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors;

assigning a unique color name to each identification code;

associating with each good the identification code for each color used therewith;

determining coordinating color identification codes using a color selector device; and

associating the unique identification code for each color displayed on the color selector device;

wherein the identification code comprises color family indicia, color selector indicia and color value indicia.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the color family indicia is selected from the list consisting of:

red, red/orange, orange, yellow/orange, yellow, yellow/green, green, blue/green, blue, blue/violet, violet, and red/violet; and

22. The method of claim 20 including the step of providing at least one of a true color selector device, a tonal color selector device, or a neutral color selector device.

23. The method of claim 20, including the step of cross-referencing matching and coordinating color'"'"'s using a table listing at least a portion of the plurality of colors according to each colors identification code and assigned color name.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the color value indicia for each color of the plurality of colors is between 0 and 8.