Paint formula retrieval and management system and method

What is claimed is:

1. An automated paint formula retrieval system comprising:

(a) a computer including a processor and associated electronic memory;

(b) user input means operatively interconnected to the computer for inputting user commands to the computer;

(c) display means interconnected to the computer for displaying information output from the computer;

(d) storage means interconnected to the computer for storing paint formula mix data, paint formula mix related cost data including cost of paint formula mix colors, reducers, catalysts, and inventory data including inventory of paint formula mix colors;

(e) printer means interconnected to the computer for printing labels;

(f) program means including first program means responsive to user commands for instructing the computer to retrieve a user-designated paint formula mix from the storage means and for displaying the paint formula mix according to standard sizes of paint formula mix, second program means responsive to user commands for creating and displaying a nonstandard paint formula mix not previously stored on the storage means and for storing the nonstandard paint formula mix on the storage means, third program means responsive to user commands for creating a paint formula mix for a nonstandard size of formula as designated by the user, the third program means including means for presenting on the display means a ruled scale representation including a bar portion extendable along the ruled scale representation, the ruled scale representation being scaled with actual paint sizes, the movement of the bar portion being controlled by user commands received from the input device, a leading edge of the bar portion representing the paint formula mix size selected, fourth program means responsive to user commands for retrieving paint formula mix related cost data from the storage means and for calculating the cost of a paint formula mix, fifth program means responsive to user commands for updating the inventory data in the storage means as paint is removed from inventory, sixth program means responsive to user commands for printing a paint formula mix label at the printer means, and seventh program means responsive to user commands for tracking paint formula size usage data in the storage means, and for retrieving the paint formula size usage data from the storage means and displaying the paint formula size usage data on a display means in response to user commands; and

(g) display presentation program means for displaying a standard formula retrieval background screen presentation on a display of the display means in response to a user command received from the user input means, the paint formula retrieval background screen presentation including a lower screen presentation comprising multiple columns, and an upper screen presentation including headers designating the location of various paint formula information including paint formula mixes, and customer information.

2. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the paint formula size usage data displayed at the display means includes a presentation of total volume percentage represented by size of paint formula mixed and a percentage of total number of paint formula mixes represented by size and paint formula mixed.

3. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 1, including label program means for printing a first paint formula mix label including identifying the paint formula mix, a first tinting guide label identifying the paint formula mix colors and their respective amounts, a third label, and a fourth mix operator label identifying the paint formula mix colors and the respective amounts, the labels being disposed on a continuous web of paper, the first, second, and third labels being disposed on a first length of the web of paper equal to a second length of the web of paper occupied by the fourth label, the first and second lengths being interconnected end for end by preformated fold lines whereby the continuous web of paper can be fan folded.

4. An automated paint formula retrieval system comprising:

(a) a computer including a processor and associated electronic memory;

(b) user input means operatively interconnected to the computer for inputting user commands to the computer;

(c) display means interconnected to the computer for displaying information output from the computer;

(d) storage means interconnected to the computer for storing paint formula mix data, paint formula mix related cost data including cost of paint formula mix colors, reducers, catalysts, and inventory data including inventory of paint formula mix colors;

(e) printer means interconnected to the computer for printing labels;

(f) program means including first program means responsive to user commands for instructing the computer to retrieve a user-designated paint formula mix from the storage means and for displaying the paint formula mix according to standard sizes of paint formula mix, second program means responsive to user commands for creating and displaying a nonstandard paint formula mix not previously stored on the storage means and for storing the nonstandard paint formula mix on the storage means, third program means responsive to user commands for creating a paint formula mix for a nonstandard size of formula as designated by the user, the third program means including means for presenting on the display means a ruled scale representation including a bar portion extendable along the ruled scale representation, the ruled scale representation being scaled with actual paint sizes, the movement of the bar portion being controlled by user commands received from the input device, a leading edge of the bar portion representing the paint formula mix size selected, fourth program means responsive to user commands for retrieving paint formula mix related cost data from the storage means and for calculating the cost of a paint formula mix, fifth program means responsive to user commands for updating the inventory data in the storage means as paint is removed from inventory, sixth program means responsive to user commands for printing a paint formula mix label at the printer means, and seventh program means responsive to user commands for tracking paint formula size usage data in the storage means, and for retrieving the paint formula size usage data from the storage means and displaying the paint formula size usage data on a display means in response to user commands; and

(g) display presentation program means for displaying a standard formula retrieval background screen presentation on a display of the display means in response to a user command received from the user input means, the paint formula retrieval background screen presentation including a lower screen presentation comprising multiple columns, and an upper screen presentation including headers designating the location of various paint formula information including paint formula identifier, paint formula mix size, quantity of paint formula mixes, and customer information, the display presentation program means further including formula variant presentation program means for displaying multiple variants of a formula selected by the user on the display of the display means if there are multiple variants of the paint formula selected by the user.

5. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the paint formula size usage data displayed at the display means includes a presentation of total volume percentage represented by size of paint formula mixed and a percentage of total number of paint formula mixes represented by size and paint formula mixed.

6. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the third program means includes means for presenting on the display means a ruled scale representation including a bar portion extendable along the ruled scale, the movement of the bar portion being controlled by user commands received from the input device, a leading edge of the bar representing the paint formula mix size selected.

7. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 4, including label program means for printing a first paint formula mix label including identifying the paint formula mix, a first tinting guide label identifying the paint formula mix colors and their respective amounts, a third label as desired, and a fourth mix operator label identifying the paint formula mix colors and the respective amounts, the labels being disposed on a continuous web of paper, the first, second, and third labels being disposed on a first length of the web of paper equal to a second length of the web of paper occupied by the fourth label, the first and second lengths being interconnected end for end by preformated fold lines whereby the continuous web of paper can be fan folded.

8. A paint formula retrieval system comprising:

(a) a computer including a processor and associated electronic memory;

(b) user input means operatively interconnected to the computer for inputting user commands to the computer;

(c) display means interconnected to the computer for displaying information output from the computer;

(d) storage means interconnected to the computer for storing paint formula mix data, paint formula mix related cost data including cost of paint formula mix colors, reducers, catalysts, and inventory data including inventory of paint formula mix colors;

(e) printer means interconnected to the computer for printing labels;

(f) program means including first program means responsive to user commands for instructing the computer to retrieve a user-designated paint formula mix from the storage means and for displaying the paint formula mix according to standard sizes of paint formula mix, second program means responsive to user commands for creating and displaying a nonstandard paint formula mix not previously stored on the storage means and for storing the nonstandard paint formula mix on the storage means, third program means responsive to user commands for creating a paint formula mix for a nonstandard size of formula as designated by the user, fourth program means responsive to user commands for retrieving paint formula mix related cost data from the storage means and for calculating the cost of a paint formula mix, fifth program means responsive to user commands for updating the inventory data in the storage means as paint is removed from inventory, sixth program means responsive to user commands for printing a paint formula mix label at the printer means, and seventh program means responsive to user commands for tracking paint formula size usage data in the storage means, and for retrieving the paint formula size usage data from the storage means and displaying the paint formula size usage data on a display means in response to user commands, the seventh program means including means for determining if the program means is being started for the first time in a given day and if paint formulas have been mixed the day before, the seventh program means further includes means for displaying a menu of paint formula size usage reporting options, selectable by the user; and

(g) display presentation program means for displaying a standard formula retrieval background screen presentation on a display of the display means in response to a user command received from the user input means, the paint formula retrieval background screen presentation including a lower screen presentation comprising multiple columns, and an upper screen presentation including headers designating the location of various paint formula information including paint formula identifier, paint formula mix size, quantity of paint formula mixes, and customer information.

9. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the paint formula size usage data displayed at the display means includes a presentation of total volume percentage represented by size of paint formula mixed and a percentage of total number of paint formula mixes represented by size and paint formula mixed.

10. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the third program means includes means for presenting on the display means a ruled scale representation including a bar portion extendable along the ruled scale, the movement of the bar portion being controlled by user commands received from the input device, a leading edge of the bar representing the paint formula mix size selected.

11. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with claim 8, including label program means for printing a first paint formula mix label including identifying the paint formula mix, a first tinting guide label identifying the paint formula mix colors and their respective amounts, a third label as desired, and a fourth mix operator label identifying the paint formula mix colors and the respective amounts, the labels being disposed on a continuous web of paper, the first, second, and third labels being disposed on a first length of the web of paper equal to a second length of the web of paper occupied by the fourth label, the first and second lengths being interconnected end for end by preformated fold lines whereby the continuous web of paper can be fan folded.

Description Submit all comments and votes

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computerized system and method for paint formula retrieval and management.

Paint vendors provide body shops and jobbers with microfiche containing their paint formulas which identify the paints the vendors sell. Whenever the body shop or the jobber wishes to retrieve a paint formula of a vendor, the user will read the vendor's microfiche by use of a microfiche reader. Once the formula is located on the microfiche, the color mixing formula is written on a piece of paper for use by the mixer when mixing the paint. During this transcribing process, the paint formula can be erroneously written down or can be misread by the mixer. Moreover, if the user wishes to mix a non-standard size of color, the user must determine the formula for the non-standard size based on the formula for a standard size. This can often be time consuming and is very difficult, if not impossible to do. As a result, the user will typically use the next largest standard size so as to avoid this type of calculation. This results in a lot of paint being left over which results in a hazardous waste which must be suitably disposed of.

Yet another problem frequently encountered by a user in a body shop or jobbing operation, is that colors will fade with time and exposure to the elements. As a result, even though the user is able to locate on the microfiche the original paint formula used, the new paint may not match the old faded paint. As a result, the user will have to experiment with variants of the paint formula to derive as close a match as possible. This is a vary time consuming process. Moreover, the customer may have occasion to require the same variant. For example; an entire fleet of cars may have a certain variant color or a single user may want a spot touch-up of his/her automobile. Unless the formula variant has been written down, the user will have to attempt to recreate the formula variant and may never be able to derive the same color variant.

The microfiche provided by the paint vendors come in all types of formats and contain varying types of information in addition to the paint formula itself. Additionally, the paint formulas themselves may appear different. As a result, it can be difficult for the user to immediately recognize and interpret the data which results in interpretation errors.

Another problem which body shops encounter is justifying their charges to insurance companies. Automobile collision insurance carriers typically set a range of costs which they will pay to have an automobile repaired. The body shop's costs often are greater than this established amount. Unless the body shop can itemize in detail the basis for its charges, it will only be compensated the amount the insurance company is willing to pay.

Still another problem encountered by body shops and jobbers alike, is inventory control and management. It is difficult to monitor and manage inventory in view of the numerous sizes and quantities of paints used. Moreover, some paint colors move much faster than others and are used in different container sizes.

Also, there is the problem of providing appropriate labelling on the paint cans. In particular, regulatory and material data safety labelling is often required.

The present invention solves these and other problems associated with paint formula retrieval and management.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computerized system for managing automotive paint formulas. The system provides the capability to retrieve paint formulas by paint vendor and formula number. Paint formulas are presented to users in a standard screen presentation format that is vendor independent while maintaining pertinent information.

An advantageous feature of one embodiment of the present invention is the provision for printing custom labels which provide mix formulation, tinting, paint identification, and information related to material data safety and regulatory information.

Yet another advantageous feature of one embodiment of the present invention is that custom paint formulas can be created and archived. Also provided is custom tinting of existing formulas so as to create variants of an existing formula which can be archived for future use.

Still another advantageous feature of one embodiment of the present invention is the ability to track inventory usage and provide reports thereof.

Another advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is the ability to calculate and print the paint and material costs related to auto body repair based on paint type and quantity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method of retrieving a paint formula includes the steps of selecting the vendor whose paint is being used and selecting the paint formula identifying number. Once the paint formula is retrieved and displayed, the user is able to edit various information fields which are later printed on paint labels.

One embodiment of the present invention provides for printing the following labels:

1. A paint can identification label.

2. A paint can formula tinting guide.

3. A regulatory label or touch-up bottle identification label.

4. A mix operator formulation label.

One embodiment of the present invention provides inventory control based on formula mix quantity and sales of base mixing colors.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides for computerized mixing color retrieval.

One advantage of yet another embodiment of the present invention provides paint and material costing with predetermined figures being provided as a costing guide but which are editable by the user as required in any given job and provides for printing of a paint and material cost label itemizing the costs involved.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a clear/catalyst/reducer reduction guide.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for tracking formula frequency usage based on formula retrieval.

Another embodiment tracks daily formula size frequency based on formula retrieval.

Yet another embodiment provides for calculation of non-standard mix size which a given vendor may not provide.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, in which like reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views;

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functions present in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the prior art illustrating a microfiche and microfiche reader;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary illustration of the microfiche in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a master menu screen presentation;

FIG. 6 is a main menu screen presentation;

FIG. 7 is a daily formula frequency report screen presentation;

FIG. 8 is a vendor formula retrieval select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 9 is a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation;

FIG. 10 is a multiple formulas detected screen presentation;

FIG. 11 is a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are a field definition of the vendor formula retrieval screen presentation shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation;

FIG. 14 is a select vendor size screen presentation;

FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a special formula tint mixture scale screen presentation;

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation illustrating a special size formula;

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a bulk mix screen presentation;

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are embodiments of mixture labels;

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate locations of the labels shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B on a vendor's paint label;

FIG. 21 is an embodiment of a special tinting of formulas screen presentation;

FIG. 22 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation;

FIG. 23 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation;

FIG. 24 is an embodiment of a create/edit/delete special tint formula records screen presentation;

FIG. 25 is an embodiment of a formula not found screen presentation;

FIG. 26 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are a field definition of the vendor special formula tinting screen presentation embodiment shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an embodiment of the select size screen presentation;

FIG. 29 is an embodiment of the vendor special formula tinting screen presentation illustrating a pint size selected;

FIG. 30 is an embodiment of a special formula tint mixture scale screen presentation;

FIG. 31 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation illustrating selection of a special size;

FIG. 32 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation;

FIG. 33 s an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation;

FIG. 34 is an embodiment of a paint/material costing menu;

FIG. 35 is an embodiment of a select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;

FIG. 36 is an embodiment of a paint and material costing select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 37 is an embodiment of a paint formula and material costing screen presentation used for entry of customer information;

FIG. 38 is an embodiment of a paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 39 is an embodiment of a select size screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 40 is an embodiment of a select type screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 41 is an embodiment of a catalyst selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 42 is an embodiment of a reducer selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 43 is an embodiment of a clear coat selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 44 is an embodiment of a clear coat catalyst selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 45 is an embodiment of a clear coat reducer selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 46 is an embodiment of the paint/material costing screen presentation showing the calculated selling price minus any markup;

FIG. 47 is an embodiment of the paint/material costing screen presentation showing the selling price including a markup;

FIG. 48 is an embodiment of a save and print information screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 49 is an embodiment of the paint/material costing labels;

FIG. 50 is an embodiment of a select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 51 is an embodiment of a customer not found screen presentation overlaying the select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;

FIG. 52 is an embodiment of a correct customer screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 53 is a select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 54 is an embodiment of a RO number not found screen presentation overlaying the select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;

FIG. 55 is a found correct customer screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 56 is an embodiment of a delete cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;

FIG. 57 is an embodiment of a no cost calculations found screen presentation overlaying the select paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;

FIG. 56 is an embodiment of a delete this cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;

FIG. 59 is an embodiment of a select type screen presentation overlaying the paint additives screen presentation;

FIG. 60 is an embodiment of a paint supplies rate method screen presentation overlaying the paint additives screen presentation;

FIG. 61 is a screen presentation of the paint additives;

FIG. 62 is an embodiment of a paint additive and clear coat listing screen presentation overlaying the paint additives screen presentation;

FIG. 63 is an embodiment of a paint and body supplies maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 64 is an embodiment of a paint and body supplies listing screen presentation overlaying the paint and body supplies maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 65 is an embodiment of a select product use screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 66 is a refinisher price list screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 67 is an embodiment of a refinisher price list report screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 68 is an embodiment of an add/edit/delete refinisher paint lines enter master paint line type screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 69 is an embodiment of an add/edit/delete refinisher paint lines edit or delete master prefix screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 70 is an embodiment of an add/edit/delete refinisher paint lines cost codes screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 71 is an embodiment of an add/edit/delete equivalent refinisher paint lines enter master point line type screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 72 is an embodiment of an add/edit/delete equivalent refinisher paint line screen presentation overlaying a refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;

FIG. 73 is an embodiment of a paint/material cost per labor hour report window screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing menu;

FIG. 74 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing menu screen presentation;

FIG. 74A is an embodiment of a cost per labor hour report;

FIG. 75 is an embodiment of a cost calculations report window screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing menu screen presentation;

FIG. 76 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the cost calculations report window screen presentation;

FIG. 76A is an embodiment of a cost calculations report;

FIG. 77 is an embodiment of a print mix base color labels select vendor screen presentation overlaying the print mix base color labels screen presentation;

FIG. 78 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color labels screen presentation;

FIG. 79 is an embodiment of a mixing color not found in mixing color data base screen presentation overlaying the print vendor mixing color labels screen presentation;

FIG. 80 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color labels (ounces) screen presentation;

FIG. 81 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color label (grams) screen presentation;

FIG. 82 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color label (standard sizes) screen presentation;

FIG. 83 is an embodiment of color labels;

FIG. 84 is an embodiment of a mixing color management select vendor screen presentation overlaying the mixing color inventory management screen presentation;

FIG. 85 is a vendor mixing color inventory management screen presentation;

FIG. 86 is an embodiment of a mixing color record does not exist screen presentation overlaying the vendor mixing color inventory management screen presentation;

FIG. 77 is an embodiment of an edit or delete mixing color screen presentation overlaying a vendor mixing color inventory management screen presentation;

FIG. 88 is an embodiment of a deletion of mixing color is irreversible screen presentation overlaying the edit or delete mixing color screen presentation;

FIG. 89 is an embodiment of a vendor mixing color inventory management screen presentation;

FIG. 90 is an embodiment of a mixing color reorder screen select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 91 is an embodiment of a print full or summary report screen presentation overlaying a mixing color reorder report screen presentation;

FIG. 92 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying a mixing color reorder report screen presentation;

FIG. 93 is an embodiment of a mixing color reorder report;

FIG. 94 is an embodiment of a mixing color inventory status report;

FIG. 95 is an embodiment of a mixing color inventory list select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 96 is an embodiment of a set filter for mixing color inventory report screen presentation overlaying the mixing color inventory list screen presentation;

FIG. 97 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the mixing color inventory list screen presentation;

FIG. 98 is an embodiment of a mixing color movement report;

FIG. 99 is an embodiment of a mixing color movement report select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 100 is an embodiment of a print full or summary report screen presentation overlaying the mixing color movement report screen presentation;

FIG. 101 is a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the mixing color movement report screen presentation;

FIG. 102 is an embodiment of a daily formula size frequency summary report;

FIG. 103 is an embodiment of a daily formula frequency report screen presentation overlaying the daily formula frequency report screen presentation;

FIG. 104 is an embodiment of a daily formula frequency data file is empty screen presentation overlaying the daily formula frequency report screen presentation;

FIG. 105 is an embodiment of a monthly frequency of formulas mixed report;

FIG. 106 is an embodiment of a monthly frequency of formulas mixed report select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 107 is an embodiment of a print full or summary report screen presentation overlaying the monthly frequency of formulas mixed report;

FIG. 108 is an embodiment of the check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the monthly frequency of formulas mixed report screen presentation;

FIG. 109 is an embodiment of a special tint formula report;

FIG. 110 is an embodiment of a special tint formula report select vendor screen presentation;

FIG. 111 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the special tint formula report screen presentation;

FIG. 112 is an embodiment of a required system file missing screen presentation;

FIGS. 113-115 show a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing system start up;

FIG. 116, which is comprised of FIGS. 116A-116D, is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing user main menu selection;

FIG. 117 which is comprised of FIGS. 117A-117D, is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing paint formula retrieval;

FIG. 118 which is comprised of FIGS. 118A-118C, is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing checks for multiple formulas;

FIG. 119 which is comprised of FIGS. 119A-119J, is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for editing formula fields;

FIG. 120 which is comprised of FIGS. 120A-120F, is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing a special color library function;

FIG. 121 which is comprised of FIGS. 121A-121Q, is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing a paint costing function;

FIG. 122 which is comprised of FIGS. 122A-122C is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a program for performing the print mixing color labels function;

FIG. 123 which is comprised of FIGS. 123A-123B is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a program for performing mixing color inventory management;

FIG. 124 is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a program for providing the mixing color reorder reports;

FIG. 125 is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for providing the inventory list;

FIG. 126 is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for providing the color movement reports;

FIG. 127 which is comprised of FIGS. 127A-127B, is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for providing the daily frequency reports;

FIG. 128 is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a program for providing the monthly frequency mixed reports;

FIG. 129 is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a program providing the special tint reports; and

FIG. 130 illustrates data base files present in a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the Figures, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of a paint formula retrieval and management system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic functions present in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented by use of a programmed computer system, an example of such a computer system being illustrated in FIG. 2 and generally referenced by the reference numeral 200. When programmed with a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the computer system 200 will perform the functions illustrated in FIG. 1. The computer system is shown as including a general purpose microcomputer 202 such as an IBM AT compatible, a dot matrix printer 204, a display device 206, a keyboard 208, and a storage device 210. The microcomputer might include a dual-speed 6/8 megahertz (MHz) 80286 central processing unit (CPU), the speed being hardware switch selectable. The display 206 will preferably have graphics capability and be driven by a suitable graphics card located in one of the expansion slots of the microcomputer. The storage device 210 might include both floppy drives, such as high density 1.2 megabyte (MB) drives and hard disks of several megabytes for storing paint formula files. In addition, the microcomputer will preferably include random access memory (RAM) for execution of a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, there is one megabyte of RAM present. Further, in the preferred embodiment, a long life battery will be present for powering CMOS memory. The printer 204 is preferably a fairly high speed dot matrix printer; e.g., 200 characters per second in draft mode and 100 per second in near letter quality mode. The printer 204, in the preferred embodiment, is interconnected to the microcomputer by a parallel interface and includes a 2,000 byte buffer. A preferred embodiment of a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention runs under MS-DOS.TM. operating system software and can be used with applications/utility management software, both of which are commonly available. It will be appreciated that numerous types of computers and peripheral devices might be utilized in keeping with the principles of the present invention. The above-described preferred embodiment is but an example of one such computer system.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the currently existing prior art method of retrieving paint formulas. Paint vendors provide microfiche 220 to body shops, jobbers, etc., which include their specific paint formulas and related information such as formula number, car type, code, year, cost code, etc. The specific format and information provided varies depending on the vendor. When the user wishes to retrieve a particular formula for a given size of paint container, a microfiche 220 is read using a microfiche reader 222. The user then notes the formula for the standard size container he/she desires and manually writes the formula down on a piece of paper for paint mixing purposes. FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary view of how such a microfiche might appear when being read from the microfiche reader. As generally illustrated, the microfiche will typically have color usage information on the upper half of the fiche and mixing base color amounts on the lower half of the fiche. The mixing base color information includes a color code, color designation and an amount in grams or ounces for selected standard sizes of paint containers. Not all paint vendors will have the same standard sizes for all paints.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the basic following functions:

1. Paint formula retrieval -- This function will enable the user to retrieve paint formulas. When paint labels are printed, the inventory of each component mixing color is decremented by the appropriate amount for inventory purposes.

2. Special color library -- This function will enable the user to record paint formula tinting information on variants of a formula as well as custom color formulations. This function allows for recording of three lines of message text identifying the tint for later retrieval and use.

3. Paint and material costing -- This function will enable the user to record and calculate the paint and material costs associated with the use of a user specified amount of paint for a specific job.

4. Paint mixing color labels -- This function will enable the user to print a mixing base color identification label for the sale or use of a mixing base color and decrement inventory. This is useful for over-the-counter sales.

5. Mixing color inventory management -- This function will enable the user to update or enquire on the mixing base color inventory levels and track point sales, over-the-counter sales, and establish reorder levels based on number of units.

6. Mixing color reorder report -- This function will enable the user to generate reports that will aid in the purchase of mixing base colors. This function allows the user to generate a list of only those mixing colors which may need to be reordered because the stock on hand has fallen below a user established reorder level.

7. Mixing color inventory status report -- This function will enable the user to generate reports on the status/valuation of mixing base color inventory. A separate report can be generated for each vendor.

8. Mixing color movement report -- This function will enable the user to generate reports on the usage of mixing base colors in selections 1