CA1301936C - Paint formula retrieval and management system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A formula retrieval and management system (200) for retrieving paint formulas, creating paint formulas, updating paint inventory, and providing miscellaneous reports.

Description

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PAINT FORMIJLA RETRIEVAI. AND MAMAG~5MENT SYST3~:M AND MET~IOD

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

BAl::KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present inv~ntion relates to a computerized system and method for paint formula retrieval and lS managsment.
Paint vendors provide body shops and jobbers with microfiche containing their paint formulas which identify the paint the vendors sell. ~henever the body shop or the ~obber wishes ~o retrieve a paint formula of a vendor, the u~er 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 th~ paint.
Duxing this transcribing proce~, 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 th~ non-standard size based on the foxmula for a standard size.
This can often be time consuming and ig very difficult, if not impos~ible 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 lo~ of pain~ 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 ~o the elements. As a result, even though the user is able to loca~e on the microfiche the original paint formula used, the new paint :' ~

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may not match the old faded paint. As a result, the user will hav~ to experiment with variants of the paint formula to derive as close a match as possible. This is a vary time consuming process. Noreover, the customer may have occasion to require the ~ame ~ariant. For example; an entire fleet of cars may have a certain variant color or a single user may want a spot touch-up of hi~/her automobile.
Unless the formula vaxiant has been written down, the user will have to attempt to reGreate the formula variant and may never be able ~o derive the ~ame color variant.
The microfiche provided by the paint vendor~ come in all type~ 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 resul~, it can be difficult for ~he u~er to immediately recognize and interpret the data whioh result~ in interpretation errors.
Another problem which bod~ shops encounter i~
justifying their ~harg~s to in3urance companies.
Automobile collision insurance carriers typically set a range of costs which they will pay to have an automobile repaired. The body shop's co~ts often are greater than this established amount. Unless the body shop can itemize in detail the ba~is for its charge~l it will only be compensated the amount the insurance company is willing to pay.
Still another problem enccuntered by body shops and ~obbers alike, is invQntory 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 i5 the problem of providing app~opriate labellîng on the paint cans. In particular, 3S 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 pain~ formulas. The sys~em provides the capability to retrieve paint fo~mulas by paint vendor and ormula number. Paint formulas are presented to users in a standard screen presentation format that is vendor independent while main~aining pertinent information.
An advantageou~ featuxe of one embodiment of the present i~ention is the provision for printing custom labels which provide mix formulation, tinting, paint identification, and information related to material data safety and regulatory information.
~et another advantageous fea~ure of one embodiment of the present invention is that custom paint ~ormulas can be created and archived. Al30 provided is custom tinting of exiqting formulas 5~ as to create variants of an axisting formula which can be archived for future use.
Still another advantageous feature of one embodiment of the present invention i~ the ability to track inventory u~age and provide reports thereof.
Another advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is the a~ility 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 ~` pain~ formula is retrieved and displayed, the user is able to edit various information fields which are later printed on paint labels.

?1 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 bottl~ identification label.

4. A mix operator formula~ion label.
One embodiment of the present invention provides inventoxy control based on formula mix quantity and sales of ba~e mixing colors.
Yet another embodim~nt of the present in~ention pro~ide~ for computerized mixing color retxieval.
One advantage of yet another embodiment of the pres~n~ in~ention provides paint and material costing with predetermined figures being provided as a costing guide but which are aditable by the user a~ required in any given ~ob and provides for printing o~ a pai~t a~d material cost label itemizing the C08t~ involved~
Still another embodiment of the present invention provide~ a clear/catalyst/reducer reduction guide.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides for t.racking formula frequency u~age 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 ~izP which a given vendor may not provide.
These and various other ad~antages and features of novelty which charac~erize the present inven~ion are pointed out with particularity in the claims ann~xed hereto and forming a part hereof. Howevar, for a better understanding of the invention, its ad~antages and objec~s 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 ~3~ 3 invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, in which like reference numerals and let~ers indica~e corresponding parts throughout the several views;
Figure 1 i~ a block diagram illustrating the functions pre~ent in a preferred embodLment o~ the present invention;
10Figure 2 is a block diagram of a computer system in accordancQ with the principles of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the prior art illustrating a microfiche and microfiche reader;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary illustration 15o~ the microfiche in accordance wi~h the prier art;
Figure 5 i9 a master menu screen presentation;
Figure 6 is a main menu screen presenta~ion;
Figure 7 is a daily formula frequency report screen presentation;
20Figure 8 is a vendor formula retrieval select ve~dor screen pre~entation;
Figure 9 is a ~endor formula retrieval screen presentation;
Figure 10 i~ a multiple formula~ detected screen 25presentation;
Figure ll is a vendor formula retrieval screen ' pre~entation;
Figures 12A and 12~ are a field definition of the v~ndor formula ret~ieval screen presentation shown in 30Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation;
Figure 14 is a select vendor size screen presenta~ion;
35Figure 15 is an embodiment of a special formula tint mixture scale screen presentation;

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- Figure 16 is an embodiment of a vendor formula retrieval screen presentation illustrating a special size formula;
Figure 17 is an embodimsnt of a bulk mix screen presentation;
Figure 18 is an embodiment of a vendor formula retrieval ~creen presen~ation;
Figures l9A and l9B are embodiment~ of mixture labels;
Figures 20A and 20B illu~trate locations of the labels shown in Figure~ l9A and l9B on a vendor's paint label, Figure 21 is an embodiment of a special tinting of formulas screen presentation;
lS Figure 22 is an embodiment of a ~endor special formula tinting screen presentation;
Figura 23 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting sc.reen presentation;
Figure 24 is an embodiment of a create/edit/delete special tint fo~mula records screen presanta~ion;
Figur2 25 is an embodiment of a formula not found screen presentation;
Figure 26 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presen~ation;
Figures 27A and 27B are a field definition of the vendor special fo~mula tinting screen presentation embodiment shown in Figure 26;
Figure 28 is an embodiment of the select size screen presentation;
Figure ~9 i5 an e~bodiment of the vendor special formula tinting screen presentation illustrating a pint size selected;
- Figure 30 is an embodiment of a special formula tint mix~ure scale screen prssentation;

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Figure 31 is an embodiment of a vendor special formula tinting screen presentation illustrating selection of a special size;
Figure 32 is an embodiment of a vendox special formula tinting screen presentation;
Figure 33 is an embodiment of a ~endor special fo~mula tinting screen presentation;
Figure 34 is an embodiment of a paint/material costillg menu;

Figure 35 is an embodiment of a sPlect paint/mat*rial cost calculation ~creen presentation;

Figure 36 is an embodiment of a paint and material costing select ~endor screen presentation;
Figure 37 is an embodiment of a paint formula and material costing screen presentation used for entry of customer inf ormation;
Figure 38 is an em~odiment of a paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 39 is an embodiment of a select size scrQen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 40 is an embodiment o~ a sele~t type screen presentation ovarlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 41 is an embodiment of a catalyst selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material co~ting screen presentation;
Figure 42 i8 an embodiment of a redueer selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/mat~rial costing screen presentation;
Figure 43 is an embodiment of a clear coat selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 44 is an embodiment of a clear coat catalyst selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material cos ing screen presentation;

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Figure 45 is an embodiment of a clear coat reducer selection menu screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 46 is an embodiment of the paint/material costing screen presentation showing the calculated selling price minus any markup;
Pigure 47 i8 an embodiment of the paint/material co3ting screen presentation showing the selling price including a markup;
Figure 48 is an embodiment of a save and print in~ormation scre~n pre~entation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 49 is an embodiment of the paint/material costing labels;
FigUrQ SO i3 an embodiment of a select paint/material co~t calculation screen presentation overlaying the paint/material co~ting screen presentation;
Figure 51 is an embodiment of a customer not found screen presentation overlaying the select paint/matsrial cost calculation screen presentation;
Figure 52 i~ an embodiment of a correct customer screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen pre~entation;
Figure 53 is a select paint/material cost calculation screen pre~entation overlaying the paint/material costing screen preRentation;
Figure 54 is an embodiment of a RO num~er not found screen presentation overlaying the select paint/material cost calculation screen present tion;
Figure 55 is a found correct customer screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen - prex~ntation;
Figure 56 is an embodiment of a delete cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the select paînt/material cost calculation screen presentation;

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g Figure 57 is an embodiment of a no cost calculations found screen presentation overlaying the selec~ paint/material cost calculation screen presentation;
Figure 58 i5 an embodiment of a delete this cost calculation screen presentation overlaying the paint/material costing screen presentation;
Figure 59 is an embodimQnt of a select type : screen presentation o~erlaying the pain~ additives screen pre~entation;
lU Figure 60 is an embodiment of a paint suppliQs rate method screen presentation overlaying the paint additive~ screen presentation;
Figure 61 is a screen presentation of the paint additives;
Figure 62 i an embodiment of a paint additi~e and clear coat listing screen presentation overlaying the paint additives screen presenta~ion;
Figure 63 is an e~bodiment of a paint and body ~upplies maintenance ~creen presentation;
Figura 64 is an embodiment of a paint and body supplies listing screen pre~entation overlaying the paint and body supplies maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 65 i5 an ombodiment of a select product u~e ~creen presQntation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 66 is a refinisher price list screen presentation overlaying th2 refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 67 is an embodiment of a refinisher price list report screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 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 ~creen presentation;

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~ 10 --Figure 69 i5 an embodiment of an add/edit/delete refinisher paint lines edit or delete master prefix screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance scr~en presentation;
Figure 70 i5 an embodiment of an add/edit/d~lete refinisher paint lines cost codes screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price list maintenance screen pre~entation;
Figure 71 is an e~bodiment of hn add/edit/delete equivalent refinisher paint lines enter ma~ter point line type screen presentation overlaying the refinisher price li~t maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 72 i5 an embodiment of an add/edit/delete equi~alent refinisher paint line ~creen presentation overlaying a refinisher price list maintenance screen presentation;
Figure 73 i5 an embo~iment of a paint/material co~t pex labor hour report window scresn presentation overlaying the paint/material costing menu;
~0 Figure 74 i9 an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentakion overlaying the paint/material costing menu screen presentation;
Figure 74A is an embodlment of a cost per labor hour report;
Figure 75 is an em~odiment of a cost calculations report window screen presentation overlaying th~
paint/material costing menu screen presentation;
Figure 76 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen pre~entation overlayiny the cost calculations report window screen presentation;
Figure 76A is an embodiment of a cost calculations report;
Figure 77 is an embodiment of a print mix base color labels select vendor screen presentation overlaying the print mix base color labels screen presentation;

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Figure 78 i5 an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color labels screen presentation;
Figure 79 is an embodiment of a mixing color not found in mixing color data base screen presentation overlaying khe pri~t vendor mixing color labels screen presentation Fiqur~ 80 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color labels (ounces) screen presentation;
Figure 31 is an embvdiment of a print vendor mixing color label tgram~) screen presentation;
Figur~ 82 is an embodiment of a print vendor mixing color label (standard sizes) screen presentation;
Figure 83 is an embodiment of color labels;
Figure 84 is an embodiment of a mixing color management select vendor screen presentation o~erlaying the mixing color inventory management screen presentation;
Figure 85 i3 a vendor mixing color inventory management screen pre~entation;
Figure 86 is an embodimen~ of a mixing color record does not exist screen presentation overlaying the vendor mixing color invsntory management screen presen~ation;
Figure 87 is an embodiment of an edit or delete mixing color Rcreen presentation overlaying a vendor mixing color i~ventory management screen pre~entation;
F.igure 88 i5 an embodiment of a deletion of mixing color is irreve.rsible screen presentation overlaying the edit or d01ete mixing colo~ screen presentation;
Figure 89 is an embodiment of a vendor mixing color inventory management screen presentation;
Figure 90 is an embodiment of a mixing color reorder screen select vendor screen presentation;
Figure 91 is an embodiment of a print full or summary report screen presentation overlaying a mixing color reorder report screen presentation;

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Figure 92 is an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying a mixing color reorder reeort screen presentation;
Flgure 93 is an embodiment of a mixing color reorder report;
Figure 94 is an embodiment of a mixing color inventory statu~ repo~t 7 Figure 95 is an em~odiment of a mixing color inventory list s~lect vendor screen presentation;
Figure 96 is an embodiment of a set filter for mixing color inventory report screen presentation overlaying the mixing color in~entory list screen presentation;
Figure g7 i~ an embodiment of a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the mixing color inventoxy list screen presentation;
Figure 98 is an embodiment of a mixing color movement report;
Figure 99 is an embodiment of a mixing color movement report ~elect vendor screen pre~entation;
Figure 100 is an embodiment of a print full or summary report screen prosentation overlaying the mixing color movement report screen presentation;
Figure 101 is a check paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the mixing color movement report screen presentation;
Figure 102 i~ an embodiment of a daily fo~mula size fra~uency summary report;
Figure 103 is an embodiment of a daily formula fxequency report screen presentation overlaying the daily formula frequency report screen presentation;
Figure 104 is an embodiment of a daily formula frequency data file is empty screen presentation overlaying the daily formula frequency repor~ screen presenta~ion;
Figure 105 is an emhodiment of a monthly frequency of formulas mixed report;

~.~r~ 3 Figure 106 ~s an embodlment of a monthly frequency of formula~ mixed repor~ select vendor screon pre30ntation;
Figure 107 i8 an embodiment of a prlnt full or ~ummary report screen pre~entation overlaying the monthly frequency of formula~ mixed report;
Pigure 108 i~ an embodiment of the check paper all~nmen~ screen pre~entation ov~rlaying the monthly frequency of formula~ mixed report screen presentation;
~iguxe 109 i8 an embodime~t of a ~pecial tint formula report;
Fiqure 110 i~ an e~odiment of a 5pecial tint formula report select vendor ~creen presen~ation;
Fiqure 111 is an e~bodiment of a chec~ paper alignment screen presentation overlaying the 6pecial tint fonmula report ~creen pre~entation;
Figure 11~ is an embodiment of a required ~y~tem file mis~ing ~creon presen~ation- .
Figures 115A,B,and C are a logic flow diagram o an embodiment o~ a program for performing sy~tem start-up;
Figures 116A,B,C, and D are a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program ~or per~orm.ing user main monu selection;
Figures 117A~s~C and D are a 10wdiagram of an embodiment of a program ~or performing paint formula retrieval~
Figurs 118A,B, and C are~a flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for performing checks for multiple formula8;
Figures ll9A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I and J are a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for editing formula fields;
Figures 120~,B,C,D,E, and F are a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program ~or performi~g a spe~ial color library functio~;
Figures 121A,B~C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P and Q are a logic flow diagram of an embodiment-of ~ program for performing a paint costing function;

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~4 -Figures 122A,B and C are a logic flow diagram ~or an embodiment of a program for performing the print mixing color label~ function;
Figures 123A, and B are a logic flow diagram for an embodiment of a progra~ for performing ~ixing color lnventory manaqement;
Figure 124 i a log$c ~low diagram for an embodiment of a progr~m for providing the ~lxing color reorder report~;
Figur~ 125 iq a logic flow diagr~m of an embodim~nt of a program for providing ~h~ inven~ory list;
~ igure 126 is a logic flo~ diagram of an embodiment o~ a program for providing the color movement reports;
Figures 127A and B are a logic flow diagram of an embodiment of a program for providing the daily frequency report~;
Figure 128 is a logic flow diagram for an embodiment o~ a program for providing the monthly frequency mixed reports;
Figure 129 ~ a logic ~low diagram fo~ an embodi-ment of a program providing the special tint reports; and Figuro 130 illustrates data base files present in a preferred embodiment.

D~TAILED DESC~IPTION OF THE PREFERRED E~BODIMENT
Referring no~ to tha Figure~, there is illustrated a preferr~d embodimen~ of a pain~ fonmula retrieval and management ~y~t~ and method in accordançe with the principle~ of the present invention.
Figure 1 illu~trates the ba~ic function~ pre~ent in a preferred embodi~en~ o~ ~he presen~ inve~tion. ~he preferred embodiment of the present in~ention is implemented b~ u~e of a progr~mmed computer system, an example of such a computer ystem being illustrated in Figure 2 and generally referenced by the referen~e 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 Figure 1.
The computer system is shown a~ including a general purpose microcomputer 202 such as an IBM AT compatible, a dot matri~ printer 204, a display device 206, a keyboard 208, and a storage device 210. The microcomputer might include a dual-speed 6/8 megahertz (M~z) 80286 central processing unit (CPU), the speed being hardware switch selectable.
The di~play 206 will preferably have graphics capability and be driven by a suitable graphics card located in one of the expan~ion slo~ of the microcomputer. The s~orage deYic~ 210 might include both floppy drives, such as high density 1.2 msgabyte (MB) drives and hard disks of several megabytes for storing paint formula Eiles. In addition, the microcamput~r will preferably include random access memory (R~M) for execution of a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, there is ~ne megabyte of ~AM present. Further, in the preferred embodiment, a long life battery will be pre~ent for powering CMOS memory. The printer 204 is preferably a fairly high Rpeed dot ma~rix printer; e.g., 200 characters per second in draft mode an~ 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 include~ a 2,000 byte huffer. A preferred embodiment of a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention run~ under MS-DOS~ operating system software and can be used with applications/utility management software, both of which ara 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.

_ 16 -Illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 is the cuxrently existing prior art method of retrieving paint formulas.
Paint vendors provi.de 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. ~he specific format and informa~ion provided varies depending on the vendsr. 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 ~i~e containex he/she desires and manually writes the formula do~n on a piece of paper for paint mixing purpose~. Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged frasmentary 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 ba~e color information includes a color code, color de-~ignation and an amount in gram~ 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 Figure 1, a preferred embodimont of the present invention provides th~ basic ollowing functions:
1. Paint formula retrieval - This function will enable the u~er to retrieve paint formulas. When paint label~ 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 formula~ions. This function allows for recording of three lines of message text identifying the tint for later retrieval and use.
3. Paint and material co~ting - ~his function will enable the user to record and calcula~e the paint and material costs associated with the use of a user specified amount of paint for a 3~

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

5. Mixing color inventory management -This function ~ill enable the user to update or enquire on the mixing base color inventory levels and track point sales, over-the-counter ~ale~, and establi~h reorder levels ba ed on number of units.

6. Mixin~ color re~rder report - ~his ~unction will enable the user to gen~rate report3 that ~ill aid in th~ purchase of mixing base colors.
This function allow~ the user to generate a list of only those mixing colors which may need to be reor~ered because the stock on hand has fallen below a user established reorder level.

7. Nixing color inventory status report - This 2S function will enable the user to generate reports on the status/valuation of mixing base color inv2ntory. A ~eparate report can be generated for each vendor.

8. Mixing color movement report - This function will enable the user to yenerate reports on the usage of mixing ba~e colors in selections 1 and 4. The amount of each mixing color use~ in fo~mulas and the amount ~old over the counter can be tabulated.

9. Daily formula frequency report - This function will enable the user to print a daily formula size frequency report.

10. Monthly formula frequer.cy report -This function will enahle the user to generate reports on the frequency of use of paint formulas during a reporting period (typically a month). For each formula, the number of ~imes the formula was mixed and the siæes which were mixed are reported.

11. Special color library report - This function will enable a user to generate a listing of all the paint formulas that have special color tinting associated with them or to enter/modify a custom color formulation.

12 System utilities and configuration - This 3 1~ 3 function will enable a user to custom configure the operation of the system and to perform system utility functions.
Rlocks 230 and 256 in Figure 1 represent the initiation and termination of the functions 232 ~hrough 254, respectively.

SYSTEM I~ITIATIO~
A praferred ~mbodiment of a paint formula retrieval and managem~nt system program developed in accordance ~ith the principles of the present invention is activated at the mlcrocomputer by use of a con~entional operating sys~em command. (Throughout this disclosure, the paint formula retrieval and management system program will be referred to as the CAT~RA~SY program, CATFR~MS being a trademar~ of Yada Sy~tems, Inc. ) In the preferred embodiment, applications/utility management software is utilized to display a master menu such as is illu~trated in Figure 5. The master menu enable~ a usar to reset the date and/or time, call up the utility menu, install updates to the CA~FR~MS program, load the CA~FRANS program, or exit to the operating sy3tem. Once the CATFRANS program is loaded into the ~icrocomputer RAMt the CATFRAMS program of the preferred embodimen~ displays a banner identifying the CATFRANS program and providing variou~ copyright, trademarX, etc. notices. The user proceeds beyond this display by entering any key on the keyboard. In the preferred embodiment, this action results in a further display of various trademarks, trade names, etc. for the various paint vendors whose paint formulas are being referenced in the CATFRA~S pxogram. The user, once again, can proceed past this display by entering any Xey from the keyboard.
Depending on how the system was configured, the system date, and the date of the first record in ~he daily formula siz~ frequency file, one of the following situations will occur~

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1. The user has not configured the system to track daily formula size frequency. In this case, the CATFR~MS program will proceed to display the CATFR~MS main menu as illustrated in Figure 6.
2. The CA~RAMS program i5 configured to track daily formula 9ize frequency and the current date i~ the same as the date of the first record in the daily formula size frequency file. In this ca~e, the CATFRANS program will proceed on to the display of the main menu as generally illu~trat~d in Figure 6.
3. The CATFRAMS program is configurad to track daily formula size frequency and the current date is not the same as the date of the first record in the daily formula size frequency file; e.g., if a user had mixed some paints the day bafore and the CATFRAMS program was being st~rted for the first time the follo~ing day. In this case, the CATFRANS program will display a daily formula frequency report ~creen presentation as g~nerally illu~tra~ed in Figure 7. Th~ u~er will enter one of the menu choices (1 through 4) and the CATFRAMS program will perform the associated procQssing. ~his processing i~ diYcus~ed when the daily formula frequency report is described.
Upon completion o the selected processing, the CATFRAMS program will display the CATFRAMS main menu as ganerally illu~trated in Figure 6. Each of the numbered selections on the CATFRA~S main menu corr~spond to one of the functions ~hown in Figure 1, which the user can initiate. In the pref~rred embodiment, the CATFRAMS
program can be initialized to display the user's name (body ~hop or jobber name) at the top of the main menu. The functions of the CATF~AMS program illustrated in Figure 1 will now be discussed in more detail below.

PAINT FORMULA RETRIEVAL
The paint formula retrieval iunction of the CATF~AMS program includes:

1. Retrieval of user's selected formulas from the storage devices 210 wherP the paint formula and related information is stored.

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2. Formula presentation on the display 206.
3. Formula size selection tha~ allows the generation of non-standard sizes.
4. User editing via the keyboard 208 of formula header information.
5. Printing of paint formula~ion labels at the printer 204.
6. Tracking the ~requency of formula usage.
7. Inventory tracking of mixing base colors ba~ed on their use in paint formulas.
Once the user has selected the paint formula retxle~al function ~y entering a n 1~ and depressing a return key on the keyboard, tha CATFRAMS program will detexmine the number of pain~ vendors supported by the user' 9 CATFRAMS program. ~he CATFRANS program maintains ~hi~ information in a suitable data file. If the user's CATFRAMS program supports more than one vendor, a select vendor menu ~creen preson~ation will be displayed at the di~play 206 as generally illu~trated in Figure 8. The select vendor menu will ov~rlay, a~ a window, a formula retrieval background screen pre~entation so as to allow the user to select the pain~ vendor for which formulations will be retrieved. The CAT~RAMS p~ogram will wait for the user to select one of the vendors. In this particular menu, and typically throughout many of the menus of the CATFRAMS
program, the user will indicate a selection by entry of the corre ponding reference numeral and depressing a re~urn key function on the keyboard 208. If the CATFRAMS program supports only one vendor~ the CATFRAMS program will -~ proceed as though the user selected the vendor from the vendor menu. After the vendor has been selected, the CATFRAMS program will display the formula retrieval :~ 40 background screen presentation, also referred to as the formulation screen as generally illustrated in Figure 9 and ~ait for the user to enter a paint formula number. The .
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field or location for entry of the paint formula number is highlighted by use of reverse video as represented by a rectangular area 260 outlined by a broken line. When the user enter~ a paint formulation number, which might be a vendor provided paint foxmulation number or a user created formulation n~mber, the CATFRAMS program will perform the follo~ing check :
l. If the last key the user entered was an "ESC"
escape key, the system will return the user to the ~elect vendor menu. The user can then select a new vendor or return to the system main menu by depre~sing the e~cape key. If the sys~em supports only ons vendor and the user has entered ~he escape key, the ~y~tem will return to the main menu display. If the user returns to the vendor menu display, the user can return to the previous menu (usually the main menu) by entering a carriage return or the escape key.
2. The CA~FRAMS pro~ram will determine the paint o~mula type. The paint formula type is u~ed to determine the refinisher cost of the selec~ed formula size and also to determine the master formula file.
3. The CAT~RAMS program ~ill search for the formulation in the paint type master formulation file and also in the special color library formulation file. Two main types o formula files or data bases are maintained by the CATFRAMS program. One type i5 the master formulation files which include the vendor's formulation~ and the other is a special color 3S library formulation file of formula variants and cu~tom formulas created by the user. If only one variant of the formulation exis~s, then the formulation i5 displayed on the screen for the user. If multiple formulas are found, the multiple formulas are displayed for the user and ~he user will select one of the formulas. Figure 10 is an example of the display for a formulation that has more than one variant or formula.
4S If the formula was not in either the master formulation file or the special color library formulation file, then ~he system will display an informative message to the user indicating that the specified formulation does not exist/could not be found. The user will continue ~ 3 formula retrieval by entering any key on the keyboard. If the fonmulation wa~ located, ths aystem wlll dl~play the formulation on the ~creen as generally indicated in Figure 11. In th~ preferred embodiment, the paint vendor name i~
di~played at the top of the formulation screen.
~ he formulation screen of Figure 11 iæ composed of a 90t of field~ that contain information about ~he fo~mula along ~ith the a~ount~ o~ mix~ng base color for mixing different standard size~ (pin~/quart/two quart3/three quarts/gallon~ of ~he formula. Tho CATF~ANS
program of the preferred embodiment will display amount~
for the standard size~ ~upported by the ~endor (the ~iz ~
that have formulation~ on ~he paint vendor'3 microfiche supplied by tha paint vendor). However, the CATF~A~S
program will allow the user to ~elect standard ~iz~s not supported by the vendor, and will au~omatically calculate th~ formula ~or these size~, referred to as non-standard size~. Por example, if th2 vendor doe~n~t pro~ide a pint siza, no mix ba~e color quantitie~ will appear when the formula information has been retrieved. However, if the u~er selects a pint ~ize, then mix base color quan~ities will appear in the pint column. Once the formula ha~ been retrieved and displayed for the user, the C~TF~A~S program will then allow the editing of ~e1QCted infor~ation on the ~onmulation screan. Broken lines 260 indicate generally the field~ or information which can b~ edited.
Figure3 12~ ~ B illustrate the fonmulation screen with bracket3 being Rhown to identify the beginning and end of each fleld of infonmation. ~he number fou~d within th~
3G brackets of each field is a~sociated with the number found in ~e legend below the fonmulation display.
The bottdm half of the formulation display, as illustrated : in Figures 12A and 12s wilI vary if the user selected a formula fro~ the special oolor library fils. Eormula~ from 3S the special color li~r ry file will have only one standard size. The formulation ~ill have up to twenty mixing base 3~93 colors. Flgure 13 i~ an example ~f ~ formulation from the special color library.
Once the fo~mula inform~tion is displayed, the user will s~art field editing on the formula co~t code ~ield if th~ CATF~AMS program was configured to allow ~or~ula cos~ code ~diting, or will star~ on ~he number of labelR to print ~numb~r o~ p~ can~ field ~quantity field) if fonmula C08t code editing is not allowed. The user can selectively modify any of the fields that allow editing. The printing of labals oan occur after the size of tha fonmulation has been speci~ied, or immedia~ely if ~he u~er ~elect~d a formulation from ~he special color library. As soon as the reguired inormation ~o print the labels has been 3pecified by the u er, an informative status message is displayed at the botto~ of the screen, as is generally illus~rated in Figure 13, indicating that labQls can be printed. The ~tatu~ message text i~:
F10 to print label. The vender formula retrieval display field~ as generally illu~trated in Figures 12A and 12 are as follows:
1. Formula number 301 - This field will contain the ~ormula number that the user ~elects. The u~er cannot edit this field once the formulation ha~ been retrievad from it~ ~ource ile. It i~
for viewinq pUrpo80~ only at thi~ point.
2. Formula co~t code 302 - This field will contain the vendor co~ (pricing) code. The C05t cods i~ u~ed to dstenmine tha refini~her co~t~
for the amount of paint that will be mixed. The user ~an edit this fi~ld if the CATFRA~S program was configured to allow for~ula c~ code editing~ Oth~rwise, it is displayed for viewing only.
3. Formula alterna~iv~ numb~r 303 - Thi~ field represent~ the varian~ or alternati~e number of the for~ulation. I~ there i~ only one version, ~hen this field will typically be empty. This ~ield, along with ~he formula nu~ber, will provide a unig~e iden~ifio~tion for each formulation. The u~er cannot edit thi field.
4. Number of label~ to print 304 ~ This field i3 u~ed to ~pecify the number of paint ~ 3~ 36 identification label sets to print (number of paint cans). Thi~ also is used as a quantity count for the size of the formulation selected for inventory purposes. The inventory of mixing base colors is decremented by the quantity of each mi~ing base color used times the vaLue entered for this field. The default value for this field is one. The user can edit this field.
5. Amount of paint to mix 305 - This field i5 used to specify the amount (pint/~uart/two-qu~rt/etc~) of paint that will be mixed. This fiel~ is also referred to a the size field. The u~er can select one of the standard sizes supported by ~he paint vendox or a non-standard size that iB calcula~ed by the CAT~RAM5 program.
Figure 14 illustrates an example of the pull-down menu that will appear to enable user ~ize selection. The menu will appear when the cursor is positioned under the size field. In Figure 14, op~ions 1-5 are generally for standard mix ~izes. Non-standard size~ can be selected by s~lecting a standard size from the list which is not provided by the vendo.r; e.q., the vendor does not provide a pint size, or ~electing a special size. Selecting a special size allows ~he user ~o specify the mix amoun~ in 2.5% increments of a gallon. When the special ~ize option is ~elected, the u~er i~ pre~ented with a display that represents an ingredient ~liding scale 329 with ingredients in 2.5% of a gallon, as is generally illu~trated in Figure 15. As the u~er increases or decrease~ the amount by use of the let/right arrow keys, the inverse video portion 321 moves correspondingly along the scale 329.
Also, the digital amount ~elacted at 330, along with a status message at 332 indicating the clo~est standard ~ize. The status message will indicate if the amount is exactly equal to a standard size or is more or less than the standard si~-e u~ing a plus or minus sign.
Example status message d~scriptions are: pint (-), pint (~), quart (+), etc. After the special tint size has been selected, the CATFRAMS
program will update the display with the selected size, as i~ generally illustrated in Figure 16.
Figure 16 shows the updated display after this size has been ~elected. The right-most quantity column contains the amounts of each mixing base color ~or the selected size and includes ~he header "*SPCL*n in inverse video as indicated by broken line 260. (Inverse video will be used to indicate the size selected even when standard sizes are selected.) This text message indicates that the amounts in the column are for a special l9~6 _ 25 -tint. Under the si~e field, the word ~'special~' appears along with a status message indica~ing the closest standard size. In calculating the non-standard sizes above, the system will use the following method:
a. If the paint vendor standard sizes are exact multipleR of a gallon, then the perGenta~e selected is multiplied by the gallon amountY. The standard sizes are exact multiples of a gallon when the gallon amounts are four times the quart amounts, etc.
b. If the standard size~ are not exact multiple~ of a gallon, then the ~malle~t supported stand~rd size am~unts are con~erted to a gallon farmulation. The selected percentage i5 then multiplied by the calculated gallon formulation. The result is the foxmulation for the selected size.
A non-standard size can also be selected by ~el0cting a bulk mix. A bulk mix option allows the u~er to specify an amount ~o mix up to 99.99 gallons in increments of l/lOOth of a gallon.
This non-standard size option is generally u~ed for calcula~ing the quantity amounts for sizes in excess of one gallon. However, this also allows a user to reque~t mix 3izes less than a gallon in increments finer than the 2.5% of a gallon through ths special tint option. Figure 17 is an embodiment of the screen used for user input of the bulk mix selection, and Figure 18 shows the display presented to the user after the size in Figure 17 has been selected. The CATFRAMS
program will display the calculated amounts for the bulk mix in the right-most column and at the text mes~age "*BULK*" above the right-most column indicating that the quantities are for a bul~
mix. The user can also input four lines of mix instructions. The text generated her~ will be printed on the ~SDS/Regulatory label. ThP
CATFRAMS program will calculate the bulk mix formulation by multiplying the gallon formulation times bulk mix amount selec~ed. If a gallon formulation is not supported by the paint vendor, then the largest supported formulation is converted to a gallon formulation an~ the calculated gallon formulation is used.

After the user has selected the size, the CATFRAMS program will determine the refinisher ~ ~f~ 9 costs of the formulation. If the CATFRAMS
program is configured to display the refinisher costs, then costs will be displayed on the screen in the upper left hand corner as illustrated in S Figures 16 and 18. ~he refinisher cost i5 based on the code found in the formula cost code field and the formulation size selected by the user.
The system maintains a price schedule similar to the vendor refini~hed price sheet. If the user s~lected a non~standard si~e, the system will calculate the refinisher cost~ using the costs of the standard size ~hat is tke sam~ or smaller than the ~electsd size. If the price schedule does not include a price for a smaller ~ize, the price for ~he next largest size i3 u3ed. The cos~ per ounce of the refinisher i~ calculated from the price ~chedule for the corresponding size. The cost per ounce is then multiplied times the num~er of ounces in the selected size.
The CATFRANS program will also add an additional mark up to the refinisher cost. The additional mark up i5 calculated by multiplying the special tint mark up percentage (that the user can figure the CATFRAMS sy~tem with in the system utilities and configuration main menu option) times the calculated refinisher cost. This cost will then be displayed for the user. The u~er can edit thi~ ~ield.
6. Purchase or repair order 306 - Thi~ field lndicates whether or not the customer ordered the formulation with a purchase order (value of "P"
in this field) or a repair order (value of "R~' in this field). Tha default value is npn. The user can edit this field.
7. Purchase or repair order number 307 - This field contains the customer purchase or repair order number. 1'he default value is an empty field. The user can edit this field.
g. Formula additional information about the formula 308 - This field is used to display additional information about the formulation.
This information is specific to each paint vendor. The user cannot edit this field.
9. Customer name 309 - This field specifies the name of the customer that ordered the ; 50 formulation. This field will no~ be displayed unless the system has been configured to use customer names. If configured, the user can edit this field.
10. Rush order 310 - This field indicates the priority of the customer order. If the user enters a "Y" for this field, then the word "RUSH~
will appear on the mix opera~or label. This is an indication to the person mixing the formulation that this order should supercede other orders that are not marked as priority formulations. The defaul~ value is ~'N". The user can edit this field.
11. Formula color 311 - This is the vendor color de~cription for the formulation. The user cannot edit thi~ field.
12. Formula OEN paint code 312 - This fîeld specifies the O~N paint code used to identify the color. ~he user can edit this field.

13. Formula make of car 313 - This field specifies the make o~ the car for the formula.
The user can edit this field.

14. Formula year of the card 314 - This ield specifies the year(s) that the formulation was used for the car ~peci~ied in the formula make of th~ car field. The user can edit this field.

15. Formula me3sage-1 315 - This field con~ains vondor specific information about the formula.
The usor can edit this field.

16. Formula message-2 ~16 - This field contains vendor specific in~ormation about the formula.
The user can edit this field.

17. Formula m~ssage-3 317 - This field contains vendor spocific information about the formula~
The user can e~it this field.

18. Formula ~tandard ~ize~ from vendor 318 -This field will display the st~ndard sizes supported by the paint vendor for the formulation. The user cannot edit this field.
lg. Formula mixing base colors 319 - This column contains the mixing base color numbers used in the formulation. The user cannot edit any of the mixing base color numbers in this column.
20. Formula mixing bas~ color description 320 -This column contains the mixing base color descriptions for the mixing base color numbers.
The user cannot edit the mixing base color - descriptions in this column.
21. Formula pint quantities 321 - This field 3~
- 2~ -contains the mixing base color amounts used in a pint formulation. These amounts are typically provided in grams. The user cannot edit any of the mixing base color amounts in this column.
s 22. Formula quart quantities 322 - This field contains the mixing base color amounts used in a quart formulation. The user cannot edi.t any of the mixing base color amounts in this column.
23. Formula 2-quart quantities 323 - This field contain~ the mixing base color amounts u~ed in a 2-quart formulation. The user cannot edit any of the mixing base color amount~ in this column.
24. Formula 3~quart quantities 324 - This field contains the mixing base color amounts used in a 3-quart formulation. The u~er cannot edit any of the mixing base color amounts in this column.
25. Formula gallon quantities 325 - This field contains the mixing base color amounts used in a gallon formulation. This column also will contain the mixing ba~e color quantities ~hen the user selec~ a Rpecial tint or a bulk mix. The user cam~ot edit an~ of the mixing base color amount~ in ~his column. This field is also used to display volume quantities when the vendor supports volume quantities and the user has selected a volume formulation. ~hi~ system will display on the statu~ lin~ an indication if the formula is available Ln a volume formulation.
The user can select a volume formulation by following tbe instructions in the message status area.
26. Message status area 326 - This area is used for di~playing inormative messages to the user.
It is the last line on the display. The messagQ(s) displayed are sensitive to the current field/function the u~er i~ perfo~ming.
The formulation screen provides a standard display format which remains the same regardless of the specific arrangement or format the vendor's information is in.
The us~r can abort the editing process by entering the "ESC" escape key at the keyboard 208 at any time. If the user does enter an escape key, the system will return the user to the formula number field and will ~o~

wait for a new formulation number. When the user completes formula field editing, the system will update the mixing base color usage in the mixing base color inventory, update the formulation frequency of usage, and print appropriate labels. After the appropriate labels have been printed, the CATFRAMS program will return to the formula number field and will ~ait for a new formulation number.
A preferred embodiment of the paint formula retrieval function of the present in~ention will provide for the printing of four different types of label~ as generally illustrated in Figures l9A,B. Label 340 serves as a paint formula identification label. Thii label identifies the paint formula number and contains most of the informati~n displayed in the upper half of Figure 12.
1$ This label is placed on the front of the paint can as generally illu~trated in Figure 20A. Label 342 serves as a tinting guide label. This label contains the mixing base color numbers and amounts used for the amount of paint contained in the paint can. The purpose of this label is to provide the customer with a guide for tinting the paint.
This label is preferably placed on a vendor's label 341 as generally illustrated in Figure 20A. The vendor's label 341 is typically attached to a paint can by use of an adhesive trip 343. Label 344 as shown in Fi~ure l9A is a touch-up bottle label 344A. This label is used as an additional paint formula identification label that can be placed on a touch-up bottle. If there is material safety data sheet information and regulatory information to be printedt the label 344 can be replaced with a label 344B
which contains material safety data sheet and other regulatory information. If the label 344B contains NSDS
info~mation, the label is attached ~o the paint container as shown in Figure 2OB.
Label 346 is a mix operator label. This label is used by the person ~hat will mix the paint formulation.
This label contains the mixing base colors and amounts for the selected size. This label preferably includes the company name, formula number, mix size, reference cost, time and/or rush status, date and a blank for signature by the person mixing the paint. A special message line might be included indicating any special tin~ing or the like. It will be noted ~hat in the ~referred embodiment, the labels 3~0 through 346 are self-adhesive labels placed on a tractor feed form. The label 346 is ~2parated from the other three labels by a perforation/fold line 348 such that the mix operat~r label 348 can be readily separated from the other three label~ 340 through 344. ~oreover, in the preferred embodiment, the di~tance between the perforations 348 is the same such that the label 346 can be conveniently folded over onto the labels 340 through 344.

The special color library function 234 performs the following subfunctions:
1. Ca~alogs modifications made by the user to vendor paint formulations.
2. Catalogs custom paint formulations.
When the special color library option is selected from the main menu by entering the number 2 and hitting the "ENTER" return key, the CATFRANS program will search its data files to determine the number of paint vendors supported by the CATFRAMS program. If the CATFRAMS
program supports moxe than one vendor, a select vendor menu screen presentation will be displayed in a window format overlaying the special color library background screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 21. The vendor window menu allows the user ~o select the paint vendor for which formulations will be tinted or created.
The CATFRANS program will wait for the user to select ona of the vendors. If the CATFRAMS program supports only one vendor, the system will prooeed as though the user selected the vendor from the vendor menu. After the vendor has been .~g~

selected, the CATFRAMS program will display the special color library background display as generally illustrated in Figure 22 and wait for the user to enter a paint formulatio~ number. Although not shown, fields modifiable by the user will appear in inverse video as in the formula retrieval function.
When the user ent~rs the formulation number, the CATFRAMS program will perfo~m the following checks:
1. If the la~t key the user entered was an escape key, the system will return the user to the vendor me~u. The user can then select a new v~ndor or return to the sys~em main menu. If the system supports only one vendor and the user has entered an e~cape, the system will return to the main menu display. If the user returns to the vendor di.splay, the u~er can return to the main menu by enter~ng a return or an escape key.
2. ~he CATFRAMS program will search for the formulation in the paint master formulation file and also in the special color library formulation file. I only one ver~ion of the formulation exi~t~, then the information from the formulation is displayed on the Ycreen as sho~n in Figure 23 (the formulation amount~ are not displayed until the user selects the size). Otherwise, the formulation variantC are displayed for the user and the user will ~elect one of the variants. An example of the variant~ di~play is illustrated in Figure 10.
If the user selected a formulation that is in the special color library~, a special tint formula records window will appear as generally illustrated in Fiyure 24 providing the user with a choice of cxeating A new variant based on the selected formulation, editing the selec~ed variant, or deleting the selected variant. Based on the user~s input, one of the following will be performed:
l. If the user enters an escape key~ the CATFRAMS program will return to the user back to the vendor special formula tinting display as generally illustrated in Figure 22 for entry of a formulation.
2. If the user enters a carriage return, the CATFRAMS program will select the default action and edit the selected formulation.

.

3~

3. If the user enters a "N", the CATFRAMS
program will make a copy of the existing variant and create a new variant in the special color library file.
4. If the user enters a nD", the CATFRAMS
program will delete the selected varian~ from the special color library.
If the formula was not found in either the master formulation file or the special color library, then tha system will display an informative m~ssage to the u~er indicating that the ~pecified formulation doe~ not exist as is generally illustrated in Figure ~5. The user then has the choice of adding the formulation num~er ~o the special color library. If the user elects to add the formulation to the color library, the C~TFRAMS program will create a new formulation with empty data fields. If ~he user does not want to add the formulation, the CATFRAMS
program will return the user to the formulation number entry o~ Figur~ 22~
As~uming the user ha-~ selected one of the above options that doe~ not return to the formulation number entry, the ~ystem will begin allowing the u~er to enter data into the formulation field~ of the vendor special ormula tinting display as generally illustrated in Fiqure 26.
The vendor special formula tinting formulation scr2en, also referred to as the ~pecial color library formulation ~creen, is composed o~ a set of field~ that contain information about form-llation usage along with the amounts of mixing base color for mixing a specific formula size (pint/quart/2-quarts/3-guarts/gallQn). Figures 27A,B
illustrate the formulation screen display of Figure 26 with brackets defining the beginning and end of each field and an associated legend identifying each fi~ld. The user will start field editing on the formula cost code field. The user can selectively modify any of the fields that allow editing. As with the formula retrieval background screen presentation, the fields which can be edited will appear in inverse video, also referred to as reverse video. The function o~ each of the fields is described below:
1. Formula number field 351 - This field will contain the fo~mula number that the user selected. The user cannot edit this field once the formulation has been retrieved from its source file. lt is for viewing purposes only at thi~ point.
2. Formula C09t code field 35~ - This field will contain the ~endor cost ~pricing) code. The cost code i~ used to datermine the refinisher cost for the amount of paint that will be mixed. The u~er can add on~ of ths cost codes that is in the r~f inisher price sch~dule ~the refinisher price schedule i~ described in paint costing below).
The user can edit this field.
3. Formula alternative number 353 - This field repre~ents the variant or alternati~e number of the formulation. This field, along with the formula num~er, will provide a unique identification for the formulation. The user can edit this field.
4. Formula size 354 - This field is used to specify the size (pint/quart/2-quart/etc.) of the formulation. The user can select one of the standard sizes 3upported by the paint vendor, or a non-standard size that is calculated by the sy~tem~ Figure 2B illustrates ~he pull-down menu that will appear tG allow user size selection.
The user ~an edit this field. Figure 29 represents a pint size selection. Non-standard 8ize9 can be selected by s~lecting a ~tandard size not provided by the ~endor or selecting a special tint. In th~ first instance, the vendor does not support all the ~tandard sizes in the size list that includes pint, quart, 2-quart, 3-quart, and gallon. The special tint selection allows the user to specify the mix amount in 2.5%
increments of a gallon. The user is presented with a special formula tint mixture scale screen presentation display that is a gradiant sLiding scale with increments in 2.5~ of a gallon as generally illustrated in Figure 30. This display is similar to that of Figure 15. As the user increa~es or decreases the amount, the system will display the digital amount selected location 330 along ~ith a status message at 332 indicating the closest standard size~ The status message will indica~e if the amount is exactly equal to a standard size or is more or less than the standard size by use of a plus or minus sign.
Example status message descriptions are pint (-), pin~ (+), quart (+), etc. After the special tint size has been selected, the system will update the display for th~ selected size as generally illustrated in Fisure 31. The CATFRAMS program will use the following method for calculating a non-standard size: If the paint vendor~s standard sizes are exact multiples of a gallon, then the percentage selected i5 multiplied by the gallon amounts. The standard si~es are exact multiples of a gallon and the gallon amount~ are four time the quart amounts, etc. If the standaxd sizes are not exact multipl~ ~f a gallon, then ~he smallest supported standard size i~ converted to a gallo~
: 15 formulation. The selected percentage i then multiplied by the calculated gallon formulation.
The result is the formulation for the selected size. If the no formula selectLon is selected, the user can create a special tint with no formulation ~ize. This is often used to provide additional messag~s for a given formula.
5. Formula color field 355 - This is the color description for the formulation. $he user can edit this field.
6. Formula color code field 356 - This field specifies the color code used to identify the color. The user can edit this field.
7. Formula make of car 3S7 - This field specifie~ the make of the car that the formulation is for. The user can edit this field.
8. Fo~mula year of car 358 - This field specifies the year(s) that the formulation was used for the car specified in the formula make of car field. The user can edit this field.
9. Formula message-l field 359 - This field contains information about the formula. The user can edit this field.
lO. Formula message 2 field 360 - This field contains information about the formula. The user can edit this field.
11. Formula message-3 field 361 - This field contains information about the formula. The user can edit this fi~ld.
12. Formula standard sizes from vendor 362 -This field will display the standard sizes supported by the paint vendor for the 3r~

ormulation. The user cannot edit this field.
13. Formula mixing base colors 363 - This column contains the mixing base color numbers used in S the formulation. The user can edit any of the mixing base color numbers in this column.
14. Formula mixing base color description 364 -This column contains the mixing base color descriptions for the mixing base color numbers.
~he u~er cannot edit the mixing base color dQscriptions in this column.
15. Formula mi~ing base color amounts 365 - This field cont~ s the mixing ba~e color amounts used in the fonmulation. ~hese color amounts are pro~rided in whate~ex units the vendor formulates his/her formula ~grams, pounds, ounces, pints).
The user can edit any of the mixing base color amount~ in this column. There are several ways that a user can tint an existing variant. The following is a de~cription of two techniques that can be used:
a. Adjust the existing mixing base color amounts by the amount of the mixing base color added for tinting purposes. If the mixing base color wa~
no~ in the formulation, add the amount to the la~l amount in the list to arrive at the weight for the nsw mixing ba~e color. Figure 32 is an example of a formulation that was tinted using thi~ technique.
b. For each of the colors used in tinting the formulation, add the mixing ba~e color and the tinting amount at the end of the mixing base color list.
This method a~sumes that the mixing scale will be re~et to zero prior to adding any of the tinting quantities.
Figure 33 shows an example of a formulation that was tinted using this technique.
16. Message status area 365 - This area is used for displaying informative messages to the user.
It is the last line on the display. The message(s) displayed are sensitive to the current field/function the user is performing. An example of such a message is "F10 to save special tint~ as is illustrated in Figure 32~

r~f~
-- 3~ ~

The user has the option of editing any or all of the fields descrihed above as being user modifiable (can be edited by the user). The user can abort the editing process by entering the escape key at any time. If the user does enter the escape key, the system will return the user to the formula number field and will wait for a new formulation n~mber. When the user completes formula field editing, the CATFRAMS program will update the sp~cial color library with the formula and return the u~er to the formula number field 351 as generally shown ln Figure 22, the formula number field 351 being di~played in inYerse video.

PAINT AND MATERIAL COSTING
The paint and material costing feature performs the function of accurately tracking the pain~ and materials co~t associated with painting automotive vehicles. When this function is selected from the main menu of Fiqure 6, a m~nu o~ options as generally illustrated in Figure 34 is presented on the di~play screen. The CATFRAMS program will then wait for a user menu selection. Each of the numberQd selections on the CATFRAMS paint and material costing menu represents an action tha user can request. A
brief description of what action will occur for each o~ the 2S selections i~ provided belo~:
1. Return to CATFRAMS menu - This ~election will return control to the main C~TFRAMS menu shown in Figure 6. The user will select this option to exit the paint/material costing function.
2. Paint/material cost calculations - This selection will start the paint/material cost function. The user will select this option to enter a new paint/materials cost calculation or edit an existing calculation.
3. Paint additives and clear coat maintenance -This selection will start the paint additives and clear coat maintenance function. The user will select this option to add to, edit, or print the list of available product numbers and the unit cost for paint and clear coat additi~es or each type of paint.
4. Paint and body supplies maintenance This selection will start the paint and body upplies maintenance module. The user will select this option to add, edit, or print body shop supply items and their per unit co~t.
5. Refinisher price list maintenance - This ~election will ~tart the refinisher price list main~enance function. The user will select this option to add to, edit, and modify the refinisher price list.
6. Paint/ma~erial cost per labor hour report -Thi~ ~eloction will ~tart the pain~/material co~t p~r labor hour report function. The user will ~elect this option to obtain a labor analysis of completed work.
7. C08t calculation report - This selection will start the cost calculation report function. The user wili select this option to obtain reports on specific C08t calculation~.
Tha paint/material cost calculation~ portion of the CATFRAMS program performs the func~ion of creation and editin~ o~ co~t calculation~. Upon selection of this feature, a paint/material costing presentation screen as generally illustrated in Figure 35 appear~ on the display.
Only eight lines are -~hown in Figure 35, but the user may scroll up or down to other lines by use of the direction keys. This screen presentation provide~ options for retrieval by line number, customer name, and repair order number (RON). An additional option is provided for creating/deleting cost calculations. After the initial screen presentation is displayed, the CATFRANS program will wait for input from th~ user. Depending on the user response, the following action~ will occur.
1. Create new cost calculation - When a u er selects a new cost calculation by entering an "N"
at the ~nter selection field, the user is immediately prompted for a paint vendor selection by use of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 36. If the user has only one p~int vendor, this screen presentation is bypassed and a name/address screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 37 is displayed. The name/address screen presentation contains information on the customer~s name, car, repair order number, wor~ and home phone, etc.
The user is prompted for additional information field by field on the screen until he enters the Fl~ special function key on the keyboard or enters the la~ field on the screen presentation, which is the completion date field. Next, a costing screen presentation is dixplayed as generally illustrated in Figure 3a, the formula f ield appearing in inverse video. rrhe u er is prompted for a fo~mula number and the en~ered formula number i5 retrieved from the appropriate data base. Ths u~er is then prompted for a paint size, by use of a ~creen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 39. Upon selection of the appropriate paint size, the cost is calculated. If the cost is based on the refinisher price, the cost reflects the cost defined on the vsndor refinisher's price list.
If th~ user has the ~'calculate refinisher price option~' set to "A" for actual cost, the cost is cslculated on the actual amount and cost o~ each mix color u~ed in the paint ~ormula. (If the user has ~ormulated a sp2cial tint, the actual co~t option will provide the exact cost of the ~pecial tint.) The user i9 then prompt~d for a paint type, paint catalyst, paint reducerl clear coat, clear coat catalyst, and clear coat reducer by use of ~creen pre~entations as generally illu~t~ated in Figures 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 4S, which appear ~equentially after each selection is made by the user. The user i then presented with eighteen items that are typically used when painting automotive vehicles by the appearance of the screen pre~entation as generally illustrated in Figure 46. 'rhese items and their corxesponding amounts represent the findings of a 3~ study on point costing and there~ore represent a close approximation of the costs. The expense type (P-paint, B=body shop items, O=other items, C=clean-up), a description of the item, quantity of item used per gallon of paint (F=fixed co~t, P-proportional cost), and the items~ cost are displayed. The user is allowed to change each item or can enter the "F10" special function key to sa~e or print the cost calculation. The CATFRAMS program will wait for the user to edit any of the eighteen items, enter the ~PG-DN~ page down key or enter the ~'FlO~' special function key. If the user enters the page down key or edits the last item in the pain~ and body supplies, the user will be prompted for the desired mark up by use of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 47. After entering the mark up and depressing the "F10" special function key, the user will immediately be prompted by a "save and print inf ormation" screen pre~entation as generally illustrated in Figure 48, if the user wants to save the cost calculation or print the cost calculation. The costing in~ormation is printed on a label configuration as shown in Figure 49, similar to that of Figure 19 with a label 343 containing the costing information and labels 341 containing customer information. The body shop name is printed on the label 343. Once the user has made an appropriate selection, the select paint/material cost calculation ~indow scr~en pre3e~tation a~ generally illustrated in Figure 35 is again presented at the di~play.
2. Find customer - When a "C" is entered at the ~select paint/material co~t calculation~ menu presentation, the user is prompted for the customer name on the cost calculation he/she desire~ to retrieve by u~e of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 50. Tho CATFRAMS program will ~oarch for the first name in the data base that matches as many characteræ a~ the us~r entered. If the name was not found, a customer not ~ound message w111 be displayed by a ~creen presentation as generally shown in Figure 51. I~ a matching custom~r name was found, a screen presentation as generally illustxated in Figure 52 will be displayed providing information on that customer and asking if this is the correct customer. If the user enters a yes re~ponse, editing of the cost calculation will proceed in the same method ~s described in a new calculation with the exception that data fields will contain information retrieved from the cu~tomer's file. If the user enters a no response, the C~TFRAMS program will continue to search for matche~ until no more can be found, at which time the screen presentation shown in Figure 51 will be displayed indicating that no customer matches could be found.
3. Find RO n~mber - When a "R" is entered at the "select paint/material cost calculation~ menu screen presentation, the user is prompted for the repair order number on the cost and calculation he/she desires to retriev~ as generally illustrated in Figure 53. The CATFRAMS program will search for the RO number in the data base.
If the RO number is not found, a screPn presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 54 will be displayed indicating that the RO

, _ 40 -number could not be found. If the R0 number was found, editing of the cost calculation will proceed in the same method as described in a new calculation with the exception that data fields will contain information retrievad from the repair order file, an example of such a screen presentation being illustrated in Figure 55.
4. Delete cost calc - When a ~D~ is entered at tha "3elect pain~/material cost calculation~' screen pre entation menu, the u~er is prompted for ~he cost calculation number on the cost calculation h~ desire~ to delete by use of a ~creen presentation a~ generally illustrated in lS Figure 56. The CA~FRAMS program will search for the co~ calculation numher in the data base. If the cost calcula~ion number is not found, a C08t calculation not found message will be displayed via 2 screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 57. If the cost calculation number was found, an additional screen presentation will be di~played as generally illustrated in Figure 58 to en ure that the cost calculation should be deleted. Control is then returned to the ~select paint/material C09t calculation" screen presentation menu.
The paint additives and clear coat maintenance selection illustrated in the screen pre~entation of Figure 34 perorms the function of creation and editing of available product numberq and the unit costs for paint and clear coat additives for each type of paint. The screen presentation illustrated in Figuxe 36 provides options for selecting one of the supported paint vendors. The CATFR~MS progr~m will wait unit a paint vendor is selected, a return key is entered with no selection or an escape key is pressed. A return without a selection or the escape key will return control to the "paint/material costing" screen presentation menu of Fisure 34. After selecting a paint vendor, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 59 is pr~san~ed prompting the user for the type of paint. A screen presentation as generally illustra~ed in Figure 60 is next presented prompting the user for the paint supply rate method (basecoat/non-basecoat). If a basecoat paint is selected, then twice the normal amount of supplies must be calculated since a basecoat paint will go twice as far. The user can then edit the paint catalyst, paint reducer, clear coat, clear coa~ catalyst, and clear coat rPducer amounts. The edited values are displayed in a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 61. Upon pressing the "F10" special function key, a window screen pre entation as generally illustrated in Figure 62 is presented prompting the user for whether or not the paint additive and clear coat list i~ to be printed. Control is then returned to the "paint/material co~ting" screen presentation menu.
The paint and body ~upplies m~intenance selection performs the func~ion of creation and editing of body shop supply items and their per unit cost. Up to eighteen items can ~e stored in the da~a base. Upon ~election of this feature, an initial screen presentation, as generally illu~trated in Figure 63, is presented at the display ensbling the usex to edit the expense type, description, percent of unit used per gallon of paint, ~lat or percent ratio, and the unit cost for each of the eighteen items.
Upon completion of the editing proce~s, the user presses the "~10" special function key which will result in a screen presentation as generally illu~trated in Figure 64 prompting the user for whether or not the paint and body supplies listing is to be printed. Control is returned to the "paint/material casting" menu following the entry o~
the last item, the escape key, or entering the nF10"
special function key. The escape key entry will a~ort all chanyes.
The refinisher price list maintenance selection performs the function of creation and editing of the ~` refinisher price list as supplied by various paint vendors.
Upon selection of this option from the paint/material costing screen presentation menu, as illustrated in Figure 34, the vendor select screen presentation will be displayed as generally illustrated in Figure 36. The CATFRAMS

3~

program will wait until a user selects a paint vendor, a return key is entered with no selection, or an escape key is pressed. A return key without a selection or the escape key will return control to the ~'paint/material costing"
S screen presentation menu as generally illustrated in Figure 34. Following vendor selection, control passes to the "select product used" ~creen pre~entation menu a generally illustrated in Figuxe 65. This screen presentation menu provide3 the user with the ability to select the product used for editing, ~he ability to add/edit/d21ete refinisher co~t types, and the ability to add/edit/equivalent refinishar cost types. The CA~FRAMS program will wait until a selection is made, a return key is entered with no selection or an escape key is pressed. A return key without a selection or the escape key will return control to the screen presentation illus~rated in Figure 36. Once a product has been selected, a vendor refinisher price list Rcreen presentation a~ generall~ illustrated in Figure 66 is di played. The CATFRAMS program ~ill wait for u er editing of the pint, quart, and gallon price fields, the ~'F10~ sp~cial function, or the escape key being pxessed.
The "F10" special function key will save the changes and prompt the usex for printing by use of a window screen presentation as generally illustratRd in Figure 67. The escape key will return control to the menu screen presentation of Figure 36. If the usex had selected the "add/edit/delete refinisher cos~ types" in the screen presentation of Figure 65, a scre~n presentation as generally shown in Figure 68 is displayed. The CATFRAMS
program will wait until a master paint line type selection is made, a return key is entered with no selection, or an escape key is pressed. ~ return without a selection or the escape key will return control ~o the ~select product~ menu screen presen~ation of Figure 65. When a selection has been made, the ~ser is prompted to edit or delete the selection by display of a screen presPntation as generally ~3~ 336 shown in Figure 69. If deleting is selected, the master paint line type is deleted. If editing is selected, the present cost codes are displayed by use of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figura 70 and editing is allowed one field at a time. The "F10" special function key will sa~e the edited information. When t~e "add/edit/delete equivalent refinisher cost types"
sel0ction is made from the screen presentation shown in Figure 65, control is passed to the ~'add/edit/delete equivalent refinisher cost typesn menu screen presentation a3 generally illustrated in Figure 71. The CATFRAMS
program will wait until a master paint line type selection is made~ a return key is entered with no selection, or an escape key is pressed. The paint line types available may vary from vendor to vendor. The return key without a seLection or the escape key will return to the screen presentation illustrated in Figure 65. Nhen a selection ha~ been made, the user i~ prompted to edit or delete equi~alence~ by uge of a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 72. The equivalences are displayed and editing/addin~/deleting is allowed. The "F10" special function key will save the edited information and control is returned to the screen presentation of Figure 6~.
The material/paint co~t per labor hour report selection of the screen presentation shown in Figure 34, provide~ the capability to obtain printed reports and labor cos~s for cost calculations based on date ran~es, original cost calculations, cost calcula~ion~ with work in progress, and completed cost calculations. Selections are m~de by use of a screen presentation shown in Figure 73, which appears when the material/paint cost per labor hour report selection i made. The CATFRAMS program will wait until the selections are made or an escape key is pressed. The escape key will return con~rol to tha screen presentation of Figure 34. Following these selections~ the user is prompted by use of a screen presentation as illustrated in Figure 74 to make sure paper is in the printer and ~he top of fo~m is set. Figuxe 74A represents a sample paint/material cost per labor hour report. Control is then returned to the "paint/material costing" menu screen presentation illustrated in Figure 34.
The cost calculation report selection of the npaint/material co~ting" menu screen presentation illustrated in Fi~ure 34, pro~ides the capability to obtain printed reports and co~t calculations based on date ranges, original cost calculation~, cost calculation~ with work in progra~s, and completed cost calculations. Output can be sorted by customer name, co t calculation number, or RO
number. Upon selection of the co~t calculation repor~
feature, a "cost calculation report window" screen presentation is displayed as generally illustrated in Figure 75. The CA~FR~S program will wait until the selections are made or an escape key pressed. The escape key will return control to the "paint/material costing"
menu screen presentation shown in Figure 34. Following the user selection~, a screen pre~entation as generally illustrated in Figure 76 is displayed prompting the user to make qure the paper is in the printer and the top of form is set. Figure 76A represents a sample cost calculations r~port. Control i~ then returned to the "paint/material ~5 costing" menu illustrated in Figure 34.

PRINT MIXING COLOR LABELS
The print mixing color labels feature performs the functions of printing labels for mixed colors sold directly over the counter and maintaining inventory control of mixed colors sold over the counter. Upon selection of this feature from the "main menu" screen presentation as illustrated in Figure 6, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 77 is displayed providing for selection of the desired paint vendor. Control will return to the main menu shown in Figure 6 if an ~ESC~ escape key q33~i is entered. Following selection of a paint vendor, a screen presentation is displayed as generally shown in Figure 78 prompting the user for a mixing color. Two possibilities exist when a mixed color is entered. If the S mixed color is not found in the data base, a mixing color not found me~sage is displayed by use of a screen pre~entation as generally illu~trated in ~igure 79. Upon pre3sing any key, the screen presentation of Figure 78 is again displayed prompting the u~er for a mixing color. If the mixing color i5 found, a prompt is provided for the number of labels required for the printing. Following the number of labels entry, a prompt i~ provided for the type of colox amount ~grams, ounces, or standard sizes). A
selection of ounces produc2s a screen presenta~ion as generally shown in Figure 80 and a selection of grams produces a screen presentation a~ generally shown in Figure 81 prompting for the number of ounce~ or grams desired. If ~tandard ~i~es are selected, a screen pre~entation as generally shown in Figure 82 is displayed prompting the user ta select pint, quart, or gallon qizes. Once the size and amount has been selected, the mixed labels are printed and the invento~y is decremented. Illustrated in Figure 83 is an example o the color labels which are printed by a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The printing of the color labels is accompli~hed on the same labels used for the mix instructions as illustrated in Figure 19. The label por~ion 346 is not used for the color labels. This allows ~he same trac~or feed adhesi~e form paper to be used for both types of printouts which results in a cost savings and facilitates ease of use.

MI~ING COLOR INVENTORY MA~AGEMENT
The mixing color inventGry management selection of the main menu shown in Figure 6 provides the user interface to inventory status of the color data base and updating of the mixed color data base. An interface is provided to e~tablish and adjust reorder levels, reorder amounts, stock size, stock price, stock weight, stock description, quantity on hand, last order date, last order quantity, physical count quantity, and physical count date.
Upon ~election of the nmixing color inventory management"
seleckion from ~he main menu of Figure 6, a screen pr~senta~ion as gen~rally illustrated in Figure 84 i9 displayed pro~iding the user with options for selecting the desired paint vendor. Control will return to the main menu screen presentation of Figure 6 if the "ESC" escape key is pres~ed. Following selection of a paint vendor, a screen pre~entation is di played as gen~rally illustrated in Figure 85 prompting the user for a miæ color. Two possibilities exist when a mix color is entered. If the lS mix color is not found in the data base, a mixing color not found screen presentation as yenerally illustrated in Figure 86 i~ displayed and a prompt i~ provided to see if the color should be added to the mix color data base. If ~he color should be added, control will pass to the edit portion of this featu.re. The new color will then be handled the same as though editing an existing color. If the color was found in the data base, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 87 is displayed prompting the user to see i~ the color should be deleted or edited. If the color should be deleted, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 88 is displayed indicating the irreversibility of the deletion ac~ion. If the color should be edited, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 89 is displayed enabling the user to edit the information fields discussed above. As with other field entry screens, ~he direction keys and retuxn key are used to move through a data entry screen. When the last field is entered or ~he ~'F10~' special function key is entered, the new information is saved and control is transferred to the main menu as illustrated in Figure 6.

- 47 ~

MIXING COLOR REORDER REPORT
The mixing color reorder report selection of the ~ain menu illustrated in Figure 6, provides the capability to obtain printed output of only those mixiny colors which, according to the data in tne CATFRAMS program data base, may need to be reordered. Reordering is ba~ed on the quantity on hand and the reorder point for that color. The reorder report will include the following information:
a) quantity on hand b) stock size c) reorder level d) r~order quantity e) order cost Upon selecting the "mixing color reorder report"
option of the main menu illustrated in Figure 6, a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 90 is displayed providing for selection of the desired paint ~endor.
Control will return to the main menu ilLus~rated in Figure 6 if the "ESC" e~cape key i entered. Following selection o~ a paint vendor, a ~crean pre~entation is displayed as generally shown in Figure 91 inquiring o the use if the mixing color reorder repor~ is to be prin~ed for all mixing colors (F) or only those mixing colors in which the 2S quantity on hand is les~ than or equal to the reorder level and the reorder level i-~ not zero (S). The full option will print all mixed colors while the summary option will li~t only those mixed colors with an order quantity greater than zero. A papex alignment screen presentation as genexally shown in Figure 92 is then displayed reminding the user to ensure that ~he paper is aligned correctly.
Upon completion of thiq function, the CATFRANS program will return to the main menu illustrated in Figure 6. A
sample of the report provided is illustrated in Fig-~re 93.

MIXING COLOR INVENTORY STATUS LIST
The mixing color inventory status selection of the main menu shown in Figure 6 provides the capability to i c~

_ 48 -obtain printed ou~put on the status of the mixing color invento~y. Items included in the report are:
a) ~uantity on hand b) stock size c) stock cost d) stock value e) grams per gallon f) reorder level g) reorder quantity h) dat~ and amoun~ of last purchase i~ date and count of la~t physical i~ventory j) shortage amounts A sample of such a report is illustrated in Pigure 94. Upon selection of the "mixing color inventory status list" option of the main menu in Figure 6, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 95 for selection of the desired paint vendor. Control returns to the main menu if the "ESC" escape key is entered.
Following selection of a paint vendor, a screen presentation a~ generally illustrated in Figure 96 is displayed inquiring if a summary or full report is to be printed. The full report option will print all mixed colors while the summary report option will list only those mised colors with an order quantity greater than zero.
Upon selection of the report option, a screen presentation a~ generally represente~ in Figure 97 will be displayed, reminding the user to ensure that the paper is aligned correctly. Upon completion ~f the mixing color inventory ~tatu~ list function, control will return to the main menu illustrated in Figure 60 MIXI~ COLOR MOVEME~T REPORT
The mixing color movement report selection of the main menu shown in Figure 6 provides printed ou~put for the amount of each mixing color used in ~he color formulas, the amount sold as mixing color, and the total amount of movement. The data is tabulated to provide a yearly history of mixing color movement, an example of such a report being illustrated in Figure 98. Upon selecting the ~ (?~

- 4g -"mixing color movement report" option, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 99 is di~played providing for selection of the d~sired paint vendor. Control will raturn to the main menu illustrated S in Figure 6 if the "ESC" escape key is en~ered. Following selection of a paint vendor, a screen presentation as generally illustr~ted in Figure 100 is displayed prompting the u~er to select a summary or a full report. The full report option will print all mix color~ while the summa~y report option will li~t only those mix colors with movement. Upon selection of the report option, a screen presentation as generally illu~trated in Figure 101 will be displayed reminding the user to align the paper correctly.
Upon completion of the mixing color movement report function, the CATFRANS program will return to the main menu illustrated in Figure 6.

~3~ 3~i DAILY FORMULA FREQUENCY REPORT
The daily formula frequency report option of the main m~nu as illustrated in Figure 6 provides printed output on formulas mixed the previous day or days. The informa~ion is provided in summary form and i5 printed on th~ standard CATFRAMS program label. Upon selsction of the "daily formula frequency report" option, a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Fiyure 103 is displayed providing the following options:
1~ Print and empty the daily formula frequency fila.
2. Print the daily formula frequency file and keep the da a. 5 3. Keep but do not print the formula frequency data.
4. Empty the formula frequency file.
Control will xeturn to the main CATFRAMS program menu illustrated in Fiqure 6 if the "ESC" escape key is entered or after a selection ha~ been completed. If the daily formula frequency is empty, a ~creen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 104 is displayed. Upon completion of the daily formula frequency report function, the CATFRAMS program will return control to the main menu illustrated in Figure 6. An e~ample o the daily size frequency ~ummary report is shown in Figure 10~.
MONT~LY FR~QUENCY OF FORMULAS NIX~D RERORT
The monthly frequency of formulas mixed report option of the main menu illustrated in Figure 6 provides printed output on the number and si2e of each mix that has been made. A sample report is shown in Figure 10S.
Information is maintained by fsrmula number as labels are printed during formula retrieval. Upon selection of the "monthly formula frequency report" option from the main menu in Figure 6, a screen presenta~ion as generally illustrated in Figure 106 is displayed providing for user selection of tha desired paint vendor. Control will return to the main CATFRAMS program menu illustrated in Figure 6 if the ~ESC~' escape key is entered. Following selection of a paint vendor, a screen presentation as shown in Figure 107 is displayed inquiring if a summary report or a full report is required. The full report option will print all formulas while the summary report option will list the total number of mixe~ and gallons. Upon selection of the report option, a screen presentation 108 will be dispLayed reminding the user to align the paper. Upon completion of the frequency of formulas mixed report function, the CATFRAMS program will re~urn to the main menu illustrated in Figure 6.

SPECIAL COLOR REPORT
The special color report option of the main menu illu~trated in Figure 6 provides printed output for fonmulas entered in the special color library. Upon selection o the "special color report", a screen presentation as generally illu~trated in Figure 110 will be displayed providing for vendor ~alection. Control will return to the main CATFRAMS program menu illuxtrated in Figure 6 if the "ESC" escape key is entered. Upon selection of the vendor, a screen presentation as generally illu~trated in Figure 111 is di played reminding the user to align the paper correctly. An e~ample of the special color report is illustrated in Figure 109. Upon completion of the special color report function, control i5 returned to the main menu illustrated in Figure 6.
If, at anytime during operation, the CATFRAMS
program detects a missing file, a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 112 alerting the user to this fact is displayed.

~5 PROG~AM STRUCTURE

~ 3~ 3 The program structure will now be de~cribed interm8 of a plurality of logic flow diagram~. It will be appreciated tha~ the logic flow diagram~ provided are that of ~ pre~erred e~bodiment and that numerous other program structure~ might be ut~lized ln keeping with the principles of the pre~ent invent~on. Illustrated in Figures 115A,s and c are logic flow diagra~ 400 representa~ive of a program structure for performing 8y~t~ ~tart~up, al~o referred to a3 syste~ initiation ln accordance with the principl~s of the pre~ent invention. Block diagram 402 represents u~er ac~ivation of thQ program. In the prefsrred embodiment, this is done ~rom ~he master menu by selecting th~
CATFRANS program option. At 404, the CATFRAMS program declare~ and initialize~ it~ global ~aria~les. A~ 406, the CATFRAMS program generate~ a ~pecified company name from encrypted name data. At 408, the CATFRA~S program con~igure~ operating parameter~. At 410, the CATFRA~S
program will display a preselected sys~em banner identifying the program. ~t 412, ater displaying the ~ystem banner screen presentation at the display, the CATF~ANS proqram will wait for user input via deprec3ion of any key on the keyboa~d 208. Upon receiving thi~ input, the CA'rFRAMS progra~ will di~card the input and a~ 414, di~play a trademark banner screen pra~enta~ion identifying various trademark~ used throughout the pro~ram, such trademarks typicall~ being the txademarks o~ the variou paint ~erldor3 who~e formula~ are u~ed in the Rystem. At 416, the CATF~AMS program wait~ for user input and once thi3 input i~ received, discard~ the input. The inpu~ is ~imply used to inform th~ progra~ whe~ it can delete the display trademark bannex screen pr~entation and proceed to the next part of the pro~ra~. At 418, if the daily sum~ary report has been reguested, then at 420 the daily ~ummary procedure i~ called which, in turn, display~ the daily frequency ~ummary report as illu~trated in Figure 7. The daily summary fr~quency report procedure i8 then performed ~ased on the user ~nput r~ceived. After proce~sin~ the daily summary frequency report, at 422 tha CATFRAMS
program will di~play the main menu 3creen pre~ntation ag generally illus~ra~ed in ~igure 6. At 424, the CATFRA~S
program will wait for u~r ~election of a menu op~ion.
~pon receipt of the u~er menu ~election, at 424 the CATFRA~S program will check if the action selected $3 ze~o. I~ the action detected i8 zero, at 428 the CATFRAM5 program will clo~e all file3 and terminate sy~tem operation a~ 430. If the u~er menu selection ~as somethlng other ~han zero, at 432 the CAT~R~M5 program will process the u~er selection. After ha~ing processed the user menu selection, the C~TFRl~S program will re~urn ~o displaying the main menu at 422.
Figures 116A,B,C an~D .~llus~rates a logic flow diagram 440 for an embodiment o a program in accordance with the principles of the pre~ent invention for processing the user menu ~election. The u~er menu ~election proces~ing is illustra~ed a~ beginning at 442. At 441, the user ~election is compared to a nl/~. If the u%er ~election equals a "l" at 444 control is transferred to a paint fo~mula retrieval module ~or processing ~hi~ user salection. ~t 446, i~ the user selection i3 found to be equal to "2~, control i9 tran~ferrQd to a ~pecial color library program module at 448. If at 45n, the user selection is found to be equ~l ~O n3~ ~ control i~
transferred to a paint and material co5ting program modul~
at 452. If, at 454, the user selection is found to b~
equal to ~4", control is tran~f~rred to a progr~m module for proces~ing of the print mixing color labe1s func~ion at 456. If at 4S8 the user ~election i4 ound to be ~'5~', control i~ transfsrred to a mixing color in~entory ma~agement module at 460. If at 462, the user selection i~
found to be equal to "6~, control i~ tranxferred to a mixing color reorder report module at 464. If at 466, the u~er se1ection i~ found to be equal to ~7", control i8 .

transferred ~o a mixing color inventory statu~ program module at 468. If at 470, th~ user selection ~ 3 found to be equal to "8", control i8 transferrad to a mixing color movement report program module at 472. If at 474, the user selection i~ found to be equ~l ~o ~9~, contxol i8 tran~ferred to ~ daily formula reguency repor~ program module a~ 4760 If at 4~8, ~he user selection $s found ~o b~ equal to "lOn, con~rol i~ tran~ferred to a monthly formula frequency repor~ progra~ module at 480. If a~ 482, the user selection i3 found to be equal to "lln, control is transferred to a special color library report program module at 484. If at 486, the user seLection is ~ound to b~ equal to "12~, control i~ transferred to a system utilitie~ and configuration program module at 488. At 490, lS the progrzm is re~urned to the sy~tem start-up flow diagram 400 #uch that the main menu screen presentation is displayed and ~he program awaits further user input.
Figures 117A,B,C ana D illustrates a program logic flow diagram 500 repre~entativo of an embodiment of a program 3tructure ln accordance with the principle~ o~ the pre~ent in~ention for performing thc pain~ formula retrieval function. ~he paint ormula retrieval program module begins a~ 502. If, at 504, it i~ determined that the num~er of ~endors ln the sy3t~m equals "1~, then a~ 506 the file3 for the selec~ed vendor ara opened. If the num~er of v~ndorE pre~n~ in th~ paint ~ormula data file i9 greater than nlnt at 508 the vendor select ~indow screen pre~entation i5 di~played a~ generally illustrated in Figure 8~ At S10, the program obtain~ t~e user ~endor selection and at 506 open~ the files for the selected vendor, At 512, the program~ di~plays the paint formula retrieval background scre~n presentation a3 generally ~llus~rated in Figur~ 9. At 514, the program receive~ the user formula entered on the pai~t formula retrieval 3s background ~creen pre~entation followed by the user hitting tha "ENTE~ return key. At 516, the program check~ if the ;

last keyboard entry was the "ESC" escape key. If the last key entered was the escape key, at 518 the program returns to the previous screen presentation. By repetitively repeating the escape key, the user can return bac~ through the previous screen presentations to the main menu screen presentation. This is generally true of the program regardless of where the user is in the screen presentation procedure. If at 516 the last key detect~d was not the escape key, then at 520 the program transfers control to a program which checks for the presence of any formulas present in the master formula file and th~ pecial color library file that matched the formula number entered by the u~er. Upon return from this program module, a~ 522 the program checks if any valid formulas were found. If no valid formula~ were found, then at 524 the program displays the formula not found message screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 25. At 526, the program enters an idle C,tate waiting for any user entry from the keyboard. Upon detecting ~uch an entry, the program returns to displaying the paint ormula retrieval background screen pre~entation as generally illustrated in Figure 9. If at 522, it was determined that a valid formula was found, then at 528 ~he formula i5 displayed on the formula retrieval background screen pre~entation. At 530, the program perform~ editing of the formula fields as specified by user editing of the field~ of the editable fields present in ~he formula retrieval background screen presentation. At 532, a check is made to see if the last key entry was the escape key. If the las~ X~y entry is the es~ape key then the program control is returned to 512 where the display paint formula retrieval background screen pre~entation is displayed as qenerally illustrated in Figure 9. If the las~ editable field has been entered or the "FlO" special function key has been entered, program control is transferred to 534 wherein ~he paint formula labels generally illustrated in Figures l9a,b are printed.

~ 3 ~

_ 5~ _ Thu3, khe user ha~ two ways in wh$ch to print label3.
Eith2r he can edit all of th~ editable fields by sequenti~l deprcss$on of the return key, or h~ can depre~s the ~F10 ~pecial funct~on key.
Illustrated in Figures 118A, B and C a-e an eD~-~men~ of a logic flow diagram 540 in accordance with the principle~ of the pre~ent ~nven~ion for performing ~ltiple formula check~. The program modul~ begin~ at 542. At 544, ~he program count~ the formula~ in thQ ma~ter formula file and the 3pecial color library file tha~ match the user entered formul~ numb~r entered b~ the user in th~ formula number field of t~e formula background screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 9. At 546, a check is made to see if the formula count equals zero. If the formula count equal~ zero, at 548 the program sets a flag indicating no fo Dulas were found and at 550 the program return3 to the paint formula retrie~al modulo. At 552, the formula count i~ compared to ~1". If the formula count is equal to nl~l then at 554 the formula is read from the master formula file or the special color library file stored on tho di~k ~torage device. If, at 552, the formula count was determined to be greater than "ln, at 556 the program d.i3plays the multiple formula background screen presentation of Figure 10. At 558, the program checkq or any formula~ located in the ma~ter formula da~a ~ile. At 560, a che~k is mada if any formula~ are ound in the ma~ter formula fil~. If the formula~ are found in the ma~ter formula fil~ at 560t ~hen at 562 the formulas are displayed. If no fonmula~ were found in the mast2r fonmula fila at 560 and after any formula~ found have been displayed at 562, at 564 then program check~ for any formula~ i~ the special color libra~y. At 566, a check is made if any formulas were found in the special color library. At 568, any formulas located i~ the ~p~cial color library are displayed on $he m~l~iple form~la background ~creen pre~entation. At 570, the program obtain~ the u~er o3 3 i~

~ 57 ~
formula selection from the multiple formula background screen presentation. At 572, the paint formula retrieval function returns to location 522. Figures ll9A,B,c,D,E,F,G, H,I,and J are an embodlment of a logic flow diagram 580 repre~entative of a S progra~ structuxe in accordance with the principle3 of the pre~ent i~vention. The logic flow dlagram 580 represent3 the program module for editin~ for~ula field~ pre~ent on the formul~ back~rou~d screen pre3e~tat~on of Figur~ 9.
The modul~ ~ntry i~ at 5~1. At 582, the program displays ~he formula da~a including header iden~ifier~ and quanti~ie~. At 583, the edit field i~ et to the co~t code field. At 584, a check is made to see if the edit field is egual to ~he cost code field and if the co~t code edit is configured~ If the edi~ fielA i~ equal to the cost code field and the co t code edit i8 configured, then at 585 the C08t code field is edited. At 586, a check is made to see if the last key entry i~ the esGapa or ~F10" print label key. If the last key is equal to the escape or print label Xey, then at 587 the program returns and displays the formula bac~ground screen presentation as generally illu~trated in Figur~ 9 awaiting user input of the formula number. I~ the last key wa~ not the escape Xey or the print label key, then at S88 the next field to edit is set based on th~ la~t key entered by the user at the keyboard.
At 589, ~ check i5 ~ade ~c ~ee i the edit field i~ equal to the number of labal~ to prinS field. If the edit field i~ equal to the number of labels to print field, then at 590 ~he numb~r of labels i~ edited and control is returned to location 586 in the logic flow diagram. At 591, a check is made to se~ if the ~dit field equals the formula size field. If the edit field i~ equal to the ormula siz~
field, then ~t 592 the current screen presentation i5 ~aved. At 593, the ~ize pull-down menu screen presentation i8 di~played a~ generally illu~tratad in Yigure 14. At 594, ~he u~er 3ize selec~ion i~ obtained~ At 595, the 3ize ; 8elec~ion i8 compa~ed ~o nl~o If the ~ize ~election is 9;~

equal to "1", then at 596 the formula background screen presentation is updated with pint quanti~ies at 596. At 597, a check is made if a valid size is selected. If a valid size is not selected, then control is returned to location 586. If a valid size is selected, then at 598, the statu~ mes~age "F10 to print lab~l" is displayed on the formula background screen presentation and control is returned ko location 586. At 599, a check is made to see if the size selection is equal to ~'2". If ~he size selection is equal to n2", then at 600 the screen presentation is updated with ~uart quantities. When the specific quantities are updated at locations 596,600 and other location~ in the program, tha guantity header is highlighted in inverse video between asterisk signs so as to readily draw the user' 9 attention to the selected quantity. Further, if a quantity is selected which is not provided on the vendor's microfiche, tho program of the pre~2nt invention will automatically compute the paint formula based on the ~ormula information that is provided from the vendor's microfiche. At 601, the size selection is compared to "3". If the size selection is equal to "3", the screen presentation i9 updated at 602 with 2-quart quantities and program control is transferred to location 597. At 603, a check is made if the size selection is equal to "4". If the size selection is equal to ~'4", then at 604 the screen presentation is updated with 3-quart quantitie~ and control is passed to location 597. At 605, a check is made i~ the size selection is equal to "S". If the size selection is equal to ~S", then at 506 the screen presentation i5 updated with gallon quantities and control is transferred to location S97. At 607, the size selection is compared to ~'6". If the size selection is equal to "6", then at 608 the special tint mixing scale wlndow screen presentation is displayed as generally shown in Figure 15.
At 609, the special tint amount is obtained based on the user entry. At 610, the special tint quantities are .~f~ ~ 3 calculated. At 611, the screen presentation is updated with the special quantitie3 as generally illustrated in Figure 16 and control is transferred to location 597. At 612, the size selection is compared to ~'7". If the size 5selection is not equal to ~'7~', than control is passed to 584. At 613, the bulk mix window screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 17 is displayed. At 614, the bulk mix user entry is obtained. At 615, the program calculate the amount to mix. At 616, the program restores 10the scre~n pres~ntation with the bulk quantities as generally illustrated in Figure 18. At 620, th~ program checks if the edit field is equal to the purchase repair order field. If the edit field is equal to the purchase/repair order field, at 621 the purchase/repair 15order ~ield i~ edited and control is transferred to 586.
At 622, the edit field is compared to the purchase/repair order number field. If the two are equal, then at 623, the purchase/repair order number ~ield is edited and control is transerred to 586. At 624, the edit field is compared to 20the customer field and customer i5 configured. If the edit field is equal t~ the customer field, then at 625, the customer field is edited and control is transferred to 586.
At 626, the edit field is compared to the rush ord~r field.
If the edit field is equal to the rush order field, at 627 25the edit rush order field is updated and control is transferred to 586. At 628, the edit field i5 compared to the code field and if ~he edit field is equal to the code field at 629 the code field is edited and control is transferred to 586. At 630, the edit field i9 compared to 30the car field and if the edit field is equal to the car field r then at 631 the car field is edited and control is transferred to 586O At 632, the edit field is compared to the year field and if the edit field is equal to the year field, then at 633 the year field is edited and control is 35transferred to 586. At 634, the edit field is compared to the mes~age 1 field and if the edit field is equal to the ~ 3~936 meRsage 1 flold, at 635 the messsge 1 field $8 edited and con~rol i8 kran8ferred ~0 586. A~ 636, the edi~ field ~ 8 compar~d to the me~ag~ 2 field and if thQ edlt field is equal to ~he me~sa~e 2 field, then at 637 the message 2 ield 1~ edited and con~rol i~ transferred to 586. A~ 638, the edit field i~ compared to th~ me~age 3 fiGld and if th~ edi~ f~eld is equ~l to the ~e~age 3 ~leld, control ia pa~ed to 639 where the message 3 field i~ edited. Control i8 ~hen transferred to location S86 in ~he flow diagram.
Illustrated in Figuxes 120A,B,C,D,E ~.nd F are ~- flo~ diasram 650 repre3entative of a special color library pxogram in accordance with the principle~ of the pre~ent invention.
~t location 651 in the flow diagram, ~he special color library program module i5 initiated. At 652, a check i8 made to see if th~ number o~ paint vendors whose paint formula~ are entered into the master paint formula file i8 greater than n 1~ . If tha numbar of vendor~ is equal to "1", then at 653 the master formula and special color library files are opened. I~ the numker of vendor~ i8 greater than "1", then at 654 the vendor menu ~creen presentation i3 di~played a~ generally illu~trated in Figure 12. At 655, the program obtains the user input via the keyboard of the vendor 6election. Once the files ha~e then been opened at 6S3, a~ 656 the special color library ~ackground ~creen presentation as genarally illu~trated in Figur~ 22 is displayed. At 657, ~ha fo~mula numb~r entry made by the u~er on the special color library bacXground screen presentation is obtained by the program. At 658, the program checks if the la t keyboard entry ~y tAe u~er wa~ the "ESC~ escape key~ If the la8t keyboard entry was the escape key, the program csntrol tran~fer3 to location 652. At 6591 the program call~ ~he module which check~ for multiple formula~. At 660, a check i made to see if the formula entered by the user on the special color library bac~ground ~creen presentation has b~en found. If the formula has been found, then at 661 a check i8 made to see ~ 3~ 36 if the formula is from the special color library. If the fonmula is from the special color library, ~hen at 662 the create/edit/delete screen pressntation as generally illustrated in Figure 24 i5 displayed. The program at 663 then obtains the user choice of create, edi~, or delete.
At 664, the program checks if the last entry from the keyboard was the "ESC" escape key. If the last key entry made by the operator was the escape key, then the program control returns to location 656 of the flow diagram. At 665, a check is made if the user has ~elected the edit option. If the edit option has been selected, then program control transf~rs to location 666 where ~he program displays the variant usage screen presentation ~s generally illustrated in Figure 29. A~ 667, the program edits the lS variant fields per the user entries from the keyboard. At 668, the program che~ks that the last key entered was the escape key. If so, program control is transferred to location 656. At 669, the program saves the variant formula entered by the u~er~ Control then tran~fer~ to location 656 of the program. If at location 665 the user selection was ound to not equal the edit function, then at 670 the program checks if the user has selected the create function. If the user ha~ selected the create function, then control passes to location 671 where the program copies the selection formula fields to the formula data ba~e as a new variant of the formula. If at 670 the user selection was found not to be equal to the create function, then at 672 the user selection is compared to the delete func~ion. If the user selection is the delete function, then control transfers to 673 where the program removes the fo~mula variant from the special color library. Program control is then ~ransferred to location 656. If at location 660 ~he formula was not found in the master or special color library formula files, then at 680 the program displays the add formula message screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 25. At 681, the program wait.R for tha user choice. At 682, a check i~ made if the user ha~ chosen to have the formula added, If the u er has chosen to have tha formula added, at 683 a new formula varian~ is created ~i~h empty field~. Control is thsn tran~ferred to location 666 wherQ the variant usage screen presentation as g narally illustrated in Figure 26 is displayed, no field values being shown a~ the user h2C
cho~en to add a naw formula.
Figures 121A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P and Q
illu~trate~ a logic flow diagram 6&5 of an embodiment of a program in accordance ~i~h the principle~ o~ the pres~nt invention for performing the paint co~ting funct~on. Th~ program module ~arts at 686.
~t 687, the progxam initializes various variable~ used throughou~ the program. At 690, the program load~ paint costing tPCOST) and material costing (JCOST~ files. At 691, tha program di~play~ the paint/material costing menu screen presentation a~ ~enerally illustrated in Figure 34.
At 692, the program obtain~ the u~er menu selec~ion. At 693, a check is made if the u~er menu ~election i~
paint/material co~t calculation~. If it i~, then program control tran~fers ~o th~ paint co~ting modula at 694. At 695, a check i the user ~election is the paint additive~
and clear coat maintenance ~election. If it is, then control tran~farc to th~ progra~ module at 696 re~pon~ible for thls ~unctlon. If a~ 697, th~ u3er ~alection i~ found to be the pain~ and body ~upplie~ maint~nance, then control i~ transferred to the appropriat~ program module at 698.
A~ 69g, if the ~elec~ion i~ deter~ined tc be the refinisher price list maintenance, then control is transferred to the appropriate pro~ram module at 700. If at 701, th~
~election i~ determined to be the paint/m~terial co~t per labor hour report selec~ion, then at 702 con~rol i3 tran~ferred to the appropriate program module. If at 703 the user ~election i~ deter~ined to be th co~ calculation reportl then a~ 704 con~rol i~ transferred to tha appropriate progra0 module. If at 705 the user selection ~ 3~

is determined to be the user selection "0", that is, return to the main program menu, or the user selection is the "ESC" escape key, then control is transferred at 706 to location 422 of the system start-up routine such that the main menu as generally illustrated in Figure 6 is displayed. If the user enters an inappropriate entry, program control is tran~ferred to location 690. Location 707 indicates the beginning of the paint/material cost calculation module. At 708, the program checks if the user is finished with the paint/material co~ting. If the user is finished, control is tran~ferred to location 690. At 709, the paint/material costing menu screen presentation is di~played as generally illustrated in Figure 35. If at 710, it is determined that the user wishes a new selection as indicated by entry of the letter "N~' from the keyboard, then control i8 transferred to the program module at 711 respon~ible for creating the new selection. If at 712, it i5 determined that the user entered a "C" for finding a customer, then at 713 control is passed to the appropriate 2n module. If at 714, it is determined that the user entered the letter "R" to find the repair order number, then at 715 control is transferred to the appropriate module. If at 716, it i~ determined that the user entered the letter "D"
for deleting the cost calculation, then control is transferred to the appropriate module at 717. I the user enters none of these sel~ctions or an inappropriate lettex, the paint/material costing screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 35 remains displayed. If the user enters the "ESC'r escape key, control is returned to the paint/material costing menu screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 34. Location 720 marks the beginning of the program module rP~ponsible for creating the new cost calculation. If there are paint formulas in the master paint formula file and the special color library file for more than one vendor, the select vendor screen presentation is displayed as generally illustrated in Figure 36 once the user has selected the new cost calculation option. At 721, the program checks to see if the user has entered the escape key. If the user has entered the escape key, the program returns to the paint/material cost calculation menu screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 35. If the escape key is not pressed, the program then provides screen presentation prompt~ for paint formula, size, type, cataly~t, reducer, clear coat, clear coa~ catalyst, clear coat reducer, body supplies, and percent markup as generally represented by locations 722 through 731, respectively. The scxeen presentations providing these prompts are displayed in Figures 38 through 47. Once all of the user selections ha~e been made, at 732 the program presents the screen presentation inquiring if the user wishes to print the cost calculations as generally illu~trated in Figure 48. Upon completion of the printing task, control is returned to location 708 and the paint/material co~ting menu screen pre~entation a~ generally shown in Figure 35 is again displayed. Location 740 represents the start of the program module for finding the cust~mer name as requested by the user at the paint/material costing menu screen presentation generally shown in Figure 3S. At 741, the program provides a ~creen presentat.ion as generally shown in Figure 50 promp~ing the user for the customer's name.
At 742, the program dete~mines if the cu komer name was found in the paint formula data bases. If the cus~omer name was found, then at 743 a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 52 is displayed sking the user to indicate if the correct customer has been found.
At 744, the program displays a customer not found screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 51 if ~he customer name was not found. 750 represents the beginning of the program module for finding the repair order number in the paint formula data base. The program flow of the repair order function is very similar to that of the customer function previously discussed. At 751, the program prompts the user for the repair order number with a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 53. If at 752 the repair order number i5 found in the data base, at 753 the program prompts the us~r with a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 55 inquiring whether or no~ this i$ the correct customer. At 754, the program displays a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 54 indicating that the repair order was not found. ~ocation 755 marks ~he beginning of the dele~e cost calculation function. At 756, the program prompts the user for the co~t calcula~ion number by use of a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 56. If at 757 the cost calculation num~er is found, then at 758 the program inquires of the user if this is the correct customer by use of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 58. If the u~er indicates it is the correct customer, then at 759 the program delete~ that cost calculation from the data base. At 760, the program displays a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 57 indicating that the cost calculation number was not found. Location 770 mark~ the beginning of the add entry function. At 771, the program displays the vendor qelect win~ow menu ~cre~n presentation as generally shown in Figure 36~ If at 772 the escape key is detected, then control is transferred to the program location for displaying the paint/material cost calculation as generally illustrated in Fi~ure 3~. If ~he escape key is not detected as being pressed, then the program prompts the user to select the type of paint as generally illustrated in Figure 59. At 774~ the prngram checks if the escape key has been pressed. If the escape key has been pressed, control is transferred to the previous screen presentation.
At 775, the program prompts the user for whether or not the paint is a base coat or a non-base coat by use of a screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 60, since 1 3~ 36 the base coat must be calculated at a greater rate. At 776, the program prompts the user to edit the paint additives by use of a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 61. At location 777, the program prompts the user to see if he/she wishes to print the changes by use of the window screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 6~. Location 780 marks the beginning of the program module responsible ~or costing supplies. At 781, the program prompts the user for supplies costing by use of the screen presentatio~ as generally illustrated in Figure 63.
The program then display~ the window scxeen presenta~ion shown in ~igure 64 and if, at 782, it is determined that the user has selected the print function, at 783 the print function i performed. 785 indicates the beginning of the program module responsible for the edit function. At 786, the program provides the vendor choice menu screen presentation as generally illustrated in Figure 36. At 7~7, a check i5 made to see i the user has entered the escape key, and if qo, control i~ returned to the previous menu. At 788, the program prompts the user for the product used by us9 of the screen presentation shown in Figure 65.
If at 789 it is determined that a product was ~elected then at 790 the program displays the edit screen presentation as generally ~hown in Figure 66. At 791, the program displays the print ~creen presentation as generally shown in Figure 67 and check~ if the user wishes to print. If the user wishes to print r then at 792 th~ program prints the refi~isher price list report. At 7g3, the program checks if the user selected the addledit/delete reference paint line. If the user did, control is trans~erred to the add/edit/delete reference paint line module which starts at 794. At 795, the program checks if the user has entered the add/edit/dele~e eguivalent refinisher co~t types. 794 represents the beginning of the add/edit/delete refinisher cost types. At 796, the program prompts the user for the master paint line type by use of the screen presentation : .

~.~3~

generally shown ln Figure 68. At 797, a check ~ 8 made to s~e if the e~cape key was entered. A~ 798, thQ program prompt~ the u~er to edit or d~lete the ma~ter prefix by u9e of a screQn pre~entation as generally shown in Figure 64.
S At 799, the program checks if the u~er ~i~hes to delete the master prefi~. If ~o, the master prefix i~ deleted at 800.
~t 801, t~e program di~play~ the edit ~creen pre~entation a~ generally ghown in ~igure 70. 805 repre~en~s the begi~ning of the program module for the add/edit/delete e~uivslQnt refinisher ~o~t types entxy from the screen pre~antatlon of Figure 65. At 8Q6, the program pro~p~8 the user for the ma~ter paint line ~ype. A~ 807, the progr~m checks if the escape key ha~ heen entered. A~ 808, the program prompts the user wi~h a screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 72. At 80~, the program ChPCXS
if the user has entered the "F10" special function key to save the record. If so, at 810 the program sa~e~ the record. 815 marks the beginning location of the labor hour report. At 816, the progra~ prompts the user by u~e of the ~creen presenta~ion a~ generally shown in Figure 73. At R17, the program chec~ if the fields are entered and, if 9~, at B18 the program prompt~ the user by use of a screen presentation shown in Figure 74 to make sura that the printer is ready. If the printer is ready, at 819 the 2S program prints th~ labor report. 820 is thR beginning location of the co~t calculation report. At 821, the program prompt~ the user by use of a screen presentation shown in Figure 75. At 822, the program checks if the fields have been en~ered and, if they have, at 823 the program displays the ~cre~n presentation ~hown in Figure 76 to make surQ that ~he user has tha printer ready for printing. Upon the user pressing any key, the program will print the report at 824 if tha printer is in a ready condition.
Figures l22A~s and C illustrates a logic flow diagram 830 illustrating a progra~ structure i~ accordance with the principles of the present invention for providing the print mixing color labels function from the main menu illustrated in Figure 6. 831 marks the start location of this program module. At 832, the program prompts the user for vendor S selection by presentation o~ the select vendor window screen presentation generally shown in Figure 77 if there ar~ multiple vendors present in the data base. At 833, the program checks if the escape key has been pressed and, if it has, control is transferred back to the main menu screen presentation shown in Figure 6. At 834, ~he program provides the prompt for user selection of mixed color by u~e of the screen presentation as generally shown in Figure 78. I at ~35 it is determined that the color selection is not a valid color, then the program at 836 will display the screen presentation generally shown in Figure 7~. If a valid color was ~elected at 835, at 837 the program will prompt the u~er or a number of label~ by U~2 of a screen presentation shown in Figure 81. At 838, the program will also prompt the user for the proper siz~ a~ illustrated in the screen presentation of Figuxe 78. At 839, if it is determined that the user has selected grams, then at 840 the user is prompted fox the amount by use o~ a screen presentation shown in Figure 81. At 841, the program prints the mixing color label. At 842, if it is determined that the selection is in ounce~, then at 843 the program prompts the user for the amount by use of the screen pre~entation as generally shown in Figure 80. If at 844 it is determined that the seIection i a standard size, then at 84S the program prompts the user for the standaxd size by use of a screen presentation shown in Figure 82. At 846, 847, and 848 khe program determines the standard size selection and at 849, 850, and 851 prints the corresponding standard size label. At 852, the paint inventory is decremented to reflect the fact tha~ this quantity of paint ; 35 has been removed from inventory.

3~i Figures 123~ and B area flow diagram 855 of an embodiment o~ a progræm structure in accordance with the principles o~
the pre~ent lnvention which performs the mixing color inv~ntory management option of the main menu illu3trated in ~igure 6. The program module ~tarts at 856 and at 857 promp~s the u er for ~he vendor de3ired by use of a ~creen presentation a~ genaxally ~hown in Figure 84. At 858, a check i8 mad~ for entry o~ an e~cap~ code and at ~59 the program prompt~ th~ user for the ~ix color by u~ o the ~creen pre~entation ~hown in Figure 85. At 860, if it i~
determined that the color selected is a valid color, then at 862 th~ program check~ if the user wants ~o edit or delete the color. If ~he color selected is not a valid color, at 861 the u er i8 prompted by u~e of the screen pres~ntation shown in Figur~ 86 if they want to add a color to the inventory. At 863, the program displays the inventory sc~een pre~enta~ion a~ generally shown in Figure 85. At 864, the user is allowed to edit fields and at 865 the program checks if the user has entered the "F10"
special function key. If the user ha~ entered the "F10"
key at 866, the program updates the inventory file. At 867, the program displays ~he screen presentation shown in Figure 88 and asX~ the user if it is okay to dalete the mixing color record. If it is okay, at 868 the mixing color record i9 deleted.
Illsstrated in Figure 124 is a logic flow diagram 870 repre~enting an embodiment of a proqram structure in accordance with the principles of th~ present invention for performin~ the mixing color reorder repor~ on the main menu shown in Figure 6. The progra~ starts at 871 and at 872 prompts the user for vendor selection if multiple vendor~
are present by use of the ~endor window menu screen pxesentation generally shown in Figur~ 90. At ~73, a check i~ made if the u~er has entered the escape key. At 874, the progra~ prompt~ the u~2r for a full or summary report by u~e of the ficreen pre~entation as generally shown in ~ St~1~3 _ 70 -Figure 91. At 3 7 5, ~ f it i~ determined that the user wis~es a full xeport, ~he program prompt~ the user for proper paper ~lignment by u~e of the ~creen pre~Pntation shown in Figure 92. Similarly, at 877, i~ it i~ determined that the u8~r wishe~ a ~umma~y report, tha program at B78 promp~ th~ u~er for proper papQr alignment by u~e of ~he screen pre~entation shown in Figure 92. At 879, the program prin~ the color xeord~r ~epor~.
Figure 125 illustrates a logic flow diagram 880 which represent~ an embodiment of a program structurs for performing the mix~ng color inventory ~atu~ 11st funct~on o~ the main menu illustra~ed in Figure 6. ~he program starts at 881 and is very similar in logic flow to that of the logic flow diaqram 870 for the mixing color reorder report function. Indeed, locations 881 through 889 roughly correspond to locations 871 through 879.
Fiqure 126 illu~trate~ a loqic flow diagram 890 repre~entative of an embodimont of a program structure in accordanco with the principle~ of the pre~ent in~ention for p~rforming the mixing color movement report function of the main menu shown in Figure ~. A flow diagram 890 corresponds generally to tha flo~ di2grams 870 and 8S0.
Similarly, locations 8~1 through 899 correspond roughly to location~ 881 through 889 and 871 through 879.
Figures 127A and B illu~trate a logic flow diagram 900 repre~entative of an e~bodi~ent of a program in accordance with the principle~ of the prexent in~ention for performing the daily formula frequency report function of the main m~nu shown in Figure 6. The progra~ module starts at 901 and at 90~ promp~ the user for ~he daily op~ions a~
generally illustra~ed in the screen presentation shown in Figur~ 103. At 903/ ~he progra~ check if the user ha entered the n~SC" e~cape key. At 904, 906, 908, and 910, the program check~ for the option entered by the user and at 905, 907r 909, and 911 takea the appropriate action.
The daily formula frequ~ncy report ~creen presentation of Figure 103 is displayed at the beginning of the day the first time the system i~ started if formula mixing activity occurred prior to the beginning of the day and the daily formula file has not been deleted . Thus, the user can get S a quick printout o~ the activity from the day before. Of course , using the main menu illustrated in Figure 6, the u~er can obtain this printout at any time.
Figure 12 8 illustrates a logic f low diagram 915 repre~entative of a program's structure for perfonming the monthly formula frequency report ~unction of the main menu shown in Figure 6. The program starts at 916 and at 917 displays the screen presantation prompt shown in Figure 107. At location 918, the program checks if the escape key has been pressed. At 919, the program prompts the user for a full or summary report selection by use of the screen presentation illu~trated in FigurQ 108. At 920 through 924, the program performs the printing function according to whether a full or summary report i~ required.
Figure 129 illustrates a logic flow diagram 925 repre~entative of a program ~tructure in accordance with the principles of the present invention for performing the special color library report function of the main menu shown in Figure 6. The special color library report program module, also referred to as the special tint report 2g moduIe, tarts at 926 and ~t g27 prompts the user for a vendor selection by use of the screen presentation sho~n in Figure 110. At location 928, the program checks once again for the escape key function and at location 929 the program prompts the user for proper paper alignment via use of the screen presentations shown in Figure 111.
A preferred embodiment of some data file structures 950 as generally shown in Figure 130 will now be discussed although it will be app~eciated that the data file structure may have numerous embodiments and still be in keeping with the principles of the present invention.
Paint formula information supplied by each paint vendor is ?~3~

saved in a master paint formula file(s). In the preferred embodiment, there is one master paint formula file ~or each line of paint supplied by a vendor. A vendor file will contain the list of vendors for whom there are master paint S formula files and identify those master paint formula files which are to be used. Whenever a paint vendor updates its formulas, the ma~ter paint formula file must also be updated as well as the vendor file if a new line of paint is added. The master paint formula file contains much of the information appearing in the screen presentation of Figure~ 12A,B as well as additional information. The ma~ter paint formula file include~ ~he formula number, the cost code, the alternate number, the color, make of car, year of car, additional information which the vendor might provide, an identi ication of the standard sizes which are present, the quantity (typically in weight uch as ounces, gram~, pounds, etc.) of each mixing base color present in the formula for up to ten mixing base colors present in the formula. The quantity is provided or each of the standard size~ provided by the vendor; however, if the standard sizes are proportional to the gallon size, only the gallon gize i5 stored. The master paint formula file contains unique me~sage line index numbers which refer to a message file containing each of the three me~sages which may be present for each formula. The master paint formula file includes unique mixing color identifiers which are used to index or refer to a color file.
The color file contains the mixing base color identifiers and th~ mixing base color descriptions. In addition, the color file contains inventory information fields including paint unit size, paint unit cost, reorder level (number of units), reor~er quantity (number of units), and total quantity of paint (total parts or weight) in inventory. Many of these fields can be modified by the user. For example, the user might decide that when a particular mixing base color falls to ten pints, that it is 1.3 ~

time to reorder. The user might set the reorder quantity at twenty pints. Whenever functions one or four of the main menu are performed and labels are printed, the quantity on hand is decremented to reflect the sales from inventory. Monthly unit quantity amounts are saved for colors used in formulas and in over the counter sales so as to ~eparately reflect these use~
A usage file contains formula number, alternate number, cost code number, and pai~t unit size fields.
Every time a formula mix is printed, the u~age file is updated such that for each unit or container mixed there is an entry in this table. This file provid~ the monthly formula u~age information. Typically, this file is cleared out every month or on some other periodic basis. This file also includes a special unit field and a field identifying the amount of the special mix. In the preferred embodiment, there i~ a similar file for daily formula usage informati.on.
In addition there are four casting files, referred to as JCOST, RCOST, RECOST, and PCOST. The JCOST
file includes customer in~ormation. The RCOST file includes cost codes for each of the paint lines provided by a vendor. The co~t codes identify the co~t per unit of a vendor~ paint regardless of the mixing base colors used.
The C~TFRAMS program allows for modification of the cost codes since the C05t of a formula variant or customized color may vary from ~he original cost code if a different selection of colors are mixed. The cost codes refer to a costing table where the actual costs are stored. The RECOST file includes lists of master and equivalent paint types. Thus a user can readily find equivalent paint types and cost codes to e~tablish costs. The PCOST file contains the paint and body supplies type, description, percent per gallon, rate, and unit cost fields as ganerally illustrated in Figure 64. These fields can be modified by the user ei~her permanently or on an individual use basis on each ~3r~ 33~
- 7~ -cost calculation.
A master confi~uration file will include configuration information such as the user~s encrypted name, etc. In addition this file includes conversion 5 infoxmation which allows the user to convert from one ; : vendor's quantity of measurement uch as grams to another vendor's quantity ~uch as parts.
In addition to the master paint formula file, a ~pecial color library file will be used to store formula variants and cu~tom formulas. The special color library file includes all th~ various fisld~ of information which individual vendors might have. This allows the formula information to be displayed in a standard screen presentation with information fields being displayed in predetermined locations. The master formula files are subse~s of the special color library file. The special color library file con~ains its own message fields for storing the three lines of information. In addition, the special color library file contains up to twenty different mixing base colors per formula and a vendor field identifying the vendor whose formula has been varied. This provides the user with much flexibility in creating variant~ or for~ulas or customizing formulas.
It is to be unders~ood, however, ~hat even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and func~ion of the invention~ the disclosure is illus~rative only, and ohanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad ;~ general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
'~

Claims (12)

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 such as 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 as paint is used, for storing 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, the columns having headers designating a mix base color identification column, a mix base color description column, mix size columns designating standard mix sizes respectively, 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 displaying no information in the multiple columns prior to user entry of a paint formula mix identifier other than the headers and the upper screen presentation including a designated area wherein the paint formula mix identifier is to be entered.

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, 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 5, 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.

7. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 5, 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.

8. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 5, 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 and for end by preformated fold lines whereby the continuous web of paper can be fan folded.

9. 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 such as 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.

10. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 9, 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.

11. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 9, 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.

12. A paint formula retrieval system in accordance with Claim 9, 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.