Process for generating a computer image of a coated three-dimensional object

A process for the generation of a computer image of a coated, three-dimensional object comprising the steps of, in appropriate order:

• a) applying at least a relevant coating layer on at least two test panels under the influence of a set of coating parameters which differs with respect to each panel,
• (c) taking a plurality of measurements of at least one optical surface property as a function of the set of coating parameters selected on application of the relevant coating layer on each panel,
• (c) storing the optical data in a datafile with assignment of the relevant set of coating parameters,
• (d) facetting the visible surface(s) of a three-dimensional object by computer into a sufficient number of flat polygonal areas each being sufficiently small for the sufficiently accurate description of the surface topography,
• (e) assigning the relevant set of coating parameters and associated optical data in each case to each individual polygonal area by computer, and
• (f) assembling the polygonal areas into a computer image of the three-dimensional object.