A method and apparatus for color matching are provided, in which paint
recipe neural networks are utilized. The color of a standard is expressed
as color values. The neural network includes an input layer having nodes
for receiving input data related to paint bases. Weighted connections
connect to the nodes of the input layer and have coefficients for
weighting the input data. An output layer having nodes are either directly
or indirectly connected to the weighted connections and generates output
data related to color values. The data to the input layer and the data
from the output layer are interrelated through the neural network's
nonlinear relationship. The paint color matching neural network can be
used for, but not limited to, color formula correction, matching from
scratch, effect pigment identification, selection of targets for color
tools, searching existing formulas for the closest match, identification
of formula mistakes, development of color tolerances and enhancing
conversion routines.
