Abstract: A heuristic process for color formula calculation of pigmented shades matched to a target shade, comprising the steps of i) using suitable calibration scales to compile an effect matrix for each of the ingredients included in a coloring system, ii) determining the optical materials parameters of the target shade, iii) selecting a suitable starting formula, iv) determining the color difference between the starting formula and the target shade, v) calculating a first matched color formula while taking account of the effect matrices, vi) repeating steps iv) and v) until an acceptable remaining color difference is reached, wherein the effect matrices are continually updated with shade-relevant information during ongoing operation, achieves an improvement on the existing processes for shade formula calculation, not only in terms of reducing the number of tinting steps needed but also in terms of minimizing the remaining color difference.

Abstract: A heuristic process for color formula calculation of pigmented shades matched to a target shade, comprising the steps of i) using suitable calibration scales to compile an effect matrix for each of the ingredients included in a coloring system, determining the optical materials parameters of the target shade, iii) selecting a suitable starting formula, iv) determining the color difference between the starting formula and the target shade, v) calculating a first matched color formula while taking account of the effect matrices, vi) repeating steps iv) and v) until an acceptable remaining color difference is reached, wherein the effect matrices are continually updated with shade-relevant information during ongoing operation, achieves an improvement on the existing processes for shade formula calculation, not only in terms of reducing the number of tinting steps needed but also in terms of minimizing the remaining color difference.