Abstract: This invention relates to the measurement of color and patterns in everyday objects using a simple, inexpensive, self-contained, handheld device (such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with a digital imaging array video camera attachment). A key component of the invention is a novel color search engine for measurement and matching of color, which runs on the PDA, but can also be used as a server based application, or in a client server model over the internet. The invention will help professionals and consumers to identify, match and remember patterns and manage custom palettes for a wide variety of products anywhere None of the traditional methods for pattern matching adequately address the need for a portable, inexpensive method of acquiring and managing pattern information for a random physical object. Each of them is targeted at a specific industry application, from the industry's point of view.