Apparatus and Method for Effect Pigment Identification

A computer-implemented method for identifying an effect pigment, the method comprising executing, on at least one processor of at least one computer, steps of: a) acquiring sample image data describing a digital image of a layer comprising a sample effect pigment b) determining, based on the sample image data, sparkle point data describing a sample distribution of sparkle points defined by the digital image, wherein the sample distribution is defined in an N-dimensional color space, wherein N is an integer value equal to or larger than 3; c) determining, based on the sparkle point data, sparkle point transformation data describing a transformation of the sample distribution into an (N-1)-dimensional color space; d) determining, based on the sparkle point transformation data, sparkle point distribution geometry data describing a geometry of the sample distribution; e) acquiring reference distribution geometry data describing a geometry of a reference distribution of sparkle points in the (N-1)-dimensional color space; f) acquiring reference distribution association data describing an association between the reference distribution and an identifier of the reference distribution; g) determining, based on the sparkle point distribution geometry data and the reference distribution geometry data and the reference distribution association data, sample pigment identity data describing an identity of the sample effect pigment.