Fundamentals of image color management

Abstract

Ideally in modern multimedia systems, exact colors and tones should be maintained throughout the processing chain from input device (e.g., scanner, camera) to output device (e.g., display monitor, printer). This ensures that all viewers will be presented with practically the same final display which is also consistent with the image originally captured. Each real-world capture or display device, however, interprets color values in its own specific manner, even if devices use ostensibly the same representations (e.g., RGB levels). Tonal (gray level) responses also vary widely. Specific steps must therefore be taken to ensure consistency of output on different devices; color management systems provide frameworks for this. This chapter presents the fundamental concepts of image color management and investigates some of the practicalities of their application in color management systems.