Two-dimensional transforms for device color correction and calibration

Abstract

Color device calibration is traditionally performed using one-dimensional (1-D) per-channel tone-response corrections (TRCs). While 1-D TRCs are attractive in view of their low implementation complexity and efficient real-time processing of color images, their use severely restricts the degree of control that can be exercised along various device axes. A typical example is that per separation (or per-channel), TRCs in a printer can be used to either ensure gray balance along the C = M = Y axis or to provide a linear response in delta-E units along each of the individual (C, M, and Y) axis, but not both. This paper proposes a novel two-dimensional color correction architecture that enables much greater control over the device color gamut with a modest increase in implementation cost. Results show significant improvement in calibration accuracy and stability when compared to traditional 1-D calibration. Superior cost quality tradeoffs (over 1-D methods) are also achieved for emulation of one color device on another.