Abstract: A color management system for image reproduction and rendering. Images are rendered to appear perceptually accurate, rather than merely calorimetrically accurate. For example, an image reproduced by a color printer will be perceived as an accurate reproduction of the same image displayed on a computer screen, or that an image displayed on a computer screen is perceived as an accurate reproduction of the same scanned image or photographed image, even though the reproductions may be constrained by other factors, such as paper or substrate darkness, or a limited color gamut of the reproduction process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color and neutral tone management system, method, apparatus and software for reproduction of an image on an output medium, with a black colorant applied to the output medium having a maximum black colorant darkness. In an exemplary method, a black colorant is provided in substantially linear increments to the maximum black colorant darkness to provide a plurality of black increments; a first plurality of primary colorants are provided at about a first colorant level, such as from 5-8% saturation; and the first plurality of primary colorants are combined with each black increment of the plurality of black increments to form a first plurality of neutral increment values. At higher input darkness levels, a second plurality of neutral increment values are formed from increments of the black colorants (beginning at about 80% darkness) combined with a second plurality of primary colorants provided in substantially quadratic increments beginning at about 40% saturation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color and darkness management system, method, apparatus and software for determining colorant values for reproduction of an image on an output medium having a minimum darkness, and with the reproduction having a maximum black colorant darkness on the output medium. An exemplary apparatus embodiment comprises a memory and a processor.