Abstract: A method and apparatus for using composite transforms to efficiently produce intermediary image data metrics that are independent of the input image origins. The method and apparatus produce intermediary image data metrics that can be used to drive the output of any of a plurality of image-receptive media or image-forming devices such that the reproduced images appear appropriately rendered for the output medium or device chosen regardless of the input image origin. The intermediary image data metrics may also be stored for later use without requiring documentation of their origin; images or portions thereof from various media and devices may be merged together to produce composite images of homogeneous and appropriate appearance; and images may be balanced and otherwise manipulated without requiring references to their origin.

Abstract: A method of predictably producing accurate photoprocessing and graphic arts control tools, to be used for adjusting the parameters of photographic devices, in which a computer-originated image is digitally recorded onto a first recording medium by a digital output recording device, is illuminated and is photographed onto a second recording medium to yield second-generation camera-original control tool photographs on the second recording medium. One or more of the tone, color or frequency response characteristics of the digitally-generated image on the first recording medium are selectively adjusted, using a digital data transform, so that the second-generation control tool photographs on the second recording medium have the tone, color and frequency response characteristics defined as "aim" for that second medium.

Abstract: Methods and means are described for producing intermediary color image processing and/or data storage metrics that are independent of the input image origins. These methods and means produce intermediary metric images that can be output onto any of a plurality of image-receptive media or image-forming devices such that the reproduced images appear appropriately rendered for the output medium or device chosen regardless of the input image origin. The intermediary metric images may also be stored for later use without requiring documentation of their origin, images or portions thereof from various media and devices may be merged together to produce composite images of homogeneous and appropriate appearance, and images may be balanced and otherwise manipulated without requiring references to their origin.

Abstract: The dynamic range of a digitized image database is extended to permit shifting of encoded pixel values without `clipping`, and to provide limited windows of values into which specular highlights and unusually low reflectances or areas of objects in shadow light may be encoded and stored. Digital codes into which an image scanner output has been mapped by a scene balance mechanism are converted into a set of reduced-range digital codes of the same resolution but having a smaller range of basic image content values than the dynamic range of the digitized image data base.

Abstract: Color image reproduction apparatus includes a video monitor for displaying a reproduced image (a soft copy). A film writer serves to produce a hard copy of the reproduced image on any of a variety of image-receptive output media (reversal film or negative film to print material or reversal film to print material) having perceptually distinct color reproduction properties. A computer-based workstation, having a series of look-up tables for transforming imaging data to a variety of monitor-dependent RGB color spaces, enables the film writer to expose an output film (reversal or negative) such that the hard copy reproduction formed is visually matched to the soft copy proof, regardless of the output medium selected.

Abstract: Color image reproduction apparatus includes a video monitor for displaying a reproduced image (a soft copy) to appear on any of a variety of image-receptive output media (reversal film or negative film to print material or reversal film to print material) in which color of the reproduced image may vary from one type of output medium to another. A computer-based workstation, having a series of look-up tables for transforming imaging data to a variety of monitor-dependent RGB color spaces, enables the video monitor to show a series of displays of the reproduced image with each version of the reproduced image being visually matched to the reproduced image as it would appear on a particular one of the image-receptive output media.