Memory-color test forms in real-world applications
Stephen Herron · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2003
Many images are received for distribution and reproduction without the possibility of a comparison to the source image. Image quality is difficult to measure and quantify without such a source image. However, test photographs consisting of memory colors can be compared to a remembered image. Test forms consisting of photographs of the real world are the only source of memory colors. They are used to test a graphic-arts color workflow. Such tests: (1) Display the color quality of various output devices. (2) Describe color differences by comparing the difference between reproduction of a test photograph and the remembered colors. (3) Help achieve a preferred state of color reproduction. (4) Characterize reproduction gamut problems of an output device. (5) Remotely trouble-shoot a color workflow. The human visual system cannot provide a precise measurement of quality but does provide direction and goals for a correction process. The criteria for the selection of image content and the usefulness of test photographs are described.