Cross-media color reproduction
2011-2012 - IMT4072 - 5 ECTS

Expected learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide fundamentals and basic knowledge of cross-media color reproduction and color management on different media technology platforms. After completing this course, the students will also have an understanding of, and experience in color encodings applicable to different media platforms including setting up and evaluating a cross-media color reproduction workflow.
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe features of the human visual system and color perception applicable to media color reproduction
• Evaluate the methods used to produce color on different media technology platforms, and demonstrate the problems that can occur when these platforms are not colour managed using appropriate standards
• Demonstrate the production of colours defined in terms of human colour appearance on different media technology platforms
• Define the image states and associated color encodings applicable to different media technology platforms, and show how to convert between them
• Set up and evaluate a cross-media color reproduction workflow which converts from an input-referred image state to an output-referred image state

Topic(s)

1. Light, color and the human visual system
2. Color characteristics of solid state cameras, scanners, projectors, displays and printers
3. Color encodings, image states and conversions between them
4. Measurement of color in original scenes and on output devices
5. Gamut limitations of media technology platforms and methods of compensation
6. Calibrating and characterizing media input and output systems
7. Color management for video, web, broadcast, motion picture and print and workflow for cross-media color reproduction
8. Evaluation of color reproduction quality, transforms and devices

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Laboratory work
Net Support Learning
Project work
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)

Teaching Methods (additional text)

All students will be required to be physically present and participate in seminars/workshops which will include lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, and project work. The exact times of these workshops will be announced before the start of the semester.

Form(s) of Assessment

Written exam, 4 hours
Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

Students will undertake an individual project on cross-media color reproduction and provide a written rationale, analysis and discussion of results.
Written exam (60%), Evaluation of Project(s) (40%).
Each part needs to be passed.
The laboratory work will be carried out individually or in groups, as decided by the course responsible.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

Two internal examiners on the written exam.

Re-sit examination

Ordinary re-sit for the written exam. There is no re-sit examination for projects.

Coursework Requirements

Students will be required to be physically present and participate in all seminars/workshops which will include lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, and project work. The exact times of these workshops will be announced before the start of the semester.

Teaching Materials

Basic textbook:

• R. Berns (2000), Billmeyer and Saltzman’s Principles of Color Technology" 3rd ed, Wiley

Additional books:

• P. J. Green and L. MacDonald (2002), Colour Engineering: Achieving Device Independent Colour, Wiley
• E. Giorgianni and T. Madden (2008), Digital color management: encoding solutions, 2nd ed.: Wiley
• J. Homann (2008), Digital Color Management: Principles and Strategies for the Standardized Print Production: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
• B. Fraser, C. Murphy, and F. Bunting (2005), Real world color management, 2 ed.: Peachpit Press, Berkeley, CA, US
• C. Poynton (2007), Digital Video and HDTV Algorithms and Interfaces, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, US
• P. J. Green, (2010) [ed] Color Management: Understanding and Using ICC Profiles, Wiley, Chichester, UK