Colorimetric analysis of scanned continuous-tone color images in a Color Managed Digital Photo Printing Workflow (CMDPPW)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of Color Managed Workflow (CMW) on digital color photo printing. In a CMW, a device profile represents the color characteristics of a device (monitor, scanner, and printer) to be used in the printing workflow. The experiment analyzed the effect of device profiles on scanned and printed continuous-tone color images. The guiding objectives of this study allowed testing of an accepted color management practice to gain a better understanding of the presumptions associated with the application of device profiles. The experiment examined two groups of images [scanned (K1) and printed K2 (K = 2)]. The conclusions of this study are based upon an analysis of colorimetric data, visual assessment, and associated findings. The data from the experiment revealed that very minor color differences were found between the two groups of photos. The colorimetric data suggests that integration of device profiles is important in a CMW as it allows the process to obtain accurate output colors for a desired purpose.