Application of a colour reproduction index to digital camera characterization

This paper examines the use of a colour reproduction index as a quality met ric for the characterization of ten digital cameras in an attempt to achiev e colorimetrically exact reproduction. This essentially extends the use of the index further into the world of digital imaging. The successful applica tion of an observer response model to data linking acceptability of colour prints with the colour reproduction index is demonstrated. and a linear rel ation between the index and the median value of CIELAB colour difference is established for standard lighting conditions common to both image acquisit ion and viewing stages. This defines the quartile values of acceptability i n terms of the index scale. A camera rendering index, based on the concepts of the CIE colour rendering index, is also shown to give values that are l inearly related to the median value of CIELAB colour difference, again unde r identical illumination conditions.