Abstract

The recent popularity of dot matrix printing technologies has renewed interest in developing color halftoning techniques for these systems. A color reproduction scheme based on colorimetric principles would provide accurate color rendition, and can be configured to different hardware implementations. Additionally, where there are demands for multiple copies, color reproduction accuracy is assured to the nth generation.

A binary dot matrix halftoning algorithm previously used for black-and-white reproduction (error diffusion) and a new algorithm to be described (EZ method) were investigated in terms of their color reproduction capabilities, with the objective to achieve colorimetric color reproduction.

The error diffusion technique made poor system color selections when used in XYZ tristimulus space. As a result, large hue, saturation, and ΔE*ab errors were experienced. The EZ Color Algorithm provided better color accuracy, with an average color difference of less than three for a 4x4 cell size.

A uniform color space, such as CIELAB, is considered a minimum requirement in order for the error diffusion algorithm to provide colorimetric color reproduction. Hue, saturation, and ΔE*ab errors were minimized when this color space was used. The EZ Color Algorithm provides several important features including the incorporation of the black colorant explicity in the color formulation, selection of system colors prior to quantizing, and quantization of system color areas instead of reflectance values.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Image processing--Digital techniques; Imaging systems--Image quality; Color computer graphics; Color separation

Publication Date

1-1989

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Advisor

Peter G. Engeldrum

Advisor/Committee Member

Roy S. Berns

Advisor/Committee Member

Burt Saunders

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TA1632 .Z826 1989

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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