Imaging device to media compatibility and color appearance matching with flare, luminance, and white point comparison

摘要

Methods and means are described for producing intermediary image-bearing signals and/or encoded data, compatible for subsequent imaging applications, from disparate and inherently incompatible types of input imaging devices and media. Consideration is given to the input and output image viewing environment in terms of its illuminant spectral energy distribution, amount of viewing flare light, surround type, and adaptive white point chromaticities. Application of the methods and means of the invention produces intermediary image-bearing signals and/or data that can be output onto any of a plurality of image-receptive media and/or image-forming devices such that any output image will match the appearance of any input image. Intermediary data for images or portions thereof derived from disparate input media and/or devices may be merged together to produce composite images of homogeneous and appropriate appearance. Intermediary image-bearing signals and/or data can also be adjusted and manipulated without requiring references to the origin of said signals and/or data. Intermediary image-bearing signals and/or data may be stored for later use without requiring documentation of the origin of the input sources from which they were derived.