Color Profile Editing with Soft Proof Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color profile editing tools provide limited information and restrictive editing capabilities, forcing users to work within a single color coordinate system and lacking visual feedback on color gamut and differences between original and edited images.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts input data using both original and edited color profiles, calculates and displays soft proof data, and allows users to select and modify color values in various color spaces, including L*a*b*, XYZ, and CMYK, with visual feedback on color differences and gamut availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If previously known color profile editing tools are used, then users can perform basic color adjustments, but the tools provide limited information about the color profile and available gamut
Solution Approach 1:
The software interface is segmented into multiple functional display areas: a first display area shows the source image, a second display area shows the profiled image, and a third display area presents color difference information. This segmentation allows comprehensive color profile information to be presented without overwhelming the user, as each section focuses on specific aspects of the editing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of information presentation by displaying color difference data in a dedicated third display area, beyond the traditional before/after image comparison. This additional dimension provides users with quantitative color difference metrics while maintaining visual context, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective color edit tools are used to change specific color regions, then users can modify individual color values, but the tools restrict the manner in which information may be displayed and limit editing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The software provides a universal editing interface that handles multiple color spaces (RGB, CMYK, L*a*b*) and multiple types of information display (source image, profiled image, color difference data) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach allows users to edit color profiles flexibly without being restricted to single-purpose tools, while maintaining interface simplicity through unified control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by displaying color difference information in the third display area as users make edits. This feedback mechanism shows the actual color changes being applied, allowing users to adjust their edits with full information about the effects, thereby increasing editing flexibility without adding interface complexity through multiple separate tools.
3Loss of information
If color profile editing is performed without visual feedback, then the editing process is simpler, but users lack information about color differences and gamut availability
Solution Approach 1:
The software performs preliminary calculations of color difference data and gamut availability information before the user completes their edits. By pre-computing and displaying this information in the third display area, the system provides comprehensive color difference feedback without adding complexity to the user's editing workflow, as the information is automatically generated and presented in context.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for editing color profiles. In particular, input data (such as reference image data) are received, and then are converted to first output data using a first color profile and to second output data using a second color profile, wherein the second color profile is an edited version of the first color profile. Soft proof data corresponding to the input data, first output data and second output data are calculated and then displayed on a display device. The soft proof data corresponding to the input data, first output data and second output data may be simultaneously or selectively displayed on the display device.