<title>Multispectral-based color reproduction research at the Munsell Color Science Laboratory</title>

Abstract

The traditional techniques of image capture, scanning, proofing, and separating do not take advantage of colorimetry and spectrophotometry. For critical color-matching applications such as catalog sales, art-book reproductions, and computer-aided design, typical images, although pleasing, are unacceptable with respect to color accuracy. The limitations that lead to these errors have a well-defined theoretical basis and are a result of current hardware and software. This has led us to a reexamination of the traditional graphic reproduction paradigm. A research and development program has begun that will alleviate the theoretical limitations associated with traditional techniques. There are four main phases: 1) Multi-spectral image capture, 2) Spectral-based separation and printing algorithm development, 3) Implementation on press, and 4) Systems integration with data and image archives. This paper describes this new paradigm, summarizes recent research results, and considers implementation opportunities.