Overview
IEC 61966-8:2001 - "Multimedia systems and equipment – Colour measurement and management – Part 8: Multimedia colour scanners" specifies methods for the characterization and objective performance assessment of multimedia colour scanners used with computer and multimedia systems. The standard focuses on scanners that capture colour images from reflective originals and output RGB data for use in colour management workflows. It defines measurement conditions, acceptable measurement methods, and reporting formats so results can be used reliably for device characterization and ICC profile creation.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers practical, measurable scanner attributes and how to report them for colour management:
- Measurement equipment and targets
- Use of spectrophotometers and spectroradiometers and a specified target for characterization (reflective patches).
- Built-in light source
- Measurement and reporting of spectral power distribution of the scanner illumination.
- Tone and inverse-tone characteristics
- Methods to measure tone response (light flux vs. output data) and to compute inverse tone curves for linearization and profiling.
- Spectral responsivity
- Measurement of multiband spectral sensitivities for red, green and blue channels; tabulated and graphical presentations.
- Spatial characteristics
- Spatial non‑uniformity assessment across the scan area and large‑area spatial crosstalk testing.
- Stability
- Procedures for mid‑term instability checks to quantify drift over time.
- Data output and reporting
- Structured reporting formats (tables, spectral data, polynomial coefficients) and examples for use in colour management systems.
- Annexes
- Normative annexes include algorithms for estimating multiband spectral sensitivities and model output useful for ICC profile calculations; informative annex shows ICC profile and optimized conversion examples (e.g., sRGB).
Applications and target users
IEC 61966-8:2001 is valuable for anyone who needs rigorous, reproducible scanner characterization for multimedia use:
- Scanner manufacturers - to specify and verify device performance and prepare characterization data.
- Calibration and test laboratories - to perform standardized measurements and publish comparable results.
- Colour management engineers and system integrators - to generate accurate ICC profiles and ensure predictable RGB data for multimedia pipelines.
- Software developers for image capture and processing - to implement correct linearization, spectral compensation and device profiles (e.g., sRGB conversion).
- Quality assurance teams - for acceptance testing, drift monitoring, and uniformity checks.
Related standards
- IEC 61966 series (e.g., sRGB in IEC 61966‑2‑1) - for target colour spaces and colour management frameworks.
- ISO 12641 - referenced in the introduction as a related standard for prepress scanner calibration and targets.
Keywords: IEC 61966-8:2001, multimedia colour scanners, colour measurement, colour management, spectral responsivity, tone characteristics, scanner characterization, ICC profiles, sRGB.
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