Overview
ISO 12640-5:2013 - Graphic technology: Prepress digital data exchange, Part 5 (RIMM/SCID) specifies a set of standard scene-referred colour image data encoded as 16-bit RIMM RGB. These reference images (natural and synthetic) are provided to support objective evaluation of colour rendering transforms that convert scene-referred images to output-referred images. The package distributed with the standard includes the PDF specification plus TIFF image files (e.g., NP01RGB…NP27RGB, NS01RGB…NS17RGB, S1RGB…S3RGB) intended for research, testing and validation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scene-referred standard images: A curated collection of images representing natural and synthetic scenes, encoded as 16-bit RIMM RGB (RIMM/SCID).
- Purpose: Evaluate and compare colour rendering transforms (scene → output) across workflows and devices.
- File formats and distribution: Images supplied as TIFF files on media (DVD/zip); installation notes emphasize preserving file structures and consulting the Readme for correct use.
- Usage constraints: Copyright-protected distribution - reproduction or transmission requires permission from ISO; users should follow licensing guidance included with the standard.
- Test consistency: Provides a common, standardized input dataset to enable reproducible testing and comparative assessments of colour pipelines.
Applications
ISO 12640-5 supports practical tasks where consistent scene-referred input data are required:
- Evaluating camera colour pipelines and raw converters for accurate scene-to-output rendering.
- Developing and validating colour management systems and transform algorithms.
- Creating or testing ICC profiles and device characterization routines for displays, printers and proofing systems.
- Research and academic studies in colour science and image processing.
- Quality assurance and regression testing for imaging software and hardware.
Who uses this standard
- Camera manufacturers and imaging-software developers (raw converters, camera pipeline engineers).
- Colour scientists and researchers conducting objective comparisons and experiments.
- Colour management specialists and prepress professionals validating profiles and rendering intents.
- Display and print device vendors performing end-to-end colour pipeline assessments.
Related standards
- Part of the broader ISO 12640 series (prepress digital data exchange).
- Commonly used alongside colour management specifications (e.g., ICC profile workflows) and ISO colourimetry references when performing end-to-end evaluations.
ISO 12640-5:2013 provides a practical, standardized image dataset (RIMM/SCID) to improve reproducibility, comparability and accuracy when testing colour rendering transforms across cameras, software and output devices.
Open preview (PDF)Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Part 5: Scene-referred standard colour image data (RIMM/SCID)
