Overview
ISO 12641-1:2016 - Graphic technology - Prepress digital data exchange - Colour targets for input scanner calibration - defines the layout and colourimetric values of standardized colour targets used to calibrate photographic product / input scanner combinations (positive colour transparency film and colour photographic paper). It provides a consistent reference for colour input calibration in the preparatory process for printing and publishing, enabling repeatable colour capture across scanners and media.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Target design and layout: Specifies the physical arrangement and construction of transmission (transparency) and reflection (paper) targets, including a vendor‑optional area for manufacturer-specific patches.
- Colour specification using CIELAB: Aim values and tolerancing are defined in the CIE 1976 (Lab*) space; colour differences are expressed as ∆E*ab for consistent evaluation.
- Patch sizing and gamut mapping: Requirements for patch size, multi‑level lightness/chroma/hue sampling and a common gamut strategy (based on manufacturer dye data reduced to an 80% common gamut). Annex A provides computational reference material for gamut mapping.
- Neutral and dye scales: Includes scales for individual dyes, dye pairs and neutrals plus minimum/maximum density regions to characterise product-specific dye behaviour.
- Manufacturing tolerances: Separate tolerances for uncalibrated vs calibrated targets to balance production feasibility with numerical calibration needs.
- Spectral measurement & colorimetric computation: Measurement geometries and reference conditions are specified (e.g., CIE 2° observer, D illuminant, diffuse/normal and 0°/45° or 45°/0° geometries as per ISO 13655).
- Data reporting and file format: Rules for reporting measured values, keyword syntax and data file identifiers for digital exchange.
- Useable target life: Guidance on the expected lifetime and stability considerations for targets in practical use.
- Informative annexes: Annex A (gamut mapping) and Annex B (application notes) assist implementation.
Applications
- Calibrating input scanners to ensure accurate, repeatable colour capture from film and photographic paper.
- Creating scanner profiles and color-management workflows for prepress, digital archiving and high-fidelity reproduction.
- Quality control for target manufacturers and print service providers to verify target conformance.
- Standardizing colour data exchange between scanner vendors, film/paper manufacturers and service bureaus.
Who should use this standard
- Prepress engineers and colour managers
- Scanner manufacturers and calibration software developers
- Film and photographic paper manufacturers
- Print service providers, repro houses, and archival imaging specialists
Related standards
- ISO 13655 (spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts)
- ISO 1008, ISO 1012 (photographic sheet/film dimensions)
- ANSI IT8.7/1 and IT8.7/2 (historic equivalents referenced in the standard)
Keywords: ISO 12641-1:2016, input scanner calibration, colour targets, CIELAB, gamut mapping, prepress, colour calibration targets, spectral measurement, scanner profiling.
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