Colour conversion apparatus

TL;DR: In this article, a color conversion apparatus is disclosed, which maps image data from a RGB to an output colour space (CMYK) and interpolates over each interval based on mapping a volume of input pixel data (8 points of RGB) to a corresponding volume of output pixel data.

Abstract: A colour conversion apparatus (2) is disclosed maps image data from a input colour space (RGB) to an output colour space (CMYK). A transfer function between the colour spaces is known relevant to the appropriate display medium (e.g. printer (8)) and this is divided into intervals (22,23,24 - Fig.7,8) for interpolating between the colour spaces. The intervals vary in length depending on the behaviour of the transfer function with the intervals being shorter where the transfer function is not well behaved (i.e. rapid change in slope). Interpolation is performed over each interval based on a mapping a volume of input pixel data (8 points of RGB) to a corresponding volume of a component of output pixel data (e.g. 8 points of C, i.e.: C000, C001, C010 etc.) Interpolation is performed between those points to derive an output pixel colour component value. The process is repeated for each primary colour component of the output colour space to produce composite output pixels. Near-white and near-black colour correction is also disclosed.