The additive color mixing is based on the light colors red, green, and blue, which combine to produce white.

The process which ensures that color production devices are set to a known or defined standard.

An equipment independent color model, that utilizes the luminance (L*) and two color values (a* & b*). The color coordination defines where the colors are to be found in a three-dimensional coordination system: the a* value defines a red-green axis, the b* value the blue-yellow axis. The L* value supplements the color space around the third dimension, which is positioned on the z axis.

Color management software module. An algorithm which converts the equipment characteristics on the basis of predefined color characteristics from the ICC profiles into an equipment independent color space so that input and output media and the processing can be adjusted to each other from these fundamentals.

A color mixing process based on the base colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (K). These body colors and their admix colors (subtractive color mixing) absorb incoming light and the appropriate complementary colors. The remaining reflected light creates the color impression.

Color measuring equipment which can with the help of color filters (generally RGB) calculate the color characteristics of output equipment. Colorimeters are generally utilized for calibration and profiling monitors.

Proprietary calibration software for ColorEdge LCD monitors. It provides the interactive control of the color allocation table (Look-Up Table) in the monitor and creates an appropriate monitor color profile for the operating systems Mac OS 9 & OS X as well as Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

Examples of color management systems are ColorSync for Mac-operating systems and ICM 2.0 for Windows. The color management system converts (translates) the color space of one device into the color space of a different device. Generally, it is sufficient to use a device independent color space for this process.

A numeric or alphabetical description of colors. Examples: red, green, blue (RGB); color tone, brightness, saturation (HLS); cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK); Brightness, a, b (Lab), Pantone.

Describes the data files and color settings for a device. Through the comparison of different device profiles, (printer, monitor, scanner etc.) the colors for all devices are reproduced as accurately as possible.

See gamut

See white point

The color temperature control serves for the adjustment of reproduction under room light conditions and facilitates the creation of correct color representation of pictures. Color temperatures between 4,000 Kelvin and 10,000 Kelvin (for example warm white to cold white) can be set with ColorEdge monitors.

Difference between two colors in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The Delta E-Variable can be utilized for the evaluation of color tolerances.

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By means of the gamma curve, the color/gray distribution for all tones between black and white can be represented.

The tone value characteristic for all monitors can be adjusted by means of the gamma correction value. The color reproduction of ColorEdge monitors is controlled by an internal 10-bit Look-Up-Table (LUT). It facilitates a more exact gradation of color information than a standard 8-bit LUT. By means of integrated color management, color saturation and color intensity can be also separately adjusted for RGB and CMY.

The complete color space, which can be reproduced by a device. A color is "out of gamut" if it cannot be represented in the color space of a device.

Fine adjustment between gray or color steps.

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The International Color Consortium. Incorporated in 1993 by software and hardware vendors with the target of facilitating, promoting, and supporting the standardization and continued development of a public, supplier neutral platform for comprehensive color management architecture and components.

A data file which describes how a device (monitor, scanner, printer, testing equipment etc.) reproduces color (meaning inside the concrete color spaces). Necessary for color management.

Color management system from Microsoft for Windows (Image Color Management)

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Equipment independent system for describing color perception with the help of a coordinate system from the brightness L*, Red green balance+ a* and the yellow-blue balance b*. Developed by the CIE.

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A reference color space is a device independent color model which is utilized by a CMM (color engine), to translate the color palette of one device into the color space of a different device. CIE Lab is an example of a reference color space. The reference color space is integrated into the color management module; it is not visible to the user nor can it be modified by the user.

The name given to the setting up of an ICC profile. It contains the individual color characteristics of color reproduction equipment such as a monitor, scanner color printer and four-color printing press.

Print pre-stage. A printer is utilized which is exactly calibrated and gives as close as possible representation of the final printed picture from the larger printing machine so that the expected result of the final print-out can be evaluated before printing begins.

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An instrument which measures the visible color spectrum of the color sample in predetermined stages. As opposed to densitometers and colorimeters, spectral photometers measure the discrete wavelengths of light in relationship to human perception. The spectral photometer is the standard tool for measuring printed color patterns, which are utilized for the creation of ICC profiles.

Standard-RGB. An RGB color space with a gamma value of 2.0 and a white point of 5,000 Kelvin which can be displayed by a multitude of monitors, scanners, color printers and cameras.

The subtractive color mixture is based on body colors (reflected colors). When cyan, magenta and yellow do not reflect any light, the result is black.

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Adjustment of a device to the color temperature of the (environmental) light source. By balancing the primary colors (for example red, green and blue), it is ensured that a white object can be reproduced.

The reproduction of white. The combination of all three colors red, green and blue with the highest tone value, for example 255 on a monitor is measured in the color temperature K (Kelvin). A necessary reference point for calibration and characterization.

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