Soft-Copy Image Manipulation and its Influence on Perceived Color Quality of Printed Output

Abstract

This study examined the role of cathode-ray tube (CRT) display characterizations on soft-copy image manipulation and perceived color quality of subsequently printed photographs. CRT gamma, color temperature, and excitation purity were manipulated using a central composite experimental design, resulting in fifteen unique monitor calibrations. Twenty-two participants viewed 3 images under each of the 15 CRT conditions. Participants edited color balance, brightness, and contrast of each soft-copy image. The direction and magnitude of image edits were recorded for analysis. Photographic-quality hard-copy prints of each edited soft-copy image also were generated. Participants were brought back to the lab after one month to rate the color quality of the hard-copy prints. Response surface analyses indicated that monitor calibration did influence soft-copy editing and perceived hard-copy color quality of prints generated from the edited images. CRT gamma had the greatest influence on image editing and perceived hard-copy color quality.