To understand the capturing, the processing, and the display of color images requires knowledge of many disciplines, such as image formation, radiometry, colorimetry, psychophysics, and color reproduction, that are not parts of the traditional training for engineers. Yet, with the advance of sensor, computing, and display technologies, engineers today often have to deal with aspects of color imaging, some more frequently than others. This book is intended as an introduction to color imaging science for engineers and scientists. It will be useful for those who are preparing to work or are already working in the field of color imaging or other fields that would benefit from the understanding of the fundamental processes of color imaging.

The sound training of imaging scientists and engineers requires more than teaching practical knowledge of color signal conversion, such as YIQ to RGB. It also has to impart good understanding of the physical, mathematical, and psychophysical principles underlying the practice. Good understanding ensures correct usage of formulas and enables one to come up with creative solutions to new problems. The major emphasis of this book, therefore, is to elucidate the basic principles and processes of color imaging, rather than to compile knowledge of all known systems and algorithms. Many applications are described, but they serve mainly as examples of how the basic principles can be used in practice and where compromises are made.

Color imaging science covers so many fields of research that it takes much more than one book to discuss its various aspects in reasonable detail.