RE: PANTONE Spot Colors
RE: PANTONE Spot Colors
- Subject: RE: PANTONE Spot Colors
- From: "HATKOFF, ANDREW" <email@hidden>
- Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2003 11:33:46 -0400
Pantone has significant experience in device-independent color spaces and
has found that while color definitions in Lab space and profiles can do a
reasonable job in simulating PANTONE Colors, they cannot accomplish the same
results as tuning individual colors.
Let me explain a little bit about the process involved in Pantone
calibration. The goal of the Pantone calibration process is to maintain a
color flow that is consistent with our Color Reference Guides and provide
the best possible representation of a PANTONE Color. To best achieve this,
we employ the application of Lab conversions and mathematical transforms
combined with visual verification and tuning of colors. We do not rely
solely on mathematical calculations, "black box" or profile conversions.
What if a PANTONE Color simply does not look right? We do not leave it
un-touched and explain that is the best color generated via the conversion
process, we tweak it and improve its representation.
All too often, we have seen, algorithms and processes used in
device-independent color transformations, using whatever gamut clipping or
compression techniques, do not necessarily yield optimal results for Pantone
Colors because of the non-linearity of Lab space. Many times clipping
algorithms do not truly reflect a colorant's movement through color space as
colorant concentration varies. For instance, you can have a delta E of 2 on
a gray and see an undesirable shift in color, while a delta E of 5 for a
yellow might not display any noticeable or objectionable change in color.
While Lab data and delta E color differences can get you close, it doesn't
always get you close enough.
Yes, Pantone calibrations are done to a specific set of print parameters
that include the rip/driver, the substrate, and inkset since we are not
operating in device-independent color world. Color is indeed very device
dependent. Even device-independent processes are not totally devoid of
device dependency. For instance, when measuring color, spectrophotometers
do yield different spectral data depending on the manufacturer, the filters
and geometry that are used. In addition, resultant Lab data can be different
depending on the math applied. We should be careful not to place all of our
faith in device independent color. If the color doesn't look right, no
matter what the math says, it is not right. There is enough room in the
color world, whereby both color look-up tables and device-independent color
workflows can serve their respective purposes.
Finally, you should know that Pantone has been working with device
independent color since 1974. Over thirteen years later in 1987, Pantone,
working with its color printer partners QMS and Benson/Schlumberger,
invented spot color printing in color digital printers. So it should be
clear that most of the discussions and issues we read on this e-mail list
have been encountered and dealt with, in most cases, a decade ago.
We respectfully invite anyone with issues about Pantone, our company or our
color technology, to contact us directly for a more informative discussion.
Thank you for your consideration.
Andy Hatkoff
Pantone, Inc.
vice President
Electronic Color Systems
email@hidden
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