Extraction of Color Information and Visualization of Color Differences between Digital Images through Pixel-by-Pixel Color-Difference Mapping

Abstract

A novel method of extracting color information on a pixel-by-pixel basis or by the average of the regions of interest (ROIs) from digital images is proposed and demonstrated using newly developed and customized image-processing/analysis software (PicMan). For quantitative and statistical analyses of color, the newly developed software can be used for digital archive or digital forensic applications in various fields. The color differences between unrelated, similar, or identical scenes and or objects were quantified in various formats of desired color spaces such as RGB, HSV, XYZ, CIE L*a*b*, Munsell color, and hexadecimal color values. The color differences were visualized as images of pixel-by-pixel mapping of the DL*, Da*, Db*, DERGB, DEHSV, and DE*L*a*b* values and block comparison images of desired block sizes. Various color analyses and color-difference mapping examples using an aged and damaged oil painting before and after restoration were introduced. The effects of the image file format differences between PNG and JPG on color distortion are demonstrated by statistics and pixel-by-pixel color-difference mapping. A portrait of Chuk-ki Yoo (兪拓基, 1691–1767) on silk from the 18th century from Korea was used for further color analysis for whole and selected areas. A collector’s ownership stamp of Chuk-ki Yoo stamped in red ink on the text areas in one of his book collections was extracted using the image-processing software and superimposed on the original image as a visualization enhancement example. Image analysis, processing, modification, enhancement, and highlighting, as well as statistical color analysis of digital images in most formats, can conveniently and efficiently be performed using one piece of dedicated software (PicMan). The pixel-by-pixel color information extraction and color comparison technique can be very effective for a variety of applications in art and cultural heritage objects.

Qualitative Changes in Birch Sap after Freezing and Thawing

“…where ∆E * ab ≈ 2.3 corresponds to a JND (just noticeable difference) [23]. The color coordinates were processed by Universal Software V.4-10.…”

A Novel Approach to Quantitative Characterization and Visualization of Color Fading

“…As reported previously, the authors' group has been developing user-friendly software (PicMan, WaferMasters, Inc. Dublin, CA, USA) for image-based dimension (length, area, circumference, circularity, etc.) measurement/analysis, quantitative color analysis, statistical analysis, and various image-tailoring functions to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned areas with existing software [19][20][21]. Pattern selection, area selection, highlighting, editing, coloring, and transparency application to any digital image can be easily done.…”

“…for image analysis and processing. Detailed application examples of PicMan can be found in previous reports from other study groups [19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Several new functions, such as pixel-by-pixel color difference mapping, block comparison, color interpolation, and extrapolation, for color fading characterization, have been added to this study.…”

“…The color difference CIE ∆E* can easily be determined and visualized pixel by pixel. This type of detailed pixel-by-pixel color difference characterization cannot be measured or visualized by conventional chroma meter measurements due to spatial resolution limits [19][20][21]28,29].…”

“…Diagnoses of the conservation status of painting cultural heritages and color fading characteristics of pigments using this quantitative colorimetric analysis technique were also very promising [19][20][21]. It has been extremely useful for digital forensic studies of cultural heritage identification processes.…”