Beyond Red–Green–Blue (RGB): Spectrum-Based Color Imaging Technology

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive study on the spectrum-based color reproduction system, called Natural Vision (NV), which aims to break through the limitation of red–green–blue (RGB) three-primary schemes. After a basic discussion on the motivation for color imaging technology beyond RGB, the method for systematizing the multispectral and multiprimary color imaging technologies, including image capture, processing, storage, printing, and display, is presented. Then experimental multispectral systems for both still image and video are introduced, and the following features of spectrum-based scheme are revealed: a) highly accurate color reproduction is possible even under different illumination environment, b) an expanded color gamut can be reproduced by multiprimary color displays, c) the influence of observer metamerism can be reduced by the spectral color reproduction, and d) the quantitative spectral attributes of an object, useful for its analysis or recognition, can be captured and preserved. Finally, the effectiveness of the system is also demonstrated through experiments in fields of application, such as medicine, digital archives, color printing, electronic commerce, and computer graphics.