ISO 17321-1-2012 PDF

Full title and description

Graphic technology and photography — Colour characterisation of digital still cameras (DSCs) — Part 1: Stimuli, metrology and test procedures. This International Standard specifies the required stimuli, metrology and test procedures used to characterise the colour behaviour of digital still cameras intended for photography and graphic-technology applications.

Abstract

ISO 17321-1:2012 defines two alternative methods for DSC colour characterisation (one using narrow spectral-band illumination and one using a spectrally and colorimetrically calibrated target), specifies the required measurement stimuli and instrument metrology, and gives test procedures and permitted data operations for camera raw data used in colour characterisation. Except for a limited set of allowed data operations the DSC data used are considered raw.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in periodic review).
• Publication date: November 2012 (Edition 2, 2012).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.10 (Photographic equipment; imaging/photography).
• Edition / version: 2 (2012).
• Number of pages: 26 (official ISO pagination for the 2012 edition).

Note: this 2012 edition replaced the earlier 2006 edition and the 2012 version was reviewed and confirmed in ISO’s review cycle.

Scope

Applies to colour characterisation of digital still cameras (DSCs) used for photography and graphic-technology workflows. The document covers the definition of stimuli (test charts and spectral illuminants), required metrology (measurement geometry, instruments and calibration), and standardised test procedures to capture, measure and report camera colour performance. Two principal characterisation routes are specified: (a) use of narrow spectral-band illumination with spectral measurements to derive camera spectral sensitivities, and (b) use of a spectrally and colorimetrically calibrated target captured under defined conditions to derive transforms. The standard applies to raw DSC data except for a defined set of permitted processing operations.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of colour stimuli and test-target requirements for DSC characterisation (spectral properties, spatial layout).
• Metrology requirements: measurement geometry, instrument calibration, spectral measurements and reporting conventions.
• Two characterisation methods: narrow-band illumination (spectral method) and calibrated target method (target-based method).
• Standardised capture and test procedures, including permitted minimal data operations on raw data and the handling of metadata.
• Performance metrics and evaluation: colourimetric error assessment, repeatability, and recommended reporting of results and metadata.
• Requirements to enable reproducible camera characterisation suitable for photography and graphic-technology workflows.

Typical use and users

Used by camera manufacturers, imaging laboratories, colour scientists, test houses, and graphic-technology professionals who need standardised, reproducible methods to characterise the colour behaviour of digital still cameras. Typical uses include product development, quality assurance, camera-to-print colour workflows, and independent performance comparison.

Related standards

ISO 17321 is a multi-part set of documents. Relevant linked parts and documents include: ISO/TR 17321-2 (Considerations for determining scene analysis transforms, 2012), ISO/TR 17321-3 (User controls and readouts for scene-referred imaging applications, 2017), and ISO/TS 17321-4 (Programmable light emission system; latest technical-specification edition 2022). These complementary parts address scene-analysis transforms, user-control/readout guidance and programmable illumination systems used in DSC characterisation.

Keywords

colour characterisation, digital still camera (DSC), colourimetry, stimuli, metrology, test procedures, spectral measurement, calibrated target, raw image data, scene-referred, ISO 17321

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17321-1:2012 is the first part of the ISO 17321 series; it specifies stimuli, measurement metrology and test procedures for colour characterisation of digital still cameras (DSCs).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the selection and specification of test stimuli and illuminants, instrument metrology and calibration, two alternative characterisation methods (narrow-band spectral illumination and calibrated-target capture), permitted minimal operations on raw data, and standardised test procedures and reporting for camera colour characterisation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Camera manufacturers, imaging test laboratories, colour scientists, print/graphic-arts professionals and anyone needing reproducible camera colour characterisation for product development, QA or workflow interoperability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 edition (Edition 2) is the current published edition for Part 1; ISO records show the 2012 edition replaced the 2006 edition and was reviewed/confirmed during ISO’s review cycle. Users should check ISO or their national standards body for any later amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 17321 is a multipart series addressing DSC colour characterisation. Other parts include TR 17321-2 (scene-analysis transforms), TR 17321-3 (user controls/readouts) and TS 17321-4 (programmable light emission systems). See the individual part documents for details.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Colour characterisation, DSC, stimuli, metrology, spectral measurements, calibrated target, raw image data, colourimetry, scene-referred, camera characterisation.