Digital color correction system and method

Claim 2

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics including film color masking; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level.

Claim 3

A film color corrector as recited in claim 1, wherein the received digital film color signal is substantially logarithmic.

Claim 4

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics including film color masking, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified.

Claim 5

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics including film color masking, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified.

Claim 6

A color corrector as recited in claim 3, wherein the received digital film color signal is substantially logarithmic.

Claim 7

A color corrector as recited in claim 3, wherein the video signal characteristics represented by the received digital video color correction signal comprise hue and saturation.

Claim 8

A color corrector as recited in claim 3, wherein the video color corrector means comprises a video standard converter for selectively converting the received corrected film color signal into a video standard color signal.

Claim 9

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of predetermined color signal characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal.

Claim 10

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of predetermined color signal characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal.

Claim 11

A color corrector as recited in Claim 7, wherein the received digital color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital color signal represents a color film dye density, and the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level.

Claim 12

A color corrector as recited in claim 8, wherein the received digital color signal is substantially logarithmic.

Claim 13

A color corrector as recited in claim 7, wherein the received digital color correction signals represent a plurality of video signal characteristics and the received digital color signal represents a film exposure level.

Claim 14

A color corrector as received in claim 10, wherein the video signal characteristics represented by the received digital color correction signals comprise hue and saturation.

Claim 19

A transformation method as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals comprises receiving a plurality of digital signals representing hue and saturation.

Claim 20

A transformation method as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals comprises selectively converting the received corrected film color signal into a video standard color signal.

Claim 23

A correction method as recited in Claim 16, wherein the steps of receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals and receiving a digital color signal comprise receiving a plurality of digital signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics and receiving a digital signal representing a color film dye density, respectively, and further wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level.

Claim 24

A correction method as recited in Claim 16, wherein the steps of receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals and receiving a digital color signal comprise receiving a plurality of digital signals representing a plurality of video signal characteristics and receiving a digital signal representing a color film exposure level, respectively.

Claim 25

A correction method as recited in claim 18, wherein the step of receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals comprises receiving a plurality of digital signals representing hue and saturation.

Claim 26

A correction method as recited in claim 18, wherein the step of selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals comprises selectively generating video color standard data from the received digital color signal and selectively inserting the generated video color standard data into the received digital color signal.

Claim 27

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising; a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level.

Claim 28

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising; a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level.

Claim 29

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; wherein the film color corrector means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 30

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; wherein the film color corrector means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 31

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; wherein the film color corrector comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-D1) -1/(1-10.sup.B(D=Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-Nx [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1)]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe characters") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd=Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of asymmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturation) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 32

A digital film color corrector for correcting a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters associated with color film characteristics, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital film color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and film color corrector means for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; wherein the film color corrector comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-D1) -1/(1-10.sup.B(D=Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-Nx [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1)]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe characters") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd=Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of asymmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturation) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 33

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified.

Claim 34

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified.

Claim 35

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color corrections signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the film color corrector means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 36

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color corrections signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the film color corrector means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 37

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the film color correct means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-Dl) -1/(1-10.sup.B(D-Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-NX [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1)]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd-Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of asymmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturation) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 38

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the film color correct means comprises a sensitometric converter for selectively converting the received digital film color signal into the corrected film color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-Dl) -1/(1-10.sup.B(D-Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-NX [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1)]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd-Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of asymmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturation) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 39

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the video color corrector means comprises a video standard converter for selectively converting the received corrected film color signal into a video standard color signal, and further wherein the received corrected film color signal is selectively converted into a video standard color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU7## where: V C =reference SMPTE 240 M video camera output voltage for colored video signal (represented by the video standard color signal) L C =incident colored light producing V C (represented by the received corrected film color signal)

Claim 40

A digital color corrector for transforming a film color signal representing a portion of a colored optical film image into a video color signal in accordance with film and video color correction parameters associated with film and video signal characteristics, respectively, the color corrector comprising: film color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital film color correction signals, for receiving a digital film color signal, and for selectively correcting the received digital film color signal in accordance with the received digital film color correction signals, wherein the received digital film color correction signals represent a plurality of color film characteristics, the received digital film color signal represents a color film dye density, and the received digital film color signal is selectively modified to represent a color film exposure level; and video color corrector means for receiving a plurality of digital video color correction signals, for receiving the corrected film color signal from the film color corrector, and for selectively correcting the received corrected film color signal in accordance with the received digital video color correction signals, wherein the received digital video color correction signals represent a plurality of color video signal characteristics and the amplitude of the received corrected film color signal is selectively modified; wherein the video color corrector means comprises a video standard converter for selectively converting the received corrected film color signal into a video standard color signal, and further wherein the received corrected film color signal is selectively converted into a video standard color signal substantially in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU7## where: V C =reference SMPTE 240 M video camera output voltage for colored video signal (represented by the video standard color signal) L C =incident colored light producing V C (represented by the received corrected film color signal)

Claim 41

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level.

Claim 42

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics including film speed, gamma, and minimum and maximum film dye density; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level.

Claim 43

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising; a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level; wherein he encoder means comprises a sensitometric encoder coupled to selectively generate film color correction data from the received digital color correction signals and further coupled to selectively insert the generated film color correction data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the film color correction data is generated substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 44

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising; a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level; wherein he encoder means comprises a sensitometric encoder coupled to selectively generate film color correction data from the received digital color correction signals and further coupled to selectively insert the generated film color correction data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the film color correction data is generated substantially in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield characteristic curve.

Claim 45

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signals, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level; wherein the encoder means comprises a sensitometric encoder coupled to selectively generate film color correction data from the received digital color corrections signals and further coupled to selectively insert the generated film color correction data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the film color correction data is generated substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-Dl) -1) /(1-10.sup.B(D-Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-Nx [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1) ]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd-Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of symmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturating) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 46

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a color film dye density; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of color film characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signals, and wherein the encoded color signal represents a color film exposure level; wherein the encoder means comprises a sensitometric encoder coupled to selectively generate film color correction data from the received digital color corrections signals and further coupled to selectively insert the generated film color correction data into the received digital color signal, and wherein the film color correction data is generated substantially in accordance with the following formula: E=E.sub.O [(10.sup.A(D-Dl) -1) /(1-10.sup.B(D-Du))].sup.N where: E=exposure level of color film dye (represented by the corrected film color signal) E O =antilog 10 {0.8/ASA-Nx [0.1+log 10 (1-10 -0 .1) ]} A=measure of asymmetry of toe ("toe character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Dd-Dl| [default value: A=-1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dd-Dl))/(Dd-Dl) Dd=toe density of color film dye Dl=minimum (base+fog) density of color film dye D=density of color film dye (represented by the received digital film color signal) B=measure of symmetry of shoulder ("shoulder character") of color film dye's characteristic curve =|Du-Dc| [default value: B=1]≈log 10 (1-10.sup.(Dc-Du))/(Dc-Du) Du=maximum (saturating) density of color film dye Dc=shoulder density of color film dye N≈1/γ ASA=film speed

Claim 47

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a film exposure level; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of video signal characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal; wherein the encoder means comprises a video color standard encoder coupled to selectively generate video color standard data from the received digital color signal and further coupled to selectively insert the generated video color standard data into the received digital color signal.

Claim 48

A digital color corrector for correcting a color signal representing a portion of a colored optical image in accordance with a plurality of color correction parameters, the color corrector comprising: a color signal port for receiving a digital color signal representing a film exposure level; a parameter signal port for receiving a plurality of digital color correction signals representing a plurality of video signal characteristics; and encoder means for selectively encoding the received digital color signal in accordance with the received digital color correction signals, wherein the received digital color correction signals are inserted as separate signal data into the received digital color signal; wherein the encoder means comprises a video color standard encoder coupled to selectively generate video color standard data from the received digital color signal and further coupled to selectively insert the generated video color standard data into the received digital color signal.

Claim 49

A color corrector as recited in claim 54, wherein the video color standard data is generated substantially in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU8## where: V C =reference SMPTE 240 M video camera output voltage for colored video signal (represented by the video color standard data) L C =incident colored light producing V C (represented by the received digital color signal)