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Abstract

A method and apparatus for retouching an image represented by color printing data in the form of a number of sets of input data, one set for each of the printing colors, is described. The apparatus comprises a source (1) of color component image data; a reference data set generator (2;9,10) for generating a reference data set comprising the color components of a limited plurality of reference colors; and a color converter (2;9,10) for generating a temporary data set from the color printing data and the reference data set, the temporary set representing the original image in terms of the reference colors. A refresh store (3) receives the temporary data set and feeds the temporary data set to a monitor (8) via a conversion system. The conversion system includes one or more look-up tables (5) defining printing ink modifying functions and an operator table (6) for controlling the contents of the or each look-up table (5). The arrangement is such that the temporary data set is applied to the monitor (8) via the look-up tables (5) whereby the color components defined by the temporary data set are modified in accordance with the contents of the look-up tables before passing to the monitor (8). Due to the limited plurality of reference colors with which the original image is defined, it is possible for the operator to retouch the image displayed on the monitor (8) in real time and interactively.

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First Claim