Windows Color Architecture Windows Color Architecture Part 1Part 1

Michael BourgoinMichael BourgoinProgram Manager for ColorProgram Manager for ColorWindows Printing and ImagingWindows Printing and ImagingMicrosoft CorporationMicrosoft Corporation

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Session GoalsSession Goals

Attendees should leave this session with Attendees should leave this session with the followingthe following An understanding of the problems with An understanding of the problems with

existing color management systemsexisting color management systems An overview of the architecture of the new An overview of the architecture of the new

Windows Color System (WCS) to be Windows Color System (WCS) to be delivered in Windows “Longhorn”delivered in Windows “Longhorn”

An understanding of the opportunities An understanding of the opportunities enabled by the new color architectureenabled by the new color architecture

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Session OutlineSession Outline

Why the new Windows Color SystemWhy the new Windows Color System Color Market SegmentationColor Market Segmentation Color Market ForcesColor Market Forces Color User FrustrationColor User Frustration Inadequacy of existing color management system Inadequacy of existing color management system

(CMS) solutions(CMS) solutions

Requirements for Windows Color SystemRequirements for Windows Color System Problem statementProblem statement VisionVision BenefitsBenefits FeaturesFeatures

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The Color Imaging Market

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Color Market SegmentationColor Market Segmentation Color ProfessionalsColor Professionals

Professional Digital PhotographersProfessional Digital Photographers Graphic Arts ProfessionalsGraphic Arts Professionals Color Service BureausColor Service Bureaus

ProsumersProsumers Enthusiasts, early adoptersEnthusiasts, early adopters Characterized by digital single lens reflex cameras (SLRs)Characterized by digital single lens reflex cameras (SLRs) Strongly influenced by Color ProfessionalsStrongly influenced by Color Professionals

Knowledge WorkersKnowledge Workers Jobs require using a computer to collect, process, present, and apply Jobs require using a computer to collect, process, present, and apply

information. They are producing presentations, websites, and documents information. They are producing presentations, websites, and documents with increasing color content in networked environments with increasing with increasing color content in networked environments with increasing numbers of color devicesnumbers of color devices

Home UsersHome Users Primarily printing and sharing digital snapshotsPrimarily printing and sharing digital snapshots

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Digital Imaging Chain Of InfluenceDigital Imaging Chain Of Influence

Mass Market Mass Market ConsumersConsumers““What camera should I buy?”What camera should I buy?”

““WhatWhat

’’

is the best photo printer?”is the best photo printer?”““So should I get a new computer?”So should I get a new computer?”

Enthusiasts and Enthusiasts and ““ProsumersProsumers””Reads magazines, takes classes, buys Reads magazines, takes classes, buys professionalprofessional geargear

ProfessionalsProfessionalsLeadingLeading edge adopters, advanced digital workflowedge adopters, advanced digital workflow

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Color Market ForcesColor Market Forces

Dynamic growth of digital camera marketDynamic growth of digital camera market Proliferation of consumer color printersProliferation of consumer color printers Proliferation of office workgroup color printersProliferation of office workgroup color printers Enterprise in-sourcing of short-run color print jobsEnterprise in-sourcing of short-run color print jobs Emergence of high dynamic range (HDR) and Emergence of high dynamic range (HDR) and

large gamut color deviceslarge gamut color devices Adoption of Camera RAW imaging workflows by Adoption of Camera RAW imaging workflows by

professional digital photographersprofessional digital photographers

Color Source ApplicationsColor Source Applications

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Color Quality RequirementsColor Quality Requirements

Print Matches MonitorPrint Matches Monitor WYSIWYG between a pair of devicesWYSIWYG between a pair of devices Not necessarily accurate color, but a good appearance matchNot necessarily accurate color, but a good appearance match

Consistent ColorConsistent Color WYSIWYG across an arbitrarily large set of devicesWYSIWYG across an arbitrarily large set of devices Again not necessarily accurate, but a good appearance matchAgain not necessarily accurate, but a good appearance match

Critical ColorCritical Color Color must be both consistent across devices, and meet more Color must be both consistent across devices, and meet more

stringent requirements for qualitystringent requirements for quality

Contract ColorContract Color Where color accuracy and quality are contractual obligations: Where color accuracy and quality are contractual obligations:

e.g., the contract proof/acceptance scenarioe.g., the contract proof/acceptance scenario

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Color Professional

Knowledge Worker

Prosumer

Home User

Print

Matches

Monitor

Consistent

Color

Critical C

olor

Contract

Color

Color Expertise

None Low Moderate High

Color Expertise And Quality CriteriaColor Expertise And Quality Criteria

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Color Problems

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Common Color ProblemsCommon Color Problems Display doesn’t match printer output – what to do?Display doesn’t match printer output – what to do? OS, application, driver, or device – who’s doing the color OS, application, driver, or device – who’s doing the color

management?management? Color user interfaces (UI) are to complex, confusing, and inconsistent Color user interfaces (UI) are to complex, confusing, and inconsistent

– even from the same vendor– even from the same vendor Color device configuration and calibration is too difficultColor device configuration and calibration is too difficult No consistent color management across applicationsNo consistent color management across applications No consistent color management across devicesNo consistent color management across devices Color errors and rework to correct them is a major cost issueColor errors and rework to correct them is a major cost issue Too much color expertise is required to produce acceptable resultsToo much color expertise is required to produce acceptable results Color problems are difficult to debug and correct: in commercial color Color problems are difficult to debug and correct: in commercial color

workflows it is often difficult to assign responsibility for incorrect colorworkflows it is often difficult to assign responsibility for incorrect color

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Problems With Windows Problems With Windows Color TodayColor Today No consistent color management across Windows applicationsNo consistent color management across Windows applications GDI\GDI+ effectively limits color to 8 bpc sRGBGDI\GDI+ effectively limits color to 8 bpc sRGB sRGB’s limited gamut is a liability – unsuitable for HDR and wide sRGB’s limited gamut is a liability – unsuitable for HDR and wide

gamut devicesgamut devices Color UI is difficult to find, hard to use, and confusingColor UI is difficult to find, hard to use, and confusing Who’s doing the color management: operating system, application, Who’s doing the color management: operating system, application,

driver or device?driver or device? No operating system-supplied calibration toolsNo operating system-supplied calibration tools Poor developer documentationPoor developer documentation Lack of good system-level CMS has driven IHVs towardLack of good system-level CMS has driven IHVs toward

proprietary solutionsproprietary solutions Poor system-level CMS has driven color professionalsPoor system-level CMS has driven color professionals

to other platformsto other platforms

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Shortcomings Of Current Color Shortcomings Of Current Color Management SolutionsManagement Solutions

Trends and Issues in Adoption of Color Management in Graphic Arts, 2001 Study prepared for NPES by Nima Hunter Inc. Marketing Advisory Services, NY Trends and Issues in Adoption of Color Management in Graphic Arts, 2001 Study prepared for NPES by Nima Hunter Inc. Marketing Advisory Services, NY

Importance Importance Rated Rated

Extremely Extremely or Veryor Very

Performance Performance Rated Rated

Extremely or Extremely or Very EffectiveVery Effective GAPGAPAttributesAttributes

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Systemic Problem With ICC CMSSystemic Problem With ICC CMSUndefined PCS GamutUndefined PCS Gamut

Measurement DataMeasurement Data

Vendor 1’s PCS gamut guessVendor 1’s PCS gamut guess Vendor 2’s PCS gamut guessVendor 2’s PCS gamut guess

The ICC Profile The ICC Profile Connection Space Connection Space (PCS), an “idealized (PCS), an “idealized reflection print” color reflection print” color space, has no space, has no specified gamut specified gamut boundary. Profile boundary. Profile creators are forced creators are forced to guess: different to guess: different guesses mean… guesses mean…

?? ??

Incompatible profilesIncompatible profiles Poor interoperabilityPoor interoperability

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The Windows Color System

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VisionVision“Color you can trust and control”“Color you can trust and control”

Integrates state of the art understanding of the human visual system Integrates state of the art understanding of the human visual system with a componentized and flexible infrastructure.with a componentized and flexible infrastructure.

A color processing pipeline that supports high-dynamic-range, wide A color processing pipeline that supports high-dynamic-range, wide gamut colorgamut color

Bidirectional driver communication means that color devices/drivers Bidirectional driver communication means that color devices/drivers can self-configurecan self-configure

Well-designed default Color Policy rules ensure color out-of-box-Well-designed default Color Policy rules ensure color out-of-box-experience (OOBE)experience (OOBE)

A transparent, modular, color processing pipeline allows for easy A transparent, modular, color processing pipeline allows for easy color troubleshootingcolor troubleshooting

User defined policy settings provide fine-grained control of the entire User defined policy settings provide fine-grained control of the entire color processing pipeline for demanding, expert userscolor processing pipeline for demanding, expert users

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BenefitsBenefits

For the vast majority, color that “just works”For the vast majority, color that “just works” Greatly improved OOBEGreatly improved OOBE Solid baseline color processing pipeline ensures Solid baseline color processing pipeline ensures

predictable, consistent color across all Windows predictable, consistent color across all Windows applications and devicesapplications and devices

Opportunity for third party innovation via plug-in Device Opportunity for third party innovation via plug-in Device Models, Gamut Mapping ModelsModels, Gamut Mapping Models

Support for high precision processing of “high, wide, and Support for high precision processing of “high, wide, and deep” color deep” color

Enables Microsoft and third party vendors to introduce Enables Microsoft and third party vendors to introduce new innovative products and solutions that solve real new innovative products and solutions that solve real world color workflow problemsworld color workflow problems

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FeaturesFeatures

New Device Profile FormatNew Device Profile Format XML collection of objective intra-device measurementsXML collection of objective intra-device measurements Easy to edit, verify, understand and extend by third partiesEasy to edit, verify, understand and extend by third parties

New Visual ModelNew Visual Model State of the art Color Appearance Model built into platformState of the art Color Appearance Model built into platform Enables better handling of different viewing conditionsEnables better handling of different viewing conditions

Beyond rendering intents – selectable gamutBeyond rendering intents – selectable gamutmapping modelsmapping models Subjective inter-device transformsSubjective inter-device transforms Perceptually uniformPerceptually uniform Baseline set of gamut mapping models built into WCSBaseline set of gamut mapping models built into WCS Third party plug-in gamut mapping models for proprietary Third party plug-in gamut mapping models for proprietary

algorithms or improvements on baseline gamut mapping modelsalgorithms or improvements on baseline gamut mapping models

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FeaturesFeaturesContinuedContinued

Beyond profile classes – Device ModelsBeyond profile classes – Device Models Baseline set for common devices built into WCSBaseline set for common devices built into WCS Plug-in device models allow easy support for new device classes, third party Plug-in device models allow easy support for new device classes, third party

enhanced models for baseline devices, or specialized models for high-end devicesenhanced models for baseline devices, or specialized models for high-end devices End-to-end scRGB Pipeline Integrated and ExposedEnd-to-end scRGB Pipeline Integrated and Exposed

scRGB Capture, Rendering and OutputscRGB Capture, Rendering and Output Integration with color management servicesIntegration with color management services Unequaled precision, dynamic range, and gamut volumeUnequaled precision, dynamic range, and gamut volume

ICM2 and sRGB Support Continues and ImprovesICM2 and sRGB Support Continues and Improves Seamless interoperability with ICC-based workflowsSeamless interoperability with ICC-based workflows ICM2 Gets ICC Version 4.x SupportICM2 Gets ICC Version 4.x Support Addressing key recorded ICM2 bugsAddressing key recorded ICM2 bugs Implement new functionality in current ICM2 APIsImplement new functionality in current ICM2 APIs Old applications work with new profilesOld applications work with new profiles New profile format is processed by current ICM2 APIsNew profile format is processed by current ICM2 APIs

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Color Gamut ComparisonColor Gamut Comparison

Camera RAWCamera RAW

Adobe RGBAdobe RGB

sRGBsRGB

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Solution By InnovationSolution By Innovation

TODAYTODAY ““LONGHORN”LONGHORN”

sRGBsRGB scRGB…scRGB…

Allows addressing known issues with compositing, 3D, high quality, dynamic range, wide gamutAllows addressing known issues with compositing, 3D, high quality, dynamic range, wide gamut

ICC ProfileICC Profile Device Model Profile (DMP)…Device Model Profile (DMP)…

Enables quality control, device optimization (yellow is device yellow), end user control of Enables quality control, device optimization (yellow is device yellow), end user control of subjective aspects, multi-channel color, spot color handling.subjective aspects, multi-channel color, spot color handling.

Open XML description, simpler to explain and controlOpen XML description, simpler to explain and control

Conflicts between Current App, Conflicts between Current App, Driver, and OS color UIsDriver, and OS color UIs

User-definable color policy settings…User-definable color policy settings…

Resolves most current frustrations and conflicts and allows GDI apps to be color managedResolves most current frustrations and conflicts and allows GDI apps to be color managed

Conflicting calibration toolsConflicting calibration tools Single baseline calibrationSingle baseline calibration wizard that can be extended… wizard that can be extended…

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ICC ProfileICC ProfileDMP ProfileDMP Profile

ICCICC““Longhorn”Longhorn”

New Color Management ParadigmNew Color Management Paradigm

Device RGBDevice RGB Device CMYKDevice CMYK

CMM Transform ProcessorCMM Transform Processor

Input Device ModelerInput Device Modeler

Input Gamut MapperInput Gamut Mapper

Device MeasurementsDevice Measurements

Input CAMInput CAM

Input CAM to PCSInput CAM to PCS

Output Device ModelerOutput Device Modeler

Output Gamut MapperOutput Gamut Mapper

Device MeasurementsDevice Measurements

Output CAMOutput CAM

Output PCS to CAMOutput PCS to CAM

CAMCAM

Gamut MapperGamut Mapper

CAMCAM-1-1

CAM = Color Appearance Model * PCS = Profile Connection SpaceCAM = Color Appearance Model * PCS = Profile Connection Space

ICC ProfileICC ProfileDMP ProfileDMP Profile

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Pre-”Longhorn” Versus “Longhorn” WCSPre-”Longhorn” Versus “Longhorn” WCS

FeatureFeature Pre-”Longhorn”Pre-”Longhorn” WCSWCS

8 bpc sRGB8 bpc sRGB

16 bpc sRGB16 bpc sRGB

16 and 32 bpc scRGB16 and 32 bpc scRGB

8 and 16 bpc CMYK8 and 16 bpc CMYK

8 and 16 bpc n-Channel Color8 and 16 bpc n-Channel Color

Named ColorNamed Color

ICC Profiles/CMMICC Profiles/CMM

V. 4 ICC ProfilesV. 4 ICC Profiles

XML-based DMP ProfilesXML-based DMP Profiles

Baseline Device Models & Gamut MappersBaseline Device Models & Gamut Mappers

Extensible Device ModelsExtensible Device Models

Extensible Gamut MappersExtensible Gamut Mappers

State-of-the-Art Color Appearance ModelState-of-the-Art Color Appearance Model

High, Wide, and Deep Color Processing PipelineHigh, Wide, and Deep Color Processing Pipeline

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Windows Color SystemWindows Color SystemValue PropositionValue Proposition Win32 applications will enjoy some benefitsWin32 applications will enjoy some benefits

A color managed workflow: color management “On” by defaultA color managed workflow: color management “On” by default Improved default choices for color management over XP via more Improved default choices for color management over XP via more

granular default policiesgranular default policies Improved gamut mapping over ICC (when specified inImproved gamut mapping over ICC (when specified in

Color Policies)Color Policies)

Benefits for “Longhorn” applicationsBenefits for “Longhorn” applications All of the aboveAll of the above Support for higher precision, higher dynamic range and larger Support for higher precision, higher dynamic range and larger

gamut color spacesgamut color spaces Use of CMYK and support for n-colorant systems ( > 4 colorants)Use of CMYK and support for n-colorant systems ( > 4 colorants) Improved OOBE with auto color configuration for devices with Improved OOBE with auto color configuration for devices with

DCC/CI and NGPP drivers (using PrintTicket/PrintCapabilities)DCC/CI and NGPP drivers (using PrintTicket/PrintCapabilities)

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Color Market SatisfactionColor Market Satisfaction Color Professionals and Prosumers GetColor Professionals and Prosumers Get

High precision “High, Wide, and Deep” color processingHigh precision “High, Wide, and Deep” color processing No-compromise Camera-RAW processingNo-compromise Camera-RAW processing Consistent, reliable, seamless color interoperabilityConsistent, reliable, seamless color interoperability Richer, extensible gamut mapping repertoireRicher, extensible gamut mapping repertoire Easier device characterizationEasier device characterization Color accountabilityColor accountability

Knowledge Workers GetKnowledge Workers Get Consistent color from all Windows applicationsConsistent color from all Windows applications Automatic color device configurationAutomatic color device configuration Consistent, accurate color from all devices on the LANConsistent, accurate color from all devices on the LAN Simplified device administrationSimplified device administration

Home Users GetHome Users Get Color that just works, right out of the box.Color that just works, right out of the box.

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Call To ActionCall To Action Give us feedback!Give us feedback!

Your comments, criticism, opinions matter to us! – We want to get this right!Your comments, criticism, opinions matter to us! – We want to get this right! Tell us what we are missing to satisfy your needsTell us what we are missing to satisfy your needs Come to our “Ask The Experts” session: Windows Color Architecture AW04031 Come to our “Ask The Experts” session: Windows Color Architecture AW04031 mailto:mscolormailto:mscolor @ microsoft.com @ microsoft.com

Understand the Avalon presentation subsystemUnderstand the Avalon presentation subsystem Understand “Longhorn” Print ArchitectureUnderstand “Longhorn” Print Architecture

Identify strategic devices to exploit the NextGen Print PathIdentify strategic devices to exploit the NextGen Print Path Identify extension scenariosIdentify extension scenarios

Investigate adoption of NextGen Print Path technologiesInvestigate adoption of NextGen Print Path technologies Dual Mode DriverDual Mode Driver Avalon presentation subsystemAvalon presentation subsystem

Investigate DDC/CI drivers for displaysInvestigate DDC/CI drivers for displays Prepare to develop NGPP drivers and RIPs starting later this year Prepare to develop NGPP drivers and RIPs starting later this year Try writing an Avalon-based application that prints and displays managed color!Try writing an Avalon-based application that prints and displays managed color! Review DocumentationReview Documentation Plan to attend upcoming conferences for more detailsPlan to attend upcoming conferences for more details

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References References Email Email

Mscolor @ microsoft.comMscolor @ microsoft.com Image Color Matching (ICM) documentationImage Color Matching (ICM) documentation

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/icm/icmstart_5i91.asphttp://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/icm/icmstart_5i91.asp Print SchemaPrint Schema

SDK for Print Schema User Manual and KeywordsSDK for Print Schema User Manual and Keywords LDK for PT/PC interfaces: LDK for PT/PC interfaces:

Reference\Printer Driver and Spooler Component Interfaces\Printer Driver Functions and Reference\Printer Driver and Spooler Component Interfaces\Printer Driver Functions and Structures\Unidrv and Pscript Interfaces\Methods for Job Ticket Providers and ConsumersStructures\Unidrv and Pscript Interfaces\Methods for Job Ticket Providers and Consumers

““Longhorn” SDKLonghorn” SDK http://longhorn.msdn.microsoft.comhttp://longhorn.msdn.microsoft.com

Related SessionsRelated Sessions Windows Color Architecture – Part 2Windows Color Architecture – Part 2 ““Longhorn” Printing ArchitectureLonghorn” Printing Architecture ““Longhorn” NextGen Print PathLonghorn” NextGen Print Path ““Longhorn” Printing: Processing the PayloadLonghorn” Printing: Processing the Payload Web Services for DevicesWeb Services for Devices Web Services for Printing and Imaging Devices Part 1 & 2Web Services for Printing and Imaging Devices Part 1 & 2 Ask the Experts – Windows Color ArchitectureAsk the Experts – Windows Color Architecture Ask the Experts – “Longhorn” PrintingAsk the Experts – “Longhorn” Printing Ask the Experts – Web Services for Printing and Imaging DevicesAsk the Experts – Web Services for Printing and Imaging Devices

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ReferencesReferencesContinuedContinued

Web ResourcesWeb Resources MSDN Developer Community Chats:MSDN Developer Community Chats:

Printer Drivers – Ask the Experts Online Printer Drivers – Ask the Experts Online http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_102402.asphttp://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_102402.asp

Windows Drivers: Printer Drivers Windows Drivers: Printer Drivers http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_101602.asphttp://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_101602.asp

Windows Drivers Printing and Networking Windows Drivers Printing and Networking http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_022002.asphttp://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/windows/windows_022002.asp

WHDC:WHDC: Image Color Management (ICM) Driver SupportImage Color Management (ICM) Driver Support http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/tech/color/default.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/tech/color/default.mspx Printing - Architecture and Driver Support Printing - Architecture and Driver Support

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/print/default.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/print/default.mspx Still Imaging / WIA Technologies Still Imaging / WIA Technologies

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/stillimage/default.mspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/stillimage/default.mspx