 What OS Languages are supported?
 ImageMapper v1.0 has been tested and released on Mac OSX 10.3.3 & 10.3.4.
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What is the suggested system configuration for installing/using ImageMapper?
ImageMapper v1.0 has been tested on Mac G4 and G5 computers. A minimum system recommendation is a 450 MHz G4 with a 25 MB hard drive and 512 MB RAM.
Main Configuration
-MAC G4, G5
-CPU - 450 MHz Minimum
-RAM - 512 MB Minimum
-OS - Mac OSX 10.3.3 Minimum
-Hard Drive - 25 MB Minimum
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Modes of Use:
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Custom Input – Embed
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Custom Input – Convert to W.S.
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Custom Input – Convert to Output
- Convert w/o custom
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Troubleshooting – Optimizing your camera Files
- Any digital camera file will be improved if a click balance ( aka: white balance, set neutral) is done to the image.
- Click white forces a known neutral to actually be neutral and almost always removes objectionable image colorcasts. Building a custom input profile is not expected to remove colorcasts although it does tend to neutralize the image.
- Color Space
- Exposure/AIM Values
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Troubleshooting Questions:
1. Are you using the profile on the same system that created the profile?
2. Have you moved the profile to a different operating system, such as Windows?
3. Have you moved the profile across a network?
4. Have you opened the profile in the Mac OSX ColorSync Utility?
5. If opened in the Mac OSX ColorSync Utility, is all the text readable?
6. Are you using a US English operating system?
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Where can I obtain additional GretagMacbeth ColorCheckers?
Here are three online sources for GretagMacbeth ColorCheckers;
www.calumetphoto.com
www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.buygretagmacbeth.com/colorchecker.htm
Three different ColorCheckers will work with ImageMapper:
1. the original 24 patch target ColorChecker $74.00
2 Mini ColorChecker (official name) $59.00
2. Digital ColorChecker SG $295.00
We recommend the Mini ColorChecker.
These prices from the http://www.buygretagmacbeth.com/colorchecker.htm site.
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How fast does ImageMapper Run on a G4 compared to a G5?
The input profile build process on a G4 takes 4-5 x longer than a G5 (about 5 seconds).
Still less than a minute though, which for 80-100 selects is probably not an issue.
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What is a representative ImageMapper WorkFlow?
16-Bit Tiff images are brought into Photoshop for USM can optionally clone, scale, and/or loose crop if needed.
The image is then dropped to 8 bit and saved with the Adobe 98 profile embedded.
ImageMapper is now used to convert from a custom ImageMapper input profile to Adobe98.
(Note that Adobe98 should be selected in the ImageMapper preferences so that it is one of the input parameters to the ImageMapper profile build).
In this case, the pixels are converted, and the Adobe98 RGB Working space is once again embedded in the image header.
If it is prefer not to change the pixels at this point, one could choose to embed the custom input profile in place of the Adobe98 profile.
In either case, we will rely on the RGB to CMYK conversion in the "workflow software" (PS RIP server). So if you want to embed rather than convert. The RIP server may support the use of embedded profiles or it may rely upon selection of a source profile in a virtual print queue or whatever. In the latter case, we'd have to convert everything to Adobe 98 in ImageMapper.
The Look profile in preferences is the other parameter that drives the custom input profile build.
The custom input profile can either be built when the selected images are ready to process, or pre-built for various venues/lighting conditions/cameras.
There is value in building a mini-library of profiles to establish confidence in the approach and possibly to have for use later on when live work comes in. That said , I suspect it will be more efficient operationally to ask the photographers to capture the ColorChecker prior to the start of each assignment - with their camera, their venue, their lighting conditions, good exposure - and to submit this "calibration image" as the 1st image on the first card transfer. The caveat here is that you're in the midst of deadline crunch and you need to minimize variables.
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What is the behavior using the KPG CFM and the latest un-encrypted profiles?
1. Images processed in ImageMapper v1.1 through the CFM and un-encrypted profiles open correctly on a Mac or Windows system (no CFM required).
2. Un-encrypted profiles do not work using a Mac OSX 10.3.5 & Photoshop CS unless the CFM is selected and do not work at all on a Windows system. In other words, unless you have the CFM the un-encrypted profiles are really still encrypted, unless you use ImageMapper.
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I created a profile with the Image Mapper software. When I try and use the profile in Photoshop I am getting an invalid profile message. Do I need to do something more with the profile, or is this a problem with the software?
You do not need to do anything to the profile for it to work in Photoshop CS on either the Mac or Windows.
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I just got a new test chart in from the beach volleyball venue. When I try to create a profile I get a bad quality profile, with some possible reasons. This is shot in bright sunlight so my guess is I can't create a profile because the card is overexposed?
If the ColorChecker has white and gray patches that read over 248 to 252 you may get a user notice indicating the target is over exposed. If the message doesn't come up, you may find the profile works to normalize the ColorChecker exposure but darkens down the overall scene too much.
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What class of profiles does ImageMapper utilize?
ImageMapper builds input class (also known as: scanner profile). Adobe RGB 1998, sRGB and the other RGB profiles you see in Photoshop Color Settings are either color space or display class profiles, which can also be used as a source profile.
Source profiles can act like input profiles, but input profile cannot act like display or color space profiles.
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What version profiles does ImageMapper create and are they compatible with other software?
ImageMapper creates v4 profiles. Older programs may not be able to interpret the newer files.
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What are the supported GretagMacbeth ColorCheckers?
ImageMapper will work equally well with the small credit card sized Mini ColorChecker, the original 8 x 11.5 inch ColorChecker and the 24 patches from the original ColorChecker included in the new Digital ColorChecker SG.
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Are there any KNOWN ISSUES?
- CFM speed
To improve CMYK transform creation time, deselect the Display CFM Progress Bar option in the KPG CFM Preference dialog box. This option is located in Applications>KPG CFM Preferences>Run Options panel.
- CFM Progress Bar
The stop button on the CFM Progress Bar is not functional in this release.
- Apple iPhoto v2.0
Apple iPhoto v2.0 and Apple Image Capture compress TIFF files making them inoperable with ImageMapper. Apple iPhoto v4.0.1 does not compress TIFF files is compatible with ImageMapper.
- iPhoto v2.0 & TIFF image export
iPhoto v2.0 exports TIFF files which ImageMapper can not open. It is evident that the TIFF files are using a compression scheme, possibly Apple Pack-Bits, which ImageMapper cannot recognize. JPEG files exported from iPhoto v2.0 will work with ImageMapper. Also, TIFF and JPEG files exported from iPhoto v4.0 have been tested and work with ImageMapper.
- iPhoto v4
Images may be dragged from iPhoto v40 and dropped directly on the ImageMapper icon to build profiles and remap images. In one case the message displayed, " There are no pictures in the input folder" when in fact there were several images in the iPhoto album, which, in this case, is the input directory. The issue was traced back to the fact, that the selected image had no embedded profile. Also referred to as not being "tagged". When an RGB image is not tagged with a profile, iPhoto assigns the Generic RGB profile and places the image in a different directory than the other images in the iPhoto album. So, although the image appeared on the same album as several other images, it was the only image in its directory, thus the error message. This behavior has not been observed in any other application.
- Look Profiles
Kodak customers using Kodak ProBack digital back(s), DCS 760 cameras and Kodak Capture Studio software may have Look profiles which are not recognized by ImageMapper v1.0. These are device link class Look profiles and were replaced by the current input class Look profiles. The chance that these profiles are still available is very remote.
Legacy Kodak Capture Studio v2.0 users may find the new Look profiles do not work correctly under Mac OSX. This is due to Mac OSX’s handling of file type and creator fields. It is unlikely the time and effort will be spent to edit and test the new profiles to work with a discontinued software product.
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What profiles are included with ImageMapper?
PROFILE DESCRIPTIONS
- KPG RGB and CMYK Profiles
A set of KPG RGB and CMYK profiles is installed with ImageMapper. Here is a brief description of each profile:
KPG_RGB.icc This is equivalent to Adobe RGB set to a D50 white point rather than D65
KPG_SNAP.icc This profile is a proposed starting point profile based on the SNAP standard.
KPG_SWOP_Approval.icc The Kodak Approval simulation of SWOP Offset printing on commercial coated paper.
KPG_SWOPTR001.icc Profile based on the TR001 data for SWOP.
KPG_EuroApproval.icc The Kodak Approval simulation of European Offset printing on commercial coated paper.
The following are based on data provided by the European Color Initiative, i.e. the " Altona Test Suite".
(See section 8 of the Altona Test Suite Documentation)
KPG_ISOcoated.icc ISO paper types 1 and 2 coated stock
KPG_ISOcofcoated.icc ISO continuous forms coated paper type 2
KPG_ISOcofuncoated.icc ISO continuous forms uncoated paper type 4
KPG_ISOuncoated.icc ISO paper type 4 uncoated
KPG_ISOuncoatedyellowish.icc ISO uncoated yellowish paper
KPG_ISOwebcoated.icc Paper type 3 web coated paper
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How can I obtain Beta Support?
For technical support for this product, contact the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Technical Applications Group (TAG) support group at: ImageMapperSupport@kodak.com
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What are the features of ImageMapper?
ImageMapper FEATURES INCLUDE
- Converts digital images to desired color space
- Builds digital camera profiles from the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker
- Uses KPG Color Fidelity Module (CFM) for CMYK conversions
- Saves final images in TIFF & JPEG file formats
- Generates log files when processing images
- Recognizes embedded profiles
- Runs on Mac OS X (10.3) systems
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What do I need to do to re-install the application?
If performing a re-installation, it is recommended to empty the Trash after the application is installed to ensure that the previous version is removed from the system.
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How do I check for newer versions of Image Mapper?
When available, a newer version of the KPG Color Fidelity Module (CFM) will be available on the KPG TAG web site. Please click on the link, below and follow the posted directions to download the latest CFM.
http://tag.kpgraphics.com/color/imagemapper
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What happens to my original file with the ColorChecker?
ImageMapper does not convert the file used to build the profile. So your image with the ColorChecker never gets processed.
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How do I take advantage of ImageMapper’s Drag and Drop features?
To get the most benefit from ImageMapper's Drag and Drop feature, make an alias of the application icon and drop it on your desktop dock.
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What happens if I want to change the default profile in ImageMapper?
It is strongly recommended that the Default input profile in the preferences be left at the default sRGB unless the camera you wish to profile is known to be Adobe 1998 or some other clearly identifiable profile. Selecting a different profile, especially a newly created profile may lead to less than desirable results.
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What happens if “Use Embedded Profile to convert images” is selected in Preferences?
ImageMapper will not warn you after making a new profile, it will make the profile, ignore the new profile and then use the Embedded profile
- This is noted in User's Guide
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Are there any unsupported TIFF images?
TIFF images may be compressed or even placed in a JPEG format. ImageMapper only supports uncompressed TIFF image files.
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Are there any “Hints” for using ImageMapper?
Profiling in ImageMapper - Hints
- ImageMapper is designed to work with 8 bit rendered digital camera files in either TIFF or JPEG file format.
- Set digital cameras to render flat de-saturated image files. ImageMapper's selection of Look Profiles are good at adding contrast and color but they are not designed to reduce contrast and color. The Portrait look is the least contrasty Look.
-ImageMapper profiles will tend to neutralize gray but not as robust as a click balance
- ImageMapper profiles will tend to normalize exposure. The useful limit may be 1/2 f/stop.
Kodak Digital Cameras
- Kodak digital cameras already come through a color managed image path. To get the benefit from ImageMapper, use the Portrait setting with the in camera processing.
- Kodak digital camera images acquired with PhotoDesk can be optimized by using click balance and selecting the Portrait look.
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Are there any minimum patch sizes on the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker?
Minimum ColorChecker patch size:
10x10 pixels autofind fails, selecting corners works, profile build fails
15x15 pixels autofind failes, selecting corners works, profile build works OK
17x17 pixels autofind works, profile build works OK
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Are there any Hints” for using the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker?
- Avoid placing ColorChecker such that bright or colorful objects reflect onto the ColorChecker. Some users always place the ColorChecker upside down in the scene to reduce light contamination to the gray scale.
- ImageMapper will correctly find the ColorChecker patches if the ColorChecker is upside down but the manual select corner will not work correctly.
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After processing images using ImageMapper and the KPG CFM on the Mac, the images were moved to a Windows system for additional work. The images do not display as full color images. The images display as blank gray RGB composites although you can see each individual plate if you toggle through C-M-Y-K. Why is this happening to me?
This is happening because there is no KPG CFM on the Windows side (yet).
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