Automatic scanner calibration for correct colors according to IT8 standard

The IT8 standard has been the color control reference for graphical applications for over 20 years. Industry designers, photographers and even every-day photo enthusiasts rely on the color accuracy made possible by the individual ISO norms of the IT8 Standard. During scanner calibration, measuring tables help characterize the specific color reading capabilities of a scanner.

These measuring tables are built in accordance with the ISO-Norm 12641. The measuring tables recognize the individual characteristics of the particular scanner and generate a color profile for said scanner.

It is quite common for scanners to contain singularities that make them unique from one another. These singularities often occur during the production process and tend to continue to change throughout the life of the scanner. More precisely, this process is a profiling of the scanner, however, both terms (calibration/ profiling) are used. It is also common for color differences to occur due to environmental factors such as room temperature, humidity and light exposure. A profile in accordance with the IT8 Standard is thus a useful tool not only for professionals, but for all those interested in scanning.

Automatic with Barcode Technology

Our IT8 targets are equipped with a barcode that enables automatic scanner calibration: Simply insert the IT8 Target, start the calibration assistant and the appropriate reference data is automatically downloaded and calculated with the calibration measurement data to create the individual scanner profile. It is only this easy with SilverFast, and a European patent (EP 1594301) has been granted for this unique development.

Automatic error detection

Our SilverFast IT8 calibration is able to automatically detect contamination on the target. SilverFast analyzes the individual measuring fields and identifies those that are dirty or unreadable. The user is informed directly which fields are affected in order to check the target and clean it if necessary. This ensures and guarantees the calibration quality. This function helps to further increase the precision of the created colour profile and to minimize potential color deviations.

How do you see colors?

Targets from LaserSoft Imaging function almost completely automatically, ensuring ease of use for all users. Upon the completion of scanner calibration, SilverFast generates an individual color profile. Scanner calibration is derived from the color values of the scanner and the profile is then automatically activated. The user is effectively relieved from the task of searching for reference data or determining input data because SilverFast completes this process on its own. Everything is automatically taken care of with a few clicks of the mouse. As a result, color management is optimally adjusted and becomes a fixed part of the scanning process.

NEW: Advanced Color Calibration (Part 2)

Our advanced color calibration targets are based on the ISO Norm 12641-2. After final checking, this new standard was released by the ISO in December 2019. We now provide targets according to the new design with significantly more measuring fields. Due to the increased number of measurement points, the new Part 2 Target is capable of calculating an even larger color spectrum. Thus, less data is generated by the color profile because more measurement data is readily available, which results in increased Target accuracy.

UNTIL NOW: Standard Color Calibration (Part 1)

The IT8 Part 1 standard color calibration calculates a scanner’s individual color profile according to the 12641-1 Norm. It uses only the most important measurement points on the color table, while utilizing a smaller measuring field. Standard color calibration employs intelligent algorithms, which provide for increased color fidelity via the use of individual color profiles.

You have the Choice

Whichever calibration you choose is of course entirely up to you. We assume that both parts will be in use for a certain transition period before Part 2 asserts itself due to the higher accuracy. You can switch to the new Part 2 targets today or later – SilverFast (from version 8.8.0r11) can use both targets for calibration.

FAQ: Questions and answers concerning the IT8 calibration

Can I also buy the IT8 calibration option for the SE version? How do I determine which file I need and where can I download it? Can I test the IT8 feature with the Ai Studio demo version? Do I need different targets if I want to run calibrated reflective scans and also calibrated transparency scans? What is the Delta-E value?

Auto IT8 Calibration is incredibly easy to use and I noticed an immediate effect when scanning my color transparencies. Having an accurate color profile for your scanner gives you a better start point for your scans and as we all know the better the start point is the better the final result will look.

Jonathan Notley, Photographer

Another goody from LaserSoft Imaging are the company-made color targets for an IT8 calibration. These extremely accurate targets are used to bindingly set up a scanner in a color-critical process chain.

PHOTO PRESSE, Magazine

So far, I can’t see why anyone serious about scanning with your products, and serious about an ICC scanner profile would not use this newer target, just based on a simple gamut comparison of the two!

Andrew Rodney, digitaldog.net

The full version with IT8 calibration is magnificent! Color is perfect most every time […] The IT8 calibration with the custom targets is by far my favorite tool. Color correction is a very time consuming characteristic of digital imaging and good scans equal less time in the processing of my images for faithful color rendition.

Jerry Greer, Photographer