ISSN:2229-6093

Harmeet Kaur kelda et al , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 5 (2),319-322

A Review: Color Models in Image Processing

Harmeet Kaur Kelda
GNDU,Amritsar,Pb India
harmeetk72@gmail.com

Prabhpreet Kaur
Assistant Professor
GNDU,Amritsar,India
prabhsince1985@yahoo.co.in

Abstract
Nowadays color image processing widely utilized
in multimedia, graphics and computer vision
applications. Color spaces provide a rational
method to specify order, manipulate and effectively
display the object colors taken into consideration.
There are various models based on human
perception, on color recognition, on various color
components etc. A few papers on various
applications such as lane detection, face detection,
fruit quality evaluation etc based on these color
models have been published. A survey on widely
used models RGB,HSI, HSV, RGI etc is represented
in this paper.
Keywords: Image processing, Color models, RGB,
HSI, HSV, RGI

1. Introduction
Digital image processing is a new and promptly
developing field which finds more and more
application in various information and technical
systems such as: radar tracking, communications,
television, astronomy, etc. There are numerous
methods of digital image processing techniques
such as: histogram processing, local enhancement,
smoothing and sharpening, color segmentation, a
digital image filtration and edge detection.[1]

1.1 Color image processing

T.Young(1802) [1] gives a theory in which states
that any color can be produced by mixing three

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primary colors C1,C2,C3 at appropriate percentages.

Initially, these methods were designed especially
for gray scale image processing [2][ 3]. The RGB
color model is standard design of computer
graphics systems is not ideal for all of its
applications. The red, green, and blue color
components are highly correlated. This makes it is
difficult to execute the image processing
algorithms. Many processing techniques work on
the intensity component of an image only. These
processes are standard implemented using the HSI
color model.
1.1.1 Color models
To utilize color as a visual cue in multimedia,
image processing, graphics and computer vision
applications,
an
appropriate
method
for
representing the color signal is needed. The
different color specification systems or color
models address this need. Color spaces provide a
rational method to specify order, manipulate and
effectively display the object colors taken into
consideration.. Thus the selected color model
should be well suited to address the problems
statement and solution. The process of selecting the
best color representation involves knowing how
color signals are generated and what information is
needs from these signals.. In particular, the color
models may be used to define colors, discriminate
between colors, judge similarity between color and
indentify color categories for a number of
applications. Color model literature can be found in
the domain of modern sciences, such as physics,
engineering, artificial intelligence, computer
science and philosophy[3].

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Harmeet Kaur kelda et al , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 5 (2),319-322

1.1.2 Categories
(i) Device-oriented color models, which are
associated with input processing and output signals
devices. Such spaces are of paramount importance
in modern applications, where there is a need to
specify, color in a way that is compatible with the
hardware tools used to provide, manipulate or
receive the color signals.
(ii) User-oriented color models, which are utilized
as a bridge between the human operators and the
hardware used to manipulate the color information.
Such models allow the user to specify color in
terms of perceptual attributes and they can be
considered an experimental approximation of the
human perception of color.
(iii) Device-independent color models, which are
used
to
specify
color
signals
independently of the characteristics of a given
device or application. Such models are of
importance in applications,
where color
comparisons and transmission of visual information
over networks connecting different hardware
platforms are required [1].
Besides the above mentioned color coordinates
systems, color models have also been proposed for
convenient image display on specific hardware
platform. The purpose of a color model is to
facilitate the specification of colors in some
standard generally accepted way. In essence, a
color model is a specification of a 3-D coordinate
system and a subspace within that system where
each color is represented by a single point[6].
Various color models are described below.

2. Color models
2.1. RGB and CMY model
Susstrunk, Sabine et.al.(1996),[4], describes the
specifications and usage of standard RGB color
spaces promoted today by standard bodies and/or
the imaging industry. There are some RGB color
space implementation issues like sensor,
unrendered, rendered or output color spaces, gamut
size, encoding, compression, color space
conversion etc.
A remarkable property of this representation is
that for matter surfaces, while ignoring ambient
light, normalized RGB is invariant (under certain
assumptions) to changes of surface orientation
relatively to the light source [Skarbek and Koschan
1994]. This, together with the transformation
simplicity helped this colorspace to gain popularity
among the researchers [Zarit et al. 1999], [Soriano
et al. 2000], [Oliver et al. 1997].[4]

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Xavier Granier et, al (2003), [6], proposed

BRDF model based on RGB for representation of
light. For accurate representation of phenomena
such as interference and color separation generally
requires a fine spectral representation of light
required instead of the commonly used RGB
components. The bi-directional reflectance
distribution function (BRDF) has proven its
efficiency to describe complex light interactions
with surfaces. Two implementations of this
approach, a Phong-like specular reflection, and a
diffuse model. Even if this models is not
completely
physically
based,
these
implementations show that realistic effects can e
achieved by adjusting a small set of intuitive
parameters. This allows for computing a large
range of surface appearances that are based on
layered materials.

2.2.HSI model
HSI model is proposed to improve the RGB model.
The Hue Saturation Intensity (HSI) color model
closely resembles the color sensing properties of
human vision. To formula that converts from RGB
to HSI or back is more complicated than with other
color models.
Li, Jian-Feng,et.al.(2002),[5], formulates a
new formula for saturation in RGB-to-HSI
conversion is proposed on the basis nf HSI Color
Space, aimed to provide more rapidity of
computing in real-time control system due to fewer
operations needed. The results of comparison
between two conversion equations demonstrate that
new conversion equation has significant advantages
over traditional conversion in aspects of less
operation needed in computing. But again
conversion time is more.
Tsung-Ying Sun et.al(2006),[8], proposed a
new method using HSI color model for lanemarking detection, HSILMD, is proposed. In
HSILMD, full color images are converted into HSI
color representation, within the region of interest
(ROI) aiming to detect road surface on host
vehicle, with Fuzzy c-Means algorithm. Thresholds
of intensity and saturation are selected accordingly.
Results are compared with the same scheme using
RGB color model and a different scheme.
R.Aruna Jayashree et.al.(2013),[11], RGB to
HSI color space conversion via MACT algorithm
proposed a new MACT algorithm based on RGB
and HSI model which uses lower order
polynomials by remez algorithm. MACT algorithm
which uses lower order polynomials by remez
algorithm. The simulation of MACT is carried out
using the lower order polynomial equations. This

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Harmeet Kaur kelda et al , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 5 (2),319-322

decrease in error improves the linearity of the color
space models working in real time environment.

2.3 HSV or HSB Model

HSL and HSV
are
the
two
most
common cylindrical-coordinate representations of
points in an RGB color
model. The two
representations rearrange the geometry of RGB in
an
attempt
to
be
more
intuitive
and perceptually relevant than the cartesian (cube)
representation. The HSL model describes colors in
terms of hue, saturation, and lightness (also called
luminance) The model has two prominent
properties:

The transition from black to a hue to

white is symmetric and is controlled
solely by increasing lightness
Shading and tinting are controlled by a
single value, lightness

Decreasing saturation transitions to a

shade of gray dependent on the lightness,
thus keeping the overall intensity
relatively constant
Tones are controlled by a single value,
saturation
The properties mentioned above have led to the
wide use of HSL, in particular, in the CSS3 color
model. The perceived disadvantage of HSV is that
the saturation attribute corresponds to tinting, so
desaturated colors have increasing total intensity.
For this reason, the CSS3 standard plans to support
RGB and HSL but not HSV. [7]
Shuhua, Li et.al(2010), [10] proposed a
improved Shift-HSV color space model in image
processing. HSV color space is another expression
of RGB color space. But because of the
mathematical definition limitation , it may be
inaccuracy to the color classification in some
conditions. the instability is eliminated from
formula, object tracking algorithm such as
MEANSHIFT is tested for this improvement. In the
real projects, the improved model should be widely
used.

spent during other similar models. But the object

recognition is not proper due to the transformation
from RGB to HSI, HSI to RGB color space, RGB
to RGI vice-versa is very nonlinear and
complicated in comparison to the conversion
formulas among the other color models.
There are other various color spaces such as
YCbCr Color Space is used in MPEG video
compression standards Y is luminance, Cb is blue
chromaticity and Cr is red chromaticity. YIQ,
YUV, YCbCr used in television sets and videos

3.Conclusion
A survey on various color models, their
description, comparison and evaluation results is
presented. These models used various components
of an image to display on specific hardware
platform. The purpose of a color model is to
facilitate the specification of colors in some
standard generally accepted way. Research work
also shows the conversions of various models to
speed up the image processing with least time
delays. But there is invariance in results of various
models due to complex mathematical equations. In
future, various image processing methods i.e.
adaptive histogram equalization and contrast
limited adaptive histogram equalization can be used
to speed up the image processing by using these
color models.

4.References
[1]. Gonzalez, R.C. and R.E. Woods, Digital Image
Processing 1992, Reading, Massachusetts: AddisonWesley.
[2]. F. van der Heijden, Image Based Measurement
Systems, Wiley, 1994.
[3]. Castleman, K.R., Digital Image Processing Second
ed. 1996, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
[4] Susstrunk, Sabine, Robert Buckley, and Steve Swen.
"Standard RGB color spaces." Color and Imaging
Conference. Vol. 1999. No. 1. Society for Imaging
Science and Technology, 1999, pp. 127-134.

2.4 RGI model

Rashad J. Rasras et.al (2007), [9] , proposed a new
model for modern real time video processing
applications such as radar tracking and
communication systems This model shows
conversions of various color models like RGB,
HSI. These models are implemented by simple
image processing on one pixel by increment in
brightness and calculate the new pixel value to
recognize object. Experimental results show that
the time spent during RGI color model conversion
may approximately four times less than the time

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[5]. Li, Jian-Feng, Kaun-Quan Wang, and David Zhang.

"A new equation of saturation in RGB-to-HSI conversion
for more rapidity of computing." Machine Learning and
Cybernetics, 2002.International Conference on. Vol. 3.
IEEE, 2002,pp. 1493-1497.
[6] Granier, Xavier, and Wolfgang Heidrich. "A simple
layered
RGB
BRDF
model."Graphical
Models 65.4,2003, pp.171-184.
[7] Wen, Che-Yen, and Chun-Ming Chou. "Color Image
Models
and
Its
Applications
to
Document
Examination." Forensic Science Journal 3.1.2004.pp. 2332.

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Harmeet Kaur kelda et al , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 5 (2),319-322

[8] Sun, Tsung-Ying, Shang-Jeng Tsai, and Vincent
Chan. "HSI color model based lane-marking
detection." Intelligent
Transportation
Systems
Conference, IEEE, 2006, pp. 1168-1172.
.[9] Rasras, Rashad J., Ibrahiem MM El Emary, and
Dmitriy E. Skopin. "Developing a new color model for
image analysis and processing." Computer Science and
Information Systems/ComSIS 4.1 ,2007, pp. 43-55.
[10]Shuhua, Li, and Guo Gaizhi. "The application of
improved HSV color space model in image
processing." Future Computer and Communication
(ICFCC), 2010 2nd International Conference on. Vol. 2.
IEEE, 2010.
[11]Jayashree, R. A. (2013, April). RGB to HSI color
space
conversion
via
MACT
algorithm.
In Communications and Signal Processing (ICCSP),
2013 International Conference on (pp. 561-565). IEEE.

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