Patent US 5,909,220

This invention provides improved automated methods and systems for color processing on personal computers whereby an interactive user may intervene to introduce creative and selective choices. Various automatic coloring procedures process coloring. Visual color reproduction is standardized for visual image reproduction using a color gamut matching that of a computer monitor. The color artist may exchange groups of colors automatically en masse. For example, several colors of an image may be changed simultaneously by rotation of hues about a color wheel icon. The system has a novel operating system enriched by abstract notational format and visual shorthand icons. About 600 standardized sample colors proportioned across different color gamuts comprise color standard collections storing recipes for permitting faithful colored image viewing and reproduction of the sample colors on different output devices. Substantially any color can be reproduced in a color gamut spectrum by extending the available hues and color samples available within a basic framework of color sample niches. Abstract visual icon patterns of color groupings enhance the artist's color visualization, intuition and creativity automated coloring procedures. Both stored video image snapshots and abstract color groupings are viewable for automatic interactive adoption in color images. Thus, an artist friendly automated color change engine is provided for expediting creative coloring.