IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A system and method for correction and reconstruction of digital color images make use of one or more of a set of algorithms for color calibration and correction, and reconstruction. An algorithm for optimized bit depth reduction also can be used to match the response curve of the scanner to that of the scanned media, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and decreasing artifacts such as pixelization, which can result from sampling the tone curve too coarsely. In a photographic film application, in particular, a color calibration and correction algorithm enables correction of the image for variations in hue from film type to film type, over-exposure or under-exposure, exposure-induced hue shifts, hue shifts caused by lighting effects, processing related hue shifts, and other variables in film processing, while preserving overall hue of the subject matter in the originally photographed image. An image reconstruction algorithm allows creation of look-up tables (LUTs) that create a visually pleasing version of the image when applied to the original data.