Press Release - 10/23/2024

Press Release

NEW YORK — October 23, 2024 - Digital Transitions, ImageZebra, GraySky Imaging, Image Science Associates, and the Munsell Color Science Laboratory Announce OpenQualia to Improve Quality Assurance

We are excited to announce the formation of OpenQualia, a collaborative industry group focused on digitization quality control through cooperation and standards. OpenQualia will work to improve the workflows and data formats of digitization tools including software for capture, color profiling, image quality analysis, and quality assurance. The group will serve as a rapid incubator and proving ground for proposed standards, which can then be submitted to the ISO for formal international adoption.

Qualia is Latin for “essential characteristics” which these tools measure. The group is open to any company, non-profit, or university (or researcher therein) that serves the digitization community.

The first innovation introduced by OpenQualia is the OpenQualia Label Standard – OQ Label for short – to standardize the process of using target-specific measurements for color profiling and quality evaluation in digitization processes. Targets like the DT NGT2 or ColorChecker SG are essential for creating color profiles and assessing quality based on established standards such as ISO 19264 and FADGI. However, these targets vary slightly from one unit to another, making it critical to use measurements specific to an individual target, rather than rely on generic average values for the target type.

“Traditionally, making and using target-specific measurements has been cumbersome and prone to errors. It involves manually measuring a target, saving these measurements to a file, transferring the file to different computers as needed, and loading it into various software tools throughout the digitization workflow. An OQ Label simplifies this process significantly.” said Doug Peterson, Head of R+D at Digital Transitions.

OQ Labels can be added to a target by the manufacturer, a professional metrologist, or the end-user themselves (see “Self-Serve OQ Label Hosting” in the “OQ Label Standard” document). An OQ Label uses a QR Code or DataMatrix placed on or near the target, and includes a URL with measurement data for that target. OpenQualia-compatible software will use those measurements automatically. Additionally, users can manually download the measurement file using the provided URL, for use with software that is not yet OpenQualia compatible. With an OQ Label the measurements of a target travel with the target.

An OQ Label enables the following:

• Improved Color Accuracy by using target-specific measurements for calibration

• Better Standard Benchmarking by evaluating against target-specific measurements

• Fewer Errors because target-specific measurements are used automatically

• Greater operational efficiency, driven by automation of measurement data workflow

About Digital Transitions

DT Heritage has spent over two decades leading the industry in high-quality imaging technology and best practices. This pursuit has not only encompassed the hardware innovations we’ve consistently brought to market, but also the knowledge, training, and new practices we’ve shared with the digitization community through our constant research, development, and focus. A leading provider of digitization hardware, software, and services, Digital Transitions has enabled organizations and individuals around the globe to activate and leverage their physical heritage collections. Whether customers are looking to build their own internal digitization program or hire a team of experts to preserve their historical material, Digital Transitions is the partner of choice for best-in-class, preservation grade, digitization solutions.

About ImageZebra 

At ImageZebra.com, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of image quality analysis through our innovative online platform. Our services adhere to rigorous standards such as FADGI and ISO 19264, ensuring top-tier accuracy and reliability. Users can effortlessly conduct analyses via our intuitive web interface or through a versatile programmatic API, catering to a wide range of needs from scientific research to commercial applications. 

Our platform stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive capabilities, eliminating the need for local software installations. This makes ImageZebra a preferred choice for professionals seeking dependable and precise image quality assessments. Whether you are involved in archival documentation, scientific research, or any commercial endeavor, our tools are designed to help you achieve your goals with confidence. 

About Gray Sky Imaging

Gray Sky Imaging was founded in early 2021 to address the critical need for accurate color capture and reproduction in the fields of archiving, museum and gallery imaging, quality control, fashion, and more. Gray Sky Imaging is led by two distinguished experts in the field of imaging science, Dr. David R. Wyble and Dr. Roy S. Berns. David has a Ph.D. in Color Science from Chiba University, Japan, and over three decades of experience, including 15 years in R&D at Xerox and 15 years at RIT, Dr. Wyble has made significant contributions to color science through teaching, research, and consulting. Dr. Berns is Professor Emeritus at RIT, where he was the Richard S. Hunter Professor in Color Science, Appearance, and Technology for 35 years. As the second Director of the Munsell Color Science Laboratory, Dr. Berns developed the United States’ only graduate programs in color science. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and is the author of seminal texts in color science and technology, and color in the arts. Together, Dr. Wyble and Dr. Berns have established Gray Sky Imaging as a leader in the imaging industry by delivering state-of-the-art color imaging solutions, services, and education. 

About Image Science Associates

Image Science Associates, LLC (ISA) was founded by Don Williams in 2006 after a career at Kodak interfacing with the digital image archiving industry. Since founding ISA, his mission has been to educate the industry on the protocols, tools and best practices used to evaluate digital image quality. ISA makes the GoldenThread series of targets and analysis software used the world over for the evaluation of image quality against standards such as FADGI and ISO 19264. Our mission is to advance the field of imaging science through continuous innovation and collaboration with industry partners. 

About the Munsell Color Science Laboratory at the Rochester Institute of Technology

The Munsell Color Science Laboratory (MCSL) at the Rochester Institute of Technology is a world-renowned center for color science research and education. Founded on the principles of Albert H. Munsell, MCSL advances the understanding of color through interdisciplinary expertise in physics, psychology, and engineering. MCSL’s first project for OpenQualia integration will be BeyondRGB, which builds on principles developed by Dr. Roy S. Berns to push the boundaries of color reproduction. MCSL collaborates with industry leaders and academic institutions to drive technological progress and enhance visual experiences.