Method for representing an extended color gamut digital image on a hard-copy output medium

A method for representing an extended color gamut digital image on a hard-copy output medium having a limited color gamut comprising the steps of:

• a) adjusting the color values of the extended color gamut digital image to fit within the limited color gamut of the output medium to form a limited color gamut digital image;
• b) producing a limited color gamut output print from the limited color gamut digital image on the hard-copy output medium;
• c) determining a residual image representing a difference between the extended color gamut digital image and the limited color gamut digital image such that the residual image and the limited color gamut output print are adapted to be used to form a reconstructed extended color gamut digital image;
• d) storing the residual image using a digital storage means;
• and
• e) encoding information about the location of the stored residual image on the output print using a digital encoding means.

A method for representing and manipulating an extended color gamut digital image on a hard-copy output medium having a limited color gamut comprising the steps of:

• a) adjusting the color values of the extended color gamut digital image to fit within the limited color gamut of the output medium to form a limited color gamut digital image;
• b) producing a limited color gamut output print from the limited color gamut digital image on the hard-copy output medium;
• c) determining a residual image representing a difference between the extended color gamut digital image and the limited color gamut digital image;
• d) encoding the residual image on the output print using a digital encoding means such that the residual image and the limited color gamut output print are adapted to be used to form a reconstructed extended color gamut digital image;
• e) specifying a desirable modification to the image;
• and
• f) using the residual image together with the limited color gamut output print and the specified desirable modification to the image to produce a modified digital image.