Farbvergleichsbildern

Farbvergleichsbildern are image-based tools used to compare and validate color consistency across different materials, devices, and printing processes. The term combines the German words for “color” (Farbe) and “comparison images” (Vergleichsbilder). They are commonly employed in graphic design, industrial production, quality control, and visual merchandising, serving as both a reference and a diagnostic instrument.

The basic principle involves capturing high‑resolution images of test patches—often using standardized color charts such as the ISO 12647 or the Pantone Matching System. Each patch represents a specific hue, saturation and luminance. The resulting image, or set of images, stores the peak spectral values and the perceived visual attributes. When a new surface or print is produced, a comparison image is taken under controlled lighting, and software analyses the RGB, CMYK or Lab coordinates. Deviations beyond tolerances trigger alerts which guide adjustments in ink ratio, halftone, or printer calibration.

In retail, Farbvergleichsbildern help maintain brand consistency across varied displays, ensuring that a colour shown on a website matches the real‑world product. In manufacturing, they detect shifts in pigment batches that could affect packaging or product finish. The method is also valuable in artistic restoration, enabling conservators to match pigments on historical artworks.

Because the findings are visual, they are often shared in galleries or training modules, allowing non‑technical stakeholders to confirm color fidelity. Standards such as ISO 12215 define acceptable methods for capturing and evaluating such images, ensuring reproducibility and comparability among laboratories worldwide.