Color space quantization, which maps all points in a color space to a small set of representative points, is essential in many applications such as graphic rendering and image retrieval based on color features. In this research, we propose and compare several hierarchical quantization schemes in different color spaces. Examples from image retrieval and cartoon rendering are used to compare the performances of different proposed quantizers which include computational complexity, correct retrieval rate, and human visual effect.
Xia Wan, Jiankun Li, Yung-Kai Lai, C.-C. Jay Kuo, "Design and Performance Analysis of Hierarchical Color Space Quantizers" in Proc. IS&T 4th Color and Imaging Conf., 1996, pp 178 - 184, https://doi.org/10.2352/CIC.1996.4.1.art00047