Back to articles
Proceedings Paper
Volume: 38 | Article ID: IQSP-247
Image
Validation of Skin Tone Test Charts with Real Human Data
  DOI :  10.2352/EI.2026.38..IQSP-247  Published OnlineMarch 2026
Abstract
Abstract

Photographic test charts for measuring color accuracy in cameras have historically included a limited number of skin tones, typically in the form of uniform color patches. Such charts are not representative of the wide range of skin tones found in humans, and do not test the behavior of modern automatic exposure, white balance, and focus (3A) algorithms that are commonly driven by facial detection in today’s digital consumer cameras. We built upon our previous work on the development of printed skin tone charts featuring detectable faces by conducting a study with human participants whose skin tones approximately span the Monk Skin Tone Scale. Participants were photographed under a series of controlled lighting conditions, and each scene was then reproduced using a high-resolution inkjet print of the participant. Corresponding captures of the human subjects and the printed charts were quantitatively compared by calculating the CIEDE2000 color difference for regions of interest across the subject’s face in the scene. This analysis evaluates how printed skin tones behave across exposure settings and lighting conditions relative to real skin, with the goal of determining whether printed charts provide a suitable solution for repeatable, lab-based image quality testing in face-present scenes. While not intended to replace final field testing with real human subjects, results indicate that face charts printed with sufficiently wide-gamut printers can provide an effective solution for lab testing and benchmarking of color accuracy and 3A behavior in a controlled and repeatable manner.

Subject Areas :
Views 104
Downloads 23
 articleview.views 104
 articleview.downloads 23
  Cite this article 

Megan Borek, Amelia Limbocker, Ellis Monk, "Validation of Skin Tone Test Charts with Real Human Datain Electronic Imaging,  2026,  pp 247-1 - 247-7,  https://doi.org/10.2352/EI.2026.38..IQSP-247

 Copy citation
  Copyright statement 
Copyright ©2026 Society for Imaging Science and Technology 2026
ei
Electronic Imaging
2470-1173
2470-1173
Society for Imaging Science and Technology
IS&T 7003 Kilworth Lane, Springfield, VA 22151 USA