IEC 61966-7-1:2006

Overview

IEC 61966-7-1:2006 - "Multimedia systems and equipment - Colour measurement and management - Part 7-1: Colour printers - Reflective prints - RGB inputs" is an IEC international standard for objective characterization of reflective colour prints produced from RGB image data. It defines the data in colour test-chart files, sampling and measurement conditions, reporting formats and procedures needed to characterize printer output and to compare measurement results across devices and labs. This edition (second, 2006) is a technical revision that adds optional illuminants (D65, F11, A), revised patch numbering and two new test-chart files (short-term instability and spatial non‑uniformity). The standard is intended for consumer/home and office non‑impact printers (ink‑jet, sublimation transfer, thermal transfer, electrophotography, etc.).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Colour test-chart files in RGB: Defines sets of data (primary, secondary, 6×6×6 cube, gradation) expressed in an RGB colour space for producing reflective prints to be measured.
• Measurement and sampling conditions: Specifies environmental, sampling and measurement conditions and method of calculation for consistent, comparable results.
• Spectral characteristics: Procedures for measuring and reporting spectral reflectance of primaries, secondaries, white, grey and black patches.
• Basic colorimetric and tone reproduction characteristics: Methods for characterizing gamut, tone response and plotting results (e.g., in CIE Lab).
• Spatial non‑uniformity and temporal instability: Includes new test charts and procedures for spatial non‑uniformity (measurement positions and reporting) and short‑ and long‑term instability (repeatability and drift).
• Dependency on illuminant: Measurement and reporting provisions for dependency on standard illuminants (D50 default; D65, F11 and A optional).
• Reporting forms and annexes: Normative annexes provide detailed chart data, measurement positions, and reporting templates (Annexes A–C), plus informative chart layouts (Annexes E–G).
• No pass/fail limits: The standard specifies measurement methods and reporting formats but does not specify limiting values or acceptance criteria.

Practical applications

• Characterization and profiling of consumer and office RGB printers for colour management workflows.
• Objective assessment of print quality attributes: gamut, tone reproduction, uniformity and stability.
• Input for color-management system integration, device profiling and ICC profile validation.
• Quality assurance, R&D and comparative testing across printer models and print technologies.

Who should use this standard

• Printer manufacturers and OEMs
• Colour scientists and imaging engineers
• Colour management specialists and profiling labs
• Quality assurance teams in print and imaging businesses
• Software developers handling RGB-to-print workflows

Related standards

• IEC 61966 series (e.g., IEC 61966-2-1 - sRGB) - relates device-dependent RGB to default RGB.
• CIE and ISO colorimetry references cited (e.g., CIE standard observers, standard illuminants).

Keywords: IEC 61966-7-1, colour measurement, colour management, colour printers, reflective prints, RGB inputs, test chart, spectral reflectance, D50, D65, spatial non‑uniformity, short‑term instability.