Color correction system with monitor for use in recalling color

Abstract

An improved color correction system and method are disclosed. A color corrector may include circuits for selecting a predetermined range of colors around an infinitely selectable principal color and circuits for selectively generating color corrections for the video picture signals which correspond to the predetermined range of colors. The color corrections are then applied to the video picture signals to produce color corrected video picture signals. The color correction may be stored and recalled on a scene-by-scene basis. Two or more such circuits may be employed so that two or more different principal colors can be selected. Preferably, the predetermined range of colors is adjustable. A color corrector may also include circuits for storing and recalling area discrimination signals on a scene-by-scene basis. Moreover, a color corrector may include circuits for identifying the color corrections for a particular scene with a video picture from that particular scene. The video picture for the particular scene is displayed, and the operator may recall the color corrections by using the video picture together with an associated control. More particularly, a miniature reproduction of a frame from each of several prior scenes may be employed to 'label38 or 'tag' the color corrections for the associated scene. In later scenes, the miniature reproduction may be used to recall the color corrections for the associated scene. The miniature reproductions may be displayed, for instance, on an auxiliary monitor. With this feature, the operator does not have to remember scenes by number, nor is the operator required to run the telecine or tape player backwards to visually select the prior scene whose corrections are to be recalled.