Not Just Decoration: quality graphics for the Web

Chris Lilley

Abstract:

In some applications, high quality graphics are essential. This paper reviews factors affecting the display of accurate graphical information in a heterogenous networked environment, concentrating on the areas that must be addressed to implement Web user agents which offer good colour fidelity. Image rendition strategies for a colour-scarce environment are described and the colour allocation strategies of several popular Web browsers are examined. Given current trends in provision of device independent colour, projected future needs for Web user agents are described. Lastly, the implications of embedded image metadata are discussed.

Keywords:

WWW Web Graphics Images Quality Portability Inline CIE Color Colour Fidelity Gamma Transparency Alpha PNG

Contents

• Introduction
• Anti-aliasing and Transparency
• Gamma correction
• Colour display
• Colour allocation strategies
• Portable colour graphics
• Embedded metadata
• Conclusions
• References