A simplified color space transformation method uses a principal axis or
dominating parameter in a first color space to determine the value of an
associated axis in a second color space. Transformation curves relating
the principal axis to the associated second space axis are predetermined
and stored. Each curve describes the relationship between the principal
axis and the associated axis given certain values for remaining, secondary
or non-principal first color space axes. In operation the non-principal
axes are used to calculate index values. For example, the non-principal
values are quantized. The index values are used to access an appropriate
curve. The principal axis value is used as an index into the appropriate
curve. An image processor operative to perform the method comprises a
transformation curve library. Software modules running on a computational
device, such as, a microprocessor or digital signal processor analyze
image pixels and access appropriate curves for use in transforming the
pixel into a new color space.
