RGB

The practical application of our discussion of the different sources of light - emission, transmission/absorption and reflection/absorption - can be observed in two common color models used for color reproduction: RGB and CMYK.

RGB represents the emission color source while CMYK represents the transmission/absorption and reflective/absorption model.

RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. It is an additive color model whereby red, green and blue are added together in various ways to create a broad spectrum of colors. Devices that use the RGB color model include television screens, computer screens and digital cameras.

However, because the RGB model does not clearly define what red, green and blue mean colorimetrically, the use of them by different devices often leads to variations in the actual color output. This variation is one of the major factors to be considered when using digital imagery for shade matching in dentistry. We will discuss techniques to help improve consistency of interpretation in future posts dealing specifically with digital photography.

Portions of this post were adapted from the book:
Fundaments of Color - Shade Matching and Communication in Esthetic Dentistry published by Quintessence Publishing Co. Inc and written by Dr. Stephen J. Chu, Dr. Alessandro Devigus, Dr. Rade D. Paravina and Mr. Adam J. Mieleszko. and the Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model