rgb2lab — Convert sRGB image or colormap values to CIE L*a*b* with MATLAB-compatible D65 conversion defaults.
rgb2lab(RGB) converts RGB image or colormap values to CIE L*a*b* using default sRGB/D65 assumptions. The conversion follows MATLAB-compatible transfer, white-point, and output-shape behavior for supported input forms.
Syntax
LAB = rgb2lab(RGB)Inputs
| Name | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RGB | Any | Yes | — | RGB image or Nx3 RGB colormap values. |
Returns
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
LAB | NumericArray | CIE L*a*b* image or colormap converted from RGB input. |
Errors
| Identifier | When | Message |
|---|---|---|
RunMat:rgb2lab:TooManyInputs | More than one input argument is supplied. | rgb2lab: too many input arguments |
RunMat:rgb2lab:InvalidInput | Input cannot be interpreted as an MxNx3 RGB image or Nx3 RGB colormap. | rgb2lab: invalid input |
RunMat:rgb2lab:Internal | L*a*b* output tensor construction fails internally. | rgb2lab: internal conversion failure |
How rgb2lab works
- Accepts MxNx3 truecolor images and Nx3 colormaps.
- Integer RGB inputs are scaled into [0,1] before conversion.
- Name-value options are not implemented in this Tier 1 version.
Example
RGB To Lab
LAB = rgb2lab(RGB);Expected output:
% LAB has L*, a*, and b* channelsUsing rgb2lab with coding agents
Open a RunMat example with live inputs, then ask the agent to explain how rgb2lab changes the result.
Run a small rgb2lab example, explain the result, then change one input and compare the output.
Related Image functions
Open-source implementation
Unlike proprietary runtimes, every RunMat function is open-source. Read exactly how rgb2lab is executed, line by line, in Rust.
- View the source for rgb2lab in Rust on GitHub
- Learn how the RunMat runtime works
- Found a bug? Open an issue with a minimal reproduction.
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