Good reference of color-modifying functions?

Question

Hello, everyone!

I can't find a good reference about color-modifying functions (such as contrast, brightness, gamma, ...).

(Is there a more exact term for what I mean?)

Would appreciate a tutorial with example pictures and implementation algorithms.

Thank you!

EDIT:
Platform and language is not so important. I'm interested in pure mathematic algorithms, so please don't point me to graphic APIs ;)

Answer 1

Somewhat dry, but usually thorough is the Color FAQ: http://www.poynton.com/ColorFAQ.html

Answer 2

Only part of what you are asking, but probably useful: http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Equations.html

Answer 3

I found Charles Poynton's book, Digital Video and HDTV: Algorithms and Interfaces, hugely helpful in this area. Don't be fooled by the word "video" in the title; it contains all sorts of wonderful information about still images as well. The explanation of gamma is especially good. If you can't find the book at your library, the Poynton's Color FAQ and Gamma FAQ are also somewhat helpful. But the book is really great!