The human observer; colour vision

Abstract

In the preceding chapters, other aspects of the human observer have been dealt with. In Chapter 6, the physical and anatomical aspects of vision are discussed. Chapter 7 concentrates on the visual performance aspects, and in Chapter 8 the different aspects of visual perception have been discussed. In this chapter, the human observer is discussed, focussing on aspects of colour vision. Also, the elements of colorimetry and the colour characteristics of light sources are discussed. The three cone families are dealt with that differ mainly in the wavelength of their maximum sensitivity. The physiology and the related neural circuitry are briefly explained. The main theories of colour vision are discussed, including the related phenomena of colour blindness, or colour defective vision. Next, colour metrics and colorimetry are discussed, including the additive and subtractive processes that are involved. The CIE system of colorimetry is discussed, based on the 1931 CIE Standard Chromaticity Diagram. The Munsell colour system for surface colours is briefly explained. Finally, the colour characteristics of light sources are explained, mainly the colour temperature and the colour rendition of light sources.