Characterization of a Color Vision System

Abstract

Color images are generally quantified by red, green, and blue (RGB) values representing integrated responses over RGB spectral bands measured through color filters. The RGB response is affected by the specific configuration of a color vision system. A method of characterizing a RGB-based color vision system and converting RGB values between different system configurations was developed in this study. Color vision system components were characterized by the theory of image formation in machine vision. A model of a color vision system was designed and a color chart was used as a reflectance object in test images. Based on the measured characteristics of the color vision system, the theoretical RGB values of the color chart were calculated. The theoretical RGB values were matched to the actual ones within less than five gray levels. Also, the quantitative RGB values of the color chart at a specific system configuration were transformed to those at different system configurations by using the characteristics of vision system components. The differences between the transformed and the actual RGB values were less than five gray levels. The test results showed that the method was effective in characterizing a color vision system.