Creating color space metrics based on MacAdam ellipses

Abstract

The history of the issue on creation of uniform color spaces is analyzed. For all existing color spaces, it has been proposed to create a uniform metric, a method for determining the length, area and volume in the corresponding spaces, one that corresponds to the human visual perception. The metric is based on MacAdam ellipses, that is, on the threshold perception of the difference in colors. For each point of any color space (two or three measurements) is determined the area of space around each point, within which a person is not able to fix the difference in color. The area is characterized by either an ellipse (two-dimensional case) or an ellipsoid (three-dimensional case). The number of sections along a line, along a plane, or in a volume is a measure of length, a plane, or in a volume and sets a metric. The connection of the existing systems for determining color and visual perception of a person is carried out using scales. Scales associate the length, area or volume of any color system with a person’s visual perception. The scale depends on the point of space and the direction in which the movement takes place. As a result, a large number of scales is needed. It is established, that as a result of the development of computing technology, a large amount of data and a large amount of computation are not a significant obstacle. A schematic diagram of the measurements and the equipment with the help of which it is possible to carry out the corresponding measurements are proposed. Estimates of the greatest labour intensity of such works are carried out. It is determined what is the most important part of these works is possible to carry out within a few years. For two-dimensional spaces (x, y and u, v), using the results of the classical work of McAdam, we determined the scales for connecting the lengths and areas in these spaces with the visual perception of the human eye. The directions in which the scales are largest or smallest are determined. Conclusions and suggestions are made.