Using symmetry to understand the attributes of color

Abstract

AbstractThe common attributes of color are distinguishable by their symmetries. Hue, saturation, chroma, chromaticness, whiteness, and blackness symmetries are discussed. Symmetries are generally not sufficient to specify unique formulas for color attributes, nor are they an endorsement of color model accuracy. However, symmetries do provide constraints for valid formulae, which are useful even when symmetries are only approximate. They also provide an alternate conceptual understanding of color attributes that differs from standard color science definitions. Symmetries provide a simplified framework for calculating groups of colors that share color attributes. Color models examined include the Hunt Model, a simple color model (SCM), various CIE color spaces, and IPT. A general functional form describes symmetries and scaling laws for many color models, and exceptions are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 27–44, 2008