Color-defective Observers Research Articles

Typical and Atypical Errors made by Color Normal and Defective Observers on Printed Pseudoisochromatic Color Vision Tests

Background: Pseudoisochromatic color vision tests are commonly used to screen for color vision deficiency (CVD). Although most color vision normal (CVN) individuals read all plates correctly, a remarkable proportion have errors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the typical and atypical error responses to the Ishihara and Waggoner PIP24 (W-PIP24) tests of CVN and CVD individuals. Methods: This study recruited 59 CVN and 63 congenital red-green CVD individuals. Participants were tested with the Ishihara and W-PIP24 tests. The participants’ responses were recorded, and typical and atypical errors were determined. Results: The rate of atypical errors in the CVN group was 21% in the Ishihara test and 9% in the W-PIP24 test, while those in the CVD group were 100% and 60%, respectively. The CVN and CVD groups tended to have more atypical errors on the Ishihara test than on the W-PIP24 test. Moreover, CVD individuals tended to have more atypical errors in the transformation plates in both tests. Conclusion: CVN individuals may misread the plates in the Ishihara and W-PIP24 tests for reasons other than the normality of color vision; therefore, counting only typical errors may eliminate the chance of CVN individuals misreading the number on the plates. The most significant finding of this study was that clinicians should perhaps only consider typical errors as “errors” on both tests.

Hue rotation (HR) and hue blending (HB): Real‐time image enhancement methods for digital component video signals to support red‐green color‐defective observers

AbstractThe mutual understanding of color‐normal observers (CNOs) and color‐defective observers (CDOs) is now essential because personal color information display environments have been widely adopted. However, existing tools for CDOs offer only color discrimination; they fail to support color impression (ie, saturation and contrast). Therefore, we need a novel tool that offers help in distinguishing opponent colors, while preserving color saturation. We introduce two key techniques for realizing this difficult goal. The former is the repeated sequential display of the original and processed images to support the formation of unified correct percepts that provide discrimination of both red‐green and yellow‐blue opponent colors. One image, ie, original, exhibits correct yellow‐blue but distorted red‐green information for CDOs while the other, ie, processed, provides synthesized distinguishable red‐green but confusable yellow‐blue information for CDOs; here, hue rotation (HR) is useful for advanced users whereas hue blending (HB) is suitable for general. The latter is realized by the real‐time video processing available on smartphones; our algorithms support direct processing of the digital component video signal formats (eg, Y, CR, and CB). Subjective tests suggest that the two above‐mentioned algorithms will, along with embedding a lightweight real‐time dichromatic simulation facility for CNOs, greatly help the mutual understanding of CNOs and CDOs.

Perception of color emotions for single colors in red-green defective observers.

It is estimated that inherited red-green color deficiency, which involves both the protan and deutan deficiency types, is common in men. For red-green defective observers, some reddish colors appear desaturated and brownish, unlike those seen by normal observers. Despite its prevalence, few studies have investigated the effects that red-green color deficiency has on the psychological properties of colors (color emotions). The current study investigated the influence of red-green color deficiency on the following six color emotions: cleanliness, freshness, hardness, preference, warmth, and weight. Specifically, this study aimed to: (1) reveal differences between normal and red-green defective observers in rating patterns of six color emotions; (2) examine differences in color emotions related to the three cardinal channels in human color vision; and (3) explore relationships between color emotions and color naming behavior. Thirteen men and 10 women with normal vision and 13 men who were red-green defective performed both a color naming task and an emotion rating task with 32 colors from the Berkeley Color Project (BCP). Results revealed noticeable differences in the cleanliness and hardness ratings between the normal vision observers, particularly in women, and red-green defective observers, which appeared mainly for colors in the orange to cyan range, and in the preference and warmth ratings for colors with cyan and purple hues. Similarly, naming errors also mainly occurred in the cyan colors. A regression analysis that included the three cone-contrasts (i.e., red-green, blue-yellow, and luminance) as predictors significantly accounted for variability in color emotion ratings for the red-green defective observers as much as the normal individuals. Expressly, for warmth ratings, the weight of the red-green opponent channel was significantly lower in color defective observers than in normal participants. In addition, the analyses for individual warmth ratings in the red-green defective group revealed that luminance cone-contrast was a significant predictor in most red-green-defective individuals. Together, these results suggest that red-green defective observers tend to rely on the blue-yellow channel and luminance to compensate for the weak sensitivity of long- and medium-wavelength (L-M) cone-contrasts, when rating color warmth.

Achromatic luminance contrast sensitivity in X-linked color-deficient observers: An addition to the debate

It is a matter of debate whether X-linked dichromacy is accompanied by enhanced achromatic processing. In the present study, we used sinusoidally modulated achromatic gratings under photopic conditions to compare the contrast sensitivity (CS) of protanopes, deuteranopes, and normal trichromats. 36 male volunteers were examined. CS was tested in static and dynamic conditions at nine different spatial frequencies. The results support the assumption that X-linked color-defective observers are at an advantage in terms of achromatic processing. Both protanopes and deuteranopes had significantly better CS than controls in both the static and the dynamic conditions. In the static condition, the advantage was observed especially at higher spatial frequencies, whereas in the dynamic condition, it was seen also at lower frequencies. The results are interpreted in terms of decreased chromatic modulation of the luminance channel and the early plasticity of the parvocellular system.

Evaluation of a dichromatic color-appearance simulation by a visual search task

We used a visual search task to investigate the validity of the dichromatic simulation model proposed by Brettel et al. Although the dichromatic simulation could qualitatively predict reaction times for color-defective observers, the reaction times for color-defective observers tended to be longer than those of the trichromatic observers in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, we showed that a reduction of purity excitation of simulated colors can provide a good prediction. Further, we propose an adaptive dichromatic simulation model based on the color differences between a simulated target color and simulated distractor colors in order to obtain a better quantitative prediction of reaction times in the visual search task for color defects.

The color of night: Surface color categorization by color defective observers under dim illuminations

People with normal trichromatic color vision experience variegated hue percepts under dim illuminations where only rod photoreceptors mediate vision. Here, hue perceptions were determined for persons with congenital color vision deficiencies over a wide range of light levels, including very low light levels where rods alone mediate vision. Deuteranomalous trichromats, deuteranopes and protanopes served as observers. The appearances of 24 paper color samples from the OSA Uniform Color Scales were gauged under successively dimmer illuminations from 10 to 0.0003 Lux (1.0 to -3.5 log Lux). Triads of samples were chosen representing each of eight basic color categories; "red," "pink," "orange," "yellow," "green," "blue," "purple," and "gray." Samples within each triad varied in lightness. Observers sorted samples into groups that they could categorize with specific color names. Above -0.5 log Lux, the dichromatic and anomalous trichromatic observers sorted the samples into the original representative color groups, with some exceptions. At light levels where rods alone mediate vision, the color names assigned by the deuteranomalous trichromats were similar to the color names used by color normals; higher scotopic reflectance samples were classified as blue-green-grey and lower reflectance samples as red-orange. Color names reported by the dichromats at the dimmest light levels had extensive overlap in their sample scotopic lightness distributions. Dichromats did not assign scotopic color names based on the sample scotopic lightness, as did deuteranomalous trichromats and colour-normals. We reasoned that the reduction in color gamut that a dichromat experiences at photopic light levels leads to a limited association of rod color perception with objects differing in scotopic reflectance.

Achromatic parvocellular contrast gain in normal and color defective observers: Implications for the evolution of color vision

The PC pathway conveys both chromatic and achromatic information, with PC neurons being more responsive to chromatic (L-M) than to achromatic (L+M) stimuli. In considering the evolution of color vision, it has been suggested that the dynamic range of chromatic PC-pathway processing is tuned to the chromatic content of the natural environment. Anomalous trichromats, with reduced separation of their L- and M-cone spectral sensitivities, have diminished chromatic input to PC-pathway cells. Dichromats, with absent L or M cones, should have no chromatic input to PC-pathway cells. Therefore, the PC-pathway dynamic range of color defectives should be released from any constraint imposed by the chromatic environment. Here we ask whether this results in compensatory enhancement of achromatic PC-pathway processing in color defectives. This study employed a psychophysical method designed to isolate PC-pathway processing using achromatic stimuli. In a pulsed-pedestal condition, a four-square stimulus array appeared within a uniform surround. During a trial, one of the test squares differed from the other three, and the observer's task was to choose the square that was different. A four-alternative, forced-choice method was used to determine thresholds as a function of the contrast of the four-square array to the surround. Seven color defective and four normal observers participated. Results showed no systematic differences between normals and color defectives. There was no enhancement of achromatic processing as compensation for reduced chromatic processing in the PC-pathway system in color defectives. From physiological recordings, PC-pathway achromatic contrast gains of dichromatic and trichromatic New World primates and trichromatic Old World macaques have also been shown to be similar to each other. Our study and the animal studies imply that PC-pathway contrast gain parameters were regulated by factors other than the environmental chromaticity gamut, and may have arisen in a nontrichromatic common ancestor to both Old and New World primates.

Computerized color-vision test based upon postreceptoral channel sensitivities

An automated, computerized color-vision test was designed to diagnose congenital red-green color-vision defects. The observer viewed a yellow appearing CRT screen. The principle was to measure increment thresholds for three different chromaticities, the background yellow, a red, and a green chromaticity. Spatial and temporal parameters were chosen to favor parvocellular pathway mediation of thresholds. Thresholds for the three test stimuli were estimated by four-alternative forced-choice (4AFC), randomly interleaved staircases. Four 1.5-deg, 4.2 cd/m2 square pedestals were arranged as a 2 x 2 matrix around the center of the display with 15-minute separations. A trial incremented all four squares by 1.0 cd/m2 for 133 ms. One randomly chosen square included an extra increment of a test chromaticity. The observer identified the different appearing square using the cursor. Administration time was approximately 5 minutes. Normal trichromats showed clear Sloan notch as defined by log (deltaY/deltaR), whereas red-green color defectives generally showed little or no Sloan notch, indicating that their thresholds were mediated by their luminance system, not by the chromatic system. Data from 107 normal trichromats showed a mean Sloan notch of 0.654 (SD = 0.123). Among 16 color-vision defectives tested (2 protanopes, 1 protanomal, 6 deuteranopes, & 7 deuteranomals), the Sloan notch was between -0.062 and 0.353 for deutans and was < -0.10 for protans. A sufficient number of color-defective observers have not yet been tested to determine whether the test can reliably discriminate between protans and deutans. Nevertheless, the current data show that the test can work as a quick diagnostic procedure (functional trichromatism or dichromatism) of red-green color-vision defect.

Increment threshold and purity discrimination spectral sensitivities of X-chromosome-linked color-defective observers

The goal of the study was to evaluate spectral opponency in nine X-chromosome-linked color-defective observers. The tasks included increment threshold spectral sensitivity on an achromatic background, heterochromatic flicker photometry, and colorimetric purity discrimination. With a task of heterochromatic flicker photometry, the anomalous trichromatic observers showed spectral sensitivity of the corresponding dichromat. The increment threshold spectral sensitivity and colorimetric purity discrimination data were analyzed using the concept of standard cone photopigment spectral sensitivities for normal and defective vision, and a model that postulates one cone-additive and two cone-antagonistic systems. The model incorporated a shift of the peak spectral sensitivity of the long-wavelength-sensitive (LWS) pigment (for protan observers) or of the middle-wavelength-sensitive (MWS) pigment (for deutan observers). Two dichromats and two anomalous trichromats did not show clear evidence of LWS vs MWS cone antagonism. Five anomalous trichromats showed such cone antagonism. Molecular genetic analysis of the opsin genes is presented for eight of the observers.

The C‐100:a new dichotomiser of colour vision defectives

This paper evaluates a new instrument (G100) which employs flicker photometry or silent substitution to determine the type of colour vision defect (protan or deutan). Specifically, this study addresses the unit’s capacity to: 1. detect colour vision defects; 2. differentiate protans from deutans; and 3. produce reliable measurements under different viewing conditions. We find that an average of five readings enables protans to be clearly separated from deutans in all cases (p < O.OOOl), but that the distinction between these groups and normals is less clear. Dichromats are not distinguished from anomalous trichromats, so the instrument cannot be used as an index of severity. The results are shown to be robust to most of the test conditions likely to be encountered during normal clinical use. A clinical protocol is suggested that utilises the ClOO for classification of colour defective observers. It is concluded that normal, and some anomalous, trichromat settings are performed using flicker photometry, whereas dichromatic observers appear to utilise silent substitution. Accepted for publication: 30 June 1992

The use of colour difference vectors in diagnosing congenital colour vision deficiencies with the Farnsworth—Munsell 100-hue test

Colour difference vector analysis provides useful and meaningful information in scoring the Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100-hue test. However, the FM 100-hue test is limited in its ability to diagnose type and severity of congenital colour vision defect. Type classification for all subjects is incorrect in 21% of cases, and for deuteranomals the misclassification rate is 38%. Visual inspection of the plots yields a similar misclassification rate and classification of plots with few errors (under 180) is generally less reliable. The FM 100-hue test has a limited ability to separate dichromats from anomalous trichromats. A test protocol based on joint D15 and FM 100-hue tests should pass 36% of anomalous trichromats and 26% of all colour defectives yet fail all dichromatic observers. We conclude that administering the FM 100-hue test is of less value than a combination of D15 panels (Standard D15 and L'Anthony's desaturated D15) in the clinical diagnosis of congenital colour defective observers. Our results for the FM 100-hue panel are similar to those reported previously by other investigators.

The use of colour difference vectors in diagnosing congenital colour vision deficiencies with the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test

Colour difference vector analysis provides useful and meaningful information in scoring the Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100-hue test. However, the FM 100-hue test is limited in its ability to diagnose type and severity of congenital colour vision defect. Type classification for all subjects is incorrect in 21% of cases, and for deuteranomals the misclassification rate is 38%. Visual inspection of the plots yields a similar misclassification rate and classification of plots with few errors (under 180) is generally less reliable. The FM 100-hue test has a limited ability to separate dichromats from anomalous trichromats. A test protocol based on joint D15 and FM 100-hue tests should pass 36% of anomalous trichromats and 26% of all colour defectives yet fail all dichromatic observers. We conclude that administering the FM 100-hue test is of less value than a combination of D15 panels (Standard D15 and L’Anthony’s desaturated D15) in the clinical diagnosis of congenital colour defective observers. Our results for the FM 100-hue panel are similar to those reported previously by other investigators.

Validation of a solid-state anomaloscope used to assess red-green color vision defects

Solid-state anomaloscopes whose stimuli are derived from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are simpler and less expensive than conventional anomaloscopes. We have assessed the test-retest reliability and the validity of one solid-state anomaloscope and have obtained normative data for it. Reliability and validity were assessed by classifying 36 color-defective observers into one of five categories defined by degree of defect. When all color defectives were considered, both the validity and reliability of the solid-state anomaloscope were found to be high. The primary stimuli of the solid-state anomaloscope are less well separated in chromaticity space than are those of conventional anomaloscopes, but there is no evidence that this results in the incorrect classification of anomalous trichromats as dichromats. The solid-state anomaloscope appears to be an acceptable alternative to standard anomaloscopes for both research and screening applications.

Tinted contact lenses slow reaction time in colour defective observers

We examined the effects of tinted contact lenses on the reaction time and recognition probability for red. signal lights by normal and colour defective observers. Reaction time was significantly increased when protanopes, protanomals and deuteranopes wore tinted contact lenses. Optometrists prescribing such lenses should be aware of the potential problems they may pose for colour defectives in responding to red signal lights, especially under adverse viewing conditions.

Recognition of VDU Presented Colors by Color Defective Observers

In order to determine the extent to which color defective observers are able to recognize colors presented on a VDU, a choice reaction time experiment was carried out. The experiment determined the effect of advance training, stimulus size and simultaneous color contrast on the performance of subjects, segregated into groups according to the nature of their color vision defect. Analysis of the data shows that type of color vision defect and the simultaneous color contrast influence the number of errors made by the subjects. Suggestions for future experiments and for the possible improvement of performance are given.

Dichromatic convergence points obtained by subtractive colour matching

The colour confusions made by colour defective observers are crucial to the efficient design of diagnostic tests. In this study isochromatic lines were obtained for both dichromats and anomalous trichromats using the Lovibond Tintometer. The isochromatic lines for protanopic and deuteranopic observers were used to calculate the respective convergence points. The values obtained for the protanopic convergence point agree well with those found by Pitt and others but the deuteranopic data shows considerable variability. The mean deuteranopic convergence point is in closer agreement with that derived by Judd from Pitt's data than with the weighted mean recently obtained by Nimeroff.

Nonequivalence of backgrounds during photopic dark adaptation.

Using the equivalent-background transformation, Crawford has demonstrated the equivalence of adaptive states (dark and light adaptation) in scotopic vision. The critical feature of this transformation is that the threshold sensitivity of the eye at a particular time in the dark can be specified in terms of the steady-state, light-adapted condition necessary to produce the same threshold for all target diameters. This indicates that a single variable may control the spatial integration of light. Equivalence was investigated in the present study for long-term photopic dark adaptation using two target diameters (0.13° and 0.33°) and four chromatic combinations of red and green test and adapting stimuli (red on red, red on green, green on green, and green on red). Except under special conditions employing color-defective observers for which there was more complete isolation of cone mechanisms, equivalence between adaptive states was generally found not to exist. It is concluded that more than one process is needed to control the spatial integration of light in the photopic system, and these are hypothesized to be the wavelength-dependent excitatory and inhibitory processes of the visual receptive field.

Recognition of Colored Road Traffic Light Signals by Normal and Color-Vision-Defective Observers*

Normal and color defective observers were asked to identify 13 signal light colors as either red, green, or yellow under laboratory conditions simulating road traffic signals but with only chromaticity and brightness differences as cues for identification. Choice reaction times and errors were measured. A high correlation between these yields was found and each was analyzed separately. Special statistical techniques were necessary for analysis of the errors. Reaction times provided a sensitive measure and proved simpler to analyze than errors. It was concluded that the chromaticity boundaries similar to those specified by ASA D10-1 (1958) were more reliable for all classes of observers than those more liberal boundaries established by the CIE (1955) and BS:1376 (1953). None of the yellow filters proved satisfactory for color defectives. Reaction times and errors suggest that the extension of the yellow limit of the red signals in the new U. S. standard (1964) may be undesirable.