Human Visual System—Color Visual Processing

Abstract This chapter covers the basic structure and function of the human visual system with respect to people's perception of color, and procedures to quantify those color perceptions, colorimetry, through the measurement and specification of light sources, materials, and human observers. specific topics addressed include: visual anatomy and physiology related to color perception, the spatial and temporal properties of color vision, color vision deficiencies, basic and advanced colorimetry, light sources and illuminants, materials, tristimulus values, CIE colorimetry, chromaticity coordinates, color spaces, color difference metrics, and color appearance models. A basic understanding of human color vision and color specification is important for imaging science and technology in order to develop insight into the design, engineering, and limitations of color imaging systems and further improve such systems. CIE colorimetry is also the fundamental basis of modern color management systems that enable device‐independent color imaging in digital systems. Since it is very difficult to cover all of this material in sufficient detail in a single article, interested readers should look to books devoted to color science for more detailed information. These reference marks are listed.