Anomalous trichromats' judgments of surface color in natural scenes under different daylights

Vis Neurosci. 2006 May-Aug;23(3-4):629-35. doi: 10.1017/S0952523806233297.

Abstract

Deuteranomalous trichromacy, which affects medium-wavelength-sensitive cones, is more common than protanomalous trichromacy, which affects long-wavelength-sensitive cones. The aim of the present work was to test the extent to which these two kinds of anomalous trichromacy affect surface-color judgments in the natural world. Simulations of 18 natural scenes under different daylight illuminants were presented on a high-resolution color monitor to 7 deuteranomalous, 7 protanomalous, and 12 normal trichromatic observers, who had to discriminate between reflectance and illuminant changes in the images. Observers' ability to judge surface color was quantified by a standard color-constancy index. Deuteranomalous trichromats performed as well as normal trichromats, but protanomalous trichromats performed more poorly than both. The results are considered in relation to the spectral coverage of cones, rod intrusion, and the characterization of anomalous trichromacy by the Rayleigh match.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Color
  • Color Perception / physiology*
  • Color Perception Tests / methods
  • Color Vision Defects / physiopathology*
  • Contrast Sensitivity / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Judgment / physiology*
  • Light*
  • Male
  • Nature*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Signal Detection, Psychological / physiology