Abstract

Individual differences in color discrimination are analyzed in terms of three dimensions that differ from both receptoral and perceptual dimensions. These three dimensions may be described as achromatic, red/green, and tritan axes. When experimental measures of color difference thresholds, or discrimination contours derived from color matching data, are analyzed in terms of these three axes, much of the differences between individuals with normal color vision can be accounted for by individual differences in sensitivity on each of the axes. Thresholds along each axis vary regularly as a function of chromaticity and luminance and may be described by equations, but different parameters are required for different individuals. In fixed neutral conditions, sensitivities along the two chromatic axes may be significantly correlated across normal observers, but these may not be highly correlated with sensitivity along the achromatic axis. With prolonged viewing, the color difference threshold for two adjacent fields may increase.

© 1986 Optical Society of America