Influence of Observer Age and Stimulus Size on Colour Matching Performance

Colour matching functions (CMFs) are essential elements within colour science. They play a crucial role in applications ranging from calibration of digital displays to the lighting and printing industries. These functions are designed to link the spectral power distribution of light to the colour impressions experienced by human observers. However, as research shows, multiple factors influence the effectiveness of these functions, particularly the age of the observer and the size of the visual stimulus, or field of view (FOV). This article delves into a detailed study of these aspects and presents insights from a 2024 study led by Yuetong Shen and colleagues.

Introduction to Colour Matching Functions (CMFs)

CMFs are indispensable to the process of colour perception and calibration. They mathematically capture the relationship between the spectral distribution of light and perceived colour, facilitating the standardisation of colour across different devices and media. The most widely used CMFs, such as the CIE 1931 with a viewing angle of 2° and the CIE 1964 with a viewing angle of 10°, are extensively used in establishing industry standards for colour matching and reproduction. Nevertheless, challenges remain, as observations in practice reveal discrepancies in perceived colour under different viewing conditions.

The Study: Objectives and Methodology

The main goal of the study by Shen et al. was to explore how observer age and field of view (FOV) affect colour matching performance. This study is unique in that it integrates these two under-studied variables into colour matching experiments. The researchers conducted a series of controlled experiments with two groups of observers (young and old) who used different sets of primary colours to match a white reference stimulus at various FOVs (2°, 4°, 8°, and 13°).