Perception-referenced method for comparison of radiance ratio spectra and its application as an index of metamerism

Abstract

A metric for comparison of radiance (e.g., reflectance) spectra, based on colorimetric principles, is described. In essence, the metric is a linear approximation to the sum of a series of ΔE*_ab values wherein the two spectra differ only within a single narrow wavelength band. This metric has previously been suggested as a measure of lack-of-fit between a spectral-based color model and experimental observations, as well as an optimization criterion in modeling the color behavior of color output devices. In this paper, the application of the metric as an index of metamerism is presented. Unlike the current CIE-recommended special metameric indices, the new proposal does not require the specification of a single set of trial conditions. Further, unlike previous spectrum-based proposals, it provides results in familiar units of ΔE*_ab.