Integralfarben

Integralfarben, literally “integral colors,” is a term used in color theory and digital art to describe colors defined by integral representations of light spectra rather than by a fixed set of primary colors. The concept emphasizes the continuous nature of color perception and serves as a framework for modeling color values that arise from entire spectral distributions rather than discrete samples.

In mathematical terms, a color may be represented by a spectral power distribution S(λ) combined with a weighting function W(λ) that encodes perceptual responses or material properties. A color value is obtained by the integral ∫ S(λ) W(λ) dλ over the visible wavelength range. By choosing different weighting functions, one can generate families of integralfarben, corresponding to perceptual models, material coatings, or display characteristics. These integral colors can be related to conventional color spaces by transforming the resulting values into standard coordinates such as CIE XYZ or sRGB.

Applications of the integralfarben approach appear mainly in theoretical color research, computer graphics, and experimental art. It provides a flexible way to simulate metamerism, study how colors change under different observers or lighting, and explore color generation beyond a fixed set of primaries.

Criticism centers on its mathematical complexity, calibration challenges, and limited practical advantage for everyday color workflows. Nevertheless, integralfarben offer a conceptual tool for examining color as a continuum rather than a finite matrix of samples.

See also: Color theory, spectral power distribution, color space, metamerism.