Standardfärgobservatör

Standardfärgobservatör refers to a hypothetical observer used in colorimetry to represent the average human observer's color perception. It is a standardized mathematical model based on experimental data collected from numerous individuals. The primary purpose of the standard observer is to ensure that color measurements are consistent and reproducible across different laboratories and devices.

The concept of the standard observer was developed by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in 1931. This initial model was based on trichromatic color matching experiments conducted by W. D. Wright and J. Guild. Later, in 1964, the CIE introduced a supplementary standard observer, which was better suited for color matching under conditions that deviated from the original experimental setup, such as different field sizes and illuminants.

The standard observer is defined by a set of spectral tristimulus values, often denoted as $\bar{x}(\lambda)$, $\bar{y}(\lambda)$, and $\bar{z}(\lambda)$. These functions represent the sensitivity of the three types of cone photoreceptor cells in the human eye to different wavelengths of light. When light of a certain spectral distribution is viewed, its color is mathematically converted into three values, known as tristimulus values (X, Y, Z), by integrating the spectral power distribution of the light with the standard observer's color-matching functions. These tristimulus values then represent the color in a standardized, objective manner, allowing for consistent communication and comparison of colors. The CIE standard observer is a fundamental tool in color science and industries reliant on accurate color reproduction.