Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Visualizing Visual Adaptation
Published on: April 24, 2017
Chromatic induction in humans: how are the cone signals combined to provide opponent processing?
Harald J Teufel1, Christian Wehrhahn
1Max-Planck-Institut für Biologische Kybernetik, Spemannstrasse 38, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
Abstract:
We investigated the effect of 16 isoluminant chromatic surrounds on the perceived colour of an enclosed grey test-field at photopic (43 cd/m2) conditions. Stimuli were shown on a grey background identical to the test-field. Use of these stimuli implies that activations of receptoral (cS, cM, and cL) and postreceptoral (cM-cL, cS-(cM+cL)) mechanisms by surround colours are known quantitatively. This allows to predict shifts in colour of the test-field in terms of receptoral (adaptation) as well as postreceptoral (contrast) mechanisms assuming a standard two-stage model. Predictions are tested using matching and hue compensation procedures. Both procedures yield comparable results that are consistent with the assumption that postreceptoral mechanisms explain the observed shifts in perceived colour.
Related Concept Videos
Color Vision
The Retina
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Vision
Parallel Processing

