Computerized simulation of color appearance for dichromats

Area of Science:

• Vision Science
• Computational Imaging
• Colorimetry

Background:

• Dichromacy, a form of color blindness, significantly alters color perception.
• Simulating these altered perceptions is crucial for accessibility and research.
• Existing methods may not accurately capture the nuances of dichromatic color confusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an algorithm that transforms digital color images to simulate the appearance for individuals with dichromatic color vision.
• To quantify and illustrate the residual color information accessible to dichromats within digitized images.
• To provide a tool for researchers and designers to better understand and accommodate dichromatic vision.

Main Methods:

• Representing color stimuli as vectors in a three-dimensional LMS (L, M, S cone response) space.
• Deducing dichromat color confusions using colorimetry and literature data from unilateral dichromats.
• Transforming the LMS space by projecting stimuli onto a reduced surface defined by a neutral axis and specific monochromatic stimuli (e.g., 575 nm yellow, 475 nm blue).

Main Results:

• The algorithm successfully simulates protan, deutan, and tritan color vision deficiencies.
• Colorimetrically accurate matches were confirmed by protanope and deuteranope observers for simulated images.
• The projection onto a reduced stimulus surface effectively models dichromatic color perception.

Conclusions:

• The proposed algorithm provides a colorimetrically accurate simulation of dichromatic color vision for digital images.
• This tool enables quantification and illustration of residual color information for dichromats.
• The simulation aids in understanding and designing for individuals with color vision deficiencies.