Transparency and imaginary colors
JOSA A, Vol. 26, Issue 5, pp. 1119-1128 (2009)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.26.001119
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Abstract
Unlike the Metelli monochrome transparencies, when overlays and their backgrounds have chromatic content, the inferred surface colors may not always be physically realizable, and are in some sense “imaginary.” In these cases, the inferred chromatic transmittance or reflectance of the overlay lies outside the RGB spectral boundaries. Using the classical Metelli configuration, we demonstrate this illusion and briefly explore some of its attributes. Some observer differences in perceiving transparencies are also highlighted. These results show that the perception of transparency is much more complex than conventionally envisioned.
© 2009 Optical Society of America
OCIS Codes
(290.7050) Scattering : Turbid media
(330.0330) Vision, color, and visual optics : Vision, color, and visual optics
(330.5020) Vision, color, and visual optics : Perception psychology
(330.5510) Vision, color, and visual optics : Psychophysics
(330.7310) Vision, color, and visual optics : Vision
(350.2450) Other areas of optics : Filters, absorption
ToC Category:
Vision, Color, and Visual Optics
History
Original Manuscript: November 20, 2008
Revised Manuscript: February 7, 2009
Manuscript Accepted: February 9, 2009
Published: April 7, 2009
Virtual Issues
Vol. 4, Iss. 7 Virtual Journal for Biomedical Optics
Citation
Whitman Richards, Jan J. Koenderink, and Andrea van Doorn, "Transparency and imaginary colors," J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 26, 1119-1128 (2009)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josaa/abstract.cfm?URI=josaa-26-5-1119
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