A bidimensional theory of achromatic color vision.

The theory is based on a perceptive color system where the achromatic colors are specified by their degree of similarity to the three qualities white, black and luminous. Black and luminous are treated as opponent variables. It is assumed that white and luminous/black are determined by different kinds of visual processes termed the w- and the b-process. The relationship between these processes and luminance parameters in a simple disc/ring configuration is derived from available data. The b-process is related to stimulus contrast in a simple manner. It is assumed to involve cells with antagonistic center/surround organization of the receptive field. The w-process is primarily determined by the local luminance, and it is assumed to involve cells that lack a center/surround organization of the receptive field. The w-process has properties similar to the processes involved in chromatic color vision. The theory can account for different kinds of psychophysical data on achromatic colors like data on simultaneous contrast, color scaling, and color constancy.