Transforming reflectance spectra into Munsell color space by using prime colors.

Independent researchers have proved mathematically that, given a set of color-matching functions, there exists a unique set of three monochromatic spectral lights that optimizes luminous efficiency and color gamut. These lights are called prime colors. We present a method for transforming reflectance spectra into Munsell color space by using hypothetical absorbance curves based on Gaussian approximations of the prime colors and a simplified version of opponent process theory. The derived color appearance system is represented as a 3D color system that is qualitatively similar to a conceptual representation of the Munsell color system. We illustrate the application of the model and compare it with existing models by using reflectance spectra obtained from 1,269 Munsell color samples.