Color perception

Color Perception

Color perception (/kʌlər pərˈsɛpʃən/) is the process by which organisms and machines interpret and classify different wavelengths of light as distinct colors.

Etymology

The term "color perception" is derived from the Latin color, meaning "color", and the Latin perceptio, meaning "perception".

Definition

Color perception is the part of the larger field of Visual Perception. It involves the ability to detect light and interpret (perceive) it as the phenomenon of color.

Mechanism

The process of color perception begins when light enters the eye and is absorbed by the Retina. The retina contains two types of photoreceptor cells, Rods and Cones, which are responsible for transmitting light signals to the brain. Cones are responsible for color perception and function best in relatively bright light conditions.

There are three types of cones, each sensitive to a different range of wavelengths: short (S), medium (M), and long (L). The brain interprets the ratio of activity across these three types of cones to perceive color. This is known as the Trichromatic Theory of color vision.

Related Terms

Color Blindness: A condition in which the ability to see colors is impaired.
Color Constancy: The perceived color of objects remains relatively constant under varying illumination conditions.
Color Theory: A body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of a specific color combination.
Color Wheel: A circular diagram of colors used to show the relationships between primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.

Color perception

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