The impact of viewing conditions on observer variability for cross-media colour reproduction

This study investigates observer metamerism in cross-media colour reproduction (CMCR) between monitor and physical colours. An LCD display was placed inside a viewing cabinet. The cabinet had a mid-grey interior. Observers were asked to match a colour displayed on the monitor to a printed colour patch, which was also inside the viewing cabinet in two configurations, one consisting of two samples separated by a hairline gap (Configuration 1), and the other consisting of two samples separated by a large gap (Configuration 2). Eleven observers were asked to first match the background colour and then 10 test colours for each configuration, and this was repeated five times. The observers’ variability results showed little difference between inter- and intra-variability, and between the two configurations. Comparing the observers’ results with the CIE 1964 standard colorimetric observer, Configuration 1 and Configuration 2 each showed similar agreement. In both configurations, the results of observer variability were smaller than those obtained by Oicherman et al. in 2008. In addition, each configuration's results showed better agreement with the CIE standard colorimetric observer than Oicherman et al.'s results. This implies that both configurations, one with two samples having a hairline gap and with two samples separated by a large gap in a viewing cabinet, could be recommended for future CMCR systems. However, if choosing between the two, then Configuration 2 is recommended rather than Configuration 1.