A Comparison of Visual and Spectrophotometric Evaluation of Paired Color Prints

Abstract: Spectrophotometers and derived colorimetric values are being used increasingly to specify and approve color. Yet, in the final analysis, the human eye remains the ultimate arbiter. In order to understand better what the eye sees and what colorimetric values tell us, twenty-six pairs of printed color samples were rated visually by fifteen experienced colorists (8 male, 7 female), and compared with color difference values measured spectrophotometrically. Spectrophotometers and derived colorimetric values are being used increasingly to specify and approve color. Yet, in the final analysis, the human eye remains the ultimate arbiter. In order to understand better what the eye sees and what colorimetric values tell us, twenty-six pairs of printed color samples were rated visually by fifteen experienced colorists (8 male, 7 female), and compared with color difference values measured spectrophotometrically. Visual ratings were made under D50 and Illuminant A lighting using a Pantone? viewing box. Color measurements for each paired sample (batch versus standard) were made with both sphere and 0/45 geometries. A comparison of the visual ratings with DE*, DL*, DC* and DH* values showed in general, good correlation. The degree of correlation varied with hue and the particular color attributes.