The relativity of color perception

Physical colors, i.e. reflected or emitted lights entering the eyes from a visual environment, are converted into perceived colors sensed by humans neurophysiological mechanisms. These processes involve both three types of photoreceptors, LMS cones, and spectrally opponent non-opponent interactions resulting activity rates ganglion lateral geniculate nucleus cells. Thus, color perception is phenomenon inherently linked to an experimental environment (the scene) observing apparatus human system). This clearly reminiscent conceptual foundation relativity quantum mechanics, where link between physical system measuring instruments. The relationship was explicitly examined for first time physicist H. Yilmaz in 1962 point view. main purpose this contribution present rigorous mathematical model that, taking account trichromacy opponency, permits explain on purely theoretical basis relativistic phenomena argued Yilmaz. Instead relying directly considerations, we base our theory interpretation together with just one assumption, called axiom, that summarizes well-established properties trichromatic vision within framework Jordan algebras. We show how approach allows us reconcile Hering’s opponency also derive without any additional assumption. In doing so, introduce several novel mathematically definitions chromatic attributes discuss their counterparts classical colorimetry. Finally, underline important role played Hilbert metric its compatibility known data.