EIGENVECTOR INTERPRETATION OF THE FARNSWORTH-MUNSELL 100-HUE TEST

We measured the reflectance spectra for the 85 color caps of the Farns worth-Munsell 100-hue test. Eigenvectors and eigenvalues of a correlat ion matrix of cone responses were computed, with the cone responses be ing determined from the 85 test caps, arranged in order (according to color) by means of a linear model. It is shown that the Farnsworth-Mun sell 100-hue test can be simulated by use of eigenvectors of the cone responses. The eigenvectors can be interpreted as nonopponent signal a nd opponent color signals. The normal observer can determine the color of a cap by using two opponent color signals. For color-blind persons (dichromats) one or the other opponent signal is defective, and error s can occur during the test. The simulation results also suggest that eigenvectors can be used to predict results of arrangement tests simil ar to the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test.