Radiometric measurement of area lighting critical to color assessment in the textile industry

Color inconstant objects may not appear to be the color intended if the lig hting condition under which the object is viewed differs significantly from the spectral distribution function of the light source used in the origina l color specification. In this paper, comparison of the spectral power dist ribution of standard illuminants, area lighting in selected retail stores, and a number of viewing cabinets presently in operation in color laboratori es shows significant lighting variability exists. A possible protocol for m easurement of area lighting is presented. The effect of store lighting vari ability on color inconstancy of selected object colors using the color inco nstancy index CMCCON97 is also reported.