Estimation of the real colour gamut

Abstract

In the present work, we have assessed the gamut of colour surfaces currently available for different colour technologies. Their colour reproduction capability have been analyzed by plotting CIELAB data under the illuminant D65 into constant lightness and hue-angle planes to be compared with MacAdam limits which define the human colour perception. Moreover, we have compared our colour collection with Pointer’s real world surface, the best-known definition of the gamut of real world colour surfaces, and with a reference colour gamut defined by the technical committee ISO 12640-3. After this comparison, we checked that the current colour gamut do not reach the MacAdam limits, therefore it is necessary to develop new dyes, pigments and substrates in order to try to reach the perceptible limits of the human eye. On the other hand, Pointer’s real world-surface should be updated taking into account the current colour gamuts. However, a deep study is necessary in order to define a new reference colour gamut. We have found coloured samples outside the ISO colour reference gamut which could be used to provide a real colour surface gamut.