Munsell notation

Conversion tables and charts now available make it possible to express I.C.I. data in forms in which a specified color and the significance of measured color differences can be more easily visualized. For example, I.C.I. values calculated from objective instrumental readings can be converted into the Munsell notation which evaluates the three psychological color attributes—hue, lightness (Munsell value), saturation (Munsell chroma)—on scales of approximately equal visual steps. In addition, the Munsell color charts offer one of the most convenient sources of material standards for direct color comparisons. 

If results of color measurements are expressed in Munsell notation, a reader can use Munsell color charts as an aid in visualizing approximate ranges of color differences involved. Such a means has been suggested (15) for expressing color of light-colored juices. The necessary experimental data were obtained with a reflection meter similar to the reflectometer described. 

The subject of color, as it relates to the human eye and brain, is complex and fascinating. Overall, there are many factors that can affect the perceived color of a surface. Models like Munsell use an alphanumeric notation to identify the dimensions for a color and its location within the color space. A Munsell notation (hue, value, and chroma) depends on a subjective visual judgment made by a human observer. There are other color-order systems that specify color by objective three-dimen-... 

Table 14.6 Computed hue of nonselective samples on light and dark backgrounds for four different illuminants (data from Judd 1940). The color of the samples is specified using the Munsell notation.

Besides the total-garment discoloration, another type of color damage was apparent in the underarm portion of the dress bodice. Perspiration is a known color contaminant, but the discoloration in this garment was unusual, in that there were distinct yellow and pink regions within the stained area. Munsell notations for the particular hues represented in these regions are listed in Table I. 

Table I. Munsell Notation for Yellow and Brown Camelid Fibers...

The following are Munsell notations and Commission Internationale de L Eclariage (CIE) coordinates which describe the Office of Hazardous Materials Regulation Label and Placard Color Tolerance Charts in Tables 1 and 2, and the CIE coordinates for... 

Color/series Munsell notation CIE data for source C ... 

Munsell set up a cylinder whose vertical axis began with "black" and ended with "white". This is the factor "Value" in Munsell notation, each layer of which is given a specific number. He also defined five (5) primary hues. These are purple, red, yellow, green and blue. TTiey are arremged around a circle as shown in the following, and a series of circles are "stacked" to form a "tree", namely ... 

Chroma kro-m9 [Gk chroma] (ca. 1889) n. (1) Color intensity or purity of tone, being the degree of freedom from gray. (2) One of the three terms used in Munsell notations. It correlates approximately with the psychological dimension of saturation. 

Munsell chroma n. The color term applied to the psychological sensation dimension of saturation. In Munsell notation, neutrals, white, graphs, etc., have a chroma of zero. Increasing deviation from gray to purest color in equally perceptible steps are given increasing numerical notations, with intermediate steps designated by decimals proportional to the perceptibility differences. 

Munsell value n. (1) That portion of Munsell notation that corresponds to the sensation of hghtness. It is described by a number from zero for a perfect black to ten for a perfect white and is calculated from the equation... 

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