EYE: 3 cones- RGB: 255*255*255 HOw to convert

[neurocomp2003]

The eye has 3 cones(RG,GY,B-component theory)...and bipolar cells( use the opponent theory). From these 3 types of cones how does the brain interpret the multiple of colors that occur...and how would one convert the wavelength(lambda) to RGB values or from RGB values to wavelength.

for example if say you were taking a magenta wavelength...and splitting it into the 3 cones...the red cones and blue cones would fire right? then the bipolar cells would fire for red and blue(not yellow and green)...but then if you take a color close to magenta(eg purple)...how will these cells differ in signal?

 

[Ouabache]

It may not be quite as simple as an RGB model, there is some compelling work that we actually see using four chromophores, i.e. tetrachromatic vision. See this http://www.4colorvision.com/themes.htm for detailed discussion.

 

[ravenprp]

The conversion of wavelengths to RGB values and vice versa is a complex process that involves both the trichromatic theory and the opponent-process theory. According to the trichromatic theory, our eyes have three types of cones that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light - red, green, and blue. These cones work together to produce the perception of color. On the other hand, the opponent-process theory states that our perception of color is based on the opposing responses of bipolar cells to different wavelengths of light.

When we see a color, the cones in our eyes send signals to the brain, which then interprets these signals as different colors. For example, when we see magenta, the red and blue cones are stimulated, and the brain interprets this as a mixture of red and blue light. In the case of purple, which is a close color to magenta, the signals from the red and blue cones will be different, resulting in a slightly different perception of color.

To convert a wavelength to RGB values, we can use a color wheel or a color spectrum chart to determine the approximate values of red, green, and blue that correspond to a specific wavelength. However, it's important to note that this conversion is not exact and can vary depending on individual differences in color perception.

Conversely, to convert RGB values to a wavelength, we can use a formula that takes into account the intensity of each color. This formula is known as the CIE 1931 XYZ color space model and is used in digital imaging and color reproduction.

In summary, the brain interprets the multiple colors that occur by combining the signals from the three types of cones and the opponent-process cells. The conversion of wavelengths to RGB values and vice versa is a complex process that involves both theories and can vary depending on individual differences in color perception.