Comparison of visual (MUNSELL) and instrumental measures (CIELAB) of coloured textile standard samples

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to compare visual (Munsell) and instrumental (CIELAB) attributes of SCOTDIC colour standards. Design/methodology/approach SCOTDIC cotton and polyester standards of defined hue, value and chroma were subjected to spectrophotometric assessment for finding the corresponding instrumental parameters. The visual and instrumental parameters were compared. Findings The correlation between SCOTDIC value and CIELAB lightness is quite high. Correlation coefficient between SCOTDIC hue and CIELAB hue angle and the correlation between SCOTDIC chroma and CIELAB chroma were only moderate because the CIELAB chroma varied widely at higher chroma. When the standards of SCOTDIC hues having erratic hue angles at two extremes are excluded, the Correlation coefficients between SCOTDIC hue and CIELAB hue angle become high. Research limitations/implications The psychophysical data (visual) are difficult to match with physical data (instrumental). Originality/value The object of the present research is to study and compare visual (Munsell) and instrumental (CIELAB) colorimetric parameters. Munsell scale is physically exemplified by SCOTDIC fabric samples available in two sets, namely, cotton and polyester sets.