Fuzzy analysis for detection of inconsistent data in experimental datasets employed at the development of the CIEDE2000 colour-difference formula

Abstract

Relating instrumental measurements to visually perceived colour-differences, under specific illuminating and viewing conditions, is one of the challenges of advanced colorimetry. Experimental data are used to devise new colour-difference formulas as well as to assess the performance of other colour-difference formulas. In this paper, we analyse the consistency of experimental data employed at the development of the last CIE recommended colour-difference formula, CIEDE2000. Because of the subjective and imprecise nature of these data, we adopt a fuzzy approach, so that finally, for each experimental datum, we establish the fuzzy degree to which it can be considered consistent with the remaining data. The results of our analyses show that only a few data are associated with a rather low degree of consistency. These data in many cases correspond to colour pairs with a very small colour-difference for which visual assessments seem to be overestimated