Abstract

The ambient environment—including both background and surround conditions—is a critical factor influencing color perception. It affects not only how we perceive colors but also how we interpret complex visual scenes, impacting both sensory processing and cognitive interpretation. This thesis focuses on three major perceptual phenomena: simultaneous contrast, mixed chromatic adaptation, and color preference. First, the effects of simultaneous contrast on hue, chroma, and lightness in traditional displays were explored. This study was extended to a dual-display augmented reality (AR) environment that introduces layered perception. An extension to the CIECAM16 color appearance model is proposed to incorporate this effect. Second, the impact of a mixed lighting environment created by variations in the luminance and chromaticity of the background and surround influence chromatic adaptation mechanisms was examined. Based on the findings, modeling frameworks to better account for these effects are proposed. And third, image and video preference under different ambient environments were explored, revealing that ambient conditions, content, observer characteristics, and display all significantly influence visual preference. Together, these studies highlight the importance of ambient environmental factors in color perception, emphasizing their impact across appearance, adaptation, and aesthetic judgment.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Color vision; Lighting; Augmented reality; Color in architecture; Architecture--Human factors

Publication Date

8-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Color Science (Ph.D.)

Department, Program, or Center

Color Science

College

College of Science

Advisor

Susan Farnand

Advisor/Committee Member

Ernest Fokou´e

Advisor/Committee Member

Mark Fairchild

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

CLRS-PHD

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