Observer variability study and method to implement observer categories for novel light source projection system

As display technology advances in color gamut, the potential of experiencing higher degree of observer metamerism is more likely with narrow bandwidth stimuli display devices. In previous studies, it is confirmed that observer metamerism was introduced in soft proofing with monitor and color grading with projector scenarios, and also led to serious implications. Hence, it is desired to investigate whether laser‐based projection system would introduce observer metamerism compared to halogen‐based projection system. In this study, a two‐part experiment was designed and conducted. Experiment 1 was based on color patches and experiment 2 was based on test images. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability were calculated and analyzed. Both experiments had illustrated observer metamerism was introduced in laser‐based projection system. Comparison to CIE Standard Observers was also conducted for each experiment, and the results had suggested that the CIE Standard Observers were not suitable for laser‐based projection system. A new observer category was required at least for the group of observers participating the experiments. A quick method to transform the content from the CIE 1964 Standard Observer for color patches or the CIE 1931 Standard Observer for images has been established in experiment 1, and this quick method could help to facilitate the growth of personalized color management system.