Professor, Munsell Color Science Laboratory
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science
Rochester Institute of Technology
B.S./M.S., Imaging Science
Rochester Institute of Technology, 1986Ph.D., Vision Science
University of Rochester, 1990Color Perception & Imaging: The manipulation and display of color images in a variety of media has become commonplace. However, numerous scientific problems remain to be solved before such systems will simply and reliably produce and reproduce the colors that users desire. Our research on topics in color perception and imaging is addressing several inter-related areas such as color-appearance modeling, image appearance, image preference, image perception, color measurement, image & video quality measurement, high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging, image rendering, and video rendering. One focus of this research has been the ongoing development and psychophysical testing of the iCAM image appearance framework for applications in image/video quality, HDR rendering, and gamut-volume perception. Our work on fundamental aspects of color science is aimed at both developing improved imaging experiences and promoting energy-saving technologies such as solid-state lighting and efficient image displays.
Research Teaching & Learning: I recently completed 12 years as Director of the Munsell Color Science Laboratory and have now stepped out of that position to spend more time focusing on research and educational initiatives aimed at improving our environment and educational systems. I have also assumed the role of Coordinator of the Color Science Graduate Program. I am working with several graduate students on various research projects. They are matriculated in either the Color Science or Imaging Science graduate programs in the Center for Imading Science. Stefan Luka, a Color Science M.S. student, is working on the development of a second-generation HDR display and algorithms for gamut-expansion of legacy video content. just finished his thesis on the measurement of perceived quality on consumer video systems. Jim Proper, and Rod Heckaman are Imaging Science Ph.D. students performing their dissertation work with me. Jim is working to define the limits of uncertainty in colorimetry, both instrumental and visual, for color management systems. Rod, holder of the Macbeth-Engel Fellowship in Color Science is researching the perception of brilliance and gamut volume and their application to high-dynamic-range and enhanced-gamut image display and perception. Susan Farnand is a Color Science Ph.D. student beginning her dissertation work on the importance of image content in image quality psychophysics. I am developing personal research projects on color rendering for energy-efficient light sources, simulation of color-matching functions, novel chromatic-adaptation models, color-difference metrics in color-appearance space, the collection of HDR images together with accurately-scaled appearance data from the original scenes, and the creation of a multi-level, multi-discipline educational resource ... the Color Curiosity Shop. Lastly, I have a wonderful time collaborating with other MCSL faculty, staff, and industrial visiting scientists, playing the occasional round of golf, driving fast cars, paddling canoes, making images, and raising my daughters and puppy. Please explore my website to learn more about my various exploits. You can also download a PDF of my CV if you find yourself that intrigued.
Classroom Teaching & Learning: I am currently teaching four courses: Color Appearance, a distance-learning section of Color Reproduction, Color Science Seminar, and an undergraduate Color Science course. Color Appearance, offered in the Winter quarter, covers the basic phenomena, theory, and modeling of color appearance (i.e., things that basic colorimetry cannot predict) and is also a required course in the Color Science graduate program. Color Reproduction is an online-learning course delivered over the internet during Winter quarter. The content of the course essentially mirrors R.W.G. Hunt's classic text, The Reproduction of Colour. Color Science Seminar, offered all three quarters as a sequence, and a required course in the Color Science graduate program, introduces students to the critical review of research papers and presentations while developing their own research skills. The undergraduate Color Science course (offered Fall quarter) is part of the Imaging Science and Digital Cinema B.S. programs and also offered as an elective for students in other programs such as Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, etc. It covers the fundamental principles of color science and technology.
Contact:- Office: 1087 Color Science Building
- Email: mdf@cis.rit.edu
- Phone: 585-475-2784
- Fax: 585-475-4444
- Mail: Rochester Institute of Technology, 54 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623-5604
The Technical Definition of Light...
45-05-025 visible radiation; light
Any radiation capable of causing a visual sensation directly
Note: ...lower limit is generally taken between 380 and 400 nm and the upper limit between 760 and 780 nm...
45-25-125 light
1. Attribute of all the perceptions or sensations which are peculiar to the organ of vision and which are produced through the agency of that organ.
2. Radiation capable of stimulating the organ of vision.
International Lighting Vocabulary (Published by the IEC & CIE and accepted by ISO)
Zen Taoism: A philosophy and system of religion based on the teachings of Lao-tzu in the sixth century B.C.E. It advocates preserving and restoring the Tao in the body and the cosmos through enlightenment attained by meditation, self-contemplation, and intuition.
Tao: The basic, eternal principle of the universe that transcends reality and is the source of being, non-being, and change.
Principles: Wordlessness : Selflessness : Softness : Oneness : Emptiness : Nothingness : Balance : Paradox : Non-Doing : Spontaneity : Ordinariness : Playfulness : Suchness
On the instant of waking
Another world of dreams appears
N. Peart
And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the Heart
