Frederick T.
Simon
Judith A. Frost
Color and Appearance Laboratory, Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina 29634-1307
A New Method for the Conversion
of CIE Colorimetric Data to
Munsell Notations
An algorithm for the determination of Munsell Hue
ValuelChroma notation from CIE x, y, Y data has been
developed. A search-and-interpolation routine is utilized
that allows for the calculation of accurate Munsell nota-
tions. This method achieves the speed of less accurate trans-
forms without sacrijicing precision or accuracy. Thus the
virtues that have made the Munsell system invaluable in
color-communication applications are made available through
conversion of colorimetric data. This algorithm should prove
to be quite useful when good accuracy is necessary for the
description of colored materials.
Introduction
The standard CIE method for obtaining colorimetric data
from colored samples is through the measurement of re-
flectance with a spectrophotometer; the measured values are
then integrated with the color matching functions of the
standard observer and the spectral power distribution of the
’
irradiating illuminant. To provide for easier communica-
tion, the resulting tristimulus values can then be used to
calculate CIE chromaticity coordinates, x and y , or the ap-
proximate correlates of lightness, perceived chroma, and
hue that were recommended by the CIE in 1976.2 Alter-
natively, any one of several other color coordinate systems
could be derived for these data’ to aid in interpretation of
measured reflectance values. The CIE system and most other
color systems are visually more or less nonuniform, and
their numeric designations convey little information about
the color of measured samples or the color difference be-
tween pairs of samples. On the other hand, the Munsell
system provides visually uniform spacing and a notation
given in terms of Hue, Value, and Chroma that is indicative
of a specific sample’s appearance. Due to the easily under-
stood nature of this system, it is often used for color-com-
0 1987 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
256 CCC 0361-23171871050256-05$04.00
munication purposes for those fields in which color plays a
major role, such as in textiles, plastics, graphic arts, print-
ing, and other areas of applied art. Its further advantage is
that the Munsell Book ofcolor allows for a convenient visual
reference for information about the appearance of colored
samples. Although the CIELAB equations and later im-
provements such as JPC79 and CMC(1 : c)’ locally give
greater visual uniformity for small color differences than
the CIE x, y , Y coordinates, the Munsell system stands alone
as a global visually uniform color order system. Although
some other color order systems have uniform scales and
visual correlates, the Munsell system is the oldest one and
the most widely used. Unlike the CIELAB and CIELCh
parameters, Munsell-system parameters have not been widely
used for color difference, but they could be used just as
well if a more convenient method were available for ob-
taining the exact Munsell notation from colorimetric data.
The importance of the Munsell system as a communi-
cation tool recommends the desirability of being able to
convert between CIE colorimetric data derived from mea-
surement and Munsell notation. The task is fairly easy for
the conversion from Munsell notation to CIE data, based
on the specification data published by Newhall et a1.6 All
that is required is the measurement of a sample with known
Munsell notation with a spectrophotometer or colorimeter,
and the CIE data are obtained by calculation. Unfortunately,
the more useful conversion from CIE data to Munsell no-
tation is not so easily accomplished since no mathematical
relationship has been found between the two systems that
holds true for all samples.
Earlier Conversion Methods
The original method recommended by Newhall et a1.6 re-
quired that the Munsell Value be first obtained by looking
it up in a table that gave CIE Y versus Munsell Value V.
Then the Hue and Chroma were obtained from graphical
interpolation of chromaticity coordinates of the Munsell data
COLOR research and application
plotted for even Value steps on large charts. Data for in-
between Values were obtained by numerical interpolation.
Rheinboldt and Menard’ published the first practical method
for the conversion of CIE x, y, Y data to Munsell notation
in the form of a complicated digital computer program. This
method utilized a search-and-interpolation routine in which
every published standard Munsell data point was examined
to find the closest ones to the sample, the interpolation was
done among them to obtain a Munsell notation for the sam-
ple. This is equivalent to the graphical method and gives
comparable data. In addition, these authors extrapolated the
existing specification Munsell data to give a large number
of new points that are estimates and have never been verified
as real surface colors. Since 1960, several simpler abridged
methods have been developed but none have proven to be
accurate in the determination of Munsell Hue and Chroma.
However, most have used the Newton-Raphson iterative
method of Value determination originally described by
Rheinboldt and Menard. The present method is based on
another search technique for determination of Hue and Chroma
restricting the search to the region described by known co-
lorants; this gives results that are equivalent to those attained
using the original graphical technique.
Abridged methods have utilized mathematical relation-
ships to obtain the Hue and Chroma notation. These methods
compute rapidly, but unfortunately sacrifice accuracy in the
results because the models that were used hold true for some
but not all samples; thus the equations used allow for only
an approximation of the actual Munsell Hue and Chroma
notation. The first such method* gave an approach to the
actual Hue and Chroma. This transformation was later im-
proved by Simon and Connelly’ to obtain more accurate
data. Even these improvements have not resulted in Munsell
notations as accurate as the earlier graphical interpolation
or the Rheinboldt and Menard computer method.
In 1976 the CIE adopted L*, C*, and H* as approximate
correlates to lightness, perceived chroma, and hue.’ These
values are easily obtained from CIELAB data and could be
construed as a crude type of CIE X , Y , Z to Munsell trans-
form. Such an idea is erroneously assumed in literature
distributed by an instrument manufacturer. lo
Outline of Algorithm
It was felt that a search-and-interpolation method similar to
that of Rheinboldt and Menard was needed to achieve the
best data possible. However, since their algorithm was known
to compute slowly because the search was made through all
data points on the two surrounding Value planes (about 500
on each plane), a different search method was needed. Con-
sequently, a polar type of search was devised in which two
new variables called A and S were derived from the spec-
ification chromaticity x, y data for all Munsell samples. Each
of these data points is stored in a data file as arrays Ai,j,k
and &,.k, where the indices of the array bear a simple
relationship to the actual Munsell notation; i = Munsell
Value, an integer;j = 0.4 (Munsell Hue), on a 100 Hue-
number scale; k = 0.5 (Munsell Chroma), an integer; and
Volume 12, Number 5, October 1987
A I J , k = arctan [(YrJ,k -0.3163) / (xIJ,k -0.3101)] (1)
in radians, noting quadrant signs
SI,J,k = [(X,,j,k -0.3101)’ + (yl,j,k -0*”3)’11’’ (2)
Thedatapointx = 0 . 3 1 0 1 , ~= 0.3163intheaboveequa-
tions is the neutral point on the chromaticity diagram for
Illuminant C . Therefore, subtracting its chromaticity from
the sample x, y data and using the above equations leads to
a zero-centered set of coordinates from which polar coor-
dinates can be derived with neutral at 0,O. The angular
value, A, must then be adjusted for the proper quadrant
since the arctangent function normally places the point ob-
tained only in quadrants I or IV. This adjustment may be
made using the signs of the quantities x - 0.3101 and
y - 0.3163 to determine the correct quadrant.
In our algorithm the search is limited to less than 2% of
these points and vector algebra is no longer necessary. This
greatly reduces the time required for the transformation,
giving Munsell notation that is much more accurate than
with the abridged methods and is equivalent in accuracy to
the graphical interpolation method but lacks the uncertainty
and difficulty of graphical readings. Standard Munsell data
are found in Wyszecki and Stiles” that were copied from
the original Newhall data. However, two of the published
data points are incorrect: The x value for 10 PB 8/4 should
be 0.291 1 rather than 0.301 1, and the x value for 2.5 R 9/2
should be 0.3220 rather than 0.3270, as given.”
These data are for Illuminant C and the 1931 2 degree
observer; consequently, the input sample data must also be
for the identical conditions for accurate transformation. If
the sample chromaticity is calculated for CIE Illuminant
D65, multiplying the tristimulus values by a set of von Kries
coefficients is suggested to give equivalent tristimulus val-
ues.13 Although some inadequacies have been noted in this
transform, it is sufficient for the small change in chromatic
adaptation in going from Illuminant DSsto Illuminant C. A
set of von Kries coefficients is included as an alternative in
the computer program allowing the calculation of tristimulus
values obtained from integrations made with Illuminant Dg5
and the 10 degree observer to be in keeping with the Munsell
data.
The first parameter converted in this algorithm is tristim-
ulus Y to Munsell Value; it is done according to the New-
ton-Raphson iterative technique. The results of this cal-
culation are quite accurate since it can be carried to any
precision required. Once the desired Value is obtained, the
index for the Value planes on either side of the actual Value
are known and these are made part of the search. The New-
ton approximation used to find the root of the fifth-degree
polynomial and to obtain the Munsell Value, V , from Y
defined as
Y =f(V)
= 1.2219 X 1 t ’ V - 2.311 X 10-3p
+ 2.3951 x l t 3 V 3 - 2.1009 x lW4V4 (3)
+ 8.404 x 10-6v5.
This equation is based upon the use of magnesium oxide as
a reflectance standard equal to 100. In terms of absolute
257
reflectance, this makes Munsell V = 10 when Y = 102.5%. The index for the sample hue determines the range of
The equation is used exactly as given in the original ref- search, which involves a comparison of the sample’s S to
erence and introduces a very small error. The application all S’s for each of the ascending eight Hues searched. This
of the Newton-Raphson iteration scheme utilizes the fol- is done in order to find the index for two Chromas at each
lowing relationships: Hue which surround the unknown sample. These Chroma
Vn+ 1 = v,, - IU(V,l) - Y)!f’(V,)l (4) indices and their corresponding S ’ s must then be retained.
f”(V) = 1.2219 X 10 4.6222 X 10-3V
~
Next, the A of the unknown is compared to the A’s of the
+ 7.0853 x lop3 - 8.4036 X l o w 4 (5) Chromas for each Hue that were retained previously. In this
v3 +
4.202 x 10-5v4, way, the associated chromaticity data for the four known
Munsell samples surrounding the unknown are identified on
each of the two Value planes searched. Linear interpolations
where V,, is the nth calculation of the Value, f’(V,) is the
are then carried out to obtain a single Hue and Chroma for
derivative off(V,,), and V, is the initial approximation de-
each Value, and finally these are interpolated based on the
termined by:
difference in Value to determine the unknown sample’s
V, = (1.474 Y -0.00474 Y2)”2, (6) Munsell notation.
the Sloane-Godlove Value approximation. l4 A computer program utilizing the principles of the trans-
A preliminary estimate of the index of the hue is made form according to the flow chart in Fig. 2 was written in
using the angle, A , calculated from eq. (1): FORTRAN for the IBM PC microcomputer. In this program
the search and interpolation routines are bypassed if the
hue index = 40 A I 2 T (7) input sample data calculates to be an exact duplicate of the
Because of the curvature of the isohue lines for the forty Munsell A and S values. Therefore the results for those
hues in CIE color space (see Fig. I), this estimate will samples will always be.exact. Neutral samples are identified
always be less than or equal to the correct hue index. There- in the program by their proximity to the center point and
fore, the data for A and S for the estimated Hue and the are designated with only the Munsell Value and the “N”
seven Hues numerically above it are the only values that notation. A computation that is within 0.001 of the center
must be searched on each of two Value planes. point in x and y is regarded as a neutral. Other options in
The calculation of S and A for the standard Munsell data the program allow the calculation of notations for several
is done within the transform program, or previously com- samples without leaving the program and the inclusion of
puted values can be stored in computer data files that are sample identification in the program output.
accessed by the program. Once S and A values are known
for all standard Munsell samples and for the unknown sam- Testing of Algorithm
ple, the search is begun.
The proof of the validity of the transform was to test it on
0
Y)
a variety of surface-color samples and compare the results
to notations obtained with the original graphical method.
dl The reflectances for seventeen samples were measured on
a Model 3890 Datacolor spectrophotometer. The samples
varied in saturation and lightness as well as hue. A short
program was written to calculate the CIE tristimulus values
and chromaticity coordinates from the reflectance data for
entry into the transform program. These data were calculated
for both Illuminant 10 degree observer and Illuminant
C,2 degree observer, and the Munsell notations were ob-
tained using the transform.
The x, y coordinates and the calculated Value were then
used to manually interpolate the Munsell notation from the
0 Munsell-CIE charts prepared in 1943 by the Color Research
Laboratory of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the
0
m
USDA. These charts are based on ref. 6 , the “Final Report
30 0.36 0.92 0.q8 0l.511
1 of the O.S.A. Subcommittee on the Spacing of Munsell
0.60
X Colors,” and correspond to the Munsell data fundamental
to the transformation method. Since manual interpolation
FIG. 1. Positionof Munsell iso-Hue lines in CIE color space. should be the most basic method of obtaining Munsell no-
Curved solid lines represent Munsell Hues 2.5R, 5R, 7.5R, tation from CIE data, it was felt that this would be a valid
IOR, 2.5YR, 5YR, 7.5YR, and 10YR. Dashed lines represent
initial slope for Hues 10R and 7.5 YR. If the curved iso-Hue
test of the transform. Graphical interpolation was used here
lines are extended, the dashed lines will intersect many of to obtain Hue and Value from x , y data according to the
them, indicating the necessity of searching through several method originally recommended in the OSA study for the
hues. determination of the notation for measured samples. The

258 COLOR research and application

 l
i Start

1 Read file of calculated sat and ang values f r o m Munsell standard data
1
II n p u t sample CIE x,y.Y data

Calculate sat and a n g (adjusted for quadrant) for sample

(equations 1 and 2)

Newton-Raphson solution of equation 3 t o find M u n s e l l Value

Determine if Sam le is neutral and if so,.go t o end and print o u t

d u n s e l l Value / N n o t a t i o n

1 Estimate hue index w i t h equation 7 I

I Determine lower value plane index t o be searched I
I
** Search sat values at each of 8 ossible Hues t o find
t h e 2 Chronias w h i c h surround tEe u n k n o w n a t each Hue

Search a n g values for each Chroma previously obtained at each

Hue t o find the 2 Hues surrounding the u n k n o w n

Interpolate Chroma and Hue based o n sat and ang differences

between t h e sample and the four surrounding points
I

1 Return t o * * , t o search up er Value lane d a t a

(index for t h e first Value prane searcled 1) + 1
Interpolate Hue and Chroma between integral Values
Based o n sample Value t o obtain a final H u e and Chroma

Calculate H u e name and number corresponding t o t h e final Hue index

P r i n t o u t o f M u n s e l l notation, Hue Value/Chroma

End

FIG. 2. Flow chart of computer algorithm used to obtain Munsell notation from CIE chromatity and luminance values.

Volume 12, Number 5, October 1987 259

TABLE I . Comparison of Munsell notation obtained through transformation versus graphical interpolation.

Sample 1931 CIE coordinates, Notation by Notation by

ISCC-NBS graphical present
color name X Y Y interpolation transform
Moderate Blue 0.1988 0.1930 8.39 4.72PB 3.3817.90 4.53PB 3.3917.86
Dark Reddish Purple 0.3352 0.2404 7.67 1.15RP 3.2415.95 1.09RP 3.245.91
Moderte Red 0.4784 0.3095 11.05 4.00R 3.8518.89 4.243 3.8518.72
Deep Greenish Yellow 0.4385 0.4824 28.63 7.79Y 5.8818.68 7.88Y 5.8818.68
Dark Reddish Orange 0.5190 0.3695 15.13 1.12YR 4.4419.40 1.36YR 4.4419.35
Moderate Reddish Brown 0.5184 0.3573 6.20 1.14YR 2.9216.93 1.38YR 2.9216.90
Grayish Blue 0.2687 0.2842 13.54 0.77PB 4.2312.38 0.30PB 4.2312.59
Very Dark Yellowish Green 0.3036 0.3747 3.18 0 . 3 8 ~ 2.0212.55 1O.OOGY 2.0212.52
Grayish Yellowish Brown 0.3517 0.3492 12.76 0.50Y 4.1 11150 0.42Y 4.1 1115 4
Reddish Gray 0.3421 0.3252 18.55 9.37R 4.8611.82 9.37R 4.8611.75
Grayish Brown 0.3767 0.3546 12.88 6.60YR 4.131251 7.19YR 4.1312.45
Grayish Purplish Brown 0.2697 0.2640 14.89 6.26PB 4.4113.51 6.63PB 4.4113.69
Light Green 0.2882 0.3492 28.41 5.93G 5.8613.25 6.18G 5.8613.28
Light Yellowish Brown 0.3918 0.3800 30.97 9.97YR 6.0814.48 0 . 2 8 ~ 6.0814.30
Medium Gray 0.3099 0.3153 16.02 4.56lN 4.56lN
Light Bluish Green 0.2665 0.3291 25.71 4.03BG 5.6113.82 4.14BG 5.6113.82
Dark Red 0.3952 0.3084 8.75 2.133 3.4514.27 2.36R 3.4514.26

results obtained for each sample from the transform program
and the manual interpolation are given in Table I. Based
upon the averages of the samples tested, the Hue was es-
timated to within 0.24 units and the Chroma to within 0.07
units. The Value was exact. Some of the differences could
be attributed to the graphical computation. The data shown
are indicative of the high level of accuracy obtained using
this transformation method.
Conclusions
The accuracy and precision that are required by the many
applications of Munsell concepts varies over wide ranges.
For example, when it is necessary to communicate an ac-
curate description of a specific color, good precision of
measurement is necessary and the use of a method like that
introduced here is advised for obtaining Munsell notations
from colorimetric data. On the other hand, when descriptive
color data are sought to express small differences between
pairs of samples, precision is more important than absolute
accuracy of colorimetric coordinates, and the L*, C*, and
H* of CIELAB may be adequate for the calculation. How-
ever, it is tempting to point out that it does seem unnecessary
to settle for less than the best with the low cost of computer
memory and the speed of the algorithm that is described
here. Although the present specified Munsell system is not
perfect, it seems to be the best color order system known
at present. Certain improvements in Hue and Chroma spac-
ing have been developed by in do^'^ and these could easily
be incorporated into a better Munsell system than is pub-
lished at the present time.
Acknowledgments
Jose Mendes Lucas assisted the authors in writing the pro-
gram, making adjustments in the algorithm, and solving
some programming details. His help is hereby gratefully
acknowledged. The computer program is given as part of
the M. Sc. thesis of the junior author.”
1. Colorimetry, Publication No. 15 (E-1.3. I). Bureau Central de la CIE,
Paris, 1971.
2. Recommendations for Uniform Color Spaces, Color Difference Equa-
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Eds., Volume 2 of Color Measurement, Optical Radiation Measure-
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( 1980).
5. F. J. J. Clarke, R. McDonald, and B. Rigg, Modification of the JPC79
Colour Difference Formula, J. SOC. Dyers Colour. 100, 128-132
(1984).
6. S . M. Newhall, D. Nickerson, and D. B. Judd, Final report of the
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SOC. Am. 33, 3 8 5 4 1 8 (1943).
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( 1960).
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son, South Carolina 1971.
9. F. T. Simon, ref. 3, pp. 209-210.
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Japan, 1984.
11. G. Wyszecki and W. S. Stiles, Color Science, 2nd ed., John Wiley
and Sons, New York, 1982, pp. 840-861.
12. H. J. Keegan, Private communication.
13. D. B. Judd and G. Wyszecki, Color in Business, Science andlndustry,
3rd ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1975, p. 323.
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(1933).
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Clemson, South Carolina, 1986.
Received February 20, 1986; accepted October 17, 1986

260 COLOR research and application