On the filter approach to perceptual transparency

In F. Faul and V. Ekroll (2002), we proposed a filter model of perceptual transparency that describes typical color changes caused by optical filters and accurately predicts perceived transparency. Here, we provide a more elaborate analysis of this model: (A) We address the question of how the model parameters can be estimated in a robust way. (B) We show that the parameters of the original model, which are closely related to physical properties, can be transformed into the alternative parameters hue H, saturation S, transmittance V, and clarity C that better reflect perceptual dimensions of perceived transparency. (C) We investigate the relation of H, S, V, and C to the physical parameters of optical filters and show that C is closely related to the refractive index of the filter, whereas V and S are closely related to its thickness. We also demonstrate that the latter relationship can be used to estimate relative filter thickness from S and V. (D) We investigate restrictions on S that result from properties of color space and determine its distribution under realistic choices of physical parameters. (E) We experimentally determine iso-saturation curves that yield nominal saturation values for filters of different hue such that they appear equally saturated.