The spatial tuning of chromatic adaptation

A key question in colour research is how the colour and spatial analysis of an image interact. Traditionally, colour and form analysis have been regarded as parallel and separate processes, and documented effects of image complexity on chromatic adaptation have been attributed to a temporal integration process during eye movements. Evidence is presented here for a spatial mechanism, which tunes chromatic adaptation to the luminance structure (spatial frequency and orientation) of an image. This in turn suggests a close cooperation between colour and form analysis during chromatic adaptation. The results are discussed in relation to the "segregated pathway hypothesis" and the role of spatial aspects for the computation of colour constancy and adaptation to natural scenes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.