1. What is CIE Color Temperature?

The CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage) color temperature system provides a standardized method for describing colors using x, y coordinates in the color space. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and describes the color characteristics of light sources.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses CIE x, y coordinates to determine color temperature:

Where:

• \( x \) — CIE x coordinate (0-1)
• \( y \) — CIE y coordinate (0-1)
• \( T \) — Color temperature in Kelvin

Explanation: The calculation involves converting CIE chromaticity coordinates to correlated color temperature using mathematical approximations and interpolation methods.

3. Importance of Color Temperature Calculation

Details: Accurate color temperature calculation is crucial for lighting design, display calibration, photography, and ensuring color consistency across different devices and applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter valid CIE x and y coordinates (values between 0 and 1). The coordinates should represent a point on or near the Planckian locus for meaningful results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical color temperature values?
A: Common values range from 1000K (candlelight) to 10000K (blue sky), with 6500K being standard daylight.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on the algorithm used and how close the coordinates are to the Planckian locus.

Q3: What is the Planckian locus?
A: The path that the color of an incandescent black body would take in a particular color space as the black body temperature changes.

Q4: Can any x,y coordinates be converted to color temperature?
A: Only coordinates near the Planckian locus can be meaningfully converted to color temperature.

Q5: What applications use color temperature calculations?
A: Photography, cinematography, lighting design, display manufacturing, and color science research.