Convert RGB to light frequency

algorithm colors physics rgb frequency
user1031431 picture user1031431 · Sep 2, 2012 · Viewed 17k times · Source

Is it possible to obtain the light frequency of a colour from a RGB representation? I've found the opposite process [1] but I don't know if it's possible this way.

[1] http://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/specrend/

Answer

av501 picture av501 · Sep 3, 2012

AFAIK, there is no direct answer because multiple wavelengths can combine to give the same color right? So you have the wavelengths that map to pure colors and then their combinations can give many other and the same colors. And there are several combinations that can give the same color. This is because of inteference. So you essentially are asking for a one to many mapping.

To answer your question: There is no fixed formula. The reverse formulas will give you a range. That is the best it can get.

Related questions

HSL to RGB color conversion

I am looking for an algorithm to convert between HSL color to RGB. It seems to me that HSL is not very widely used so I am not having much luck searching for a converter.

Read More
Algorithm to randomly generate an aesthetically-pleasing color palette

I'm looking for a simple algorithm to generate a large number of random, aesthetically pleasing colors. So no crazy neon colors, colors reminiscent of feces, etc. I've found solutions to this problem but they rely on alternative color palettes than …

Read More
How to compare two colors for similarity/difference

I want to design a program that can help me assess between 5 pre-defined colors which one is more similar to a variable color, and with what percentage. The thing is that I don't know how to do that manually step …

Read More