Abstract:
Skin coloration categories are identified based upon blue and yellow undertones of the skin using a color measuring device, developing the Hunter b value, utilizing that value alone to determine which of several categories of skin coloration a subject's skin exhibits. Category selection is made by comparison of measured Hunter b with ranges of Hunter b value of skin color categories. Instrumentation to effect the method includes the color measuring device, a central processing unit (CPU), memory storing the ranges of Hunter b, and an output device such as a printer, LCD, or CRT. The skin color Hunter b is calculated and compared to stored ranges to assign a category. The output device displays the category of skin color based upon the central processing unit's comparison. Colors compatible with skin color categories are identified or formulated based upon broad color family designation, yellow, brown, red, etc., and a comparison of measured and stored ranges of known or specially developed color characteristics for the particular family.