What is a color system (a method of displaying colors based on the three attributes of color)
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Based on the three attributes of color, colors can be represented numerically or arranged in a gradient to make them easier to compare.
This method of arranging colors in sequence, as well as the resulting arrangement, is called a "color system." There are various types of color systems, including the PCCS (Japan Color Research Institute Color System), the Munsell Color System, the Ostwald Color System, the NCS, and the XYZ Color System.
This method of arranging colors in sequence, as well as the resulting arrangement, is called a "color system." There are various types of color systems, including the PCCS (Japan Color Research Institute Color System), the Munsell Color System, the Ostwald Color System, the NCS, and the XYZ Color System.
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PCCS (Japan Color Research Institute Color System)
This is a color system supervised by the Japan Color Research Institute and is one of the most widely used color systems in Japan.
It is easy to understand even for beginners and is included in the scope of the Color Certification Level 3 exam.
The color system consists of 24 hues. It is based on the four psychological primary colors—red, yellow, green, and blue (colors where only that specific hue is perceived; for example, with red, only the red hue is perceived). Four complementary colors (psychological complementary colors) are set opposite these primary colors. Four intermediate hues are placed between these eight primary and complementary colors to ensure a uniform transition in hue, resulting in 12 colors. Combined with the 12 colors between these, the system comprises a total of 24 colors.
Value is quantified on a 17-step scale, and chroma on a 10-step scale. PCCS is also very helpful for understanding “tone,” which is a combination of value and chroma.
Color swatch cards are available in various sizes, and the “New Color Swatch Card 199a ” is widely used.
Munsell Color System
This is a color system widely used worldwide and is utilized in various contexts in Japan as well.
It is particularly used as a unified standard in industry, and Munsell values are registered for the color shades of conventional color names listed in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) in Japan.
Munsell values are also listed in the color sample book published by the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association (JPMA Standard Paint Colors), serving as a standard for various industrial products.
It allows for a more precise numerical representation of color tones than PCCS. It is included in the scope of the Color Certification Level 2 exam.
