Visual System: what signals the Millions of Colors

[neurocomp2003]

Where in the visual system does one begin to recognize the millions of Colors in teh visual spectrum? Do the retinal cells differentiate between them?
Or are generic signals carried to the Color Zones(??V4??/IT) where they are differentiated?

How would one convert (256,256,256) pixel colors to on/off rods and cones?

 

[quantumcarl]

Where in the visual system does one begin to recognize the millions of Colors in teh visual spectrum? Do the retinal cells differentiate between them?
Or are generic signals carried to the Color Zones(??V4??/IT) where they are differentiated?

How would one convert (256,256,256) pixel colors to on/off rods and cones?

You're right to include the rods with cones when discussing colour processing and recognition in the brain because, just recently, rods were shown to discern colour while also processing black and white (light and dark) stimulus.

There are three cortical stages of colour processing in the human brain (S Zeki, L Marini)

http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/121/9/1669.pdf

 

[ravenprp]

The visual system is a complex network of structures and processes that work together to allow us to see and interpret the world around us. One of the most fascinating aspects of this system is its ability to perceive millions of colors. But how exactly does this happen?

The perception of color begins with the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina contains specialized cells called photoreceptors, which are responsible for detecting light and sending signals to the brain. These photoreceptors come in two types: rods and cones. While rods are more sensitive to light and help us see in low light conditions, cones are responsible for color vision.

The cones in the retina are further divided into three types, each responding to different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue). When light enters the eye, it stimulates these cones, and the brain interprets the combination of signals from these cones as different colors. So, the millions of colors we see are a result of the different combinations and intensities of signals from these three types of cones.

However, the process of color perception doesn't end there. The signals from the cones are then transmitted to specialized areas in the brain, such as the visual cortex and the color zones (V4/IT). These areas are responsible for further processing and differentiating the signals, allowing us to perceive a wide range of colors.

In terms of converting pixel colors to on/off rods and cones, it's important to note that rods and cones are not simply "on" or "off." They have varying levels of sensitivity and can adapt to different levels of light. So, it's not a straightforward conversion from pixels to rods and cones. However, the pixels in an image are processed by the retina and converted into signals that are then transmitted to the cones, which ultimately contribute to our perception of color.

In conclusion, the visual system is a complex and intricate system that allows us to perceive millions of colors. It involves multiple structures and processes, from the retina to specialized areas in the brain, all working together to provide us with a rich and vibrant visual experience.