Abstract: A color display apparatus and method for displaying colors using radiation sources uses displays that may include multiple radiation sources, a display surface and control hardware and software that enable accurate and reproducible color display. Another apparatus provides means for generating colors upon request and communicating digital information regarding the generation of the color spectrum to local or remote display devices. The apparatus may be used in selecting and ordering colors subject to supplier constraints. Methods for displaying colors and enabling display of the colors in remote locations, as well as methods for conducting business by communicating the color display information are all provided.

Abstract: A method for generating the characteristics of a set of colors involves selecting at least two, and typically more reference colors. Each of the selected reference colors is described by a set of color characteristic data indicating the reflectance of each color at each of a set of predetermined wavelengths; and descriptions of the intermediate color samples are generated by computer the relative proportions of each base color which characterizes each intermediate color and calculating a reflectance value at each wavelength for the color to be generated proportionate to the reflectance values for each base color at the corresponding wavelength. A set of color samples is created as a result of the method for generating the characteristics of the colors and arranged in a geometry indicative of the method.