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black

vr.tr.black · thing-q23445

Let an agent handle black by colour specification, materials, symbolism, contrast and accessibility.

Thing Registry Cross-cutting context XCT.QLT
Bundle → Layer → Finding → QuestionsClassifiersWhat it isWhy it existsDistinguishing featuresWhat robots and AI may and may not doMoral aspectsOwnersLinks to other meta-modelsIdentity and identifiersDirect propertiesRecognitionCapabilities and actionsHazards and failure modesStandards and interfacesContext of useSources

Bundle → Layer → Finding → Questions Filled

4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions

Specification Which black.

Code

Colour system.

Code

Colour specification.

  1. Which colour system and code define this black? definition
  2. Is it tinted warm or cool? definition

Print

Rich or pure.

Print

Print black.

  1. Should rich black or pure black be used for this print job? action
  2. What total ink limit applies? measurement
Design Contrast.

Contrast

Legibility.

Contrast

Contrast.

  1. Does the text colour meet contrast guidelines on black? boundary
  2. What ratio? measurement

Dark mode

Screens.

Dark mode

Dark themes.

  1. Is pure black or dark grey better for this interface? action
  2. Does it cause smearing on some screens? boundary
Materials Pigments.

Pigments

Carbon and iron oxide.

Pigments

Pigments.

  1. Which pigment produces this black? definition
  2. Is it safe for the intended use? boundary

Super-black

Special coatings.

Super-black

Super-black materials.

  1. How do super-black coatings absorb light? definition
  2. What are they used for? definition
Culture Meaning.

Symbolism

Associations.

Symbolism

Symbolism.

  1. What does black signify in this culture or context? provenance
  2. Is it associated with mourning or formality? definition

Senses

People.

Senses

Other senses.

  1. Is the word used to describe people, requiring respectful terminology? boundary
  2. Which entry fits? action

Classifiers Filled

Family
Thing Registry
Category
Cross-cutting context
Entry kind
thing
Plane
XCT
Domain
XCT.QLT
Other names and narrower kinds
eerie black, onyx, dark jungle green, Discord Black, sumi-iro, purplish black, nearly black, blackish, raven black, sooty, Furvus, Gray21

What it is Filled

The darkest achromatic colour, perceived when a surface absorbs nearly all visible light; many named blacks exist, such as onyx or sumi ink black, and cultural meanings vary.

Why it exists Filled

Let an agent handle black by colour specification, materials, symbolism, contrast and accessibility.

Distinguishing features Filled

  • Darkest achromatic colour
  • Absorbs most light
  • Many near-black variants
  • Symbolism varies by culture

What robots and AI may and may not do Filled

Must not

  • Use black in associations that demean people by skin colour.
  • Present one culture's meaning of black, such as mourning, as universal.
  • Reduce contrast in a design so that text becomes unreadable.

Only with a human decision

  • Choosing colour codes for safety signs or warnings.

May

  • Describe and specify black using a stated colour system.
  • Explain cultural meanings of black in different traditions.

Moral aspects Filled

  • Colour words have been used in racist language and imagery.
  • Colour meanings differ across cultures and can cause offence.

Who is affected

  • People of different cultures
  • People with low vision

Owners Filled

Steward

Nobody: a colour held in common.

Links to other meta-models Filled

parent

  • Q11567360 - registry parent class
  • Q40890790 - registry parent class

related

  • achromatic color - category
  • white - colour
  • pigments such as carbon black - materials
  • colour systems - standards

What else AI and robots need to interact with it Filled

Identity and identifiers required Filled

  • Vercy registry: vr.tr.black
  • Wikidata: Q23445 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23445)
  • sRGB hex: #000000 screen colour

Direct properties not applicable Not applicable

Not applicable

Plane XCT: no invented physical properties.

Recognition optional Filled

  • sRGB #000000 for pure black
  • Rich black in print (CMYK mix)
  • Named blacks in colour systems
  • The darkest colour, from pure to tinted blacks.

Capabilities and actions required Filled

  • specify black in colour systems
  • choose rich or pure black for print
  • check contrast
  • understand cultural meanings

Hazards and failure modes required Filled

  • Poor contrast on dark backgrounds
  • Ink over-saturation in print
  • Assuming universal symbolism

Standards and interfaces required Filled

  • CIE colorimetry
  • WCAG contrast guidelines
  • Print production standards such as ISO 12647

Context of use required Filled

  • Design, printing, text, clothing and symbolism.
  • pure black
  • rich black (print)
  • warm and cool blacks
  • pigment blacks such as carbon black
  • super-black materials

Sources Filled

  1. Wikidata item Q23445: black - identity and sense of the item
  2. Wikipedia: Black - general description of the item

Open questions

  • Should named blacks be separate entries?
  • How should print blacks be linked?
  • How should cultural meanings be recorded?

Machine files

Card as JSON Specification Card backlog vercy.card/1

Provenance

thing registry research (pass 2) · unreviewed

Built from: models/things/publications/thing-q23445/spec.json