Overview
CEN ISO/TR 9241-331:2013 addresses the ergonomics of human-system interaction, focusing specifically on the optical characteristics of autostereoscopic displays (ASDs). These 3D display technologies produce a sense of depth without the need for special viewing aids such as glasses or head-mounted displays, and are found in both transmissive and emissive implementations (e.g., flat-panel and projection displays).
This technical report establishes guidance for the terminology, performance characteristics, and optical measurement methods essential to forensic and ergonomic evaluation of ASDs. A key objective is to reduce visual fatigue caused by stereoscopic images, thereby improving the overall user experience and safety.
Key Topics
- Terminology: Defines key concepts such as autostereoscopic display (ASD), stereoscopic views, binocular parallax, visual fatigue, and qualified viewing space.
- Display Types: Covers spatially interlaced ASDs, including two-view, multi-view, and integral display types, as implemented by different technologies.
- Depth Perception Cues: Clarifies how ASDs utilize binocular and monocular cues, including parallax and disparity, to induce a realistic perception of three-dimensionality.
- Performance Characteristics: Identifies critical performance indicators for ASDs, such as:
- Crosstalk (leakage between left/right views)
- Interocular luminance and chromaticity differences
- Contrast differences and 3D moiré effects
- Resolution and potential visual artefacts
- Optical Measurement Methods: Provides frameworks for assessing the ergonomic impact of ASD technology, ensuring measurements reflect actual user experience and safety.
Applications
CEN ISO/TR 9241-331:2013 is relevant across a range of sectors that deploy 3D displays and seek to ensure ergonomic excellence and user safety:
- Consumer Electronics: Guiding the development and testing of glasses-free 3D TVs, monitors, tablets, and handheld devices.
- Professional Visualization: Supporting medical imaging, CAD, and simulation systems where depth perception and user comfort are critical.
- Education and Training: Setting ergonomic benchmarks for virtual laboratories and learning tools relying on immersive 3D displays.
- Digital Signage and Advertising: Informing design and deployment of eye-catching public displays that leverage 3D effects.
- Gaming and Entertainment: Enhancing the comfort and realism of immersive, stereoscopic gaming experiences.
By following the standard’s recommendations, manufacturers, ergonomists, and integrators can produce autostereoscopic displays that minimize user discomfort, especially visual fatigue, and deliver dependable, high-quality 3D effects.
Related Standards
The ergonomics of autostereoscopic displays are supported and contextualized within the wider ISO 9241 family, which addresses human-system interaction and display performance more broadly:
Adhering to CEN ISO/TR 9241-331:2013, in conjunction with these related standards, ensures a holistic approach to usability, performance, and user health in the evolving field of 3D display technology.
Keywords: Ergonomics, autostereoscopic displays, 3D display standards, optical characteristics, visual fatigue, stereoscopic displays, user comfort, display measurement methods, ISO 9241, electronic visual displays.
