Effects of polarity and luminance contrast on visual performance and VDT display quality

This study investigated the effects of polarity and luminance contrast on v isual performance and display quality by measuring the subjects' performanc e on a discriminating VDT task. Subjects' visual acuity was used to evaluat e visual performance. Perceived display quality was evaluated by using the subjective evaluation of subjects. Based on his/her preference, every subje ct graded each combination on a 0-100 scale. Analysis of results showed tha t both visual acuity and subjective evaluation were not affected by polarit y. However, the luminance contrast was significant for both measures. Speci fically, visual acuity increased as luminance contrast increased up to 8 : 1 and then decreased once the luminance contrast was greater than 8 : 1. Th e subjects' perception of display quality was consistent with the visual ac uity findings. Relevant to industry Polarity and luminance contrast are two key factors that affect visual perf ormance and display quality of VDT. The results from this study may assist in improving the display quality of VDT and the performance of VDT users. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.