Measuring the degree of eyestrain caused by watching LCD and PDP devices

Abstract In this paper, we propose a new way of measuring the degree of eyestrain caused by watching LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and PDP (Plasma Display Panel) devices. In the experiments, we used a head-mounted eye capturing device and an illumination setup that was designed to avoid specular reflections caused by glasses or contact lenses. Using the captured eye images, we analyzed the eye blinking and changes of pupil sizes (pupil accommodation), using a real-time image processing algorithm. Then we analyzed the degree of eyestrain based on the calculated blinking rate and the pupil accommodation speed. The proposed method offers five improvements over previous methods. First, we perform a comparative analysis of LCD and PDP devices based on the degree of eyestrain. Second, to analyze the degree of eyestrain, we use quantitative data such as the blinking rate and the pupil accommodation speed. Third, we measure the accurate eye blinking and changes of pupil sizes by using high-resolution and zoomed eye image sequences. Fourth, since the camera and illuminative system are based on a specular reflective model, the proposed method can be used with subjects that wear glasses or contact lenses. Fifth, the proposed method is performed at real-time speed. Experimental results showed that the degree of eyestrain when watching LCD devices was greater than that when watching PDP devices. Relevance to industry In the large display industry, LCD and PDP devices have become more and more prevalent. In the past, LCD devices have been compared to PDP devices in terms of factors such as spatial resolution, brightness, contrast levels, etc. To perform more accurate comparisons based on human factor, we are proposing a new way of comparing LCD to PDP devices based on the degree of eyestrain.

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