Optimum viewing distance for target acquisition

Gerald C. Holst

doi:10.1117/12.2181408

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12 May 2015 Optimum viewing distance for target acquisition

Gerald C. Holst

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Proceedings Volume 9452, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXVI; 94520K (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2181408
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Human visual system (HVS) “resolution” (a.k.a. visual acuity) varies with illumination level, target characteristics, and target contrast. For signage, computer displays, cell phones, and TVs a viewing distance and display size are selected. Then the number of display pixels is chosen such that each pixel subtends 1 min^-1. Resolution of low contrast targets is quite different. It is best described by Barten’s contrast sensitivity function. Target acquisition models predict maximum range when the display pixel subtends 3.3 min^-1. The optimum viewing distance is nearly independent of magnification. Noise increases the optimum viewing distance.

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Gerald C. Holst "Optimum viewing distance for target acquisition", Proc. SPIE 9452, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXVI, 94520K (12 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2181408

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