Comparison between 2-D & 3-D using an autostereoscopic display: The effects of viewing field and illumination on performance and visual fatigue

Two experiments were conducted to assess differences between 2-D and 3-D modes on an autostereoscopic (AS) display. Experiment 1 was a 2 × 2 within subjects design comparing performance between 2-D & 3-D display modes at a 0° and 20° viewing angle. No statistical differences were found indicating the 3-D mode did not improve performance, but the 20° viewing angle did not cause a decrement in performance. Experiment 2 was a 2 × 2 × 2 repeated measures design comparing performance between the two display modes while manipulating the lighting conditions. Data was analyzed with a profile analysis. Several performance differences in the profiles were found, but no between subject effects. However, evidence is presented as to why the 3-D between subjects effect was nearing significance. Visual fatigue was also assessed. The results show that the AS display is similar with other TFT-LCDs and that visual fatigue in 3-D mode may not be an issue. The findings from this study can be applied to domains that wish to implement AS displays. The paper discusses several issues related to human perception performance.