Comparison of S3D Display Technology on Image Quality and Viewing Experiences: Active-Shutter 3D TV vs. Passive-Polarized 3D TV

摘要

Background: Stereoscopic 3D TV systems convey depth perception to the viewer by delivering to each eye separately filtered images that represent two slightly different perspectives. Currently two primary technologies are used in S3D televisions: Active shutter systems, which use alternate frame sequencing to deliver a full-frame image to one eye at a time at a fast refresh rate, and Passive polarized systems, which superimpose the two half-frame left-eye and right-eye images at the same time through different polarizing filters. Methods: We compare visual performance in discerning details and perceiving depth, as well as the comfort and perceived display quality in viewing an S3D movie. Results: Our results show that, in presenting details of small targets and in showing low-contrast stimuli, the Active system was significantly better than the Passive in 2D mode, but there was no significant difference between them in 3D mode. Subjects performed better on Passive than Active in 3D mode on a task requiring small vergence changes and quick re-acquisition of stereopsis – a skill related to vergence efficiency while viewing S3D displays. When viewing movies in 3D mode, there was no difference in symptoms of discomfort between Active and Passive systems. When the two systems were put side by side with selected 3D-movie scenes, all of the subjective measures of perceived display quality in 3D mode favored the Passive system, and 10 of 14 comparisons were statistically significant. The Passive system was rated significantly better for sense of immersion, motion smoothness, clarity, color, and 5 categories related to the glasses. Conclusion: Overall, participants felt that it was easier to look at the Passive system for a longer period than the Active system, and the Passive display was selected as the preferred display by 75% (p = 0.0000211) of the subjects.