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Abstract

We examined visual search performance using 52-cm liquid-crystal (LCD) and cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays. Twenty-four participants searched for color-coded navy tactical display symbols using LCD and CRT displays viewed on and off-axis (60 degrees of azimuth). Observers' sensitivity was lower when searching for red and blue symbols (vs. white) viewed off-axis on the LCD, with no comparable problem for off-axis CRT. Colored symbols viewed off-axis on the LCD also produced longer response times in feature search and lower search efficiency in conjunction search. Color coding improved search efficiency overall, relative to an earlier experiment with monochrome (white) symbols (20-80 vs. 200 ms per item). The results argue against the use of current LCD technology for off-axis viewing when color coding is used, but also suggest that LCD and CRT displays are equally effective for on-axis viewing.

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LCD versus CRT Displays: Visual Search for Colored Symbols

Abstract

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References