5.1: Invited Paper: Preferred LCD and OLED Luminance In Daily Tasks Is Affected By Ambient Lighting and Age

Abstract

Preferred display luminance varies in relation to visual demand, image contrast, and ambient illumination. OLED is known to have a higher contrast ratio at a lower luminance output, and is more energy efficient at a lower luminance compared to LCD. To assess the preferred luminance in OLED and LCD in varied ambient lighting conditions, 48 young and older subjects were asked to perform reading, spreadsheet search, and videos viewing. They pre‐selected a preferred luminance level and then reassessed it after a 2‐min session for these tasks to arrive at a preferred luminance. Results show OLED has a lower preferred luminance compared to LCD, especially in bright viewing. Older viewers maintained a similarly higher luminance preference in dark and bright conditions, whereas young viewers preferred a lower luminance in dark viewing but not bright viewing. Conversely, pupil size was smaller in older viewers and in the bright condition. Image qualities were also better for the OLED, except brightness range and color vividness. These outcomes suggest lower OLED luminance is beneficial across age groups, ambient lighting, and task types, and can reduce energy consumption.