Magnification Effects with Imaging Displays Depend on Scene Content and Viewing Condition

Abstract

Previous research has shown that imaging displays require a degree of magnification to appear the same size as a natural view of the same scene. A single-lens reflex camera fitted with a zoom lens was used as an imaging device so that the magnification of four outdoor scenes could be varied. Subjects were required to adjust the focal length of the lens so that the perceived size of objects in the viewfinder matched that in normal direct viewing of the scene, either monocular or binocular. When viewed through the apparatus, scenes with more depth information produced smaller overestimates of judged size. When the normal direct view was monocular, smaller overestimates were produced than when the same scenes were viewed by normal direct binocular vision. The possible roles of scene content and oculomotor effects in judgments of size made with imaging displays are discussed.