Phosphor Screens Color Preferences Depending on Night Vision Experience and Luminance Level
INTRODUCTION: One of the most important factors affecting visual performance during vision aided by night vision goggles (NVGs) is image quality, which depends mainly on the image-intensifier technology used. Although NVGs with green image color (P43 phosphor) are only accepted in military aviation, white image (P45 phosphor) seems to be equally well-regarded by aviators. The aim of our study was to determine if the experience of using NVGs with the green screen affects image preference for that color, and if the screen color preference is related to luminance level. METHODS: Subjects (127 military pilots, 26–56 yr, M = 37.2; 62 pilots with flight experience with NVG use) were asked to observe a model terrain board at two different luminance levels (corresponding roughly to ambient conditions during starlight and one-half moonlight) while using two types of NVGs (green P43 and white P45 phosphor screens). The pilots were asked to answer a questionnaire about their preference for NVG display color. RESULTS: The findings showed a significant difference between screen color preference and pilots’ experience with the green-phosphor-based NVGs (43.5% vs. 23.1% for white screens). However, there was no relationship between screen color preference and luminance level. DISCUSSION: Previous NVG experience seems to play an important role in shaping a user’s individual preference for a certain phosphor screen color, although green and white phosphor screens both provide satisfactory visibility. Nevertheless, when deciding, it is advisable to experiment with both colors and select the one that suits the user’s preferences and needs. Lewkowicz R, Dereń-Szumełda J. Phosphor screens color preferences depending on night vision experience and luminance level. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):749–757.
Relative spectral sensitivities of two types of phosphor screens (the green P43 and white P45), and the long-, medium-, and short-wavelength-sensitive cones (L, M, and S). The data for the cones are based on the 2° data of Table 2 from Stockman et. al.26 The data for the phosphor screens come from the High FOM Green and White ANVIS Limited Laboratory and Flight Results (In: U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Technical Memorandum 2017-12; available to those with access).
A) View of the terrain model board produced by NVG with green P43 phosphor; B) with white P45 phosphor; both for high (left picture) and low (right picture) level of luminance (photos may not reflect the actual luminance level).
Pilots’ ratings of display screen color depending on A) the NVGs (P43) experience and B) the luminance level in pilot groups with and without NVG experience. P43 and P45 denote green and white phosphor screen, respectively. Error bars represent 95% confidence intervals.
A 2-D comparison of three color spaces: the P43 phosphor screen, the P45 phosphor screen, and the equi-energy white point, plotted on a CIE 1976 (u′, v′) uniform chromaticity scale diagram.
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