How to achieve correct visualization in meeting and training spaces

The size of the screen directly influences the participation and decision-making options of those attending a meeting.. In this column, Daniel Collado, Pre Sales Specialist at Maverick AV Solutions, reflect on why it is important to invest in a solution that offers an improvement in efficiency, productivity and user satisfaction.

When to choose a display system for a professional environment, A series of doubts and questions always arise when choosing the product that can best perform the function.. Most of the time during the work day we are viewing information, and visual fatigue can increase if we have not chosen correctly.

Elements like, resolution, brightness, contrast, size and environment are factors that must be understood for good advice to clients.

You can learn the rules (ANSI/Infocomm V202.01:2016 Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual Systems 2016-05-23), which can be found in this link, aims to define the required screen size for a given audiovisual system taking into account the distance from the audience, and is based on human vision and completely scientific data.

The standard determines the required image size for a display and the relative display positions based on two defined needs or scenarios.: basic decision making and analytical decision making.

These two display categories are derived from the ANSI/Infocomm 3M-2011 Projected Image System Contrast Ratio standard. [CHICKEN] (Contrast Ratio of an Imaging System). The height, Resolution and size of image content are mandatory elements when determining the required image size.

The rule 4/6/8

Until now, The AV industry has used calculations that have given results and served the purpose, but whose origin and bases could not be verified. The DISCAS regulations refer to comprehensive human factors of visual acuity and location relative to the image such as height, resolution, content size, viewing distances and relative horizontal and vertical positions.

Define the normative DISCUS 3 display types related to the maximum multiple of the vertical height of the image:

Analytical decision making (ADM). Distance to the farthest viewer of four times the vertical height of the image.

The viewer is completely involved with the minute details present in the content and needs to be able to resolve all elements of the displayed image. Support analytical decision-making environments critical evaluations, which include, among others, medical imaging examination, fine arts, engineering or architectural drawings, etc.

System design criteria may include one or both of these display categories depending on the needs of the viewer.

Basic decision making (BDM). Distance from the farthest viewer of six times the vertical height of the image.

The viewer can make basic decisions based on the image displayed, these do not depend on critical details within the image. The viewer can retain and assimilate the information perfectly, also participates in the content (For example, classes, meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms, product illustrations, etc.).

Images and text are legible to the extent that the viewer can make decisions based on what they see. Decisions are made by understanding the information content itself and do not depend on the resolution of each element of detail.

Passive viewing. Distance of the farthest viewer eight times the vertical height of the image.

The viewer can recognize what images are on a screen and separate text or the main image from the background, under typical ambient lighting for viewing. The content does not require assimilation and retention of details, the general intention is understood. There is a passive engagement with the content (For example, informal or non-critical viewing of videos and data).

How to determine the height of the image

The formula to determine the height of the image based on a display task is as follows:

SH = D / SL
SH = Screen height.
D = Distance of the viewer furthest from the screen.
SL = Screen Detail Level.
SL = 4 for inspection details (Analytical Decision Making).
SL = 6 for detailed use (Basic Decision Making)-
SL = 8 for the overview (General Observation, usually watching movies)-

The unit of measurement of (SH) will be the same as for (D), regardless of whether it is expressed in inches, pies or millimeters.

Example:
We have a room of about 40 m2 in size with a capacity for about 15 people where the distance of the farthest spectator is 7 meters and the application will be for SH= 7 / 6 = 1,16 meters minimum height

Knowing the height we can know what the size of the diagonal will be in inches, using a manufacturer's calculator such as, For example, the one offered by Epson and which can be consulted in this page.

Once these two processes have been carried out, The height will be known and later the diagonal can be found out in inches, indicating the minimum size needed for correct display.

If the height of the screen and the display task are known, it is possible to determine the maximum distance from the viewer.

Distance to the farthest viewer
D = SH * SL

Distance to farthest viewer = screen height * task

Example:
With a screen 65 diagonal inches, its height is 0,81 mts and the display task will be BDM.

D = 0,81 * 6 = 4,86 meters will be the distance where the furthest spectator should be.

Conclusions

It is evident that the display size directly influences the participation of attendees in a meeting or training. It is important to trust specialists who know how to take into account all the factors and who know how to understand the real needs of the end user., since not everyone will need the same.

It is not about looking for the cheapest or most expensive solution, but to invest in the solution that can bring more benefits, improving efficiency, productivity and user satisfaction.

Daniel Collado

Pre Sales Specialist de Maverick AV Solutions