Evaluation of stereoscopic image quality for mobile devices using Interpretation Based Quality methodology

High-quality stereoscopic image content must be viewable in a variety of visual environments, from 3-D theaters to 3-D mobile devices. Stereoscopic effects, however, are affected by screen size, viewing distance, and other parameters. In this study, the authors focus on the stereoscopic image quality experience of viewing 3-D content on a mobile device in order to compare it with that of viewing 3-D content on a large screen. The stereoscopic image quality experience was evaluated using Interpretation Based Quality (IBQ) methodology, which combines existing approaches to image quality evaluation, such as the paired comparison and interview, and assesses the viewer experience using both quantitative and qualitative data. Five stereoscopic images were used in the experiment. The results of the experiment suggest that the discomfort felt while viewing stereoscopic images on a 3-D mobile device arise from not only visual fatigue but also the effects of the smaller screen size. The study also revealed the types of stereoscopic images that are suitable for viewing on 3-D mobile devices.