Relationship Between Display Pixel Structure and Gloss Perception

TL;DR

This study explores how different display pixel structures affect how glossy an image appears to viewers.

Contribution

The study experimentally confirms that RGB subpixel arrays are perceived as the glossiest, regardless of pixel-aperture ratio.

Findings

RGB subpixel arrays were perceived as the glossiest across all pixel-aperture ratios.

Individual differences in gloss perception were revealed through cluster analysis of observers.

The influence of pixel structure on gloss perception depends on the frequency components in images.

Abstract

The demand for accurate representation of gloss perception, which significantly contributes to the impression and evaluation of objects, is increasing owing to recent advancements in display technology enabling high-definition visual reproduction. This study experimentally analyzes the influence of display pixel structure on gloss perception. In a visual evaluation experiment using natural images, gloss perception was assessed across six types of stimuli: three subpixel arrays (RGB, RGBW, and PenTile RGBG) combined with two pixel–aperture ratios (100% and 50%). The experimental results statistically confirmed that regardless of pixel–aperture ratio, the RGB subpixel array was perceived as exhibiting the strongest gloss. Furthermore, cluster analysis of observers revealed individual differences in the effect of pixel structure on gloss perception. Additionally, gloss classification and image feature analysis suggested that the magnitude of pixel structure influence varies depending on the frequency components contained in the images. Moreover, analysis using a generalized linear mixed model supported the superiority of the RGB subpixel array even when accounting for variability across observers and natural images.

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