SIST EN ISO 9241-392:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 9241-392:2017 (ISO 9241-392:2015) provides ergonomic recommendations to reduce visual discomfort and visual fatigue caused by viewing stereoscopic images. Published by CEN as part of the ISO 9241 series on ergonomics of human–system interaction, this standard addresses the stereoscopic optical stimulus that can produce discomfort when disparate images are presented binocularly. It applies to final stereoscopic presentations and is intended for designers, developers and suppliers of stereoscopic image content and stereoscopic displays.

Key Topics

The standard reviews factors that influence visual fatigue and gives practical ergonomic recommendations:

• Viewing conditions
  • Design viewing distance and recommended interpupillary distance (see Annex B for defined conditions)
• Interocular geometrical differences
  • Vertical misalignment, rotational misalignment, and magnification differences between left/right images
• Interocular photometric differences
  • Luminance, contrast and chromaticity mismatches between eyes
• Interocular photometric interaction
  • Crosstalk and ghosting that affect binocular fusion
• Accommodation–convergence mismatch
  • Discrepancies between eye focus (accommodation) and converge cues in stereo displays
• Other factors
  • Content and display-specific issues (further explained in Annex D)
• Assessment and numerical guidance
  • Annex C offers informative numerical criteria; Annex E provides a sample procedure for applicability and conformance assessment

Note: the document does not replace type-specific guidance where additional requirements are necessary.

Applications

EN ISO 9241-392 is practical for:

• Designers and engineers of stereoscopic displays (glasses-based, two-view autostereoscopic, head-mounted displays/HMDs, stereoscopic projectors)
• Content creators and studios producing 3D imagery for medical imaging, simulation, entertainment, training, and industrial visualization
• Usability and human factors professionals assessing visual comfort, crosstalk mitigation, and ergonomic display set-up
• Quality assurance teams establishing test procedures and reporting on compliance with ergonomic guidance

Using the standard helps reduce visual fatigue in end-users, improve usability of 3D systems, and guide technical specifications for display manufacturers and content producers.

Related Standards

• ISO 9241 series (ergonomics of human–system interaction) - provides the broader framework
• ISO 9241‑303:2011 (Annex E) - guidelines for virtual displays relevant to stereoscopic HMDs
• ITU recommendations - referenced for broadcast-specific stereo standards

For practitioners seeking to minimize stereoscopic visual fatigue, EN ISO 9241-392 offers targeted ergonomic guidance and assessment references to inform design, testing, and content-production workflows.