Dear binocular fans,
I have uploaded a page that invites everybody to take part in an experiment: The measurement of human visual distortion:
http://www.holgermerlitz.de/globe/test_distortion.html
This is a long term project because I want to collect as much statistics as possible before finally publishing the outcome on the same page. If you have any questions regarding the procedure, we shall discuss them here. Take a close look at each of the checkerboards (you may print them out on a big sheet of paper, or use a distortion free beamer for convenience) and decide which one of them appears most regular to you when watched from the right distance (as defined by the bar that is plotted below each of the boards).
The outcome of this test may deliver important information about the statistical distribution of visual distortion among the population, and may also lead to binoculars with an improved balance between pincushion distortion and globe effect.
Thanks in advance to all participants!
Holger Merlitz
Hi Holger;
I am going to have to redo this later, but will give the preliminary quick results in case I am doing something drastically wrong. The results are not at all certain for me, a lot of subjectivity in my views.
Eye conditions:
OD –o.5 -1.0 45*
OS +0.25 -0.75 75*
Printed on 8.5x11 and viewed from 137 mm. I could not tell much difference between B and C with either eye, though B felt more relaxed. These were well out of focus for me because of accommodation.
Making larger and moving back to 342 mm. helped some. I still would call it between B and C with either eye, but a lot closer to B. B had a feel of a fish bowl view while the pincushion of C was a shade more definite.
I do not have any glasses with me a the moment, but if I am on the right track, I will try to refine this some and give a better report later.
Fixating on the center and seeing any real curvature is hard to do, seems to be more of a feeling.
Any suggestions of the best viewing distance? Any suggestions of procedure that may make the results more useful to you?
Best
One other question and I don't know if it makes a difference. The viewing distance is quite close. What if one wears reading glasses for close up work?
Bob