Overview
IEC TS 62977-3-1:2019 - Electronic displays - Part 3-1 - specifies a standardized method to evaluate the viewing direction dependence of colour electronic displays using colour-difference metrics. The Technical Specification addresses measurement under dark-room conditions and applies to colour matrix displays based on transmissive (e.g., LCD) or emissive (e.g., OLED) technologies. Its goal is to quantify angular colour shifts after colour and white adaptation in a uniform colour space so results correlate better with visual assessment than simple contrast metrics.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement framework and coordinate system: Defines viewing-direction coordinates and the layout for horizontal and vertical dependency tests.
- Standard measuring equipment and conditions: Specifies light-measuring devices, power supply, warm-up and dark-room environment requirements and a standard set-up for repeatable testing.
- Measurement methods and procedures: Describes test signals/test charts, measurement directions appropriate for different product categories (e.g., TVs, mobile displays), and stepwise procedures for capturing angular-dependent colour data.
- Colour calculation and metrics: Requires chromaticity and colour-difference calculations in standardized colour spaces and uses established colour-difference formulae (normative references include CIE/ISO colorimetry standards and CIEDE2000).
- Reporting and evaluation: Provides formats and parameters for reporting results, including parametric tables and examples for transparent comparison.
- Informative annexes: Guidance on perception of colour difference, attenuation factors, half-luminance angle, gamma distortion from viewing directions, RGB translation and simulation studies (e.g., chromaticity error vs. measurement area).
Practical applications and users
Who uses this standard:
- Display manufacturers (R&D, engineering) for product design and optimization.
- Independent test laboratories and QA teams for performance verification and production testing.
- OEMs and product specifiers who need objective metrics to compare displays.
- Certification bodies and procurement teams evaluating display viewing-range performance.
Typical uses:
- Quantifying colour shifts with viewing angle for TV, monitor, laptop and mobile displays.
- Establishing acceptance criteria and production tolerances for angular colour uniformity.
- Comparing technologies (LCD vs. OLED) or panel vendors with reproducible, industry-recognized metrics.
- Informing user-facing specifications (e.g., viewing-range claims) and design trade-offs.
Related standards
Normative references and related documents include:
- ISO 11664 series (Colorimetry) - CIE standard observers and CIELAB
- ISO/CIE 11664-6:2014 - CIEDE2000 colour-difference formula
- CIE 159 (CIECAM02) and CIE 168 (extended-gamut colour encodings)
- Other parts of the IEC 62977 series on electronic displays
Keywords: IEC TS 62977-3-1:2019, viewing direction dependence, colour difference, electronic displays, colour matrix displays, CIEDE2000, colourimetry, display testing