Abstract

Several discriminability measures were correlated with reading search times for three levels of text contrast and a range of backgrounds (plain, a periodic texture, and four spatial-frequency-filtered textures created from the periodic texture). Search times indicate that these background variations only affect readability when the text contrast is low, and that spatial frequency content affects readability. These results were well predicted by the single variables of text contrast and background RMS contrast, although a global masking index and a spatial-frequency-selective index led to better predictions.

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History
Original Manuscript: December 22, 1999
Published: February 14, 2000

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Author Affiliations

Albert Ahumada

Nasa Ames Research Center

Lauren Scharff, Alyson Hill

Stephen F. Austin State Univ.

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