Visual Form Detection in 3-Dimensional Space.
Abstract
This monograph presents the results of a program of research dealing with the detection of dotted stimulus forms embedded in dotted visual noise. Nineteen experiments are described concerning the detection of single flashing dots, dotted lines, and both random and regularly dotted planes. A mathematical model based upon the autocorrelational transform is also tested for some of the experiments. Among the most important findings are a remarkable insensitivity of the perceptual system to temporal and spatial irregularities and a qualitative difference in the way observers deal with planes formed from random dot arrays and dotted outlines respectively. The autocorrelation model is in general agreement with the psychophysical results against which it is tested. The main conclusion arising from this research may be summarized as the rule of linear periodicity. Observers ar sensitive to forms to the extent that they contain dotted, straight lines with equal interdot spacing. This sensitivity appears to be a primitive of visual perception in a manner that is analogous to the sensitivity exhibited by the autocorrelation to periodic forms. Historical and lexicographic matters pertaining to the problem of form perception are also discussed in this monograph. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA120448
Entities
People
- William R. Uttal
Organizations
- University of Michigan