Components of High-Level Vision: A Cognitive Neuroscience Analysis and Accounts of Neurological Syndromes
Abstract
High-level visual processes make use of stored information, and are invoked during object identification, navigation, tracking, and visual mental imagery. The present work has revolved around a theory of the component processing subsystems used in high-level vision. This theory was developed by considering neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and computational constraints. The theory has led to three kinds of empirical work: First, specific claims associated with individual processing subsystems have been tested. For example, the analysis of the representation of spatial relations led to the prediction that two subsystem are used to encode this information, and a set of experiments was conducted that provided support for this distinction. Second, predictions from the theory as a whole have been formulated, and some of these predictions are now being tested. And third, the subsystems have been implemented in a running computer simulation model, which has been used to generate predictions about specific neurological syndromes. The model can be damaged in a variety of ways, and its performance on a set of tasks then observed. The experiments conducted to data and predictions from the computer model are summarized in this report. In addition, the most common dysfunctions of vision following brain damage are reviewed, and accounts are offered by reference to the simulation model. Keywords: Neuropsychology, Spatial orientation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207848
Entities
People
- Stephen M. Kosslyn
Organizations
- Harvard University