Vection and Motion Thresholds as a Function of Contrast
Abstract
Vection can be defined as a sensory-spatial illusion that creates false sensations of self motion, in either linear or angular directions. Although false perceptions of self motion are common, visual characteristics linked to this type of illusion are not fully understood. Vection can be strongly influenced by various physical aspects. Although previous research documents how perceived motion can be influenced by several variables associated with visual contrast, they do not provide insight into the relationship between color variation and onset of vection illusion. It was deemed beneficial to further evaluate this topic from a qualitative perspective. This study was conducted on 20 aviator candidates awaiting flight training. A Visual Vestibular Sphere Device (VVSD) was used to elicit the illusion of self-motion (vection) while subjects viewed the moving VVSD surround through a window that allowed visual contrast to be varied; this method led to the determination of contrast thresholds for the detection of surround motion and the onset of vection. The objective was to determine the effect of color saturation altered visual contrast on detection of surround motion and vection. Vection was triggered readily at very low levels of visual contrast. It appeared that as long as the observers could detect any surround motion, they reported vection. Nevertheless, the vection illusion was stronger and was elicited faster under conditions of high contrast.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA509828
Entities
People
- Frederick Patterson
- Yancy York
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory