Center-of-mass alterations and visual illusion of extent

Biol Cybern. 2010 Jun;102(6):475-87. doi: 10.1007/s00422-010-0379-5. Epub 2010 Mar 19.

Abstract

In the present communication, we have developed a computational model related to the conception of positional coding via centers-of-masses (centroids) of the objects' luminance distributions. The model predictions have been tested by the results of our psychophysical study of geometrical illusion of extent evoked by a modified Brentano figure consisting of three separate spots clusters. In experiments, the centroids of the clusters were manipulated by varying the positions of additional non-target spots flanking the stimulus terminators. A good correspondence between the model predictions and the illusion magnitude changes provided convincing evidences in favor of "centroid" explanation of origin of the illusion investigated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Psychophysics
  • Vision, Ocular*