Biomedical subjects

Dawn Vreven

Publications and source records attributed to Dawn Vreven.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

3D shape discrimination using relative disparity derivatives.

Three-dimensional (3D) shape discrimination could be achieved using relative disparity signals or it could be achieved using a higher-order disparity derivative detector. Two 3D shape discrimination tasks were used to distinguish between these possibilities: a within-shape task and a between-shape task. Disparity thresholds were larger when discriminating within the same shape than when discriminating between shapes. More importantly, within-shape discriminations were dependent on the pedestal disparity (distance from fixation) whereas between-shape discriminations were not. The results suggest that a mechanism sensitive to higher-order disparity derivatives can achieve discrimination between different 3D shapes.

Discrimination, Psychological↗

PubMed2005

Predictability and the dynamics of position processing in the flash-lag effect.

Several models have been proposed to account for the flash-lag effect. One criterion for evaluating alternative models is to consider the separate effects of motion predictability and flash predictability. We first established that flash predictability has an impact on the size of the perceived spatial offset in the flash-lag illusion. We then examined motion predictability by varying the consistency of the motion trajectory. Both manipulations affected the magnitude of the flash-lag illusion. These outcomes suggest that the perception of position is a dynamic process that can be modulated by explicit cues in advance of the flash and by the temporal integration of position information over a consistent motion trajectory. A complete explanation of the flash-lag effect must specify how flash predictability and motion predictability modulate position-processing mechanisms.

Cues↗

PubMed2002

Contour completion through depth interferes with stereoacuity.

Local disparity signals must interact in visual cortex to represent boundaries and surfaces of three-dimensional (3D) objects. We investigated how disparity signals interact in 3D contours and in 3D surfaces generated from the contours. We compared flat (single disparity) stimuli with curved (multi-disparity) stimuli. We found no consistent differences in sensitivity to contours vs. surfaces; for equivalent amounts of disparity, however, observers were more sensitive to flat stimuli than curved stimuli. Poor depth sensitivity for curved stimuli cannot be explained by the larger range of disparities present in the curved surface, nor by disparity averaging, nor by poor sensitivity to the largest disparity in the stimulus. Surprisingly, sensitivity to surfaces curved in depth was improved by removing portions of the surface and thus removing disparity information. Stimulus configuration had a profound effect on stereo thresholds that cannot be accounted for by disparity-energy models of V1 processing. We suggest that higher-level 3D contour or 3D shape mechanisms are involved.

Form Perception↗

PubMed2002

Integration of speed signals in the direction of motion.

Speed discrimination tasks were used to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of the integration mechanism involved when signals are extended in the direction of motion. We varied the aspect ratio of a signal patch whose speed differed from the background, while holding the area of the signal patch constant, so that the signal patch could be either extended in the direction of motion or extended orthogonal to the direction of motion. Speed discrimination thresholds decreased dramatically as the signal patch was extended in the direction of motion. The spatial and temporal integration regions were larger than would be expected if the integration mechanism were a low-level motion detector. The mechanism was tuned for direction of motion. The data are discussed with reference to two alternative integration mechanisms: a low-level detector that is elongated in the direction of motion and a higher level integration mechanism characterized by cooperative or facilitatory interactions between low-level detectors tuned to the same direction of motion. Our data are consistent with a second-level, direction-specific process that integrates the responses of low-level motion detectors.

Discrimination, Psychological↗