Depth motion sensitivity functions.

Abstract

Functions reliably describing perception of motion in depth have been established experimentally by using psychophysical methods of size and distance estimations and threshold measurements. The stimuli were generated with a new hybrid technique yielding an image refresh rate of 1667 Hz. In this way it was possible to generate rapid expansions and contractions of the moving checkerboard pattern constituting the stimulus for depth motion perception. The results showed that perceived size constancy as well as depth impression varied with oscillation frequency. Under the conditions of slow motions (oscillation frequencies around 2 Hz), perfect size constancy was obtained. Above that limit, size constancy systematically decreased, and with oscillation frequencies of about 5 Hz the perceived size constancy was close to zero when small-sized patterns were used. Under the conditions of wide field stimulation (when the pattern subtended 66 degrees of visual angle), the cut-off limit increased to 16 Hz. Since the perception of depth motion amplitudes as well as perceived velocities of the visual object are related to perceived size constancy, the findings have certain implications for theoretical explanations of depth motion perception.