Projective invariance and visual shape constancy.

Abstract

As one moves about a table, the projection of its shape on the retina varies enormously, yet the table's shape appears constant. The various retinal images of a single object are nearly congruent in projective geometry. To explain apparent constancy, standard theories of vision assume that the visual system has access to this projective congruence. We present four experiments that undermine this assumption (i.e., the projective thesis). The basic result is that observers' estimates of shape in a simple production task represent gross departures from correct projection, even when observers are given aids to fixation. We manipulate both observer sample and experimental procedure in an attempt to find a source of these persistent errors. Our present hypothesis is that observers lack the sensitivity or implicit knowledge of projective geometry that has been attributed to them.