Nonlinear Dynamics of Multi-Channel Binocular Vision.

Abstract

Abstract : Progress was made in three related areas: vision, movement, and rhythm. A realtime processing theory was introduced of how the visual system discounts several types of noise in visual data, yet rapidly generates global visual representations. These mechanisms can be interpreted both behaviorally and neurally. The mechanisms describe new parallel processing algorithms that operate within hierarchical networks. Simulations were made of real and illusory contour formation, neon color spreading, complementary color induction, and filling-in. The theory physically interprets and generalizes Land's retinex theory of color vision, and unifies the explanation of monocular and binocular brightness data. The simulated data include Craik-O'Brien effects and their exceptions; the Bergstrom demonstrations comparing brightness of smoothly modulated and step-like luminance profiles; nonclassical differences between the perception of luminance decrements and increments; Fechner's paradox, binocular brightness averaging, and binocular brightness summation; binocular rivalry; and fading of stabilized images and ganzfelds. Two parallel contour processes interact to generate the theory's brightness, color, and form explanations.