Stereokinetic phenomena revisited: The oscillating tilted bar, the swinging gate and the vertical contracting bar

Abstract

We present here a revised version of our mathematical modelling of the stereokinetic phenomena known as the “oscillating tilted bar”, the “swinging gate” and the stereokinetic phenomenon elicited by a vertical, periodically contracting line segment simultaneously undergoing a lateral displacement from left to right and conversely in the frontal plane of an observer. The criticisms of Liu, Z. [(2004). On the minimal relative motion principle—The oscillating tilted bar. Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 48, 196–198] and Rokers and Liu [(2004). On the minimal relative motion principle—Lateral displacement of a contracting bar. Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 48, 292–295.] helped us in reformulating our models, eliminating discrepancies and ambiguities. Characteristic of the present modelling is the clear definition of a multi-stage mathematical procedure matching different requirements posed by the Visual System, as we know them from our experimental observations.