Abstract

Two experiments were designed to investigate the use of optical flow for postural control as a function of its velocity, geometry, and retinal placement. In the first experiment, subjects were exposed to a room that moved at a velocity below the reported threshold for detection of point-light motion. In the second, the room was moved so that optical velocities were above this threshold. Compensatory sway was assessed for both lamellar and radial flow to central and peripheral areas of the retina. Compensatory sway was elicited with optical velocities below the point-light motion threshold, suggesting that this threshold is not relevant to the detection of egomotion. The results also indicate that the retinal periphery does not detect posture-relevant information from flow fields with a radial dynamic structure. Since the higher velocities used in the second experiment exceeded those generated by natural postural instabilities, it was concluded that radial flow in the retinal periphery is not used as a source of information for normal postural maintenance, and therefore that flow structure is an important factor in the detection and control of egomotion.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.