Theoretical reproduction of perceptual responses to drifting image using a spatio‐temporal human vision model with a multiple‐channel structure

Abstract

A human vision model with a multiple-channel structure that can quantitatively simulate spatio-temporal perceptual responses to flickering sinusoidal waves as well as still images has already been proposed. This model was mathematically formulated as an adaptive focus adjustable feedback system based on two essential properties of the human vision system: the interdependent relationship between a retinal image's blur and a visual field size; and the spatio-temporal response characteristics of retinal ganglion cells. However, as the latter characteristics were actually formulated by utilizing spatio-temporal frequency characteristics experimentally measured using flickering sinusoidal waves, it is very important to confirm the model's applicability to images whose temporal change characteristics differ from flickering images. This paper discusses the model's applicability to drifting sinusoidal waves, which have a typical kind of temporal change characteristic except for flickering images. Consequently, it was clarified that the model's spatial frequency characteristics of contrast sensitivity and those of optimum drifting speed are in good agreement with experimental data. These results suggest that this model is also applicable to images with various kinds of temporal change characteristics other than flickering patterns. This provides the model's validity or generality. Moreover, the model was applied to the theoretical prediction of perceptual response characteristics of drifting square waves. How drifting square waves were perceived is also discussed. © 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 80(2): 35–45, 1997