Skip to main content
Log in

A model of the human visual system in its response to certain classes of moving stimuli

  • Published:
Kybernetik Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to construct a functional model of the human visual system in its response to certain classes of moving stimuli.

Experimental data are presented describing the interdependence of the input variables, temporal frequency, spatial period, etc., for two constant response states, viz. threshold motion response and threshold flicker response. On the basis of these data, two basic units are isolated, a vertical (V) unit and a horizontal (H) unit. The H-unit is identified with the Reichardt multiplier (Reichardt and Varju, 1959), and the V-unit with the de Lange filter (de Lange, 1954).

A definition of the general motion response of the H-units is obtained, and this is then reduced to an expression which may be applied directly to the observed motion response data. By this method, Thorson's simplification of the Reichardt scheme (Thorson, 1966) is adopted for the H-unit and total and relative (population) weighting factors, associated with the H-unit output, are defined.

In order to reconcile the theoretical square-wave threshold motion response with the experimental data, Thorson's simplification is modified with the introduction of a low-pass filter on the output. The amended scheme is shown to predict a (temporal) frequency-dependent phase-sensitivity. This prediction is tested experimentally, and its validity indicated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ditchburn, R. W., Ginsborg, B. L.: Involuntary eye-movements during fixation. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 119, 1–17 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dzn, H. de Lange: Relation between critical flicker frequency and a of low frequency characteristics of the eye. J. opt. Soc. Amer. 44, 380–389 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster, D. H.: The perception of moving spatially-periodic intensity distributions. Optica Acta 15, 625–626 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The response of the human visual system to moving spatially-periodoc patterns. Vision Res. 9, 577–590 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster, D. H.: Some experiments on the detection of motion by the human visual system and their theoretical interpretation. Ph. D. Thesis, University of London 1970a.

  • Foster, D. H.: The response of the human visual system to moving spatially-periodic patterns: Further analysis. Vision Res. in press (1970b).

  • Gilbert, D. S., Fender, D. H.: Contrast thresholds measured with stabilized and non-stabilized sine-wave gratings. Optica Acta 16, 191–204 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Licklider, J. C. R.: A duplex theory of pitch perception. Experientia (Basel) 7, 128–134 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reichardt, W., Varju, D.: Übertragungseigenschaften im Auswertesystem für das Bewegungssehen. Z. Naturforsch. 146, 674–689 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Spekreijse, H., Oosting, H.: Linearizing: A method for analysing and synthesizing nonlinear systems. Kybernetik 7, 22–31 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorson, J.: Small signal analysis of a visual reflex in the Locust: II. Frequency dependence. Kybernetik 3, 53–66 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Veringa, F.: On some properties of non-threshold flicker. J. opt. Soc. Amer. 43, 500–502 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Foster, D.H. A model of the human visual system in its response to certain classes of moving stimuli. Kybernetik 8, 69–84 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288735

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288735

Keywords

Navigation