Visual localization within single geometric planes of a space habitat.
BACKGROUND
The present study investigated how human subjects capture and restore visual information within a line representation drawing the three-dimensional configuration of a space module.


METHODS
Nine subjects were asked to perform a visual localization task within this geometric model. The task consisted of localizing a light point appearing during 3 s in 40 different spatial positions and for 8 tilt angles of the model in the following random order: 0 degree, 45 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 90 degrees, 315 degrees, 135 degrees, and 270 degrees.


RESULTS
Results showed symmetric variations of the point-localizing errors about 180 degrees of tilt angle (vertical orientation) and a decrease of the errors when the points occurred in the distal, then in the median and in the proximal planes (virtual depth). The performance also varied according to the virtual ceiling, floor, right, left and back planes. The results have been discussed using a three-dimensional space representation based on a conservative mode of spatial information up to 90 degrees of tilt (horizontal orientation), and on a transformation mode beyond 90 degrees of tilt.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the visual localization in single geometric planes is orientation-dependent.
Tafforin
C
C
Laboratoire d'Ethologie et Psychologie Animale, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
Campan
R
R
Imbert
C
C
D003196:Computer Graphics; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008433:Mathematics; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D018561:Space Simulation; D018531:Spacecraft