Rapid image-segmentation and perceptual transparency share a process which utilises X-junctions generated by temporal integration in the visual system.
Perceptual transparency requires local same-polarity X-junctions, which can also be generated by temporal integration under natural dynamic conditions. In this study, segmentation performance and target appearance were measured for a uniform gray target embedded in a random-dot frame presented with a temporally adjacent mask. Although static cues for both segmentation and transparency were unavailable, transparency was observed only when collinear same-polarity edges reduced backward masking, in both the fovea and the perifovea. These results suggest that the visual system has a common underlying mechanism for rapid segmentation and transparency, which utilises same-polarity X-junctions generated by temporal integration.
Mitsudo
Hiroyuki
H
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Kyushu University, 6-19-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan. mitsudo@psycho.hes.kyushu-u.ac.jp
D000328:Adult; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011601:Psychophysics; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology