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Surface perception and the generic-view principle

Surface perception and the generic-view principle
Surface perception and the generic-view principle
The hypothesis that perceptual experience can be understood in terms of rule-based processing has strongly influenced recent theories of visual surface perception. However, many of the rules that these theories propose apply only in relatively restricted situations. I suggest that more general and robust principles for reducing perceptual ambiguity are available, such as the generic view principle (GVP) described here. According to the GVP, vision assumes that qualitative (e.g. topological) image structure is stable with respect to small changes of viewpoint. Some consequences of the GVP for visual surfaces, including illusory surfaces, are described. I also demonstrate the decisive role of real and illusory background surfaces in specifying the 3-D shape and layout of visual objects and scenes.
surface perception, genetic viewpoint, interpolation, scene perception, silhouette, stereopsis, cognitive science
1364-6613
197-203
Albert, Marc K.
8b8994c1-ffc0-4f5e-93d7-45ad7782b8ca
Albert, Marc K.
8b8994c1-ffc0-4f5e-93d7-45ad7782b8ca

Albert, Marc K. (2001) Surface perception and the generic-view principle. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 5 (5), 197-203. (doi:10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01643-0).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The hypothesis that perceptual experience can be understood in terms of rule-based processing has strongly influenced recent theories of visual surface perception. However, many of the rules that these theories propose apply only in relatively restricted situations. I suggest that more general and robust principles for reducing perceptual ambiguity are available, such as the generic view principle (GVP) described here. According to the GVP, vision assumes that qualitative (e.g. topological) image structure is stable with respect to small changes of viewpoint. Some consequences of the GVP for visual surfaces, including illusory surfaces, are described. I also demonstrate the decisive role of real and illusory background surfaces in specifying the 3-D shape and layout of visual objects and scenes.

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More information

Published date: 2001
Keywords: surface perception, genetic viewpoint, interpolation, scene perception, silhouette, stereopsis, cognitive science

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 18487
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/18487
ISSN: 1364-6613
PURE UUID: 5f56b907-caca-45c9-9430-a2f2c6d121fe

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Date deposited: 14 Dec 2005
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 06:05

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Author: Marc K. Albert

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