Depth cue priors are modulated by stereoacuity D Smith1, H Allen1, D Ropar2 |
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1Nottingham Visual Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| Although depth cue combination has been studied extensively using virtual displays, few studies have examined how these cues affect perception of real depth. Additionally, previous research on depth cue integration has usually relied on subjects who have excellent stereoacuity (<100 arc seconds); however, it has been suggested that cue combination may be observer-dependent [Oruç et al, 2003, Vis Res, 43, 2451-2468]. We conducted an experiment to determine whether differences in stereoacuity affect the influence of multiple depth cues by using a stimulus that evoked 'real' depth - a slanted circle, in a darkened box, viewed through an aperture. The presence of a disparity gradient and texture-defined slant were independently modulated. Observers were asked to reproduce the retinal projection of the shape viewed in the box. The influence of cues to depth were determined by measuring the degree of shape constancy elicited. It was found that the stereo cue dominated shape judgments for all participants, regardless of stereoacuity. However, when the stimulus was viewed monocularly, presence of the texture cue increased shape constancy only for individuals with poor stereoacuity. This suggests that the prior probability distribution of monocular cues to depth is dependent on the ability to use binocular disparity. |
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