THE CODING OF SPATIAL POSITION BY THE HUMAN VISUAL-SYSTEM - EFFECTS OF SPATIAL SCALE AND CONTRAST

In this study we investigate the nature of the computations that underlie the encoding of spatial position by the human visual system. Specifically, we explore the relationship between alignment accuracy and spatial scale on the one hand, and between alignment accuracy and contrast on the other. We do this for stimuli where local luminance, local contrast, and orientation cues do not underlie performance. The results suggest that spatial localisation is independent of spatial scale and weakly dependent on contrast. We present subsequent models based on the properties of some classes of visual cortical neurones, namely multiplicative noise and contrast energy detection of complex cells, which describe the form of these relationships.