Spatial Resolution of the Eye

• What is resolution related to in an image?

  Amount of detail that can be seen
• How does greater resolution affect detail in an image?

  It increases the amount of detail visible
• What does a digital camera with higher resolution do?

  Takes more detailed photos
• What does "better" eyesight mean in terms of resolution?

  Ability to see things with more resolution
• How does a low-resolution image appear?

  Blurry
• How does a high-resolution image appear?

  Clear and contains lots of details
• What is spatial resolution needed for?

  To see something in detail

  
• What does spatial resolution measure?

  Eye's ability to form separate images

  
• What happens when an eye has poor spatial resolution?

  Two objects can look like one big object

  
• How are two objects viewed with low spatial resolution?

  Seen as one big object

  
• How are two objects viewed with high spatial resolution?

  Seen as two separate objects

  
• What does a higher spatial resolution allow the eye to do?

  Form separate images of each object

  
• What does an image of a wall with high spatial resolution show?

  More bricks visible
• What is the role of rods and cones in spatial resolution?

  Best seen in high-intensity light levels
• Where are small details in an image best seen?

  On the fovea in the center of vision
• What must happen for two details to be distinguished?

  Two sources of light must fall on the retina
• What is required between two light sources for distinction?

  At least one unbleached rod and cone
• What must be true about the rod or cone between light rays?

  Must not share an optic nerve with others
• What happens if the conditions for distinguishing details are not met?

  The brain sees objects as one
• Describe the arrangement of objects in Picture 1.

  • Two red squares too close together
  • Not separated by a cone
  • Interpreted as one big object by the brain
• Describe the arrangement of objects in Picture 2.

  • Two red squares further apart
  • Separated by a cone
  • Interpreted as two separate objects by the brain