Perception

• Perception - refers to how we interpret and make sense of the information we receive from our environment.
• Depth cues - are visual cues or pieces of information that our brain uses to perceive depth and distance in the visual environment.
• Monocular Depth Cues: are depth cues that can be perceived with just one eye.
• Binocular Depth Cues: are depth cues that require the use of both eyes.
• Bottom-up and Top-down - are two complementary approaches to perception that describe how information is processed and interpreted by the brain.
• Bottom-up Processing: also known as data-driven processing, refers to the perception process that starts with the analysis of individual sensory stimuli and builds up to form a complete perception.
• Top-down Processing: also known as conceptually-driven processing, refers to the perception process that is guided by prior knowledge, expectations, and cognitive factors.
• Deficits in perception - they are perceptual illusions or disorders, can provide valuable insights into normal perceptual processes by highlighting the underlying mechanisms and limitations of our perceptual systems.
• Linear Perspective: When parallel lines converge as they recede into the distance, it creates a sense of depth.
• Relative Size: If two objects are of similar size, the one that appears smaller is perceived as farther away.
• Overlapping/Occlusion: When one object partially blocks another, the blocked object is perceived as being farther away
• Texture Gradient: Objects that are closer appear to have more detailed texture, while objects in the distance appear smoother
• Aerial Perspective: Objects in the distance appear less distinct, bluer, and more hazy due to the scattering of light by the atmosphere.
• Motion Parallax: As we move, objects closer to us appear to move faster than objects in the distance. - This relative motion provides depth information.
• Accommodation: The lens of the eye adjusts its shape to focus on objects at different distances. - The degree of lens adjustment provides a depth cue.
• Elevation: Objects that are higher in the visual field are perceived as being farther away.
• Shadows: The direction and length of shadows can provide information about the relative position and distance of objects.
• 1. Binocular Disparity: Each eye has a slightly different view of the world, and the brain uses the disparity or difference between these views to calculate depth. The greater the disparity, the closer the object.
• Convergence: When an object is closer, our eyes need to turn inward or converge more to focus on it. The brain uses the degree of convergence as a depth cue.