Perceptual learning of second order cues for layer decomposition

Abstract

Luminance variations are ambiguous: they can signal changes in surface reflectance or changes in illumination. Layer decomposition-the process of distinguishing between reflectance and illumination changes-is supported by a range of secondary cues including colour and texture. For an illuminated corrugated, textured surface the shading pattern comprises modulations of luminance (first order, LM) and local luminance amplitude (second-order, AM). The phase relationship between these two signals enables layer decomposition, predicts the perception of reflectance and illumination changes, and has been modelled based on early, fast, feed-forward visual processing (Schofield et al., 2010). However, while inexperienced viewers appreciate this scission at long presentation times, they cannot do so for short presentation durations (250. ms). This might suggest the action of slower, higher-level mechanisms. Here we consider how training attenuates this delay, and whether the resultant learning occurs at a perceptual level. We trained observers to discriminate the components of plaid stimuli that mixed in-phase and anti-phase LM/AM signals over a period of 5. days. After training, the strength of the AM signal needed to differentiate the plaid components fell dramatically, indicating learning. We tested for transfer of learning using stimuli with different spatial frequencies, in-plane orientations, and acutely angled plaids. We report that learning transfers only partially when the stimuli are changed, suggesting that benefits accrue from tuning specific mechanisms, rather than general interpretative processes. We suggest that the mechanisms which support layer decomposition using second-order cues are relatively early, and not inherently slow.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2012.11.005
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences
Additional Information: Open access under CC BY license. Open access under CC BY license.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Second-order,Layer-decomposition,Perceptual-learning
Publication ISSN: 1878-5646
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2024 08:52
Date Deposited: 26 Oct 2018 14:32
Full Text Link: http://www.scop ... 8bb024702bbb6ae
Related URLs: https://www.sci ... 3653?via%3Dihub (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2013-01-25
Authors: Dövencioĝlu, D.N.
Welchman, A.E.
Schofield, A.J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-0589-4678)

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