Depth Perception Chapter 7

Depth perception

The ability to perceive three dimensions using two-dimensional cues.

Binocular cues

Cues to depth perception that require both eyes.

Convergence

The degree to which the eyes come together, indicating distance based on how much the pupils angle inward.

Binocular disparity

The difference in images between the two eyes; important for depth perception.

Fovea

The region on the retina where visual acuity is highest; objects focused here fall onto corresponding retinal points.

Haptopper

The line that marks corresponding retinal points.

Crossed Disparity

Occurs when objects closer than the fixation point fall on non-corresponding points in the retina.

Uncrossed Disparity

Occurs when objects further than the fixation point fall on non-corresponding points in the retina.

Monocular cues

Cues that can be used to perceive depth using only one eye.

Pictorial Monocular cues

Cues that can be used in a static two-dimensional image to produce a sense of depth.

Linear Perspective

The idea that parallel lines appear to converge at a distant point.

Apparent Size

The perception that further away objects appear smaller.

Texture Gradient

The perception that texture appears less distinct as distance increases.

Interposition

When one object overlaps another, causing the overlapped object to be perceived as further away.

Shadow Cue

The use of shadows to perceive depth.

Height in the Visual Field

Objects closer to the horizon appear further away, while objects farther from the horizon appear closer.

Atmospheric Perspective

The phenomenon where distant objects appear blurrier or less detailed than closer objects.

Accommodation

The process where the lens changes shape to focus on objects clearly, becoming rounder for closer objects.

Motion Parallax

The perception that nearby objects move more quickly than objects further away during movement.

Deletion

When part of an object gets covered as another object moves in front of it.

Accretion (Revealing)

When a previously hidden part of an object becomes visible as something moves away.

Non-pictorial Monocular Cues

Cues that can be used with one eye to produce a sense of depth, but can not be represented in a static 2- dimensional image or picture.

Absolute Disparity

The difference in the angle of view between the two eyes, contributing to depth perception.

Stereopsis

The process by which the brain combines the slightly different views from each eye to perceive depth, enhancing three-dimensional understanding.

Stereograms

Images that create the illusion of three-dimensional depth when viewed with both eyes, often using differing angles or patterns.

Emmert’s Law

The perceived size of an afterimage on the retina is proportional to the distance of the stimulus from the observer, influencing depth perception.

Flattened Heavens

Distant objects appear flatter and less textured, affecting depth perception in visual experiences.

Size Constancy

The visual system is able to maintain a consistent perception of an object’s size in spite of variations in retinal size.

Moon Illusion

The phenomenon where the moon appears larger when near the horizon compared to when it is higher in the sky, despite its actual size remaining unchanged.