Evidence of a Global Oblique Effect in Human Extrafoveal Vision

Perception ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 523-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan S Pointer
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Oblique Effect ◽  
Spatial Summation ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Frequency Dependency ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Sensitivity Data

Analysis of recently published human contrast-sensitivity data obtained along the cardinal and major oblique visual-field meridians of a single subject has demonstrated a consistently greater sensitivity at a given eccentricity to horizontally oriented as compared with obliquely oriented gratings. This difference was evident not only at foveal but also at several eccentric loci over a range of low to medium spatial frequencies. This observation is to be distinguished in extrafoveal fixation from the well-documented oblique effect, which describes the variation in sensitivity with orientation at a single visual-field locus. With periodic stimuli which were well localised in space and frequency, and had comparable spatial-summation properties, a spatial-frequency dependency of what could be termed the global oblique effect could be demonstrated along isoeccentric contours centred on the fovea (eccentricity 0 deg) out to an eccentricity of at least 40 deg.

Temporal Integration and Contrast Sensitivity in Foveal and Peripheral Vision

Perception ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyrki Rovamo ◽  
Lea Leinonen ◽  
Pentti Laurinen ◽  
Veijo Virsu
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Peripheral Vision ◽  
Temporal Integration ◽  
Photopic Vision ◽  
Spatiotemporal Information ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Primary Determinant ◽  
Integration Improvement

Spatial contrast sensitivity functions and temporal integration functions for gratings with dark surrounds were measured at various eccentricities in photopic vision. Contrast sensitivity decreased with increasing eccentricity at all exposure durations and spatial frequencies tested. The decrease was faster at high than at low spatial frequencies, but similar at different exposure durations. When cortically similar stimulus conditions were produced at different eccentricities by M-scaling, contrast sensitivity became independent of visual field location at all exposure durations tested. The results support the view that in photopic vision spatiotemporal information processing is qualitatively similar across the visual field, and that quantitative differences result from retinotopical differences in ganglion cell sampling. For gratings of constant retinal area temporal integration (improvement of contrast sensitivity with increasing exposure duration) was more extensive at high than at low retinal spatial frequencies but independent of cortical spatial frequency and eccentricity. For M-scaled gratings temporal integration was more extensive at high than at low cortical spatial frequencies but independent of retinal spatial frequency and eccentricity. The results suggest that the primary determinant of temporal integration is not spatial frequency but grating value that is calculated as AF2 square cycles (cycle2), where A is grating area and F spatial frequency.

The Human Contrast Sensitivity Function Reflects Nonlinear Dynamics

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 13-13
Author(s):  
M I Trifonov
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Modulation Frequency ◽  
Logistic Equation ◽  
Spatial Modulation ◽  
Linear Transformations ◽  
Threshold Contrast ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Sensitivity Data ◽  
Point Of Departure

Many processes of visual perception may be modelled by nonlinear systems. I here present a novel nonlinear analysis of contrast sensitivity data. My point of departure was the similarity in shape of (i) curves giving threshold contrast as a function of spatial modulation frequency, and (ii) the envelope of bifurcational diagrams obtained from the logistic equation. It should be noted that the well-known changes of curvature for spatial frequencies above 20 cycles deg−1 are now being discussed in the literature as a problem of the last or finest channel [Kulikowski, 1991, in Limits of Vision Eds J J Kulikowski, V Walsh, I J Murray, volume 5 of Vision and Visual Dysfunction Ed. J Cronly-Dillon (London: Macmillan) pp 286–329]. Numerical simulations of threshold contrast as a function of spatial frequency were carried out on the basis of the logistic equation appropriately adapted to the problem. Several linear transformations of the equation were used for determining the parameters that would provide the best fit to the experimental data. The model introduces the concept of perceptual cycle that can be used for characterising the dynamics of selectivity in the spatial frequency domain in its dependence on grating contrast.

scholarly journals Neuronal basis of perceptual learning in striate cortex

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Ren ◽  
Jiawei Zhou ◽  
Zhimo Yao ◽  
Zhengchun Wang ◽  
Nini Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Perceptual Learning ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Striate Cortex ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Sensitivity Training ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Cortex Area ◽  
Adult Cats

Abstract It is well known that, in humans, contrast sensitivity training at high spatial frequency (SF) not only leads to contrast sensitivity improvement, but also results in an improvement in visual acuity as assessed with gratings (direct effect) or letters (transfer effect). However, the underlying neural mechanisms of this high spatial frequency training improvement remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined four properties of neurons in primary visual cortex (area 17) of adult cats that exhibited significantly improved acuity after contrast sensitivity training with a high spatial frequency grating and those of untrained control cats. We found no difference in neuronal contrast sensitivity or tuning width (Width) between the trained and untrained cats. However, the trained cats showed a displacement of the cells’ optimal spatial frequency (OSF) to higher spatial frequencies as well as a larger neuronal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, both the neuronal differences in OSF and SNR were significantly correlated with the improvement of acuity measured behaviorally. These results suggest that striate neurons might mediate the perceptual learning-induced improvement for high spatial frequency stimuli by an alteration in their spatial frequency representation and by an increased SNR.

Contrast Sensitivity and Visual-Field Thresholds in Patients with Thyroid Optic Neuropathy

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 194-194
Author(s):  
J Jankauskiene ◽  
R Lukauskiene ◽  
B Mickiene
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Visual Field ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Threshold Test ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Snellen Visual Acuity ◽  
The Mean

Thyroid optic neuropathy is one of the most troubling complications of endocrine ophthalmopathies. It is related to the degree of extraocular muscle swelling in the apex of the orbit. The purpose of this study was to investigate contrast sensitivity and visual-field thresholds in patients with thyroid optic neuropathy. We examined twenty-two patients aged 29 – 63 years (mean 45.3 years). The control group consisted of fifteen healthy persons of similar age. Contrast sensitivity was measured by means of Volkov's charts (sinusoidal gratings) at eight spatial frequencies from 17.5 to 0.46 cycles deg−1. The visual field was investigated with a static automatic perimeter (Allgan Humphrey Field Analyzer) by means of the central 30-2 threshold test. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including best corrected Snellen visual acuity, fundus copy, and proptosis measurement with the Hertel exophthalmometer. The mean proptosis of patients was 19.4 mm. Fifteen of the patients had decreased visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequencies was significantly reduced in the patients. It was established that a reduction of visual-field threshold accompanies the decrease of visual acuity. Our results show that contrast sensitivity and visual-field threshold testing are very sensitive at detecting early optic neuropathy and may be a useful means of following patients after treatment.

Spatial Integration of Objectively Equiluminous Chromatic Gratings

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 200-200
Author(s):  
M I Kankaanpää ◽  
J Rovamo ◽  
H T Kukkonen ◽  
J Hallikainen
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Spatial Integration ◽  
Chromatic Contrast ◽  
Shape Difference ◽  
Sensitivity Functions ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Low Pass ◽  
Chromatic Aberrations ◽  
Chromatic Contrast Sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity functions for achromatic and chromatic gratings tend to be band-pass and low-pass in shape, respectively. Our aim was to test whether spatial integration contributes to the shape difference found at low spatial frequencies. We measured binocular chromatic contrast sensitivity as a function of grating area for objectively equiluminous red - green and blue - yellow chromatic gratings. Chromatic contrast refers to the Michelson contrast of either of the two chromatic component gratings presented in counterphase against the combined background. Grating area ( A) varied from 1 to 256 square cycles ( Af2) at spatial frequencies ( f) of 0.125 – 4.0 cycles deg−1. We used only horizontal gratings at low and medium spatial frequencies to minimise the transverse and longitudinal chromatic aberrations due to ocular optics. At all spatial frequencies studied, chromatic contrast sensitivity increased with grating area. Ac was found to be constant at low spatial frequencies (0.125 – 0.5 cycles deg−1) but decreased in inverse proportion to increasing spatial frequency at 1 – 4 cycles deg−1. Thus, spatial integration depends similarly on spatial frequency for achromatic (Luntinen et al, 1995 Vision Research35 2339 – 2346) and chromatic gratings, and differences in spatial integration do not contribute to the shape difference of the respective contrast sensitivity functions.

Monkeys Show an Oblique Effect

Perception ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A Bauer ◽  
Donald A Owens ◽  
Joseph Thomas ◽  
Richard Held
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Oblique Effect ◽  
High Contrast ◽  
Square Wave ◽  
Spatial Frequencies

Monkeys aligned a cursor bar with high-contrast square-wave gratings presented in a variety of orientations. Alignment time increased with increasing spatial frequency from 6 to 24 cycles deg−1 regardless of the orientation of the grating. At higher spatial frequencies, alignment tasks took longer for obliquely oriented gratings than for horizontal and vertical ones. Reducing grating contrast by blurring the image of the 24 cycle deg−1 grating also produced longer alignment times for the obliques. These data indicate that monkeys have an oblique effect similar to that found in humans, implying that the monkey is a useful animal model for investigating the development of meridional anisotropies.

Hemispheric Processing of Categorical and Coordinate Spatial Relations in the Absence of Low Spatial Frequencies

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matia Okubo ◽  
Chikashi Michimata
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Spatial Relation ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Right Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Categorical Task ◽  
The Right ◽  
Coordinate Spatial Relations

Right-handed participants performed the categorical and coordinate spatial relation judgments on stimuli presented to either the left visual field—right hemisphere (LVF-RH) or the right visual field—left hemisphere (RVF-LH). The stimulus patterns were formulated either by bright dots or by contrast-balanced dots. When the stimuli were bright, an RVF-LH advantage was observed for the categorical task, whereas an LVF-RH advantage was observed for the coordinate task. When the stimuli were contrast balanced, the RVF-LH advantage was observed for the categorical task, but the LVF-RH advantage was eliminated for the coordinate task. Because the contrast-balanced dots are largely devoid of low spatial frequency content, these results suggest that processing of low spatial frequency is responsible for the right hemisphere advantage for the coordinate spatial processing.

scholarly journals Comparison of CSV-1000 and Metrovision contrast sensitivity tests in normal eyes

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Tahkor ◽  
Javad Heravian Shandiz ◽  
Abbas Azimi Khorasani ◽  
Alireza Ansari Moghadam
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Slit Lamp ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Sensitivity Tests ◽  
Movement Assessment ◽  
Visual Screening

Background: Measuring contrast sensitivity (CS) allows a better understanding of the visual performance of the human eye. This study aimed to examine the correlation and agreement between the results of two sinewave grating-based CS measurement methods, Metrovision and CSV-1000, in normal eyes. Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was performed between December 2018 and April 2019, at an optometry clinic. Subjects underwent comprehensive ocular examinations, which included pupil reflexes, subjective refraction, external eye examinations, smooth pursuit eye movement assessment, the cover–uncover test, and detailed slit-lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments. Metrovision and CSV-1000 were employed to assess CS under photopic conditions. The correlation and agreement of the results of the two tests were evaluated. Results: CS was measured for 104 normal eyes for 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) spatial frequencies (participants’ mean age ± standard deviation: 37.3 ± 26.4 years). The CSV-1000 measurements were significantly higher for the 3 and 6 cpd spatial frequencies (both P = 0.01); however, at higher spatial frequencies, CS scores were similar. The highest and lowest differences between the two tests were recorded for the 3 cpd spatial frequency and 18 cpd spatial frequency, respectively. Except for the 3 cpd spatial frequency, in both eyes, the findings correlated significantly between the CSV-1000 and Metrovision (P < 0.05). The narrowest and widest limits of agreement between the two tests were found for the 12 and 3 cpd spatial frequencies, respectively. Conclusions: The CSV-1000 method estimated CS higher than the Metrovision method, mostly at lower spatial frequencies. Furthermore, the agreement between the two methods was greater at higher spatial frequencies than at lower frequencies. This should be kept in mind when using the two methods interchangeably in visual screening.

The Role of High Spatial Frequencies in Hemispheric Processing of Categorical and Coordinate Spatial Relations

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 1576-1582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matia Okubo ◽  
Chikashi Michimata
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Spatial Relation ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Right Visual Field ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Low Pass ◽  
Categorical Task

Right-handed participants performed categorical and coordinate spatial relation tasks on stimuli presented either to the left visual field-right hemisphere (LVF-RH) or to the right visual field-left hemisphere (RVF-LH). The stimuli were either unfiltered or low-pass filtered (i.e., devoid of high spatial frequency content). Consistent with previous studies, the unfiltered condition produced a significant RVF-LH advantage for the categorical task and an LVF-RH advantage for the coordinate task. Low-pass filtering eliminated this Task × Visual Field interaction; thus, the RVF-LH advantage disappeared for the categorical task. The present results suggest that processing of high spatial frequency contributes to the left hemispheric advantage for categorical spatial processing.

A Comparative Study of the Spatial-Frequency Spectrum of Different Letter Optotypes and its Role in Target Recognition

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 214-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Koskin ◽  
V F Danilichev ◽  
Y E Shelepin
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Sinusoidal Grating ◽  
Sensitivity Functions ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Narrow Frequency Band ◽  
Spatial Frequency Spectrum

We studied the contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) in patients with different eye and brain diseases using a computerised sinusoidal grating test with a wide range of frequencies (0.4 – 19.0 cycles deg−1), the Pelli - Robson chart and a new chart with frequency-filtered Snellen optotypes. The patients had different CSF curves with a decrease of contrast sensitivity in the low, middle, or high frequencies depending on their main disease (refraction anomalies, cataract, glaucoma, neuritis of optic nerve, brain tumours, etc). Analysis showed that optotypes in the Pelli - Robson chart have a wide-range spatial-frequency spectrum, and optotype recognition is determined not only by low spatial frequencies. We find that the recognition of standard Sloan's optotypes is determined mostly by sensitivity in the range of 9.4 – 14.0 cycles deg−1. At the same time we measured contrast sensitivity using the new filtered Snellen optotypes. Our calculations support our earlier suggestions that the new filtered optotypes have a narrow-band spatial-frequency spectrum, thus enabling selective measurement of contrast sensitivity in each narrow frequency band.

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