The research potential of a computer-based cathode-ray tube display system

The objectives of the present paper are (1) to outline briefly the very great research potential of a computer-based cathode-ray tube (CRT) display system for studies in visual perception, learning, and memory, (2) to discuss the hardware and software components of such systems with reference to a particular system currently in use, and (3) to describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of such systems for conducting behavioral research.     

A method for producing random visual textures

Textures composed of randomly shaped black and white areas may be produced from high-contrast photographs of a mixture of white and black-dyed rice. Moderate control of black-to-white ratio and many randomizations at a given ratio are possible. This method is cheaper than computer generation and better controlled than the more inexpensive methods.     

A method for calibrating the spatial coordinates of a visual display to high accuracy

High-resolution CRT displays are subject togeometric distortion: lines that are straight in the internal coordinates of the graphics software and hardware are curved when projected onto a plane in the observer’s line of sight. As the available resolution of CRT screens increases, it becomes more difficult to measure and correct for this distortion. We present a simple, highly accurate method for determining the mapping between internal coordinates and the viewing plane. It requires that an observer, using a calibration program, adjust triples of displayed points until they are collinear. A metal straightedge placed between the observer and the screen aids in this judgment. We describe the calibration of an IBM Enhanced Graphics Display in high-resolution mode (350 × 640 pixels), and illustrate how to use the estimated mapping to choose internal coordinates to draw undistorted figures that are accurate to within 0.5 pixel. The method can be used to assess or to correct the accuracy of visual displays. The method is relevant to experiments in spatial vision, spatial perception, perception of dot patterns, and any application in which geometrically accurate stimuli are required.     

Children's strategies in producing three-dimensional relationships on a two-dimensional surface

It is a common task to give children a picture containing implicit depth cues and to require them to extract depth information from it. The cues are always selected from the adult repertoire; little is known about children's production of their own cues. In this experiment, 5- to 10-year-old children were required to draw one object behind another in a situation in which adults invariably produce the further object partially occluded by the nearer. The results were an age-related decline in the tendency to segregate the objects and an increase in the tendency to group the objects using partial occlusion, with a cross-over at 8 years. At all ages some children drew one object inside the boundary of the other. It is argued that the results are composed of two tendencies, a gradual mastery of discrete scaling phenomena (e.g., “up” on the page means “further”) within a given style, and a set of decisions to be made between incompatible styles.     

A simple method using a single video camera to determine the three-dimensional position of a fish

In the present paper, we describe a method for recording the coordinates of a fish in an aquarium in a three-dimensional space, using a single video camera and a mirror. We use photogrammetic equations for this, considering the image obtained in the mirror as a virtual image obtained by a second camera. A transformation of the coordinate system is required to express the obtained coordinates in anx,y,z system defined by the edges of the aquarium. The accuracy of the proposed method was estimated, and errors in extreme conditions were found to be 0.8% to 1.2 %, compared with the dimensions of the aquarium used in the test.     

A simple method of producing discrete subcortical lesions using radio-frequency currents

The described procedures represent an evaluation of the use of radio frequency currents in the production of discrete subcortical brain lesions. The methods described and the electrodes used indicated that RF lesion size was closely and linearly related to a simple V dc index and that the resultant lesions were equally distributed around the position of the lesion electrode with extremely smooth and consistent perimeters.     

A low-cost, accurate method of producing large quantities of digitally filtered images

We demonstrate how to produce complex image transformations of bitmap files for vision experiments using the Cogimatic Vision Starter Kit (VSK) library of mathematical routines along with Visual Basic, C++, or the Delphi Pascal compiler. Implementing this system on an IBM-compatible PC running Windows 95, 98, or NT4 enables researchers to quickly and economically manipulate images for vision research. The VSK includes a simple stand-alone image-processing application. In addition, VSK has the ability to automate image transformations and to fully integrate image processing into new experimental software on the PC platform.     

A simple optical method for producing two identical stimuli moving in opposite directions

A problem in experiments on adaptation to moving stimuli is the tendency of subjects to track the stimuli visually, which can complicate results. A simple optical method is described which eliminates this tendency by presenting two identical stimuli moving in opposite directions.     

Measurement of discrimination of separation in elderly persons using a liquid-crystal display and grating method

This study analyzed psychophysical data from younger and elderly people on the influence of spacing between vertical lines, exposure time, and number of vertical lines in a stimulus for visual performance. A total of 50 elderly people and 31 graduate students participated in the experiment. Nine levels of spacing between lines (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 29 points), three exposure times (0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 sec.), and five sets of numbers of lines (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) were manipulated. Analysis showed enhanced spacing between lines and exposure time improved discrimination of separation. However, although performance on discrimination of separation increased as spacing between lines increased up to 21 points, it was degraded at higher values. A positive effect of number of lines on discrimination of separation was also observed, and performance increased as the number of lines decreased. The effect of age group, i.e., elderly versus younger, on performance was significant. The accuracy of the younger was greater than that for the elderly group. Moreover, three interactive two-way effects were found: group x spacing between lines, number of lines x spacing between lines, and number of lines x exposure time. The present findings could be used as a practical reference in the design of instrument displays in which the operator has to consider the scale and markings on a dial, especially if the display is operated in an emergency or is manipulated by elderly people.     

A method for producing foveal retinal exposures in an awake,task-oriented,rhesus monkey

A method for producing retinal exposures from a laser source in an awake, task-oriented S is presented. The technique allows for the measurement of rhesus monkey visual acuity immediately following exposures.     

The effect of navigation method and visual display on distance perception in a large-scale virtual building

Cognitive Processing - Immersive virtual reality (VR) technology has become a popular method for fundamental and applied spatial cognition research. One challenge researchers face is emulating...     

Distinctness of perceived three-dimensional form induced by modulated illumination: Effects of certain display and modulation conditions

The present study concerns the distinctness of the 3-D shape-induced on flat displays by spacemodulated illumination (“shape from shading”). The displays that we used varied in structure, hue contrast, lightness contrast, and in the number of reflectance edges present. The modulations of the illumination were a square-wave grating, a gradual modulation (a blurred grating), and an “O’Brien modulation,” which combines an edge and a gradient. The displays were compared, using the paired comparison method, as to the distinctness of the perceived 3-D form. The results showed that the structure and chromatic color of the display were important factors facilitating the distinctness of the induced 3-D shape under all the modulation conditions. The results are discussed in relation to the “vector model” for color constancy, proposed in earlier papers.     

A ray of light about frozen embryos.

The Tennessee Supreme Court's decision in Davis v. Davis, a case that raises the question of how to allocate frozen embryos in the event of divorce, addresses many of the legal issues posed by in vitro fertilization. The decision considers the interests of the progenitors as well as of the children who may result. For example, the court held that gamete providers' discretion regarding the disposition of embryos can be limited only when their decisions would harm the children who might be born. The court also made clear that efforts to seek genetic parenthood are protected only when accompanied by a desire to raise the resulting children, a conclusion that also affects other reproductive technologies. In addition to elaborating an analytic framework, the court set guidelines for resolving disputes when the couples had made no prior agreements, including holding that while the embryos are ex-utero the desire to avoid genetic parenthood almost always trumps the wish to become a parent. The well-reasoned analysis in Davis v. Davis should help shape legal and ethical discussion regarding the use of in vitro fertilization for many years to come.     

Buildup and decay of a three-dimensional rotational aftereffect obtained with a three-dimensional figure

Gaps in past literature have raised questions regarding the kinds of stimuli that can lead to three-dimensional (3-D) rotation aftereffects. Further, the characteristics of the buildup and decay of such aftereffects are not clear. In the present experiments, rotation aftereffects were generated by projections of cube-like stimuli whose dynamic perspective motions gave rise to the perception of rotation in unambiguous directions; test stimuli consisted of similar cubes whose rotation directions were ambiguous. In experiment 1, the duration of the adaptation stimulus was varied and it was found that the 3-D rotation aftereffect develops with a time constant of approximately 26 s. In experiment 2, the duration between adaptation and testing was varied. It was found that the 3-D rotation aftereffect has a decay constant of about 9 s, similar to that observed with 2-D motion aftereffects. Experiment 3 showed that the rotation aftereffects were not simple depth aftereffects. To account for these aftereffects and related data, a modification of an existing neural-network model is suggested.     

Luminance control of a small computer CRT display: A very cheap technique

An inexpensive way to produce continuous variation in the luminance of a computer-controlled CRT display is described. One application of that system to the study of motion-analyzers in human vision is discussed briefly.     

A system for tracking braille readers using a Wii Remote and a refreshable braille display

This article describes a cheap and easy-to-use finger-tracking system for studying braille reading. It provides improved spatial and temporal resolution over the current available solutions and can be used with either a refreshable braille display or braille-embossed paper. In conjunction with a refreshable braille display, the tracking system has the unique capacity to implement display-change paradigms derived from sighted reading research. This will allow researchers to probe skilled braille reading in significantly more depth than has heretofore been possible.     

Development and validation of a measure of display rule knowledge: the display rule assessment inventory

As one component of emotion regulation, display rules, which reflect the regulation of expressive behavior, have been the topic of many studies. Despite their theoretical and empirical importance, however, to date there is no measure of display rules that assesses a full range of behavioral responses that are theoretically possible when emotion is elicited. This article reports the development of a new measure of display rules that surveys 5 expressive modes: expression, deamplification, amplification, qualification, and masking. Two studies provide evidence for its internal and temporal reliability and for its content, convergent, discriminant, external, and concurrent predictive validity. Additionally, Study 1, involving American, Russian, and Japanese participants, demonstrated predictable cultural differences on each of the expressive modes.     

算法拒绝的三维动机理论

算法拒绝意指尽管算法通常能比人类做出更准确的决策, 但人们依然更偏好人类决策的现象。算法拒绝的三维动机理论归纳了算法主体怀疑、道德地位缺失和人类特性湮没这三个主要原因, 分别对应信任、责任和掌控三种心理动机, 并对应改变算法拒绝的三种可行方案: 提高人类对算法的信任度, 强化算法的主体责任, 探索个性化算法设计以突显人对算法决策的控制力。未来研究可进一步以更社会性的视角探究算法拒绝的发生边界和其他可能动机。