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This study investigates how global convexity influences local shape perception through shape-from-shading. By examining the interactions between light direction, viewpoint, and global shape in shape perception, the research tests three prior assumptions regarding visual interpretation. Results from 512 trials with naïve observers reveal significant effects of light direction, viewpoint, and global shape on perceptual accuracy. The findings suggest that the prior for global convexity is comparably strong to established lighting and viewpoint expectations, prompting further exploration into spatial scales and visual angles in shape analysis.
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A preference for global convexity in local shape perception • Michael S. Langer Heinrich H. Bülthoff • Max-Planck-Institute for Biological CyberneticsTübingen, Germany
Depth-reversal ambiguity in shape-from- shading valley hill
Hollow mask illusion is the sum of two factors (Johnston et a. ’92, Hill & Bruce ’94) • face • familiarity + global convexity
Global shape discrimination is easy convex concave “face” “mask”
Three prior assumptions were tested • light source direction (Rittenhouse 1786,…..) • viewpoint direction (Reichel & Todd 1990, Mamassian & Landy 1998) • global shape (Johnston et. al 1992, Hill & Bruce 1994 )
Example in which all three priors assumptions are met 1. light from above 2. viewpoint from above 3. shape is convex
Example in which all three prior assumptions fail shape is concave viewpoint from below light from below
light source direction (collimated source) light from above light from below
viewing direction (Reichel and Todd 1990) view from above view from below
viewing direction (globally concave surface) view from below viewfrom above
Design • three factors : • - light direction • - viewpoint • - global shape • 2 x 2 x 2 within observer • 512 trials (64 per condition)
ANOVA Results (12 naïve observers) • Main effects: • light direction F(1,11) = 6.8, p = .025 • viewpoint F(1,11) = 9.6, p = .01 • global shape F(1,11) = 46.1, p < .001
Linear Regression • percent correct • = 51 + 10 * light source direction • + 11 * viewing direction • + 13 * global shape • (Each factor had value of –1 or 1)
Examples: 87% (best) 15% (worst)
Conclusion • The prior for global convexity is used in local shape from shading. • The global convexity prior had roughly the same strength as the light-from-above and viewpoint-from-above priors.
Open questions • What are the spatial scales over which shading information is analyzed? • How does the prior on global shape depend on visual angle?