Lecture 12 Flashcards
Spatial Vision (13 cards)
What is spatial frequency?
The number of light-dark cycles per degree of visual angle.
What are high vs low spatial frequencies?
High = fine details; Low = coarse, global shapes.
What is contrast sensitivity?
The ability to detect differences in luminance between object and background.
What is the contrast sensitivity function (CSF)?
A graph showing sensitivity to different spatial frequencies.
What does the CSF look like?
Inverted U-shape; best sensitivity to mid-range frequencies.
What is lateral inhibition?
A process where excited neurons inhibit neighbours to enhance contrast.
What are Mach Bands?
Illusory bright/dark bands near edges, caused by lateral inhibition.
What is visual acuity?
The ability to resolve fine spatial details.
What affects visual acuity?
Contrast, spatial frequency, retinal health, and neural processing.
What are receptive fields?
Areas of the visual field that influence a neuron’s firing rate.
What are V1 neurons tuned to?
Orientation, spatial frequency, direction, and contrast.
How does spatial vision develop?
Infants improve contrast sensitivity and acuity in the first year.
What is amblyopia?
A developmental disorder where one eye fails to achieve normal vision.
