Metric shape perception requires a 45 continuous perspective change

A stratified process for the perception of objects: From optical transformations to 3D relief structure to 3D similarity structure to slant or aspect ratio

Previously, we developed a stratified process for slant perception. First, optical transformations in structure-from-motion (SFM) and stereo were used to derive 3D relief structure (where depth scaling remains arbitrary). Second, with sufficient continuous perspective change (≥45°), a bootstrap process derived 3D similarity structure. Third, the perceived slant was derived. As predicted by theoretical work on SFM, small visual angle (<5°) viewing requires non-coplanar points. Slanted surfaces with small 3D cuboids or tetrahedrons yielded accurate judgment while planar surfaces did not. Normally, object perception entails non-coplanar points. Now, we apply the stratified process to object perception where, after deriving similarity structure, alternative metric properties of the object can be derived (e.g. slant of the top surface or width-to-depth aspect ratio). First, we tested slant judgments of the smooth planar tops of three different polyhedral objects. We tested rectangular, hexagonal, and asymmetric pentagonal surfaces, finding that symmetry was required to determine the direction of slant (AP&P, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3758/s13414-019-01859-5). Our current results replicated the previous findings. Second, we tested judgments of aspect ratios, finding accurate performance only for symmetric objects. Results from this study suggest that, first, trackable non-coplanar points can be attained in the form of 3D objects. Second, symmetry is necessary to constrain slant and aspect ratio perception. Finally, deriving 3D similarity structure precedes estimating object properties, such as slant or aspect ratio. Together, evidence presented here supports the stratified bootstrap process for 3D object perception. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Planning interactions with objects in the surrounding environment entails the perception of 3D shape and slant. Studying ways through which 3D metric shape and slant can be perceived accurately by moving observers not only sheds light on how the visual system works, but also provides understanding that can be applied to other fields, like machine vision or remote sensing. The current study is a logical extension of previous studies by the same authors and explores the roles of large continuous perspective changes, relief structure, and symmetry in a stratified process for object perception.

Large perspective changes yield perception of metric shape that allows accurate feedforward reaches-to-grasp and it persists after the optic flow has stopped!

Lee et al. (Percept Psychophys 70:1032-1046, 2008a) investigated whether visual perception of metric shape could be calibrated when used to guide feedforward reaches-to-grasp. It could not. Seated participants viewed target objects (elliptical cylinders) in normal lighting using stereo vision and free head movements that allowed small (approximately 10 degrees) perspective changes. The authors concluded that poor perception of metric shape was the reason reaches-to-grasp should be visually guided online. However, Bingham and Lind (Percept Psychophys 70:524-540, 2008) showed that large perspective changes (> or =45 degrees) yield good perception of metric shape. So, now we repeated the Lee et al.'s study with the addition of information from large perspective changes. The results were accurate feedforward reaches-to-grasp reflecting accurate perception of both metric shape and metric size. Large perspective changes occur when one locomotes into a workspace in which reaches-to-grasp are subsequently performed. Does the resulting perception of metric shape persist after the large perspective changes have ceased? Experiments 2 and 3 tested reaches-to-grasp with delays (Exp. 2, 5-s delay; Exp. 3, approximately 16-s delay) and multiple objects to be grasped after a single viewing. Perception of metric shape and metric size persisted yielding accurate reaches-to-grasp. We advocate the study of nested actions using a dynamic approach to perception/action.