Abstract

Earlier we reported that visual disorientation is one by-product of the visual depth illusion produced by the pattern of repeating vertical stripes on an escalator tread.¹ We have also shown that a high-contrast vertical square-wave grating chosen to simulate the look of an escalator tread at a viewing distance of 2 m, induces postural instability.² In this study we have altered an escalator by painting on a pattern with minimal horizontal periodicity. Tests comparing the painted machine to one otherwise identical reveal a significant reduction of subjective disorientation among normally sighted individuals. In addition, postural instability while viewing the painted machine is significantly less than while viewing the control machine.

© 1985 Optical Society of America