Abstract

Recent data from several laboratories have shown that spatial-frequency discrimination is not a smooth function of frequency but rather exhibits alternate peaks and troughs. A model for spatial-frequency discrimination analogous to line-element models for color discrimination is presented here and shown to provide a reasonable fit to the available data. This model is based on the predicted responses of six spatial-frequency-tuned mechanisms, whose sensitivity curves have been estimated in previously published masking experiments. In order to fit the data it is necessary to pool responses from units centered under the stimulus as well as from spatially neighboring units. Thus it appears that the visual system utilizes both spatial and spatial-frequency information in discrimination tasks.

© 1984 Optical Society of America

Spatial-frequency adaptation and grating discrimination: predictions of a line-element model

Hugh R. Wilson and David Regan
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 1(11) 1091-1096 (1984)

Smooth frequency discrimination functions for foveal, high-contrast, mid spatial frequencies

Melanie J. Mayer and Charlene B. Y. Kim
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 3(11) 1957-1969 (1986)

Spatial-frequency discrimination in cats

Randolph Blake, Karen Holopigian, and Hugh R. Wilson
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Masking of spatial-frequency discrimination

D. Regan
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D. Regan and K. I. Beverley
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