This chapter concerns the visual perception of two-dimensional spatial patterns. Examples of such patterns are gratings, bars, lines, disks and squares of light, and the letters used in acuity testing. The goal of the chapter is to summarize information from laboratory studies that is potentially useful to those who design equipment and environments to be used by human viewers. This information includes laboratory findings, generalizations and models that can be used to apply the findings and hypotheses about the mechanisms which mediate the perception of spatial patterns. For the most part, the presentation is organized according to the types of visual tasks the observer performs and the variables affecting performance. However, theoretical issues, particulary questions about the properties of the underlying visual mechanisms, are considered throughout.
Samenvatting