Visual Ambiguity scope
Discuss how the visual system resolves ambiguities by making different types of assumptions.
The human visual system often encounters ambiguities in the information it receives. These ambiguities can arise due to various reasons such as incomplete information, occlusion, and visual illusions. To make sense of such ambiguous information, the visual system employs different types of assumptions or heuristics. Here are some of the ways in which the visual system resolves ambiguities:
Assumptions about light and shadow: The visual system assumes that light comes from above, and objects that are lighter on top and darker on the bottom are perceived as convex, while objects that are lighter on the bottom and darker on top are perceived as concave. This assumption allows the visual system to perceive the three-dimensional shape of objects even when they are presented in two dimensions.
Assumptions about size and distance: The visual system assumes that objects that are smaller are farther away and that objects that are farther away appear to be smaller. This assumption allows the visual system to estimate the distance of an object based on its perceived size.
Assumptions about symmetry and regularity: The visual system assumes that objects are symmetrical and regular, even when they are not. This assumption allows the visual system to fill in missing information and to perceive objects as whole, even when they are partially obscured or incomplete.
Assumptions about familiar objects: The visual system assumes that objects that are familiar are more likely to be encountered than unfamiliar objects. This assumption allows the visual system to prioritize processing of familiar objects, which are likely to be more important or relevant.
Assumptions about context: The visual system assumes that the context in which an object is presented can provide additional information about the object. This assumption allows the visual system to use contextual information to resolve ambiguities and to perceive objects in their appropriate context.
In summary, the visual system uses various assumptions and heuristics to resolve ambiguities in the information it receives. These assumptions allow the visual system to make educated guesses about the properties of objects and their environment, and to perceive them as coherent and meaningful entities.