Detection of the depth order of defocused images

Vision Res. 2005 Apr;45(8):1003-11. doi: 10.1016/j.visres.2004.10.015. Epub 2004 Nov 30.

Abstract

The sign of an accommodative response is provided by differences in chromatic aberration between under- and over-accommodated images. We asked whether these differences enable people to judge the depth order of two stimuli in the absence of other depth cues. Two vertical edges separated by an illuminated gap were presented at random relative distances. Exposure was brief, or prolonged with fixed or changing accommodation. The gap was illuminated with tungsten light or monochromatic light. Subjects could detect image blur with brief exposure for both types of light. But they could detect depth order only in tungsten light with long exposure, with or without changes in accommodation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accommodation, Ocular / physiology*
  • Adult
  • Color Perception / physiology
  • Cues
  • Depth Perception / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Photic Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology
  • Visual Acuity / physiology