Filling-in with colour: different modes of surface completion

Vision Res. 2006 Mar;46(6-7):1129-38. doi: 10.1016/j.visres.2005.08.013. Epub 2005 Sep 28.

Abstract

We investigated the figural dynamics of filling-in processes in figures with more than one possible figure-ground organisation. Using a central disk and two concentric rings as well as similar stimuli consisting of three nested squares or parallel stripes, we tested for filling-in with different equiluminant colour combinations. We observed four modes of filling-in: First, in most of the cases, the inner ring assumed the colour of the central disk and outer ring (M1). Second, the central disk became filled-in with the colour of the inner ring, without any colour change on the outer ring (M2). Third, in a first step, the colour of the inner ring spread onto the central disk; then, in a second step, the colour of the outer ring spread over the whole stimulus (M3). This two step filling-in process has not been reported so far. Fourth, a mode (M4) was sometimes observed that was characterised by the central disk and outer ring assuming the colour of the inner ring. Thus, colour filling-in or colour spreading proceeded both in a centripetal (periphery to fovea) as well as a centrifugal direction. The colours red and yellow proved to be stronger inducers than blue and green. Conversely, the latter colours became filled-in more easily than the former. The filled-in colour was always that of the inducing stimulus, i.e., there was no colour mixture. This suggests a long-range, neural process underlying filling-in under these conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Color Perception / physiology*
  • Field Dependence-Independence
  • Form Perception / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Optical Illusions / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Psychophysics