TEMPORAL DETECTION IN HUMAN VISION - DEPENDENCE ON STIMULUS ENERGY

We have previously proposed and evaluated an economical model. of huma n performance in tasks requiring spatiotemporal signal detection in sp atiotemporal noise [Vision Research (to be published)]. The model was successful in describing human psychophysical performance and provides a means for comparing temporal filters (mechanisms) employed under di fferent stimulus conditions. We present investigations into how estima tes of temporal mechanisms depend on the contrast energy of the stimul us. Temporal-sensitivity changes result in covariation of the cutoff a nd peak frequencies of low-pass and bandpass mechanisms, respectively, with stimulus energy. The results indicate that sensitivity to high t emporal frequencies increases as stimulus energy increases, commensura te with extant physiological evidence in cat and primate. (C) 1997 Opt ical Society of America.