To better understand the role of disparity in contour integration we c
ompared detection performance of ''paths'' composed of elements confin
ed either to a single depth plane, or spanning multiple depth planes.
In both cases paths defined by alignment of elements were embedded in
a noise background-field made up of similar, but randomly positioned,
elements covering the same depth range as the path elements. We show t
hat a systematic disparity cue can enhance the detectability of paths
which traverse depth, but that this detectability is weak compared to
paths made up of elements of the same disparity. These results suggest
that the outputs of disparity detectors tuned to different disparitie
s can be linked to define contours. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.