Several motion detection schemes are considered and their responses to nois
y signals investigated. The schemes include the Reichardt correlation detec
tor, shunting inhibition and the Horridge template model. These schemes are
directionally selective and independent of the direction of change in cont
rast. They function by using spatial information and comparing it at succes
sive time intervals. A rudimentary noise analysis is performed on the Reich
ardt and inhibition detectors to compare their natural robustness against n
oise. Using these detectors, stochastic resonance (SR) is applied, which is
characterised by an improvement in response when noise is added to the inp
ut signal. It is found that the performance of the detectors degrades with
the addition of noise. Employing Stocks' suprathreshold SR, an improvement
can be gained when considering a network of detectors. Furthermore, when us
ing an incorrect threshold setting for the template model, SR can be displa
yed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.