Abstract

A model for vision is proposed. Its basic units are RC stages whose time constants—in three instances—are parametrically controlled. The requirements of compressing the dynamic range of the input and of fitting luminance pulse-detection data suffice to determine the arrangement and parameters of the components. This model accurately predicts the psychophysical results of flicker detection (DeLange characteristics at above 10 Hz), the Ferry–Porter and Weber laws in the ranges where they apply, the effects of light adaptation, and it accounts for individual differences. By considering the variable RC stage as an approximate analog of a synaptic excitatory process which is controlled by inhibition, significant correspondences are observed between the internal connectivity of the model and the neural connectivity of the retina.

© 1968 Optical Society of America

Critical Duration, the Differential Luminance Threshold, Critical Flicker Frequency, and Visual Adaptation: A Theoretical Treatment*

Leonard Matin
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(3) 404-415 (1968)

Visual Detection and Discrimination of Luminance Increments*

Jacob Nachmias and Elizabeth C. Kocher
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 60(3) 382-389 (1970)

Detection of light and flicker at low luminance levels in the human peripheral visual system. II. A mechanistic model

Peter Zuidema, Maarten A. Bouman, and Jan J. Koenderink
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 2(3) 408-415 (1985)

Diffusion Model of Linear Flicker Responses*

D. H. Kelly
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 59(12) 1665-1670 (1969)

Spatial and Luminance Factors Determining Visual Excitability*†

Thomas E. Frumkes and Joseph F. Sturr
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(12) 1657-1662 (1968)