Discrete and continuous linear models are defined to describe contrast phenomena such as Mach bands. Two-sided z transforms are used to describe the discrete systems and Fourier transforms are used to describe continuous systems. A psychological model is defined based on the work of v. Békésy on skin and vision which suggests a "neural unit" consisting of an area of sensation surrounded by an area of inhibition. A physiological model is also defined based on the experiments of Hartline et al., describing lateral neural interaction in the eye of Limulus. It is shown that the physiological model is related to the psychological model and that the form of the physiological inhibitory coefficients k_p uniquely specify the form of the psychological neural unit h_p, and vice versa. Also, by assuming a "blurring" of the stimulus spatial distribution as the excitation distribution of the receptors, a neural unit is obtained from the physiological model which is similar to the psychological neural unit suggested by the experiments of v. Békésy. Illustrative examples are given.

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription