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Scanpaths of Complex Image Viewing: Insights From Experimental and Modeling Studies
Anatoly Samarin1, Tatiana Koltunova1, Vladislav Osinov1
1A.B. Kogan Research Institute for Neurocybernetics, at Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
Perception
|November 13, 2015
Summary
Scan path analysis reveals specific visual task and image properties. Return gaze fixations to areas of interest can be modeled to understand complex image viewing mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Computational Neuroscience
- Computer Vision
Background:
- The scan path, or sequence of eye movements, has been historically proposed as a key to understanding cognitive processes during image viewing.
- Modern research presents conflicting evidence regarding the utility of scan path analysis for objective estimation of cognitive dynamics.
- This study revisits and presents evidence supporting the Yarbus-Stark concept of scan path interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between scan path parameters and cognitive processes during complex image viewing.
- To present evidence supporting the Yarbus-Stark concept using psychophysical tests.
- To explore the formalization of scan path data into advanced mathematical models for cognitive mechanism study.
Main Methods:
- Psychophysical tests involving two image types (paintings and textures) and two viewing instructions (free viewing and search tasks).
- Analysis focused on local elements of the scan path, including viewing area size (S), distance from image center (R), and a derived parameter (Xi).
- Modeling of experimental results to identify specific scan path characteristics.
Main Results:
- Each analyzed scan path parameter (S, R, Xi) demonstrated specificity to both the visual task and the properties of the viewed image.
- Return gaze fixations, characterized by unique properties, were identified and primarily directed towards salient image regions.
- These findings suggest that scan path elements can quantitatively reflect cognitive engagement with visual stimuli.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence supporting the concept that scan paths reflect cognitive processes and image characteristics.
- Specific parameters of eye movements, including return fixations, can be formalized.
- These formalized data can serve as a basis for advanced mathematical models to further elucidate complex image viewing mechanisms.
