Size matters: Perceived depth magnitude varies with stimulus height

Area of Science:

• Visual perception
• Neuroscience
• Computational vision

Background:

• Stereopsis, the perception of depth from binocular vision, has known limits related to target size.
• Previous research suggests perceived depth magnitude might also be influenced by stimulus vertical extent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the vertical extent of a stimulus affects perceived depth magnitude in stereopsis.
• To compare apparent depth between stimuli with different vertical extents but equivalent width and disparity.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of apparent depth using three estimation techniques: virtual ruler, haptic touch-sensor, and disparity probe.
• Measurement of perceived depth as a function of stimulus height (bars) and radius (discs).

Main Results:

• Depth estimates were significantly larger for bar stimuli compared to disc stimuli across all estimation methods.
• Perceived depth increased with increasing bar height and disc radius.

Conclusions:

• Stimulus vertical extent is a critical factor modulating perceived depth magnitude in stereopsis.
• Disparity integration along vertical edges may underlie these findings, potentially involving size-disparity correlation and neural mechanisms.