Forms can be recognized from dynamic occlusion alone

Direct and indirect theories of perception differ on whether form perception depends on higher order invariants or on features in the retinal image. The present paper describes a demonstration that an object can be recognized through a higher order pattern (dynamic occlusion) without any of the object's features being displayed. Stimuli consist of computer stimulations of black wireframe objects moving in front of, and occluding, a random layout of point lights on a black background. In this way, no single videoframe of the stimuli displays any of the object's features, and motion of the amodal object in front of the light points is necessary for the form to become visible. The forms can also be recognized when isoluminous colours are used for background and point lights. Finally, it is noted that, if the observer can actively control the motion of the object, e.g., by moving a computer mouse, recognition is enhanced as in Gibson's (1962) experiment on active touch.