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Scintillating Starbursts: Concentric Star Polygons Induce Illusory Ray Patterns
Michael W Karlovich1, Pascal Wallisch2
1Recursia Studios, New York City, New York, United States.
I-Perception
|November 15, 2021
Summary
We introduce Scintillating Starbursts, a visual illusion of star polygons creating scintillating rays. Experiments reveal contrast and vertex count influence this perception, linked to visual processing differences.
Area of Science:
- Visual Perception
- Psychophysics
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Illusory contours and grid illusions are well-studied phenomena.
- Understanding visual processing in central and peripheral vision is key.
- Previous research has explored moiré patterns and related visual stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and characterize a novel visual stimulus: Scintillating Starbursts.
- Investigate factors modulating the perception of scintillating rays.
- Explain the underlying visual mechanisms and phenomenological aspects of the illusion.
Main Methods:
- Experimental psychophysics to test observer responses.
- Systematic variation of stimulus parameters (contrast, number of vertices).
- Comparison with established visual illusions (e.g., illusory contours, grid illusions).
Main Results:
- Scintillating Starbursts reliably induce illusory scintillating rays.
- Perception is modulated by stimulus contrast and the number of vertices.
- The illusion's characteristics are explained by interactions between central and peripheral visual processing.
Conclusions:
- Scintillating Starbursts represent a distinct class of visual illusion.
- The study elucidates the role of visual processing in generating this specific percept.
- Findings contribute to the understanding of visual illusions and their underlying mechanisms.
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