Seeing depth in colour: more than just what meets the eyes

Novel binocular depth illusions obtained from two-dimensional colour images are presented. It is demonstrated that the magnitude of these illusions is based on transverse chromatic aberration (TCA), however, the depth obtained cannot be observed unless specific conditions are met even if the TCA is present. Some form of perceptual organization occurring at and/or beyond the binocular fusion site of the brain, is required for some of these effects to occur. An example of a paradoxical finding leading to this conclusion is the observation that under some conditions the same colour can be perceived on separate depth planes while spatially adjacent colours from opposing ends of the visible spectrum (i.e. red and blue or green) can be perceived on the same depth plane simultaneously within the same image. Further, results show that some form of reference plane is required by the brain to use the colour induced disparity, without which, depth cannot be perceived even if the disparity information is present. This phenomenon is spatially tuned for medium to high frequency components and is still detectable under isoluminant conditions which would support the notion that it requires information from the parvocellular pathway. Binocular lustre and rivaldepth are ruled out as being significant factors in the effect. It is argued that this phenomenon represents an instance of global interactive processes induced by TCA while previous studies on chromostereopsis have concentrated on local aspects. Results of the present study may explain why under certain situations depth can be perceived in coloured images and not under other circumstances where TCA is still present.