Motion Detection in the Far Peripheral Vision Field

摘要

Our objectives were to apply Bayesian threshold estimation procedures and new technology to the determination of motion detection (angular velocity) and to determine whether threshold measures, combined with large screen technology and specialized software, could be used to evaluate human motion sensitivity in the far peripheral visual field beyond 50 degrees radius. With the use of the Parameter Estimation by Sequential Testing threshold estimation procedure, black dot targets were presented at 53.4, 72.6, and 90 degrees eccentricity in the temporal visual field of two subjects who had normal visual function. Motion detection thresholds demonstrated a systematic increase with increasing visual field eccentricity and could be obtained within 10 stimulus trials. The average angular velocity motion thresholds were approximately 0.5 degree per second for the 54.3-degree eccentricity, 1.2 to 1.5 degrees per second for the 72.6-degree eccentricity, and 2.1 degrees per second for the 90-degree eccentricity. Our findings indicate that it is possible to obtain motion detection (displacement) thresholds in the far peripheral visual field using Bayesian threshold estimation procedures. In view of the importance of motion detection in the periphery for stimulus localization, attentional demands, orientation and mobility tasks, this procedure may have significant applications for many military visual tasks.