Undetectable Changes in Image Resolution of Luminance-Contrast Gradients Affect Depth Perception

Abstract

A great number of studies have suggested a variety of ways to get depth information from two dimensional images such as binocular disparity, shape-from-shading, size gradient/foreshortening, aerial perspective, and so on. Are there any other new factors affecting depth perception? A recent psychophysical study has investigated the correlation between image resolution and depth sensation of Cylinder images (A rectangle contains gradual luminance-contrast changes.). It was reported that higher resolution images facilitate depth perception. However, it is still not clear whether or not the finding generalizes to other kinds of visual stimuli, because there are more appropriate visual stimuli for exploration of depth perception of luminance-contrast changes, such as Gabor patch. Here, we further examined the relationship between image resolution and depth perception by conducting a series of psychophysical experiments with not only Cylinders but also Gabor patches having smoother luminance-contrast gradients. As a result, higher resolution images produced stronger depth sensation with both images. This finding suggests that image resolution affects depth perception of simple luminance-contrast differences (Gabor patch) as well as shape-from-shading (Cylinder). In addition, this phenomenon was found even when the resolution difference was undetectable. This indicates the existence of consciously available and unavailable information in our visual system. These findings further support the view that image resolution is a cue for depth perception that was previously ignored. It partially explains the unparalleled viewing experience of novel high resolution displays.

79‐2: Hyperrealism in Full Ultra High‐Definition 8K Display

“…They found that 60cpd or higher is required as the resolution for visual realness. It is also shown that high resolution beyond the visual acuity acts as depth perception [3][4]. This is considered as a higher level of perception studied by previous resolution displays up to 4K.…”

“…In the preceding study [1], 60 cpd twice as many as 30 cpd shows that realness increases and further cpd is recognized as depth. However, the size of the display used in the study is small and compared only to actual objects, and depth perception is limited by the cylinder of the grey scale [3][4]. We tested the viewing angle using a high-resolution display that is identical to normal TV and verified its effect by using real images, not just graphic images.…”

“…This contrast is leading to provide an effective pictorial depth cue [15]. It is also shown that viewing high resolution displays provides a cue for depth perception using achromatic Gabor patches and cylinders [3]. If the gradient of the lightness provides surface and depth information, the color gradients in saturation also was affecting the depth perception [16,17].…”

“…Is it necessary for watching an 8K high resolution TV at a 0.75H distance? There are previous studies on perceptual aspects shown with resolutions above 30cpd which are above the visual acuity level [1,3,4]. Masaoka et.…”

“…High resolution in displays leads to increase to visual realness [1]. While the 4K-UHD (Ultra High-Definition) TV has been launched and settled the psychological effects have been studied in various aspects [1][2][3][4]. Most of the studies on image quality have mentioned about improving quality through software.…”