A vector model for perceived object rotation and translation in space

SummaryA vector model in terms of four unequivocally defined proximal velocity motion vectors for the perception of all kinds of rigid motions in space, i.e. translation along and rotation around the three dimensions, was elaborated and tested empirically with simple motion patterns. The experiments were designed to test specially whether rotary motion around the sagittal axis could be included in the model. The oscilloscope generated patterns, displayed onto a translucent screen, consisted of three or four dots moving back and forth in their paths. The Ss described verbally the perceived motion. The results show that the visual system is able to analyze the different velocity vectors, including rotary motions around the sagittal axis, according to the model. Limitations of the model and lines of development were discussed.