Influence of depth cues on multiple objects tracking in 3D scene

Multiple-object-tracking tasks require an observer to track a group of identical objects moving in 2D space. The current study was conducted in an attempt to examine object tracking in 3D space. We were interested in testing influence of classical depth cues (texture gradients, relative size and contrast) on tracking. In Experiment 1 we varied the presence of these depth cues while subjects were tracking four (out of eight) identical, moving objects. Texture gradient, a cue related to scene layout, did not influence object tracking. Experiment 2 was designed to clarify the differences between contrast and relative size effects. Results revealed that contrast was a more effective cue for multiple object tracking in 3D scenes. The effect of occlusion was also examined. Several occluders, presented in the scene, were occasionally masking the targets. Tracking was more successful when occluders were arranged in different depth planes, mimicking more natural conditions. Increasing the number of occlusions led to poorer performance.

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