Processes of Synthesis in Visual Perception

ANY spatial distribution of luminance can be considered as the sum of its sinusoidal Fourier components, which are defined when their amplitudes and phases are given. Recently Fourier theory has been applied in describing the transmission of spatial information in the visual system. Indeed neurones selectively sensitive to a narrow band of spatial frequencies have been found in the visual cortex of the cat and monkey1,2. With psychophysical methods, using an adaptation effect, spatial frequency channels have been observed also in the visual system of man3,4.