On the quantum mechanics of optic flow and its application to driving in uncertain environments

Abstract The quantum mechanics approach is applied to the analysis of optic flow as a computational judgement model in order to develop a better understanding of car driver behaviour. It is argued that errors occur in the perception of distance, velocity and time because of a wave–image duality in the transfer of visual information and that this equates to fundamental uncertainty on the part of a driver between the variance in speed determination and foveal assignment. This quantum model, containing possibilities and probabilities, is contrasted to the ecological optic approach, which follows a classical view of deterministic assignments of information to trajectories from differentials in textural elements and gradients. Quantum mechanics can explain the occurrence of a number of motion-related perceptual phenomena. This includes the occlusion of images; driver fatigue; high speed adaptation and visual after-effect of motion; and the `white box' effect, where for an indifferent driver, limited illumination from night driving can increase speed and the underestimation of speed. These cases appear to happen when focus is bound to the road and the psychophysical energy of motion is discretely assigned beyond the retina. An ecological optic type approach may still be appropriate for low speed unbound vision in an energy continuum, where the peripheral field contains all the information for self-displacement assessment. Such modelling of the causes in the variance of driver behaviour has major implications for increasing driver safety and reducing road trauma.