The effect of transparency on recognition of overlapping objects.

Abstract

Are overlapping objects easier to recognize when the objects are transparent or opaque? It is important to know whether the transparency of X-ray images of luggage contributes to the difficulty in searching those images for targets. Transparency provides extra information about objects that would normally be occluded but creates potentially ambiguous depth relations at the region of overlap. Two experiments investigated the threshold durations at which adult participants could accurately name pairs of overlapping objects that were opaque or transparent. In Experiment 1, the transparent displays included monocular cues to relative depth. Recognition of the back object was possible at shorter durations for transparent displays than for opaque displays. In Experiment 2, the transparent displays had no monocular depth cues. There was no difference in the duration at which the back object was recognized across transparent and opaque displays. The results of the two experiments suggest that transparent displays, even though less familiar than opaque displays, do not make object recognition more difficult, and possibly show a benefit. These findings call into question the importance of edge junctions in object recognition.

Adding depth to overlapping displays can improve visual search performance.

“…When the objects are transparent, although the diagnostic features are still visible, they are not necessarily easy to detect and interpret due to interference from overlapping objects. Transparency results in color combinations at regions of overlap that do not necessarily match the expectations of what the target should look like (Hillstrom, Wakefield, & Scholey, 2013). Previous studies of visual search and overlap have found that increasing overlap between objects in visual search tasks increases reaction times (RTs) and decreases response accuracy (Bravo & Farid, 2004a, 2004b, 2006; Hillstrom et al, 2013).…”

“…Transparency results in color combinations at regions of overlap that do not necessarily match the expectations of what the target should look like (Hillstrom, Wakefield, & Scholey, 2013). Previous studies of visual search and overlap have found that increasing overlap between objects in visual search tasks increases reaction times (RTs) and decreases response accuracy (Bravo & Farid, 2004a, 2004b, 2006; Hillstrom et al, 2013). Here, we manipulated overlap at the level of the item and included high levels of overlap (up to 90% of an object could overlap with another).…”

There or not there? A multidisciplinary review and research agenda on the impact of transparent barriers on human perception, action, and social behavior

“…The configuration of contour junctions, for instance, frequently signals the relation between two surfaces. Whereas T-junctions typically imply occlusion ( Figure 3A ; Rubin, 2001 ; Hillstrom et al, 2013 ), contours aligned in the way of an X-junction (see Figure 3B ) indicate transparency ( Metelli, 1974b ; Watanabe and Cavanagh, 1993 ; Rubin, 2001 ; Hillstrom et al, 2013 ). In a similar way, edge assignment can affect transparency perception ( Nakayama et al, 1989 ; Qiu and von der Heydt, 2007 ).…”

“…(B) Transparent square and circle, with X-junctions marked by dashed circles. Source: From Hillstrom et al (2013) . Copyright 2013 American Psychological Association; reprinted by permission.…”

Developing Bilateral and Spatial Concepts in Primary School-aged Children: An Empirical Evaluation of the Anker Bilateral Spatial System

“…In addition, these assessments claim clinical utility and sensitivity to change in relation to chronological age or developmental level of the norming group. Intervention ABSS is a client-driven intervention that assists with the remediation of perceptual and bilateral integration difficulties through enhancing children's understanding of the space beyond the initial visual plane as well as the symmetry of objects that are found within nature (e.g., on the human body)(Hillstrom, Wakefield, & Scholey, 2013;Schiano, McBeath, & Chambers, 2008). Inthis regard, the ABSS is comprised of a bilateral board, an arc representing the intervention space, 24 geometric shapes, 25 marbles of varying size, a pointer, a cylinder, stoppers, a number of toys to demonstrate symmetry, and a manual with examples of how the shapes are manipulated to build designs in a two or three dimensional plane.…”