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Direction of self-motion is perceived from optical flow

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Abstract

Can moving observers distinguish the direction in which they are moving from the direction in which they are looking? Radial patterns of optical flow could be used to perceive the translational direction of self-motion and to guide locomotion. However, these patterns are confounded by eye movements, which has led previous investigators to reject the outflow pattern and to propose alternative strategies. Using computer-generated displays of optical flow, we show here that humans can perceive their direction of self-motion during stationary fixations, pursuit eye movements, and with displays that simulate the effects of eye movements. We conclude that optical flow is sufficient for perceiving the direction of self-motion and provide evidence for a theory based on differential element motion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychology and Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, USA

    William H. Warren Jr & Daniel J. Hannon

Authors
  1. William H. Warren Jr
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  2. Daniel J. Hannon
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Warren, W., Hannon, D. Direction of self-motion is perceived from optical flow. Nature 336, 162–163 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/336162a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/336162a0

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