Contextual modulation as de-texturizer

Citation

Gheorghiu E, Kingdom FAA & Petkov N (2014) Contextual modulation as de-texturizer. Vision Research, 104, pp. 12-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2014.08.013

Abstract
Contextual modulation refers to the effect of texture placed outside of a neuron's classical receptive field as well as the effect of surround texture on the perceptual properties of variegated regions within. In this minireview, we argue that one role of contextual modulation is to enhance the perception of contours at the expense of textures, in short to de-texturize the image. The evidence for this role comes mainly from three sources: psychophysical studies of shape after-effects, computational models of neurons that exhibit iso-orientation surround inhibition, and fMRI studies revealing specialized areas for contour as opposed to texture processing. The relationship between psychophysical studies that support the notion of contextual modulation as de-texturizer and those that investigate contour integration and crowding is discussed.

Keywords
Contour; Shape; Texture; Surround suppression; After-effect; Contextual modulation

Journal
Vision Research: Volume 104

People

Dr Elena Gheorghiu

Senior Lecturer, Psychology