The use of time and trajectory forms as visual information about spatial scale in events

Abstract

Spatial metrics are lost but temporal metrics are preserved in the mapping from events to optic flow. In inanimate events governed by gravity, temporal scale is linked to spatial scale in ways specific to particular events. We tested whether time can be used as information about spatial scale in visually recognizable events. On average, observers were able to judge object size in event displays that eliminated information other than time and trajectory forms. However, judgment variability was substantial. After feedback on one event, observers judging distance performed better and generalized training to other events. Observers are sensitive to the general form of the scaling relation, but they require feedback to attune event-specific constants.