Understanding Vision Through Einstein, Marilyn, and Hybrid Images

What do you see? A ghost-like image of Albert Einstein? . . yes . . maybe but if you are viewing this on a handheld device move it back 4 feet or if you are at your lap or desk top move back about 10 feet, Now the visual images looks like . . . a phantom Marilyn Monroe.

 

Our good friend at http://www.danlikesthis.info/ re-discovered these great computerized Hybrid Visual Images and forwarded them to us. We thought we’d like to share this with you and make a couple of comments as this is a great example of how computers are used to gain an understanding of vision.

The idea behind hybrid images is not new. For decades artists have been creating works that look different depending on “how they are viewed”. “The old lady/young woman” we remember from psychology 101 is the best example.

 

On the other hand what is new is the technique of developing “hybrid image” with advanced computer programs to better understand how our brains process visual scenes. A article in the March 31st 2007 New Scientist gives a brief overview of the how the visual portion of our brain is able to arrive at different interpretations of these hybrid images. By super-imposing the coarse features of one picture with the fine features of the other we get the hybrid image, a face that looks like Einstein up close but Marilyn in the distance.

 

Couple of take-home points here: There is more to vision than meets the eye; our eyes send the same visual signal but our brains interpretation is different depending on distance for hybrid images and part of the picture you pay attention to in the “old lady/young woman” and second just as we are using advanced computer programs to uncover “how we see” the optical industry is using advanced computer programs to develop amazing advances in designs, coatings and materials for ophthalmic lenses. So we now can offer lenses that are thinner, lighter and clearer, lenses that you can really see better with.

 

As always if you have questions about your vision or how to see your best, look to Integrated Eyecare.