Anorthoscope

Anorthoscope

An anorthoscope is a type of optical device used for viewing anamorphic images, which are distorted images that appear normal when viewed through a special lens.

An anorthoscope turns a distorted picture picture on a disc into a normal image through fast rotation behind a counter-rotating disk with slits.

The anorthoscope corrects the distortion of anamorphic images and allows the observer to see them in their proper, undistorted form.


Anorthoscope
Anorthoscope


Table of Contents

How does an Anorthoscope work?

An anorthoscope works by using a special lens to correct the distortion of anamorphic images. The lens, typically cylindrical in shape, compensates for the stretching or compression of the image that occurs when it is recorded in anamorphic format.

When viewed through the lens, the distorted image is transformed into its proper, undistorted form. This allows the observer to see the image as it was intended to be seen, without the distortion that was present in the original recording.

The anorthoscope is considered to be a predecessor of the phenakistiscope.

The phenakistiscope was one of the earliest animation devices and was invented in the mid-19th century. It used an optical illusion to create the appearance of motion from a series of static images.

The phenakistiscope used the same basic principle as the anorthoscope, in that it used a cylindrical lens to correct the distortion of anamorphic images, but it was specifically designed for the purpose of animation.

The phenakistiscope paved the way for later animation devices, such as the zoetrope and the praxinoscope, which would eventually lead to the development of motion pictures.

Versions of a Anorthoscope

The following are a few an alternates versions of the Phenakistiscope. The anorthoscope is considered to be a predecessor of the phenakistiscope.


phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope




Illusions like the Anorthoscope

The Anorthoscope is a mechanical optical illusion. It creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession, exploiting the persistence of vision phenomenon.

The Anorthoscope is considered one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

By creating the illusion of motion through the rapid display of still images, the Anorthoscope demonstrates how the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of motion.

The Anorthoscope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view.

Persistence of vision is a phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view. This is due to the fact that the neurons in the visual system take a brief amount of time to process an image before they reset. As a result, if an image is presented rapidly enough, the brain will perceive a continuous image even though the individual images are no longer present.

For example, when watching a movie or animation, the individual frames are presented in rapid succession, creating the illusion of continuous motion. This is because the brain perceives the brief interval between each frame as a single, continuous image.

The persistence of vision phenomenon is important in many areas of visual perception, including motion perception, the perception of images in sequence, and the experience of visual illusions such as the Zoetrope.

Understanding the persistence of vision is essential for explaining the way that our visual system processes information and shapes our perception of the world around us.

Some related illusions include the following:

The phenakistiscope is a mechanical optical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession.

It consists of a disk with slits around the circumference and a series of still images placed on the disk. When the disk is rotated in front of a mirror, the still images are reflected through the slits and appear to animate and move.

The phenakistiscope was invented in the early 19th century and was one of the earliest forms of animation. It was a precursor to motion picture technology and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

The phenakistiscope is considered a historical artifact and is often featured in museums and exhibitions showcasing the history of animation and visual effects.


phenakistiscope
Phenakistiscope

A Thaumatrope is a simple optical toy that was popular in the 19th century.

It consists of a disk with a picture or design on each side that is attached to two strings. When the strings are spun rapidly, the two pictures appear to merge into a single, continuous image.


Thaumatrope GIF


The Stepping Feet Illusion is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.



The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.



In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.



Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.



Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading


The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Anorthoscope

The Anorthoscope was invented in 1829 by Joseph Plateau.

Plateau was a physicist who became interested in the study of optics and the way the human brain processes visual information. He discovered the persistence of vision phenomenon and began experimenting with mechanical devices that could exploit this phenomenon to create the illusion of motion.

Plateau’s invention of the phenakistiscope was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

Joseph Plateau was a Belgian physicist and professor who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his contributions to the study of optics and for inventing the phenakistiscope, a mechanical optical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession. Plateau’s invention of the phenakistiscope was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

Plateau’s scientific work focused on the study of the human visual system and the way the brain processes visual information. He was one of the first scientists to discover the persistence of vision phenomenon and he used this discovery to develop the phenakistiscope. Plateau’s work has been recognized as an important contribution to the field of optics and the study of vision, and his invention of the phenakistiscope is considered a significant milestone in the history of animation and motion picture technology. Despite his many contributions to the field, Plateau is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, such as Eadweard Muybridge, who made important contributions to the study of motion.

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Anamorphosis

Anamorphosis

Anamorphosis is a technique in art and optics that involves creating an image that appears distorted or irregular when viewed from one perspective, but appears normal or regular when viewed from another perspective or with the use of a specialized tool, such as a mirror or a cylindrical lens.

Anamorphosis
Anamorphosis

Table of Contents

How does Anamorphosis work?

In anamorphic art, the image is typically drawn or painted in such a way that it is only recognizable when viewed from a specific angle or with the use of a specialized tool. The technique was widely used in the Renaissance period, particularly in the field of cartography, to represent three-dimensional objects on two-dimensional surfaces.

Anamorphosis can also be used to create optical illusions, where the distorted image appears to change or move when viewed from different angles. The technique is used in various fields, including art, architecture, and engineering, and provides a way to create images that are impossible to represent using conventional perspective techniques.

Overall, anamorphosis is a fascinating and versatile technique that demonstrates the interplay between art and science, and highlights the importance of perception and the role that context and perspective play in shaping our interpretation of the world.

Anamorphosis works by creating an image that is distorted or irregular when viewed from one perspective, but appears normal or regular when viewed from another perspective or with the use of a specialized tool, such as a mirror or a cylindrical lens.

The basic idea behind anamorphosis is to manipulate the scale of the image elements along one or more dimensions in such a way that the image appears distorted or irregular when viewed from a particular perspective. To create an anamorphic image, the artist must carefully adjust the position and size of the image elements to account for the distortion that will be introduced by the viewing angle or tool.

For example, an anamorphic image may be created by projecting an image onto a flat surface at an angle, such that the image appears distorted when viewed directly from the front. When viewed from a specific angle or with the use of a specialized tool, such as a cylindrical mirror, the image appears normal or regular.

Famous Anamorphosis Artists

Anamorphosis is a fascinating and versatile technique that demonstrates the interplay between art and science, and highlights the importance of perception and the role that context and perspective play in shaping our interpretation of the world.

Anamorphosis has been used by various artists throughout history, including some of the most famous and influential artists of their time. Here are a few notable artists who have used anamorphosis in their work:

  1. Leonardo da Vinci: Da Vinci was one of the earliest artists to experiment with anamorphosis and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the technique. He used anamorphosis in his sketches and drawings to represent three-dimensional objects on two-dimensional surfaces.
  2. Hans Holbein the Younger: Holbein was a German artist who lived in the 16th century and was known for his portraits, paintings, and drawings. He used anamorphosis in his portraits to create striking and unusual effects, and many of his anamorphic paintings are still regarded as some of the finest examples of the technique.
  3. René Magritte: Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist who was known for his paintings, illustrations, and collages. He used anamorphosis in his paintings to create illusions and to challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
  4. M. C. Escher: Escher was a Dutch graphic artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. He used anamorphosis in his prints, lithographs, and drawings to create impossible objects and to challenge the viewer’s perception of space and time.

These are just a few of the many artists who have used anamorphosis in their work, and there are many other artists who have also explored this fascinating technique. Overall, anamorphosis is a powerful tool for artists to create striking and unusual effects, to challenge the viewer’s perception, and to demonstrate the interplay between art and science.

Versions of Anamorphosis

The following are some examples of Anamorphosis


Anamorphosis



Anamorphosis




Anamorphosis



Illusions like Anamorphosis

Some similar illusions are as follows:

Trompe-l’œil is a French term that means “trick the eye.”

It refers to a style of art that uses realistic depictions of three-dimensional objects to create the illusion of depth and a life-like appearance.

Trompe-l’œil paintings and murals are often used to create the illusion of an extended space or to make a room appear larger than it actually is.

Trompe-l'œil Capri
Trompe-L’œil


Forced perspective is a technique used in photography, architecture, and other visual arts to manipulate the perception of the size and distance of objects.

It creates the illusion of a larger or smaller object, or of one that is closer or farther away, by carefully controlling the angles, proportions, and placement of objects in the scene.

Forced Perspective
Forced Perspective


The Ponzo illusion is a type of visual illusion in which a pair of parallel lines, or a horizontal bar, appear to be of different lengths based on the presence of a converging or diverging set of lines, often resembling the converging parallel lines of a road or railway track, placed above and below them.


Ponzo illusion
The Ponzo Illusion


The Ebbinghaus illusion: This illusion is similar to the Delboeuf illusion but in this case the central circle appears larger when surrounded by smaller circles and smaller when surrounded by larger circles.


Ebbinghaus Illusion

The Delboeuf illusion is a perceptual illusion in which the perceived size of a circle is affected by the size of the surrounding circles.



The Occlusion illusion is a visual illusion where an object that is partially obscured by another object appears to be farther away than it actually is. This illusion is caused by the brain’s interpretation of the relative depth of the objects based on their relative size and position. This phenomenon is based on the visual cues that the brain uses to perceive depth, such as relative size, position, and overlap.

The occlusion illusion

The Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic example of size-contrast illusion, in which two lines of equal length appear to be different due to the presence of arrowheads or fins at the end of the lines.

müller-lyer illusion

The moon illusions involves the perception of the Moon appearing larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky.

The Kanizsa triangle is a visual illusion that was first described by the Italian psychologist Gaetano Kanizsa in 1955. The illusion consists of a white equilateral triangle that appears to be surrounded by three Pac-Man-like shapes, which are black and have white crescents facing inwards.


All these illusions demonstrate that the perceived size of an object can be influenced by the context in which it is presented, and that the brain uses the size of the surrounding objects as a reference point to judge the size of the central object.


Discovery of Anamorphosis

The concept of anamorphosis has a long history and has been used by artists and scientists for many centuries. It is not clear who specifically discovered the technique, as it likely evolved over time and was developed independently by different artists and scientists in various cultures.

However, the Renaissance period marked a major period of experimentation and development in the use of anamorphosis in art and optics, and many of the most famous artists of the time, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Hans Holbein the Younger, made important contributions to the development of the technique.

Overall, it is difficult to credit the discovery of anamorphosis to a single individual, as it is likely a result of the collective work and experimentation of many artists and scientists over a long period of time.

References and Resources

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Phenakistiscope

phenakistiscope

The phenakistiscope is a mechanical optical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession.

It consists of a disk with slits around the circumference and a series of still images placed on the disk. When the disk is rotated in front of a mirror, the still images are reflected through the slits and appear to animate and move.

The phenakistiscope was invented in the early 19th century and was one of the earliest forms of animation. It was a precursor to motion picture technology and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

The phenakistiscope is considered a historical artifact and is often featured in museums and exhibitions showcasing the history of animation and visual effects.


phenakistiscope
Phenakistiscope


Table of Contents

How does a Phenakistiscope work?

The phenakistiscope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to see an image for a brief moment even after it has disappeared. When the phenakistiscope disk is rotated in front of a mirror, the still images on the disk are reflected through the slits and appear to animate and move.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the phenakistiscope works:

  1. A series of still images is placed on the disk of the phenakistiscope.
  2. The disk is rotated in front of a mirror, so the still images are reflected through the slits in quick succession.
  3. As the viewer looks at the reflection of the still images in the mirror, the brain combines the individual still images into a single, seamless moving image, creating the illusion of motion.

The speed at which the disk is rotated and the frequency at which the still images are reflected through the slits are crucial to the success of the illusion. If the rotation is too slow or the still images are not reflected frequently enough, the illusion of motion will not be created.

Versions of a Phenakistiscope

The following are a few an alternates versions of the Phenakistiscope.


phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope



phenakistiscope




Illusions like the Phenakistiscope

The phenakistiscope is a mechanical optical illusion. It creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession, exploiting the persistence of vision phenomenon.

The phenakistiscope is considered one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

By creating the illusion of motion through the rapid display of still images, the phenakistiscope demonstrates how the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of motion.

The phenakistiscope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view.

Persistence of vision is a phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view. This is due to the fact that the neurons in the visual system take a brief amount of time to process an image before they reset. As a result, if an image is presented rapidly enough, the brain will perceive a continuous image even though the individual images are no longer present.

For example, when watching a movie or animation, the individual frames are presented in rapid succession, creating the illusion of continuous motion. This is because the brain perceives the brief interval between each frame as a single, continuous image.

The persistence of vision phenomenon is important in many areas of visual perception, including motion perception, the perception of images in sequence, and the experience of visual illusions such as the Zoetrope.

Understanding the persistence of vision is essential for explaining the way that our visual system processes information and shapes our perception of the world around us.

Some related illusions include the following:

A Thaumatrope is a simple optical toy that was popular in the 19th century.

It consists of a disk with a picture or design on each side that is attached to two strings. When the strings are spun rapidly, the two pictures appear to merge into a single, continuous image.


Thaumatrope GIF


The Stepping Feet Illusion is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.



The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.



In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.



Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.



Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading


The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Phenakistiscope

The phenakistiscope was independently invented by two Belgian inventors, Joseph Plateau and Simon von Stampfer, in the early 19th century.

Plateau was a physicist who became interested in the study of optics and the way the human brain processes visual information. He discovered the persistence of vision phenomenon and began experimenting with mechanical devices that could exploit this phenomenon to create the illusion of motion.

Plateau’s invention of the phenakistiscope was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

Joseph Plateau was a Belgian physicist and professor who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his contributions to the study of optics and for inventing the phenakistiscope, a mechanical optical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession. Plateau’s invention of the phenakistiscope was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.

Plateau’s scientific work focused on the study of the human visual system and the way the brain processes visual information. He was one of the first scientists to discover the persistence of vision phenomenon and he used this discovery to develop the phenakistiscope. Plateau’s work has been recognized as an important contribution to the field of optics and the study of vision, and his invention of the phenakistiscope is considered a significant milestone in the history of animation and motion picture technology. Despite his many contributions to the field, Plateau is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, such as Eadweard Muybridge, who made important contributions to the study of motion.

Von Stampfer, a mathematician and inventor, also independently came up with the idea of the phenakistiscope and is credited with popularizing the device in Germany.

Simon von Stampfer was a Belgian mathematician and inventor who lived in the early 19th century.

He is best known for independently inventing the phenakistiscope, a mechanical optical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession.

Stampfer’s invention of the phenakistiscope was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today. He is also credited with popularizing the device in Germany, where it became a popular form of entertainment.

Despite his contributions to the field of animation and the development of motion picture technology, Stampfer is not as well-known as other inventors and scientists of his time, such as William George Horner, who invented the zoetrope, or Eadweard Muybridge, who made important contributions to the study of motion.

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Zoetrope

Zoetrope

A zoetrope is a mechanical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession.

It consists of a cylinder with slits around the circumference and a series of still images placed inside. When the cylinder is rotated, the still images are viewed through the slits and appear to animate and move.

The zoetrope was one of the earliest forms of animation and was invented in the late 19th century. It was a precursor to motion picture technology and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today. The zoetrope is considered a historical artifact and is often featured in museums and exhibitions showcasing the history of animation and visual effects.


Zoetrope
Zoetrope


Table of Contents

How does a Zoetrope work?

A zoetrope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to see an image for a brief moment even after it has disappeared. When a zoetrope is rotated, the still images inside are viewed through the slits in quick succession. As the viewer looks through the slits, the brain combines the individual still images into a single, seamless moving image, creating the illusion of motion.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a zoetrope works:

  1. A series of still images is placed inside the cylinder of the zoetrope.
  2. The cylinder is rotated at a high speed, so the still images are displayed through the slits in quick succession.
  3. As the viewer looks through the slits, the brain combines the individual still images into a single moving image, creating the illusion of motion.

The speed at which the cylinder is rotated and the frequency at which the still images are displayed through the slits are crucial to the success of the illusion. If the rotation is too slow or the still images are not displayed frequently enough, the illusion of motion will not be created.

Versions of a Zoetrope

The following are a few an alternates versions Zoetrope.


Zoetrope



Zoetrope



Illusions like the Zoetrope

A zoetrope is a type of mechanical optical illusion. It creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession, exploiting the persistence of vision phenomenon.

The zoetrope is considered an early form of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today. By creating the illusion of motion through the rapid display of still images, the zoetrope demonstrates how the brain processes visual information and creates the perception of motion.

The Zoetrope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view.

Persistence of vision is a phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view. This is due to the fact that the neurons in the visual system take a brief amount of time to process an image before they reset. As a result, if an image is presented rapidly enough, the brain will perceive a continuous image even though the individual images are no longer present.

For example, when watching a movie or animation, the individual frames are presented in rapid succession, creating the illusion of continuous motion. This is because the brain perceives the brief interval between each frame as a single, continuous image.

The persistence of vision phenomenon is important in many areas of visual perception, including motion perception, the perception of images in sequence, and the experience of visual illusions such as the Zoetrope.

Understanding the persistence of vision is essential for explaining the way that our visual system processes information and shapes our perception of the world around us.

Some related illusions include the following:

A Thaumatrope is a simple optical toy that was popular in the 19th century.

It consists of a disk with a picture or design on each side that is attached to two strings. When the strings are spun rapidly, the two pictures appear to merge into a single, continuous image.


Thaumatrope GIF


The Stepping Feet Illusion is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.



The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.



In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.



Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.



Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading


The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Zoetrope

The zoetrope was created by William George Horner, a British mathematician and inventor, in 1834.

Horner was inspired by the phenomenon of persistence of vision and sought to create a device that would demonstrate how the brain processes visual information to create the perception of motion.

He came up with the idea of the zoetrope, a cylinder with slits around the circumference that displays a sequence of still images in quick succession to create the illusion of motion.

Horner’s invention was one of the earliest forms of animation and helped to lay the foundation for the development of cinema as we know it today.


William George Horner was a British mathematician and inventor born in 1786.

He is best known for inventing the zoetrope, a mechanical illusion device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images in quick succession.

Horner was a prominent figure in the field of mathematics and was particularly interested in the study of optics and the way the human brain processes visual information.

His invention of the zoetrope demonstrated how the brain creates the perception of motion by combining individual still images into a single, seamless moving image.

Horner’s work was influential in the development of cinema and helped to lay the foundation for the motion picture industry.

He died in 1837

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Thaumatrope

Thaumatrope GIF

A Thaumatrope is a simple optical toy that was popular in the 19th century.

It consists of a disk with a picture or design on each side that is attached to two strings. When the strings are spun rapidly, the two pictures appear to merge into a single, continuous image.


Thaumatrope GIF
Thaumatrope


Table of Contents

How does a Thaumatrope work?

The Thaumatrope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view.

When the Thaumatrope is spun rapidly, the two pictures are presented to the eye in quick succession, creating the illusion that they have combined into a single image.

The Thaumatrope was one of the earliest optical toys and helped to demonstrate the principles of persistence of vision and the way that our visual system processes information over time.

Today, it is still used as a demonstration tool in educational settings to help explain the science of vision and visual perception.

Versions of a Thaumatrope

The following are a few an alternates versions Thaumatropes.


Thaumatrope GIF



Thaumatrope GIF


Thaumatrope GIF


Illusions like the Thaumatrope

The Thaumatrope works by exploiting the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view.

Persistence of vision is a phenomenon where the brain continues to perceive an image for a short period of time after it has been removed from view. This is due to the fact that the neurons in the visual system take a brief amount of time to process an image before they reset. As a result, if an image is presented rapidly enough, the brain will perceive a continuous image even though the individual images are no longer present.

For example, when watching a movie or animation, the individual frames are presented in rapid succession, creating the illusion of continuous motion. This is because the brain perceives the brief interval between each frame as a single, continuous image.

The persistence of vision phenomenon is important in many areas of visual perception, including motion perception, the perception of images in sequence, and the experience of visual illusions such as the Thaumatrope.

Understanding the persistence of vision is essential for explaining the way that our visual system processes information and shapes our perception of the world around us.

Some related illusions include the following:

The Stepping Feet Illusion is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.



The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.


In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.


Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.



Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading

The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Thaumatrope

The exact origin of the Thaumatrope is uncertain, but it is generally credited to the English physician and scientist John Ayrton Paris in the early 19th century. Paris was a contemporary of other early experimenters in the field of optics, such as Joseph Plateau and Simon von Stampfer, who were exploring the principles of persistence of vision and the perception of motion.

John Ayrton Paris was an English physician and scientist who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was best known for his work in the field of optics and his invention of the Thaumatrope, an early optical toy that demonstrated the principles of persistence of vision.

Paris was born in London in 1785 and received his medical training at the University of Edinburgh. He worked as a physician for several years before turning his attention to scientific research, particularly in the field of optics.

In addition to his work on the Thaumatrope, Paris made other important contributions to the field of optics, including the study of color perception and the analysis of the visual system. He was widely respected for his work and was a member of several scientific societies, including the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of London.

Today, Paris is remembered as an important early experimenter in the field of optics and one of the pioneers of visual perception research.

Paris’s Thaumatrope was a simple and inexpensive device that demonstrated the principles of persistence of vision and helped to popularize the study of visual perception. The Thaumatrope quickly became popular and was widely used as a demonstration tool in educational settings and for entertainment.

Today, the Thaumatrope is still remembered as one of the earliest optical toys and is considered an important milestone in the history of visual perception and the study of the science of vision.


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Ternus Illusion

Ternus Illusion

It involves the perception of rapid successive presentation of a sequence of three disks as a single, moving object.

The illusory effect is created by the close proximity and rapid succession of the disks, which leads to the perception of a single, continuous object in motion.

This illusion highlights the importance of the temporal aspects of vision in shaping our perceptions of the world around us.


Ternus Illusion
Ternus Illusion


Table of Contents

How does the Ternus Illusion work?

The Ternus illusion works by exploiting the way our visual system processes information over time.

When the three disks are presented rapidly in succession, the visual system integrates the information from each disk into a single, continuous object in motion.

This is because our visual system has a tendency to perceive smooth, continuous movement, even when the visual input is actually a series of discrete elements.

The effect is enhanced when the disks are close together and when the duration of their presentation is short, as this makes it more difficult for the visual system to process each disk as a separate, stationary object. T

he rapid presentation of the disks creates a temporal gap between their individual presentations, which is bridged by the visual system’s interpretation of a continuous object in motion.

In short, the Ternus illusion works by taking advantage of the visual system’s processing of temporal information, and the tendency to perceive smooth, continuous movement.

Versions of Ternus Illusion

The following is an alternate version of the Ternus Illusion with a slightly different speed. The second image shows both frames of the Ternus illusion simultaneously.


Ternus Illusion


Ternus Illusion


Illusions like the Ternus Illusion

The Ternus illusion is a motion illusion. It involves the perception of a single, continuous object in motion, even though the visual input is actually a sequence of three stationary disks presented rapidly in succession.

The illusion highlights the importance of the temporal aspects of vision in shaping our perceptions of the world around us and demonstrates how our visual system can create the perception of motion from rapidly presented, discrete elements.

Motion illusions are visual illusions that involve the perception of motion, when there is none or when the perceived motion is different from the actual motion.

Motion illusions can be created by a number of factors, such as changes in an object’s position over time, the interaction of moving stimuli with the visual field, or by conflicting depth cues.

These illusions demonstrate the brain’s ability to interpret motion and depth based on visual input, and the ways in which these processes can be influenced by the visual environment.

Some related illusions include the following:

The Stepping Feet Illusion is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.



The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.


In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.


Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.



Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading

The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Ternus Illusion

The Ternus illusion is a visual illusion that was first described by the psychologist Paul Ternus in 1926.

Paul Ternus was a psychologist and a pioneer in the field of visual perception. He was born in Austria in 1883 and was best known for his work on visual illusions, including the Ternus illusion, which was named after him.

Ternus conducted a number of studies on visual perception, including the perception of motion and the integration of information over time. His work helped to establish the importance of temporal aspects of vision and laid the foundation for the study of motion perception in modern psychology.

In addition to his research, Ternus was also a talented teacher and was highly regarded by his students and colleagues. He made significant contributions to the field of psychology and is remembered today as one of the pioneers of visual perception research.

References and Resources

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Stepping Feet Illusion

Stepping Feet Motion Illusion


The “Stepping Feet Illusion” is a visual illusion that involves an optical illusion of the apparent movement of a static image.

In this illusion, a static image of a row of footprints appears to move in a rhythmic, stepping pattern when viewed for an extended period of time.

The “Stepping Feet Illusion” is thought to occur because of the way the visual system processes motion information. When a static image is viewed for an extended period of time, the visual system begins to adapt and becomes more sensitive to small changes in the image. This sensitivity to change can cause the visual system to perceive motion where there is none, resulting in the apparent movement of the image.


Stepping Feet Motion Illusion
Stepping Feet Illusion
From Wikimedia Commons


Table of Contents

How does the Stepping Feet Illusion work?

The “Stepping Feet Illusion” works by exploiting the way the visual system processes motion information. The visual system is constantly receiving information about the world from the eyes, and it uses this information to form a coherent perception of the world. One of the key ways the visual system does this is by detecting motion, which helps us to track the movements of objects and people in the environment.

In the case of the “Stepping Feet Illusion,” a static image of a row of footprints is presented, and the visual system begins to process this information as if it were a moving image. Over time, the visual system becomes more sensitive to small changes in the image, and this sensitivity can cause the visual system to perceive motion where there is none. As a result, the image of the footprints appears to move in a rhythmic, stepping pattern.

The “Stepping Feet Illusion” is thought to occur because the visual system is using previous experiences and expectations to make predictions about what it will see next. When the image remains unchanged for an extended period of time, the visual system begins to make incorrect predictions, which can result in the apparent movement of the image.

Overall, the “Stepping Feet Illusion” works by exploiting the way the visual system processes motion information, and it highlights the importance of the visual system’s ability to use previous experiences and expectations to make predictions about what it will see next.

Versions of Stepping Feet Illusion

The following is an alternate version of the Stepping Feet Illusion:

Stepping Feet Motion Illusion


Illusions like the Stepping Feet Illusion

The “Stepping Feet Illusion” is similar to other optical illusions that involve the apparent movement of static images. These illusions demonstrate the complex and dynamic nature of visual perception and highlight the importance of the visual system’s ability to process and integrate information from multiple sources to form a coherent perception of the world.

Motion illusions are visual illusions that involve the perception of motion, when there is none or when the perceived motion is different from the actual motion.

Motion illusions can be created by a number of factors, such as changes in an object’s position over time, the interaction of moving stimuli with the visual field, or by conflicting depth cues.

These illusions demonstrate the brain’s ability to interpret motion and depth based on visual input, and the ways in which these processes can be influenced by the visual environment.

Some related illusions include the following:

The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.



The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.


In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.


Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons


The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position



Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.


Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading

The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.



Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.


Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Stepping Feet Illusion

The origin of the “Stepping Feet Illusion” is not clear, and it is likely that it was discovered by multiple people independently. This is a common phenomenon in the field of illusions, as many illusions have been discovered and studied by multiple researchers over time.

As a result, it is difficult to attribute the discovery of the “Stepping Feet Illusion” to a single individual. However, the illusion has been well-studied by researchers in the field of vision science and psychology, who have used it to better understand the complex and dynamic nature of visual perception.

The stepping feet illusion was clearly demonstrated by Stuart Anstis in 2003.

Stuart Anstis is a psychologist and vision scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of visual perception. He is particularly well-known for his research on the perception of color and for his studies of various optical illusions, including the “Muller-Lyer Illusion,” the “Fraser Spiral Illusion,” and the “Hering Illusion.”

Anstis has conducted extensive research on the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying visual perception, and his work has helped to advance our understanding of how the visual system processes and integrates information from multiple sources to form a coherent perception of the world.

Throughout his career, Anstis has been recognized for his contributions to the field of vision science, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work. He is currently a Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, where he has conducted research and taught for many years

References and Resources

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Silencing

Sliencing

Silencing is a visual phenomenon where objects that change in luminance, hue, size, or shape appear to stop changing when they move. They “freeze” in place.

This illusion can be created through various means, such as flashing lights, or rapidly moving a stimulus back and forth.


Sliencing
Silencing – Once the dots start to move they appear to “freeze” in place even though the colors and hues continue to change


Table of Contents

How does Silencing work?

The Silencing Illusion works by exploiting the way our visual system processes motion.

Our visual system is sensitive to the rate at which an object changes position, and it tends to perceive objects as “stopped” or “frozen” when the rate of change in their position slows down or it can only handle so many sensory inputs at once, quieting or silencing some while others dominate.

Versions of Silencing

The following is a video that demonstrates Silencing:




Illusions like Silencing

The following are some illusions that are related to Silencing

Troxler’s fading, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.

This occurs because the human visual system adapts to constant stimuli and eventually stops responding to them.



The Phi phenomenon is the illusion of movement created by the rapid succession of static images or light sources.

It is the perceptual phenomenon that explains how the human brain perceives motion when presented with a sequence of still images or light sources that are displayed in rapid succession.


Magni-phi-phenomonon.
From Wikimedia Commons


The Rotating Snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.




Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect



The Moiré pattern illusion: This illusion is created by superimposing two similar patterns on top of each other, such as a grid of lines or circles. The resulting pattern appears to be moving or changing.


Moiré_pattern
From Wikimedia Commons


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.


Simultaneous Contrast Illusion




The Hermann Grid Illusion, in which the intersections of a white grid on a black background appear to be gray, even though they are actually the same color as the background.


Hermann-Grid Illusion



The Zöllner Illusion, in which parallel lines appear to be tilted or bent when intersected by diagonal lines.


Zöllner illusion



The Fraser Spiral Illusion, in which a pattern of short, curved lines appears to form a spiral.

Fraser-spiral-illusion.




The Hering Illusion, in which two straight lines appear to be curved due to the presence of surrounding lines.


Hering Illusion


The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.

Cafe Wall Illusion




These illusions are usually caused by the way our eyes process visual information and the way the brain interprets it. They can also be caused by the interaction of different visual elements, such as lines and angles, in the image. They are often used in research on visual perception and the neural basis of perception.

Discovery of Silencing

t was discovered by Jordan Suchow and George Alvarez.

Jordan Suchow is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College. He is a researcher in the field of vision science and his research focuses on the perception of motion and the neural mechanisms underlying visual processing.

Dr. Suchow’s work has contributed to our understanding of how the brain processes visual information and how different aspects of visual processing, such as attention and prediction, influence the perception of motion. He has published several research papers in prestigious journals, and he has received numerous awards and grants for his work.

Overall, Dr. Jordan Suchow is a well-respected researcher in the field of vision science, and his work has helped to advance our understanding of how we perceive the world around us.

George A. Alvarez is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Harvard University. He is a researcher in the field of cognitive neuroscience and his research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and attention.

Dr. Alvarez’s work has made important contributions to our understanding of how the brain processes visual information, including the role of attention in shaping our perceptions of the world. He has published numerous research papers in prestigious journals and has received numerous awards and grants for his work.

Overall, Dr. George A. Alvarez is a well-respected researcher in the field of cognitive neuroscience, and his work has helped to advance our understanding of how the brain processes visual information and shapes our perceptions of the world.

References and Resources

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Kinetic Depth Effect

Kinetic depth effect GIF

The kinetic depth effect refers to the perception of three-dimensional (3D) depth and solidity in an object that is produced by its motion, relative to the observer.

The effect occurs because the brain uses motion parallax, or the change in an object’s position as it moves, to perceive depth and distance in the environment.

The kinetic depth effect is a powerful tool for creating the illusion of 3D objects on a 2D screen.


Kinetic depth effect GIF
Kinetic Depth Effect
From Wikimedia Commons

Table of Contents

How does the Kinetic Depth Effect work?

The kinetic depth effect works by using the brain’s interpretation of motion parallax, which is the change in an object’s position relative to the observer as it moves.

The brain uses this information, along with other depth cues such as perspective and accommodation, to perceive depth and distance in the environment.

When an object moves in a way that produces motion parallax, the brain perceives it as having depth and solidity, even if it is presented on a 2D surface.

This creates the illusion of three-dimensional motion and depth, and is the basis for the kinetic depth effect.

Versions of Kinetic Depth Effect

The following are some alternate versions of the Kinetic Depth Effect:

Kinetic depth effect GIF


Illusions like Kinetic Depth Effect

The kinetic depth effect is a type of motion illusion.

Motion illusions are visual illusions that involve the perception of motion, when there is none or when the perceived motion is different from the actual motion.

Motion illusions can be created by a number of factors, such as changes in an object’s position over time, the interaction of moving stimuli with the visual field, or by conflicting depth cues.

These illusions demonstrate the brain’s ability to interpret motion and depth based on visual input, and the ways in which these processes can be influenced by the visual environment.

Some related illusions include the following:

The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception.


The beta movement illusion is a visual illusion in which a series of static images, such as a filmstrip or flipbook, appears to be in motion when viewed in rapid succession.

In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean
From Wikimedia Commons

The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.


Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect
A Version of Rotating Snakes


With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position

Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus eventually disappears from perception, even though it is still present in the visual field.

Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading

The stroboscopic effect is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a rapidly flashing light is used to illuminate a moving object.

The object appears to be frozen in a single position, even though it is in motion. This is because the flashing light is only on for a brief period of time, and the object is only visible when the light is on.

Stroboscopic effect

The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.

Simultaneous Contrast Illusion

The Motion Aftereffect (also known as the Waterfall Illusion) is a visual illusion experienced after viewing a moving visual stimulus, and then fixating on a stationary stimulus. The stationary stimulus appears to move in the opposite direction to the original stimulus.

For example, fixate on the moving image below for several seconds, then shift you gaze to another surface like a plain wall. You should still be able to see the motion on the static surface.

Motion-Aftereffect



The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.


Cafe Wall Illusion



Discovery of the Kinetic Depth Effect

The discovery of the kinetic depth effect is not credited to a specific person or group.

It is a well-known phenomenon in the field of visual perception, and has been widely studied by psychologists, neuroscientists, and vision scientists.

The concept of the kinetic depth effect has been described and analyzed in many research papers, and is widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of visual perception.

A famous illusion that uses the kinetic depth effect known as the spinning dancer was created by the web designer Nobuyuki Kayahara in 2003 and it quickly went viral on the internet.

References and Resources

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Hollow Faced Illusion

Hollow Faced

The hollow face illusion is a type of optical illusion where a concave mask appears as if it is a convex object.

When a person views a hollow mask from the front, the features on the surface of the mask appear to be bulging out, even though they are actually recessed.

This illusion is created by the brain’s interpretation of the visual information it receives from the eyes. The brain uses previous experiences and knowledge to make assumptions about the shape and position of objects in a scene, and in the case of the hollow face illusion, these assumptions lead to a misinterpretation of the actual shape of the mask.

Hollow Faced
Hollow Faced Illusion
From Wikimedia Commons

Table of Contents


How does the Hollow Faced Illusion work?

The hollow face illusion works by tricking the brain’s interpretation of visual information from the eyes. When viewing a concave mask from the front, the brain uses past experiences and knowledge to assume that the features on the surface of the mask should appear to be recessed. However, due to the specific way in which the mask is designed, the features on the surface appear to be bulging out.

This illusion is created through the use of visual cues, such as shadows, shading, and contours, that the brain uses to determine the depth and position of objects in a scene. The brain uses these cues to construct a 3D representation of the scene, but in the case of the hollow face illusion, the cues are misleading, causing the brain to misinterpret the actual shape of the mask.

Studies have shown that the hollow face illusion is stronger in people who have experience handling and perceiving 3D objects, as they have developed a stronger representation of 3D shapes in their brain. Additionally, the strength of the illusion can also be affected by factors such as the lighting conditions and the viewer’s distance from the mask.

Versions of the Hollow Faced Illusion

The following is another version of the Hollow Faced Illusion. in the image, the face appears pushed out, but is actually pushed in.

Hollow Faced



Illusions like the Hollow Faced Illusion

The following are some illusions similar to the Hollow Faced Illusion.

The Rotating Snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.

Rotating Snakes Autokinetic effect


The Moiré pattern illusion: This illusion is created by superimposing two similar patterns on top of each other, such as a grid of lines or circles. The resulting pattern appears to be moving or changing.

Moiré_pattern
From Wikimedia Commons


The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.

Simultaneous Contrast Illusion


The Zöllner illusion is a visual illusion in which parallel lines appear to be angled due to the presence of intersecting lines.

The illusion is often used to study the brain’s perception of shape and spatial relationships. It is considered one of the most powerful and striking examples of a geometrical-optical illusion. The perception of the illusion can be explained by the brain’s tendency to group lines together based on their similarity in direction and spacing, which can lead to an overestimation of the angle between the parallel lines.

Zöllner illusion


The Müller-Lyer illusion: This illusion involves lines with arrowheads at the ends, which can make a line appear longer or shorter depending on the direction of the arrowheads.

müller-lyer illusion



The Poggendorff illusion is a visual illusion in which the brain perceives a diagonal line as being interrupted by an object, even though the line is actually continuous. The illusion is created by the misalignment of two parallel lines that are intersected by a third line at a certain angle.

Poggendorff illusion transparent gray bar



The Cafe Wall Illusion is a geometric optical illusion that is created by the alignment of parallel lines in a checkerboard pattern. The parallel lines appear to be tilted or slanted, even though they are actually straight.

Cafe Wall Illusion



The Wundt illusion is an optical illusion produces an inversed effect compared to the Hering Illusion. The vertical lines are both straight, but they may look as if they are curved inwards.

Wundt Illusion



Discovery of the Hollow Faced Illusion

The exact origin of the hollow face illusion is not known, but it is a phenomenon that has been studied and discussed by psychologists and neuroscientists for many years.

The illusion was first described in the scientific literature in the 1930s, and since then, it has been the subject of numerous studies and experiments aimed at understanding the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying depth perception and 3D shape representation.

While it is not possible to attribute the discovery of the hollow face illusion to a single person, the concept has been developed and explored by many researchers and scientists over the years.

The hollow face illusion was first described by the psychologist James J. Gibson in the 1930s. He was one of the first scientists to study the phenomenon and provide a detailed description of the illusion and its underlying mechanisms. In his work, Gibson emphasized the importance of the visual information that the eyes receive from the environment in shaping our perception of the world, and he suggested that the hollow face illusion was an example of how the brain uses this information to construct a 3D representation of the world.

Gibson’s work on the hollow face illusion was influential in the development of the ecological theory of perception, which argues that perception is not solely determined by the properties of objects themselves, but is also shaped by the context in which they are encountered and the information available in the environment. His contributions to the study of the hollow face illusion and the broader field of perception and cognitive psychology continue to be widely recognized and referenced in the field today.

The study of this illusion continues to be an active area of research, with new findings and insights being added to our understanding of the brain’s ability to perceive and interpret visual information.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions and the related Pyramid of Giza illusion

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