A model for non-resolvable ambiguities

• Published in: Biological cybernetics Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 205 - 208
• Main Authors: Caglioti, G, Caianiello, E R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 15-12-1978
• Subjects: Humans; Illusions; Mathematics; Models, Biological; Models, Neurological; Optical Illusions; Space life sciences; Visual Perception - physiology
• ISSN: 0340-1200; 1432-0770
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00337091

The dynamical behavior of the perception of ambiguous figures arising from the essentially nonresolvable ambiguity built in the figures themselves is analysed. Two main features of it are explored, the initial transient and the rhythmic alternation of inversions of perspective following it. The initial transient is envisaged in terms of a symmetry breaking disorder-order transformation induced by the "attention" of the observer. The rhythmic inversions of the ordered structures are classified by a model based on an ideally non linear decision equation for binary systems originally proposed to schematize the observed behavior of neurons. Finally it is suggested that the phenomena relative to the perception of ambiguous figures could represent the simplest ones among more complex situations arising in perception, in concept formation, in the sensing of emotion and in communication in general.