Contrast sensitivity as a function of spatial frequency, viewing distance and eccentricity with and without spatial noise

Abstract

Using computer graphics and a two-alternative forced-choice method we measured threshold contrast as a function of viewing distance, spatial frequency, and eccentricity for gratings with and without added, white two-dimensional spatial noise. Our experiments showed that in spatial noise contrast sensitivity was independent of viewing distance as long as contrast sensitivity was lower with noise than without. With increasing spatial frequency (f) the grating area (A) was reduced in order to keep the relative grating size (Af2) constant. At all spatial frequencies the test gratings thus had the same amount of detail and contour. Noise spectral density was reduced in direct proportion to grating area in order to keep the physical signal-to-noise ratio constant. An increase in spatial frequency was thus accompanied with reductions in grating area and noise spectral density similar to those produced by a corresponding increase in viewing distance. In agreement, contrast detection in spatial noise was found to be independent of spatial frequency as long as contrast sensitivity was lower with noise than without. The effect of increasing eccentricity on visual performance can be compensated for by reducing the viewing distance (M-scaling). Hence, without M-scaling the effect of increasing eccentricity is similar to that of increasing viewing distance. In agreement, we found that contrast sensitivity in spatial noise was independent of eccentricity as long as contrast sensitivity was lower with noise than without.