LEARNING OUTCOMES

Physical and physiological bases of perception. Structural and functional characteristics of sensorineural systems (visual, auditory, tactile). Perceptual phenomenology, cognition and behavior. Algorithms, techniques and systems for measuring or influencing human perception and behavior.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to:

•      Provide elements on the physical and physiological basis of perception (with particular attention to the visual, auditory and somatosensory system). Sensory processes to support the control of action and behavior will be privileged.
•      Provide the student with some theoretical and practical tools to experiment with the study of perceptual processes.
•      Provide elements for the design of algorithms, techniques and systems to measure or influence human perception and behavior.

At the end of the course, the student will have achieved some understanding of the physical stimuli relevant to the considered sensory modalities, and a basic grasp of the underlying sensory physiology. He will also be able to design a simple psychophysical experiment and to model the receptive fields of the primary sensory areas.

PREREQUISITES

Linear algebra and analytical geometry in space.

Elements of signal processing.

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures and guided practical classes on pyshophysics (48h). An 8h supplementary course on "Mechanisms of multisensory integration in health and disability" is also foreseen.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part I – Neurophysiological basis of perception

• Transduction principles, perception-action cycles.
• Functional characterization of the main perceptual systems (visual system, auditory system, somesthetic systems).

Part II – Techniques for the analysis and interpretation of data

• Foundations of psychophysical techniques.
• Qualification of perceptual features.
• Representation and analysis of multidimensional signals.

Part III – Interactive and enactive paradigms

• Introduction to ecological perception (Gibson’s direct perception & sensorimotor theory).
• Linking images to 3D scene properties (image formation, projective geometry, pinhole camera, homogeneous coordinates).
• Scene reconstruction (stereoscopic geometry, parallel and vergent optical axes, geometry of the motion field).

Supplementary course (dr. Monica Gori, 8h): Mechanisms of multisensory integration in health and disability.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides and other distributed material (available through Aulaweb).

Recommended textbook:  G. Mather.  “Foundations of sensation and perception” (2nd edition) Psychology Press  2009