Optimizing hybrid images for an easy screening of the visual acuity

Year: 2024

Authors: Tommasi F., Giorgetti A., Farini A., Cavalieri S., Gurioli M., Grasso PA.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Firenze, Dipartimento Fis & Astron, Via Sansone 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Ist Nazl Ott CNR INO, Largo Fermi 6, I-50125 Florence, FI, Italy.

Abstract: The development of a hybrid image (HI) is a method to create a single illusive picture, merging two images with different content in terms of spatial frequencies. Recently such a kind of optical illusion has also been used in the research area of optometry and psychology. Our study is based on the most famous HI, Einstein-Marilyn face, created in 2007 for the New Scientist magazine. This study aims to observe the role of the spatial frequencies in the interpretation of a HI in function of the visual acuity. The results show that a correct selection of the cut-off frequencies is fundamental to generating an optimal HI, i.e., with an optical illusion characterized by a non-ambiguous and stable interpretation. The design of working HIs can open the way for new kinds of tests in the field of optometry, in particular for the screening of myopia.

Journal/Review: Nuovo Cimento C-Colloquia and Communications in Physics

Volume: 47 (5)      Pages from: 335-1  to: 335-6

More Information: Acknowledgments are due to Letizia Lavezzi for her help in data acquisition.
DOI: 10.1393/ncc/i2024-24335-1

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