Perceptual system

Computational system which reacts to stimuli

A perceptual system is a computational system (biological or artificial) designed to make inferences about properties of a physical environment based on scenes. Other definitions may exist.

In this context, a scene is defined as sensory information that can flow from a physical environment into a computational system via sensory transduction. A sensory organ (biological or artificial) is used to capture this information. Therefore, a perceptual system must incorporate input from at least one sensory organ.

Examples of perceptual systems include:

  • The visual system
  • The auditory system
  • The olfactory system
  • The somatosensory system
  • A bat's sonar/echolocation system
  • A man-made light meter
  • A man-made motion detector

Research in the field of perceptual systems focuses on computational aspects of perception. For this reason, there is significant overlap with neuroscience, sensor design, natural scene statistics,[1][2] and computer science.

References

  1. ^ Lewicki, Michael S. (2002), Efficient coding of natural sounds. Nature Neuroscience 5(4):356-363. PDF
  2. ^ Geisler, Wilson S. (2008). "Visual Perception and the Statistical Properties of Natural Scenes" (PDF). Annual Review of Psychology. 59: 167–192. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.58.110405.085632. PMID 17705683.

Further reading

  • Gibson, James J. (1966). The Senses Considered As Perceptual Systems. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 978-0313239618. OCLC 463604.

External links