Optic flow

Abstract

Optic flow refers to the image motion of the environment projected on the retina during our movement in the world. The term was first coined by James J. Gibson and played a key role in the development of the ecological approach to visual perception, an approach that emphasizes studying human perception in the natural environment rather than in a controlled laboratory setting. Ever since Gibson proposed that the optic flow field contains cues for the perception and control of self-motion, much research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience has investigated what specific cues from optic flow people use for the perception and control of self-motion. The major findings are summarized below.