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Abstract

In the past we have studied the integration of different visual cues for depth perception. Recently we have begun to study the interaction between cues from different sensory modalities. In a recent paper (Ernst et al, 2000 Nature Neuroscience 3 69 - 73) we could show that active touch of a surface can change the visual perception of surface slant. Apparently, haptic information can change the weights assigned to different visual cues for surface orientation.
In another multisensory integration project we could show that visual and haptic information about the shape of objects can lead to a common representation with cross modal access [Bülthoff et al, 1999 Investigative Ophthalmology Visual Science 40(4) 398].
Now we are investigating another input into our spatial representation system. Using a 6-DOF Motion Platform we are studying the interaction between the vestibular and the visual system for recognition. I report on first experiments that show that we can derive reliable information about position and velocity of a moving observer from the vestibular system. This information could be used for spatial updating in recognition tasks where the recognition of objects or scenes is facilitated by knowing the position and viewing direction of the observer.