Occlusion detection in early vision

The authors show that occlusion can be detected by early visual processes derived directly from the image data. Two methods are demonstrated. The first method is based on detecting binocular rivalry during binocular fixation. The feasibility of this technique also supports the hypothesis that stereo fusion and rivalry coexist in human vision. Stereo fusion gives rise to smooth disparity whereas rivalry signals depth discontinuity. The second method uses focal information that results from a change in depth of field. This method does not involve changes of viewpoint and hence avoids the correspondence problem. These two methods together with cues from motion, as has been suggested elsewhere, form robust occlusion detection in early visual processing