A Bayesian framework for cue integration in multistable grouping: Proximity, collinearity, and orientation priors in zigzag lattices

Integration of proximity and good continuation cues is analyzed as a probabilistic inference problem in contour grouping. A Bayesian framework was tested in a multistable dot lattice experiment. In rectangular lattices, distance ratio and global orientation of rows and columns were manipulated. Discollinearity was introduced by imposing zigzag in one orientation, by either fixed or stochastic displacement of elements. Results indicate that proximity and good continuation are generally treated as independent sources of information, added to prior orientation log-odds to produce the odds of grouping percepts. Distance likelihood is well captured by a power law, and discollinearity likelihoods by generalized Laplace distributions, with higher kurtosis for stochastic zigzag. While observers prefer vertical over horizontal orientations, the exact prior distribution is idiosyncratic. Perceptual grouping along cardinal axes is less affected by distance, but more by discollinearity, than along oblique orientations. Results are qualitatively and quantitatively compared to ecological statistics of contours (J. H. Elder & R. M. Goldberg, 2002). The potential of hierarchically extended Bayes models for a better understanding of principles in cue integration is discussed.