Hering–Hillebrand deviation

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Hering–Hillebrand Deviation refers to a phenomenon in the field of visual perception and optometry that relates to the perception of frontal planes (surfaces facing directly towards the viewer) in the visual field. This deviation is named after Ewald Hering and Franz Hillebrand, who made significant contributions to the understanding of spatial perception and the geometry of visual space.

Overview

The Hering–Hillebrand Deviation describes a discrepancy between the expected and perceived orientation of a frontal plane in the visual field. According to geometrical optics, a frontal plane should appear as a straight line when viewed from an angle. However, Hering and Hillebrand observed that such planes often appear curved to the human observer, indicating a deviation from geometric expectation. This phenomenon suggests that the human visual system does not perfectly align with Euclidean geometry in its perception of space.

Historical Background

Ewald Hering, a 19th-century physiologist, and Franz Hillebrand, a psychologist, independently explored the principles of visual perception that bear their names. Their work laid the groundwork for understanding how the human brain interprets spatial relationships, contributing significantly to the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and optometry.

Implications

The Hering–Hillebrand Deviation has implications for various fields, including visual ergonomics, architectural design, and virtual reality. Understanding this deviation helps in designing more effective visual displays and environments that accommodate the human visual system's peculiarities. It also has applications in the development of more immersive and realistic virtual environments.

Research and Applications

Research into the Hering–Hillebrand Deviation continues in the realms of visual neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Scientists and practitioners aim to further understand the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon and its implications for visual perception and human-computer interaction.

See Also

• Visual Perception
• Optometry
• Ewald Hering
• Frontal Plane
• Euclidean Geometry