Cite as:
Sumi S, 1989, "Kinetic contours in rotating objects" Perception 18(3) 293 – 302
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Kinetic contours in rotating objects

Shigemasa Sumi

Received 7 September 1987, in revised form 9 February 1989

Abstract. Kinetic contours seen in rotating objects provide evidence about contour function in a kinetic condition. It was observed that (i) when an object with an arc-shaped edge in its outline is rotated, a kinetic contour arises from the rotating arc and bounds a 'figure'; (ii) the kinetic contour not only protects the enclosed area of this figure from the destruction caused by motion, but also interrupts the continuity of the surroundings; (iii) kinetic contours are generally perceived to be organized into discs which appear as amodally completed forms in such a way that one object is hidden behind the other. The fact that oval or outline figures rarely produce kinetic contours is assumed to be due to figurai self-sufficiency, which does not require perceptual completion through motion.

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