Recognizing patterns: Are there processes that precede feature analysis?

摘要

The paper presents evidence to suggest that the feature analytic process is insufficient to account for the phenomenon of pattern recognition. It is suggested that two processes are necessary prior to feature analysis. The first is termed perceptual input, and serves to define the context of each perceptual unit. (The perceptual unit is defined as the context-sensitive point, not the context-free feature.) the second process is termed figure-ground synthesis, and is seen to yield figural unity and context. General evidence supportive of the model is adduced. A rigorous formulation of this pre-analytic model is presented. In its detail, the model is, of course, highly speculative. A test of the model involving hand simulation with a complex example is presented. The paper concludes by noting certain shortcomings of the model and a likely next step in development.