My research focuses on human visual object perception and recognition. Specifically, using human neuroimaging techniques such as functional MRI, I am now investigating how 2D retinal inputs are translated into 3D depth structures, how local image features are integrated into a coherent visual object, how multiple and different visual clues are integrated, and how fragmental and incomplete visual inputs are compensated into a whole.

A fundamental challenge in visual neuroscience/psychology is to understand the processes by which the outputs of neurons with spatially limited receptive fields are progressively transformed to encode information about objects at more extensive scales. Although our visual system tends to be often explained as an analogy of camera and photographs, our visual system actually has more capabilities to solve remarkably complicated problems that are far beyond the standard camera does. Therefore, to answer the questions above is very important not only to accumulate our basic knowledge in the neuroscience and psychology fields, but also to develop novel frameworks towards the future ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies).

Recently, we have been further investigating human visual perception and cognitive functions when participants are viewing 3D images/movies in more natural (but complicated), and wide-field stereoscopic environments using the state-of-the-art VR (Virtual Reality) technologies. We have been also developing the related programs for these measurements by ourselves. Using such new devices and programs, for instance, we are trying to elucidate what cues are at least required for humans to feel a sense of “presence”, “immersion”, and “stereoscopic effect.” An old psychology paper once reported that it was only after color TV became popular that dreams, which used to be in black and white, became colored. It may (or would) be exactly right now that the advent of VR technology is changing the very shape of dreams again. Shall we join together in pursuing these latest technologies and the new research environments they bring?

Our group is always looking for undergraduate/graduate students and post-doctoral researchers who are interested in our research topics. Please feel free to contact us. Let’s do interesting collaborative studies together. Even if you just want to visit us like a “sightseeing”, you are more than welcome!