A two-dimensional model of brightness perception based on spatial filtering consistent with retinal processing.

We have applied a multiple scale, 2-D model of brightness perception to a broad range of brightness phenomena. The filters encapsulate only processing that is well established to occur in retinal ganglion cells. Their outputs are then combined in the simplest way compatible with the earliest levels of cortical processing. Not only essential features of a number of the phenomena but also more subtle shading effects are reproduced. Because of the retinal nature of this model, these results would appear to support previous speculation that much of the ground work for brightness perception is performed at the retinal level.