Shape and contour: the points of maximum change are least useful for recognition

Abstract

Attneave hypothesized that recognition of a shape would be best if the eye was given those parts of the shape most different from a straight line, ie regions of maximum direction change (MAX points). Experiments are reported which show that MIN points-the points midway between MAX points-are actually better for shape recognition. But by far the best parts of the shape for recognition were found to be the regions intermediate between MAX points and MIN points. It is suggested that these regions are especially suitable for shape extrapolation and interpolation because they are evenly distributed.