1998 Volume 17 Issue 1 Pages 20-26
In a configuration bearing a figure/ground relationship the effect of relative area on perceived lightness and perceived illumination was investigated. A gray disk patterned with black or white patches was used as the test field. The relative area of figure (patch) to ground (disk: the test field) was varied by changing the number of patches in the disk. The relative luminance was also varied by changes in Munsell value and illuminance. Subjects made judgments of both lightness and illumination. The results indicated that the effect of relative area was coupled with relative luminance and perceptual dimensions (perceived lightness and illumination): the area only affected perceived lightness of the test disk with higher luminance patch (white patch), but the area did not influence the impression of illumination which was determined by the presence of any higher luminance region: the highest luminance in the display gives a crucial clue in perceiving illumination regardless of its area. However if the largest area is associated with white-appearing, relative area is effective on apparent illumination.
