A description of discrete internal representation schemes for visual pattern discrimination.

A general description of a class of schemes for pattern vision is outlined in which the visual system is assumed to form a discrete internal representation of the stimulus. These representations are discrete in that they are considered to comprise finite combinations of "components" which are selected from a fixed and finite repertoire, and which designate certain simple pattern properties or features. In the proposed description it is supposed that the construction of an internal representation is a probabilistic process. A relationship is then formulated associating the probability density functions governing this construction and performance in visually discriminating patterns when differences in pattern shape are small. Some questions related to the application of this relationship to the experimental investigation of discrete internal representations are briefly discussed.