into account the distance, some overlap others, some are perceived as a figure, some as a background. From an evolutionary point of view, it is important for us to recognize the necessary object against the background of the environment [Shiffman, 2008], [Aliyeva, 2007]. Usually, out of two objects of the field of view, a region with a marked border is perceived as a figure; it is smaller in size, or differs in filling, and is located closer to the observer (Figure 1.3.1) [Abbasov, 2019]. The fragments perceived as a figure contain for us more interesting information. Relationship figure and background can be perceived not only visually, but also in other sensory systems. For example, you can hear a bird singing in the background of street noise or a violin melody in the background of the sounds of the rest of the orchestra.
Figure 1.3.1 The combination of “figure-background”.
The process of perception of three-dimensional objects on the basis of photographs and paintings is in fact an illusion. Our visual system is adapted to the perception of the real world based on the signs of the depth and distance of the picture plane.
1.3.1 Dual Perception of the Connection “Figure-Background”
There are situations when the perception of the “figure-background” becomes ambiguous, dual (Figure 1.3.2), such as when two objects that have common borders and are included in each other can be perceived as a figure, as well as a background. When viewing, usually at the very beginning, one of the elements is perceived as a figure, but soon it begins to appear as a background, especially when they are equal in size. A cross can be perceived as a figure with divergent rays; concentric circles become the background. But if you reorient yourself, the figure and the background will change places, the Flying Fish painting by the famous Dutch graphic artist Maurizio Escher becomes ambiguous [Escher, 1961].
Figure 1.3.2 Dual perception of background – figure combination.
1.3.2 Gestalt Grouping Factors
When analyzing the organization of perception processes, many phenomena can be explained with the help of Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes the important role of the relationship between the whole part and the discrete elements. When viewing the patterns presented in Figure 1.3.3–1.3.5, one can observe the tendency of combining the elements of the pattern into different, mostly closed, rounded shapes [Abbasov, 2016]. Various options for combining elements arise spontaneously, spontaneously compete with each other, transform into other combinations.
According to the law of clarity of structure, our perception identifies, first of all, the most distinct geometric structures. According to the law of addition to a structural whole, clear, but not complete structures are always supplemented to a clear geometric whole. However, the described gestalt processes may depend on certain cultural conditions of the formation of a person. In some cultures, an open circle can be perceived as a “bracelet,” and an open triangle as an “amulet.” Consider the main gestalt factors determining the characteristics of grouping objects.
Figure 1.3.3 Chaotic pattern.
Figure 1.3.4 Gestalt perception of the figure.
Figure 1.3.5 Pattern based on clear patterns.
Proximity factor. According to this proximity factor, objects can be grouped according to their location in space (or time), depending on the distance between them. In Figure 1.3.6 the trees are grouped in pairs.
Similarity factor. Grouping on the basis of the similarity factor is presented in Figure 1.3.7. It seems to us that the same type of asterisks form vertical lines. The grouping factor based on proximity and similarity also operates the process of sound perception. Sounds following one after another in time can be perceived as a melody.
Figure 1.3.6 Proximity factor grouping.
Figure 1.3.7 Similarity factor grouping.
The factor of the same type of communication. Under the grouping on the basis of the same type of communication understand the perception of a single structure, formed by physically interconnected elements. As an example of such a perception, Figure 1.3.8 presents a set of asterisks connected in pairs with one-type lines.
Factor “good continuation”. Elements located along a single trajectory are perceived by us as a single whole along a single line. The “good continuation” factor is illustrated in Figure 1.3.9. Two intersecting curved lines are perceived as a curve going down (segment AB) and as a curve going up (segment CD). Although this figure can also be perceived as an image of sections of curves AD and CB.
Figure 1.3.8 Grouping on the principle of the same type of communication.
Figure 1.3.9 Grouping factor “good continuation”.
Factor “common fate”. According to the “common fate” factor, elements
