Modeling of automatic capture and focusing of visual attention

An explanation, based on simple analysis of the spatiotemporal variations of the visual environment, is given to the automatic capture and focusing of visual attention. It is assumed that the transmittance for the sensory signals is modulated by separate control circuits that sample input from the same area of the visual field but at a lower resolution. When these circuits detect significant spatial and/or temporal variations, they “open gates” for the more accurate information arising from the same area. If the variations are related to the spatial resolution, which varies within wide limits over the retina, the visual field is “opened” up to a radius where it captures the most salient structures of the image. If the temporal variations of the signals are further emphasized, the high spatial frequencies begin to dominate. If then the gaze is moved by a small amount, the transmittance of the foveal signal paths is activated strongest.