IATSS Research (Jan 2008)
DEVELOPMENT OF A WIDE-VIEW VISUAL PRESENTATION SYSTEM AND ESTIMATING HUMAN PRIMARY VISUAL CORTICAL MAGNIFICATION BY USING FMRI FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY
Abstract
It is very important to understand human visual characteristics in the wide-view condition for traffic safety. In the present study, we focus on human basic visual characteristics of retinotopic mapping by using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), and provide basic research results for traffic safety. Previous fMRI studies on human visual retinotopic mapping are typically used for central and/or peri-central visual field stimulus. The retinotopic characteristics on human peripheral vision are still not well known. In this study, we developed a new visual presentation system widest view (60 degrees of eccentricity). The wide-view visual presentation system was made from nonmagnetic optical fibers and a contact lens, so it can used in general clinical fMRI conditions and the cost is lower. In the present study, by using the newly developed wide view visual presentation system, we have firstly been able to gain success in the world to identify the human primary visual cortex (V1) with an eccentricity of 60 degrees and the quantitative relationship between V1 and peripheral visual field (eccentricity up to 60 degrees) by fMRI. In addition, we estimated the mean area for the V1 between 0–60 degree eccentricities, and acquired the areal cortical magnification function for V1 between 0–60 degree eccentricities was Mareal = 272/(E+1.44)2. The mean cortical surface area of V1 between the 0–60 degree eccentricities was about 2229 mm2. Our results have good agreement with using physiological, patient and anatomical measurements. From the results of the present study, it is explained why traffic accidences easily take place on crossings. In the human brain visual cortex (V1), only a small cortical area is used to process visual information from the peripheral visual field. The basic results suggest that drivers are unable to recognise the dangerous information from both sides of peripheral vision.
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