Global Effects of Configurations of Edges

The final state of the system for a given input should be determined not only by the local stimulus edges, but also by the global configuration of edges, as suggested by Gestalt theory. For example a local edge creates a crease or fold in the perceived surface, as suggested below left. Whenever two or more edges are aligned in a collinear configuration, the perceived corner percept should propagate much like a crack or fold in a physical surface, resulting in a globally consistent perceptual interpretation as suggested below center, especially when this interpretation is supported by global configural factors, as shown below right.

Alternatively, a local edge can produce a scission of the perceived surface as suggested below left. Whenever two or more such edges are found in a collinear configuration, a global scission is observed, segmenting the percept into figure and ground, as suggested below center, especially when this interpretation is supported by global configural factors, as shown below right.