Illusions and the Visual Cortex
The above
image is not moving. It is an illusion created by
Akiyoshi Kitaoka.
The
illusion is created by how your eyes process and relay information to your
primary visual cortex.
Don't stare too awful long as it makes some folks queasy.
We, in a sense, create audio illusions to ease the
human brain into deep relaxation and sleep. Our main concern
however, is not the Primary Visual Cortex but the Secondary Visual
Cortex (or cortices). This is the section of our brain that functions during
visualization and dreaming. This is not theory but a
scientific fact. One of the first things our brains do upon entering
deep sleep is begin dreaming, so by stimulating the the Secondary
Visual Cortex, using audible visualization sequences, our soundscapes act as a bridge from Alpha (relaxed) to
the Theta (daydream) to
Delta (deep sleep) brainwave states. By combining simple visualization
with calming nature and natural sound the relaxation, meditation and
sleep experience can be greatly enhanced.
So, what does an optical illusion have to do with
creating virtually real audio environments? Not much, really. I
just thought it was kind of cool.
Anyhoo, I better wrap up as I am getting seasick!
Brad McBride
Comments? email me
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