Spatial Luminance Contrast Sensitivity: Effects of Surround

This study examined the effects of surround luminance on the shape of the spatial luminance contrast sensitivity function (CSF). The reduction in brightness of uniform neutral patches shown on a computer controlled display screen is also assessed to explain the change of CSF shape. Consequently, a large amount of reduction in contrast sensitivity at middle spatial frequencies can be observed; however, the reduction is relatively small for low spatial frequencies. In general, the effect of surround luminance on the CSF appears similar to that of mean luminance. Reduced CSF responses result in less power of the filtered image; therefore, the stimulus should appear dimmer with a higher surround luminance.