Psychologically simple motions as geodesic paths. I: Asymmetric objects (Q2277406)

This pair of papers (for part II see the following entry, Zbl 0725.92031) discusses the problem of motion perception. More specifically, it describes ways in which an observer might interpolate a path between two positions of a rigid object. The first paper considers asymmetric bodies (a cube with a different letter on each face serves here), and the second considers symmetric and near symmetric objects, particularly those with preferred axes. The first paper contains a lengthy and illuminating discussion of the six-dimensional phase space of motions of a rigid body. Pictures and two- dimensional analogues are used well in a successful description of the space. Consideration is given to three models that might be used to provide the needed interpolated motion. The first is based upon the laws of classical physics, the second uses kinematic geometry, and the last uses combinations of the two. The paper describes the inferred paths in clear geometrical terms. Some comparisons with experimental data are cited. Although these are inconclusive they do seem to indicate that the physical model is not used, perhaps this is why ball games are difficult for the untrained.