Simulated forward and backward self motion, based on realistic parameters, causes strong motion induced blindness

Motion Induced Blindness (MIB) is a visual phenomenon whereby highly salient targets disappear when viewed against a moving background mask. While MIB is well established, no research has yet explored whether mask parameters based on patterns of contracting and expanding optic flow can also trigger target disappearance. We aimed to explore MIB using realistic mask speeds that correspond to driving at 35 km/h, 50 km/h, 65 km/h and 80 km/h, as well as simulated forward (expansion) and backward (contraction) motion, 2-D radial movement, random and static mask motion types. Participants (n = 18) viewed MIB targets against masks with different movement types, speed, and target locations. To understand the relationship between small eye movements and perceptual disappearance, we ran two additional experiments with eye tracking (n = 19). Target disappearance increased significantly with faster mask speeds and upper visual field target presentation. Simulated forward and backward motion caused significantly more disappearance than 2-D radial movement, and all moving masks caused significantly more disappearance than a static mask. These effects were not driven by eye-movement differences, suggesting that the realistic optic flow induced by selfmotion can cause MIB in an artificial setting. Potential implications for driving safety and Head-Up-Display (HUD) technologies are discussed.