optic flow equations

Optic flow describes how we perceive movement of objects and ourselves in a visual scene as we move. It’s modeled with equations relating the position of a point in the scene, the observer's movement (forward, sideways, or rotational), and the rate at which the point's image shifts on our retina. These equations incorporate velocities of eye or head motion and the depth of objects, enabling us to estimate distances, direction, and speed of motion, which are essential for navigation and understanding our environment. In essence, optic flow equations mathematically connect movement and visual cues to help interpret spatial changes.