The inner tube effect

Abstract

We describe a novel size illusion in which targets appear to either shrink or grow when enclosed within a narrow tube. The direction of size change is determined by the contrast step between display elements. We first noticed this effect in the context of the dynamic “rocking line” illusion (RLI), but it can also be easily seen in completely static displays. As with the RLI, the overall scale of the display seems to play an important role. We provide an online, interactive demo, enabling the reader to explore the relevant parameter space.