Top-Down Visual Processing

Do you see it?

Wait for your top-down visual processing to kick in! Your eye is moving right now to discern between the shapes of branches, leaves and OH! is that an eye?

Here is a larger view of the picture. Now it is more obvious that camouflaged within the brush and branches is a deer.  This image is a perfect example of a visual query as it boasts a generally consistent color and texture scheme. Collectively and from afar, the photo looks like a series of linear patterns-- mainly branches. As the viewer moves their eye around to analyze the details of those lines, they will begin to discern between the shadows on the deer's face and the actual branches. Furthermore, the shape of the deer's eye is the most obvious visual cue that something breaks up the line-pattern. Once the viewer notices the black eye and nose, the visual has essentially been solved and makes sense as a whole. Instead of simply looking at something neutral and broken up with pattern, the viewer's cognitive perception has learned that beneath the bush is a deer, and is now able to separate the two.