ABSTRACT
The pattern-operator model offers a starting point for a strictly theoretical description of the development of pattern and form perception. The power of a pattern perception system, therefore, depends on the power of the computing operators, that is, on the maximal level of mathematical complexity they can achieve. The development of the pattern perception apparatus might be based on learning principles, which are incompatible with a maturational explanation. The initial state of pattern development can be characterized as the state in which the pattern operations are maximally simple. Temporal patterns may be characterized without reference to spatial or other qualitative dimensions. A typical example of a temporal pattern is rhythm in music. Spatial patterns can be described entirely by using only spatial co-ordinates, in addition to a number of qualitative co-ordinates which belong to a specific sensory mode, such as brightness and colour for the visual mode and pressure intensity for the tactile mode.
