Abstract: Binocular rivalry is a phenomenon of the dynamic alternations in perception that occur when different images are presented to the two eyes. It has been the subject of intensive investigation for nearly two centuries. The present paper reviewed the definition, the measuring indices in common use, the characteristics and influential factors of binocular rivalry. The relationship between binocular rivalry and the other multistable perception had been well described. Based on the psychophysical studies, newer imaging and electrophysiological research results, the low-level interocular competition between monocular neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) or in the lateral geniculate nucleus (early processing model) and binocular rivalry transpires later in visual processing (later processing model) all had their own shortcomings to account for the results coming from different research fields and resolve the discrepancies. Finally, the new emerging hybrid model was introduced and which could account for the paradoxical properties of binocular rivalry and provide insights into the neural bases of visual awareness. Although unanswered questions remained, this review of binocular rivalry might allow us to focus on the mainly unresolved issues and controversies, and help us make use of it as a powerful tool to investigate the charming filed: unconsciousness

Key words: binocular rivalry, perceptual grouping, visual awareness, hybrid model