Image-plane processing of visual informationShannon's theory of information is used to optimize the optical design of sensor-array imaging systems which use neighborhood image-plane signal processing for enhancing edges and compressing dynamic range during image formation. The resultant edge-enhancement, or band-pass-filter, response is found to be very similar to that of human vision. Comparisons of traits in human vision with results from information theory suggest that: (1) Image-plane processing, like preprocessing in human vision, can improve visual information acquisition for pattern recognition when resolving power, sensitivity, and dynamic range are constrained. Improvements include reduced sensitivity to changes in lighter levels, reduced signal dynamic range, reduced data transmission and processing, and reduced aliasing and photosensor noise degradation. (2) Information content can be an appropriate figure of merit for optimizing the optical design of imaging systems when visual information is acquired for pattern recognition. The design trade-offs involve spatial response, sensitivity, and sampling interval.
Document ID
19840046685
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Huck, F. O. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Fales, C. L. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Park, S. K. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Samms, R. W. (Information and Control Systems, Inc. Hampton, VA, United States)