Machine perception using the five visual defined forms plus infrared

Abstract

A machine vision system needing to remain vigilant within its environment must be able to quickly perceive both clearly identifiable objects as well as those that are deceptive or camouflaged (attempting to blend into the background). Humans accomplish this task early in the visual pathways, using five spatially defined forms of processing. These forms are Luminance-defined, Color-defined, Texture-defined, Motion-defined, and Disparity-defined. This paper discusses a visual sensor approach that combines a biological system's strategy to break down camouflage with simple image processing algorithms that may be implemented for real time video. Thermal imaging is added to increase sensing capability. Preliminary filters using MATLAB and operating on digital still images show somewhat encouraging results. Current efforts include implementing the sensor for real-time video processing.