Perceptual image quality based on a multiple channel HVS model

We propose a new measure of perceptual image quality based on a multiple channel human visual system (HVS) model for use in digital image compression. The model incorporates the HVS light sensitivity, spatial frequency and orientation sensitivity, and masking effects. The model is based on the concept of local band-limited contrast (LBC) in oriented spatial frequency bands. This concept leads to a simple masking function. The model has the flexibility to account for the changes in frequency sensitivity as a function of local luminance and is consistent with masking experiments using gratings and edges. Numerical scaling experiments with a test panel and a set a test images that were coded using different coding algorithms showed that the proposed measure correlates better with perceptual image quality than the conventional SNR measure.