Image Quality

doi:10.1117/3.2588947.ch16

Image Quality

Book: Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance, Sixth Edition

Author(s): Gerald C. Holst

Published: 2017

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2588947.ch16

Author Affiliations +

Abstract

Most system resolution metrics (see Chapter 15, Resolution) are based solely on system parameters. This chapter includes the human visual system (HVS) and therefore displayed contrast is part of image quality metrics. Image quality is a subjective impression, ranking the imagery from poor to excellent. It is somewhat a learned ability. It is a perceptual one, accomplished by the brain, affected by and incorporating other sensory systems, emotions, learning, and memory. The relationships are many and not well understood. Seeing varies between individuals and temporarily within an individual. There exist large variations in an observer’s judgment as to the correct rank ordering from worst to best and therefore image quality cannot be placed on an absolute scale. Visual psychophysical investigations have not measured all the properties relevant to imaging systems.