Natural image statistics: A probabilistic approach to early computational vision

Aapo Hyvärinen, Jarmo Hurri, Patrick O. Hoyer9781848824904, 1848824904, 9781848824911

One of the most successful frameworks in computational neuroscience is modelling visual processing using the statistical structure of natural images. In this framework, the visual system of the brain constructs a model of the statistical regularities of the incoming visual data. This enables the visual system to perform efficient probabilistic inference. The same framework is also very useful in engineering applications such as image processing and computer vision.

This book is the first comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of natural image statistics. The book starts with a review of background material in signal processing and neuroscience, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. The book then explains both the basic theory and the most recent advances in a coherent and user-friendly manner. This structure, together with the included exercises and computer assignments, also make it an excellent textbook.

Natural Image Statistics is a timely and valuable resource for advanced students and researchers in any discipline related to vision, such as neuroscience, computer science, psychology, electrical engineering, cognitive science or statistics.