Comparing Real and Synthetic Images: Some Ideas About Metrics

Abstract

This paper explores numerical techniques for comparing real and synthetic luminance images. We introduce components of a perceptually based metric using ideas from the image compression literature. We apply a series of metrics to a set of real and synthetic images, and discuss their performance. Finally, we conclude with suggestions for future work in formulating image metrics and incorporating them into new image synthesis methods.

Certain commercial equipment and instruments are identified in this paper in order to specify the experimental procedures adequately. Such identification is not intented to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology or by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, nor is it intended to imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose.