Edge Detection Model Based on Involuntary Eye Movements of the Eye-Retina System.docVIP

Acta Polytechnica Hungarica Vol. 4, No. 1, 2007 Edge Detection Model Based on Involuntary Eye Movements of the Eye-Retina System András Róka, ádám Csapó, Barna Reskó, Péter Baranyi Computer and Automation Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences E-mail: baranyi@sztaki.hu Abstract: Traditional edge-detection algorithms in image processing typically convolute a filter operator and the input image, and then map overlapping input image regions to output signals. Convolution also serves as a basis in biologically inspired (Sobel, Laplace, Canny) algorithms. Recent results in cognitive retinal research have shown that ganglion cell receptive fields cover the mammalian retina in a mosaic arrangement, with insignificant amounts of overlap in the central fovea. This means that the biological relevance of traditional and widely adapted edge-detection algorithms with convolution- based overlapping operator architectures has been disproved. However, using traditional filters with non-overlapping operator architectures leads to considerable losses in contour information. This paper introduces a novel, tremor-based retina model and edge-detection algorithm that reconciles these differences between the physiology of the retina and the overlapping architectures used by todays widely adapted algorithms. The algorithm takes into consideration data convergence, as well as the dynamic properties of the retina, by incorporating a model of involuntary eye tremors and the impulse responses of ganglion cells. Based on the evaluation of the model, two hypotheses are formulated on the highly debated role of involuntary eye tremors: 1) The role of involuntary eye tremors has information theoretical implications 2) From an information processing point of view, the functional role of involuntary eye-movements extends to more than just the maintenance of action potentials.