A Retina-Based Perceptually Lossless Limit and a Gaussian Foveation Scheme With Loss Control

In this paper, we propose a new limit that promises theoretically achievable data reduction ratios up to approximately 9:1 with no perceptual loss in typical scenarios. Also, we introduce a novel Gaussian foveation scheme that provides experimentally achievable gains up to approximately 2 times the compression ratio of typical compression schemes with less perceptual loss than in typical transmissions. Both the proposed limit and foveation scheme shares the same background material: a model of image projection onto the retina; a model of cones distribution; and, subsequently, a proposed pointwise retina-based constraint called pixel efficiency. Quantitatively, the lattermost is globally processed to reveal the perceptual efficiency of a display. Analytical results indicate that in general the perceptual efficiency of displays are low for typical image sizes and viewing distances. Qualitatively, the pixel efficiency is used together with a lossy parameter to locally control the spatial resolution of a foveated image. Practical results show that proper use of the lossy parameter in the foveation filtering can increase the subjective quality of images.