Chromatic structure in natural images

David H. Brainard

Many perceptual problems are underdetermined, in that the image data are consistent with multiple physical configurations of objects and illuminants. It seems clear that to resolve such ambiguity the visual system must combine image data with assumptions about what configurations are most likely. Much less clear is what assumptions are appropriate for natural scenes. I will describe a small but growing dataset of hyperspectral (400 to 700 nm in 10 nm steps) images and present a preliminary analysis of the chromatic structure of these images. The emphasis will be on understanding how the chromatic structure of natural images might enable the visual system to resolve ambiguities that arise in the perception of color.

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