Exploring V1 by modeling the perceptual quality of images

We propose an image quality model based on phase and amplitude differences between a reference and a distorted image. The proposed model is motivated by the fact that polar representations can separate visual information in a more independent and efficient manner than Cartesian representations in the primary visual cortex (V1). We subsequently estimate the model parameters from a large subjective data set using maximum likelihood methods. By comparing the various model hypotheses on the functional form about the phase and amplitude, we find that: (a) discrimination of visual orientation is important for quality assessment and yet a coarse level of such discrimination seems sufficient; and (b) a product-based amplitude-phase combination before pooling is effective, suggesting an interesting viewpoint about the functional structure of the simple cells and complex cells in V1.