Hierarchical multiresolution data structures and algorithms for foveal vision systems

A system that integrates space-variant sampling in foveal vision and time-variant allocation of imaging resources in active perception is sought. It is argued that by folding the foveal data into an image pyramid, the use of uniform lattice operators may be restored. In addition, this hierarchical multiresolution approach to the foveal vision problem suggests an explicit gaze control strategy. Thus, the organizational principles for an active foveal vision system incorporating both space-variant and time-variant resolution resource allocation may be approached through study of the foveal vision problem without prior solution to the active perception problem. Various foveal sensor geometries and the embedding of an image polygon data structure in the image pyramid are discussed, and algorithms and a gaze control strategy consistent with the suggested approach are presented.