A model for subjective contour by anisotropic potential field maximization
Osamu Hirose, Tomoharu Nagao · 2007
The subjective contour generation in the human brain depends on the interaction of local and comprehensive processes realize this mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that outputs subjective contours from line figures. This model, for a local process, detects endpoints and generates potential fields that represent probability of an occluding contour's existence. Each field is anisotropic and spreads perpendicularly to the line figure. Then, for a comprehensive process, the direction of potential fields are corrected to the degree their intersections are maximized in the image. Finally, it fixes subjective contours by tracking potential ridgelines and outputs a result image. The generated subjective contour is smoothly curved and the shape is appropriate compared to what we perceive.