Image perception and enhancement for the visually impaired

Wavelets have been used extensively as a method of extracting information contained in images and even in modeling human physiological data processing. Wavelet implementation for image processing parallels the analysis done by Peli concerning image enhancement and human perception. In this article, wavelets were used to provide a new image enhancement procedure by manipulating the decomposition detail coefficients. The true usefulness of the wavelet coefficients as enhancement tools can only be determined by testing. The only sure statement that can be made about image enhancement for the visually impaired, without first having a better understanding of the human visual system, is that individual subject preferences will be the deciding factor when choosing the optimal enhancement technique. Wavelet enhancements will provide different information to the low-vision observer and may prove to be superior to other enhancement techniques for some patients