Apparatus and method for combining random set of video features in a non-linear scheme to best describe perceptual quality of video sequences using heuristic search methodology

Abstract

A method for combining a random set of video features non-linearly to evaluate perceptual quality of video sequences includes (a) receiving a video sequence for image quality evaluation; (b) providing an objective metric image quality controller comprising a random set of metrics ranging from Mto Mwithout dependency information for each one metric; (c) applying each one metric individually to the video sequence to provide an individual objective scoring value of the video sequence ranging from xto x; (d) determining a plurality of sets of weights (wto w) which correlate to predetermined subjective evaluations of image quality for a predetermined plurality of video sequences (n), each one set of weights being assigned a range having an incremental value equal to the range divided by a number of combinations for each one set of weights; (e) weighting each individual objective scoring value xto xprovided by each one metric of the random set of metrics in step (c); (f) combining metrics of the weighted individual objective scoring value of the random set of metrics into a single objective evaluation F, wherein each weighted individual scoring value from step (e) is multiplied by each individual objective scoring value xto xfrom step (c); (g) calculating a correlation factor R to provide a correlation value for the objective evaluation F and the plurality of video sequences (n). Steps (e), (f) and (g) are repeated to provide a plurality of correlation factors which are ranked. A heuristic search uses a genetic algorithm to find the best set of weights to provide objective scores closest to predetermined subjective evaluations. A system provides the hardware and modules that perform the non-linear combination of metrics to provide enhanced perceptual image information.