Color Remapping: Perceptual evaluation of colorized nighttime imagery

Abstract

In this study an evaluation of different night imagery was conducted. Adding ecologically valid colors to night imagery is thought to result in better scene recognition and object detection. Two experiments were performed to see if recolored night images were an improvement over existing night imagery such as intensified image and infrared imagery. Daylight images were used as a reference group. A total of 98 images (representing 28 different scenes) divided over four sets where used. 80 participants divided in four groups had to describe the images that were presented shortly. Another 100 participants were used in an eye tracking experiment. Participants in the recolored condition were significantly better in conveying the gist of the scene than participants in both the intensified image and infrared conditions. Participants in the daylight condition did equally well as participants in the recolored condition. The eye tracking experiment yielded no significant results but did indicate that there were some differences in viewing behavior. The recolored night imagery seems to be an improvement and better solution for night vision than infrared and/ or intensified image imagery.