Unified visual measurement of blur and noise distortions in digital images

A system for unified visual measurement of blur and noise distortions in digital image data, comprising:

• a processor;
• an input adapter in signal communication with the processor for receiving digital image data;
• a visual discrimination model (VDM) simulation unit in signal communication with the processor;
• a just noticeable difference (JND) analysis unit in signal communication with the processor;
• and
• a JND selection unit in signal communication with the processor.

A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform program steps for unified visual measurement of blur and noise distortions in digital image data, the program steps comprising:

• receiving digital image data;
• simulating a single-ended VDM;
• analyzing individual JND channels, including the responses of the highest spatial frequency channel(s);
• and
• selecting a reference JND level corresponding to low noise and blur distortions.