January 2020 | Technical Memorandum TM-20-547
Analysis of No-Reference Metrics for Image and Video Quality of Consumer Applications
Cite This Publication
Margaret H. Pinson, “Analysis of No-Reference Metrics for Image and Video Quality of Consumer Applications,” Technical Memorandum TM-20-547, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, January 2020.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the performance of eight no-reference (NR) metrics. Seven assess image quality (BRISQUE, CurveletQA, IL-NIQE, NIQE, OG-IQA, QAC and SSEQ) and one assesses video quality (VIIDEO). The challenge we address in this paper is moving from research silos to a broadly applicable metric. Our analyses use six new subjective datasets that characterize modern cameras and high performing networks. Five datasets were designed around consumer applications and no-reference metric development. The sixth dataset was designed for full-reference metric analyses; we present a technique to modify older datasets for NR metric development. Our analyses show a need for more research and development. The NR metrics were inaccurate for consumer applications.
Keywords: video quality; image quality; no reference (NR); no reference (NR) metric; BRISQUE; CurveletQA; IL-NIQE; NIQE; OG-IQA; QAC; SSEQ; VIIDEO
For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Margaret H. Pinson
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(303) 497-3579
mpinson@ntia.doc.gov
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