Optimal cue combination for saliency computation: A comparison with human vision

Abstract. The computer model of visual attention derives an interest or saliency map from an input image in a process that encompasses several data combination steps. While several combination strategies are possible, not all perform equally well. This paper compares main cue combination strategies by measuring the performance of the considered models with respect to human eye movements. Six main combination methods are compared in experiments involving the viewing of 40 images by 20 observers. Similarity is evaluated qualitatively by visual tests and quantitatively by use of a similarity score. The study provides insight into the map combination mechanisms and proposes in this respect an overall optimal strategy for a computer saliency model.