The field of computer vision has dealt mostly with monochrome images, leaving the use of color images largely unexplored. Because of advances in computer technology and in monochrome image processing and interpretation, it is reasonable to begin directing more effort toward the incorporation of color information into computer vision systems. New techniques for color image enhancement, analysis, and segmentation need to be developed that apply directly to the vector pixel values, rather than simply applying monochrome techniques to the red, green, and blue component images. In addition, theoretical models for color image processing and interpretation need to be developed so that a unified theory for color computer vision will exist. Planning activities will start with ascertaining which existing techniques can be readily extended to apply to color images and which new techniques must be developed. Also, methods for multispectral image analysis will be reviewed in order to determine which techniques can be adapted to color images. During the planning period, some preliminary analysis of various techniques will be performed through software implementation. This will help determine which methods offer the most promise and warrant further research. The result of these planning activities will be the formulation of a research project for the development of specific image enhancement, analysis, and segmentation procedures for a color computer vision system.
