Biological visual systems perform many demanding tasks which are far beyond the present capabilities of electronic hardware. The success of many biological systems can often be attributed to a large degree of preprocessing at the peripheral sensory levels. Mathematical statements of relevant preprocessing include multiplicative nonlinear lateral inhibition, center-surround receptive fields and Gabor function receptive fields. The objectives of this project are to design and implement in digital simulations such biologically motivated receptive fields, for automated visual preprocessing. The design will be suitable for future implementation in analog parallel integrated circuitry. The capability of priming the visual preprocessor to concentrate on certain features via Adaptive Resonance Theory will be investigated. These preprocessing schemes will be tested on an industrially relevant task: in process inspection of laminated composites.//
