Simulating Perceptual Clustering by Gestalt Principles

In this paper we propose a method for the detection of salient non-local structures in vector graphics. Non-local structures may consist of similar graphical objects—the constituents of a vector graphics—or of objects which are orderly arranged. They may be perceived immediately, but they are not explicitly represented in the internal description of a graphics. Information on such cognitive relevant structures may serve as additional indices to the graphics data base of a graphics retrieval system or may guide higher scene interpretation routines. Nonlocal structures emerge as a result of grouping processes of visual perception. The method used to detect non-local structures is the simulation of models of organizing phenomena of human visual perception. In particular, we use Treisman’s feature map model and Palmer’s transformational approach to human visual perception.