Nikola Plavac, Seyed Ali Amirshahi, Marius Pedersen and Sophie Triantaphillidou 2026. Predicting image quality score distribution using deep neural networks. Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation. 118 104801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvcir.2026.104801
| Title | Predicting image quality score distribution using deep neural networks |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Nikola Plavac, Seyed Ali Amirshahi, Marius Pedersen and Sophie Triantaphillidou |
| Abstract | Blind objective image quality assessment methods typically predict a single Mean Opinion Score (MOS) to represent perceived image quality. However, MOS discards valuable information about observer variability, as different score distributions can produce the same mean value. Predicting the full quality score distribution provides a richer and more realistic representation of perceptual quality. In this work, we propose an Image Quality Distribution Network (IQDN) in five configurations: a custom convolutional neural network trained from scratch and four transfer learning variants based on ResNet50, VGG16, Xception, and DenseNet121 backbones. The models were trained to predict five-bin normalized quality score histograms on three datasets: KonIQ-10k, CID2013, and a newly introduced NAP540 dataset. Performance was evaluated using multiple point-wise error and distribution similarity metrics. Results show that the Image Quality Distribution Network with Xception backbone consistently performs better than existing state-of-the-art approaches in terms of Earth Mover’s Distance, capturing score distributions more effectively. Furthermore, a hybrid loss function combining Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence and Huber loss improved performance across datasets. The predicted distributions also reconstruct MOS that closely correlate with ground-truth MOS. Finally, incorporating a quality-aware backbone demonstrates strong potential, particularly in cross-dataset testing scenarios. |
| Article number | 104801 |
| Journal | Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation |
| Journal citation | 118 |
| ISSN | 1047-3203 |
| 1095-9076 | |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Publisher's version | License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvcir.2026.104801 |
| Web address (URL) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvcir.2026.104801 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published in print | Jun 2026 |
| Published online | 27 Apr 2026 |
Behavior of Image Information Metrics Under Controlled Blur and Noise Distortions
Nikola Plavac, Seyedeh Kimia Arfaie Oghani, Seyed Ali Amirshahi, Sophie Triantaphilidou and Marius Pedersen 2026. Behavior of Image Information Metrics Under Controlled Blur and Noise Distortions. IEEE Open Journal of Signal Processing. 7, pp. 581-590. https://doi.org/10.1109/ojsp.2026.3695743
Editorial: Scene-dependent image quality and visual assessment
Jarvis, J., Triantaphillidou, Sophie, Farias, Mylene and Jenkin, Robin 2023. Editorial: Scene-dependent image quality and visual assessment. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 17 1205341. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1205341
A tool for deriving camera spatial frequency response from natural scenes (NS-SFR)
Van Zwanenberg, O., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jenkin, R. 2023. A tool for deriving camera spatial frequency response from natural scenes (NS-SFR). Electronic Imaging 2023: Image Quality & System Performance XX. San Fransisco 15 - 19 Jan 2023 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/EI.2023.35.8.IQSP-311
Contrast discrimination in images of natural scenes
Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J. and Gupta, G. 2022. Contrast discrimination in images of natural scenes. Journal of the Optical Society of America A. 39 (6), pp. B50-B64. https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.447390
Analysis of Natural Scene Derived Spatial Frequency Responses for Estimating Camera ISO12233 Slanted-edge Performance
van Zwanenberg, Oliver, Triantaphillidou, Sophie, Psarrou, Alexandra and Jenkin, Robin B. 2021. Analysis of Natural Scene Derived Spatial Frequency Responses for Estimating Camera ISO12233 Slanted-edge Performance. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/j.imagingsci.technol.2021.65.6.060405
Estimation of ISO12233 Edge Spatial Frequency Response from Natural Scene Derived Step-Edge Data
van Zwanenberg, Oliver, Triantaphillidou, Sophie, Jenkin, Robin B. and Psarrou, Alexandra 2021. Estimation of ISO12233 Edge Spatial Frequency Response from Natural Scene Derived Step-Edge Data. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 65 (6), pp. 60402-1-60402-16. https://doi.org/10.2352/j.imagingsci.technol.2021.65.6.060402
Natural Scene Derived Camera Edge Spatial Frequency Response for Autonomous Vision Systems
Van Zwanenberg, O., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R. and Psarrou, A. 2021. Natural Scene Derived Camera Edge Spatial Frequency Response for Autonomous Vision Systems. IS&T/IoP London Imaging Meeting 2021. London 20 - 22 Sep 2021 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/issn.2694-118X.2021.LIM-88
Noise Power Spectrum Scene-Dependency in Simulated Image Capture Systems
Fry, E., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R., Jacobson, R.E. and Jarvis, J. 2020. Noise Power Spectrum Scene-Dependency in Simulated Image Capture Systems. Bonnier, Nicolas and Farias, Mylène (ed.) IS&T Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XVII. Burlingame, California, USA 26 - 30 Jan 2020 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2020.9.IQSP-345
Camera System Performance Derived from Natural Scenes
Van Zwanenberg, O., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R. and Psarrou, A. 2020. Camera System Performance Derived from Natural Scenes. Bonnier, Nicolas and Farias, Mylène (ed.) IS&T Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XVII. Burlingame, California, USA 26 - 30 Jan 2020 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2020.9.IQSP-241
Studies on the effect of MegaPixel sensor resolution on displayed image quality and relevant metrics
Triantaphillidou, S., Smejkal, J., Fry, E. and Chuang Hsin Hung 2020. Studies on the effect of MegaPixel sensor resolution on displayed image quality and relevant metrics. Bonnier, Nicolas and Farias, Mylène (ed.) IS&T Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XVII. Burlingame, California, USA 26 - 30 Jan 2020 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2020.9.IQSP-170
Scene-and-Process-Dependent Spatial Image Quality Metrics
Fry, E., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R., Jacobson, R.E. and Jarvis, J. 2019. Scene-and-Process-Dependent Spatial Image Quality Metrics. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 63 (6), pp. 060407-1–060407-13 13. https://doi.org/10.2352/J.ImagingSci.Technol.2019.63.6.060407
Validation of Modulation Transfer Functions and Noise Power Spectra from Natural Scenes
Fry, E., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R., Jarvis, J. and Jacobson, R.E. 2019. Validation of Modulation Transfer Functions and Noise Power Spectra from Natural Scenes. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 63 (6), pp. 060406-1–060406-11. https://doi.org/10.2352/J.ImagingSci.Technol.2019.63.6.060406
Edge Detection Techniques for Quantifying Spatial Imaging System Performance and Image Quality
Van Zwanenberg, O., Triantaphillidou, S., Jenkin, R. and Psarrou, A. 2019. Edge Detection Techniques for Quantifying Spatial Imaging System Performance and Image Quality. The Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR 2019). Long Beach California 15 - 21 Jun 2019 ACM/IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/CVPRW.2019.00238
Contrast sensitivity in images of natural scenes
Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J., Psarrou, A. and Gupta, G. 2019. Contrast sensitivity in images of natural scenes. Signal Processing: Image Communication . 75, pp. 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.image.2019.03.002
Bridging the Gap Between Imaging Performance and Image Quality Measures
Fry, E., Triantaphillidou, S., Jacobson, R., Jarvis, J. and Fagard-Jenkin, R. 2018. Bridging the Gap Between Imaging Performance and Image Quality Measures. IS&T Electronic Imaging Symposium 2018 - Image Quality System Performance XV. San Francisco, CA, USA 28 Jan - 01 Feb 2018 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2018.12.IQSP-231
Image quality loss and compensation for visually impaired observers
Triantaphillidou, S., Fry, E., Sanchis, V. and Pons, A. 2018. Image quality loss and compensation for visually impaired observers. IS&T Electronic Imaging Symposium: Image Quality System Performance Conference. San Francisco, California, USA 28 Jan - 02 Feb 2018 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/issn.2470-1173.2018.12.iqsp-365
Texture MTF from images of natural scenes
Branca, R., Triantaphillidou, S. and Burns, P.D. 2017. Texture MTF from images of natural scenes. Jenkin, R. and Jin, E. (ed.) Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XIV. San Francisco, California, USA 29 Jan - 02 Feb 2017 The Society of Imaging Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2017.12.IQSP-255
Introduction to Image Quality and System Performance XII Proceedings
Larabi, C. and Triantaphillidou, S. 2015. Introduction to Image Quality and System Performance XII Proceedings. Proceedings of SPIE. 9396 939601 . https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2185155
Comparative performance between human and automated face recognition systems, using CCTV imagery, different compression levels and scene parameters
Tsifouti, A., Triantaphillidou, S., Larabi M-C, Bilissi, E. and Psarrou, A. 2015. Comparative performance between human and automated face recognition systems, using CCTV imagery, different compression levels and scene parameters . SPIE Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XII. San Fransisco, USA Jan 2015 SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2083325
The effects of scene content parameters, compression, and frame rate on the performance of analytics systems
Tsifouti, A., Triantaphillidou, S., Larabi, M.C., Doré, G, Bilissi, E. and Psarrou, A. 2015. The effects of scene content parameters, compression, and frame rate on the performance of analytics systems. SPIE Elecgtronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XII. San Fransisco, USA Jan 2015 SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2083426
Image quality optimization, via application of contextual contrast sensitivity and discrimination functions
Fry, E., Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J. and Gupta, G. 2015. Image quality optimization, via application of contextual contrast sensitivity and discrimination functions. SPIE Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XII. San Fransisco Jan 2015 SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082937
A case study in identifying acceptable bitrates for human face recognition tasks
Tsifouti, A., Triantaphillidou, S., Larabi, M.C., Bilissi, E. and Psarrou, A. 2015. A case study in identifying acceptable bitrates for human face recognition tasks. Signal Processing: Image Communication . 36, p. 14–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.image.2015.05.002
Special Section Guest Editorial: Image/Video Quality and System Performance
Larabi, M.C., Watson, A.B. and Triantaphillidou, S. 2014. Special Section Guest Editorial: Image/Video Quality and System Performance. Journal of Electronic Imaging. 23 (6), pp. 061101-1 - 061101-2 1. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JEI.23.6.061101
Perceptibility and acceptability of JPEG 2000 compressed images of various scene types
Allen, E., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2014. Perceptibility and acceptability of JPEG 2000 compressed images of various scene types. SPIE Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XI. San Francisco, USA Jan 2014 SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2042582
Just noticeable differences in perceived image contrast with changes in displayed image size
Triantaphillidou, S., Park, J.Y. and Jacobson, R.E. 2014. Just noticeable differences in perceived image contrast with changes in displayed image size. SPIE Proceedings 9016, Image Quality and System Performance XI. San Francisco, USA https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2042534
Contrast sensitivity and discrimination in pictorial images
Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J. and Gupta, G. 2014. Contrast sensitivity and discrimination in pictorial images. SPIE Electronic Imaging: Image Quality and System Performance XI. San Francisco, USA Jan 2014 SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2040007
Acceptable bit-rates for human face identification from CCTV imagery
Tsifouti, A., Triantaphillidou, S., Bilissi, E. and Larabi, M.C. 2013. Acceptable bit-rates for human face identification from CCTV imagery. in: Burns, P.D. and Triantaphillidou, S. (ed.) Image Quality and System Performance X SPIE.
Defining human contrast sensitivity and discrimination from complex imagery
Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J., Gupta, G. and Rana, H. 2013. Defining human contrast sensitivity and discrimination from complex imagery. in: SPIE proceedings: Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism, Crime Fighting and Defence IX; and Optical Materials and Biomaterials in Security and Defence Systems Technology X, 89010C SPIE.
Contrast sensitivity and discrimination of complex scenes
Triantaphillidou, S., Jarvis, J. and Gupta, G. 2013. Contrast sensitivity and discrimination of complex scenes. in: Burns, P.D. and Triantaphillidou, S. (ed.) Image Quality and System Performance X SPIE.
Evaluation of perceived image sharpness with changes in the displayed image size
Park, J.Y., Triantaphillidou, S., Jacobson, R.E. and Gupta, G. 2012. Evaluation of perceived image sharpness with changes in the displayed image size. in: SPIE proceedings: Electronic Imaging: Image Quality & System Performance IX, 82930J SPIE.
Visual scene busyness measures through a region growing spatial segmentation
Gupta, G., Psarrou, A., Triantaphillidou, S. and Park, J.Y. 2012. Visual scene busyness measures through a region growing spatial segmentation. in: Lewis, C. and Burgess, D. (ed.) Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism, Crime Fighting, and Defence VIII SPIE.
Device-dependent scene-dependent quality predictions using effective pictorial information capacity
Oh, K.H., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2011. Device-dependent scene-dependent quality predictions using effective pictorial information capacity. in: SPIE proceedings: Image Quality and System Performance VIII, 78670R SPIE.
Scene classification with respect to image quality measurements
Oh, K.H., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2010. Scene classification with respect to image quality measurements. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance VII : 18-19 January 2010, San Jose, California, United States Bellingham, Wash. SPIE.
Multidimensional image selection and classification system based on visual feature extraction and scaling
Mancusi, F., Triantaphillidou, S. and Allen, E. 2010. Multidimensional image selection and classification system based on visual feature extraction and scaling. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance VII : 18-19 January 2010, San Jose, California, United States Bellingham, Wash. SPIE.
Perceptual image attribute scales derived from overall image quality assessments
Oh, K.H., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2009. Perceptual image attribute scales derived from overall image quality assessments. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance VI : 19-21 January 2009, San Jose, California, USA IS&T - The Society for Imaging and Science and Technology and SPIE.
Identification of image attributes that are most affected with changes in displayed image size
Park, J.Y., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2009. Identification of image attributes that are most affected with changes in displayed image size. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance VI : 19-21 January 2009, San Jose, California, USA IS&T - The Society for Imaging and Science and Technology and SPIE.
Subjective and objective measures of colour hard copy images
Attridge, G.G., Vagal, G., Allen, E., Triantaphillidou, S. and Pointer, M.R. 2008. Subjective and objective measures of colour hard copy images. Imaging Science Journal. 56 (3), pp. 163-174. https://doi.org/10.1179/174313108X281326
Colour analysis and verification of CCTV images under different lighting conditions
Smith, R.J., MacLennan-Brown, K., Triantaphillidou, S., MacDonald, L.W., Tighe, J.F. and Cohen, N. 2008. Colour analysis and verification of CCTV images under different lighting conditions. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance V : 28-30 January 2008, San Jose, California, USA IS&T - The Society for Imaging and Science and Technology and SPIE.
Predicting image quality using a modular image difference model
Orfanidou, M., Triantaphillidou, S. and Allen, E. 2008. Predicting image quality using a modular image difference model. in: Farnand, S.P. and Gaykema, F. (ed.) Image quality and system performance V : 28-30 January 2008, San Jose, California, USA IS&T - The Society for Imaging and Science and Technology and SPIE.
Image quality comparison between JPEG and JPEG2000. II. Scene dependency, scene analysis, and classification
Triantaphillidou, S., Allen, E. and Jacobson, R.E. 2007. Image quality comparison between JPEG and JPEG2000. II. Scene dependency, scene analysis, and classification. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 51 (3), pp. 259-270.
Image quality comparison between JPEG and JPEG2000. I. Psychophysical investigation
Allen, E., Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2007. Image quality comparison between JPEG and JPEG2000. I. Psychophysical investigation. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 51 (3), pp. 248-258. https://doi.org/10.2352/J.ImagingSci.Technol.(2007)51:3(248)
Effective pictorial information capacity as an image quality metric
Jenkin, R.B., Triantaphillidou, S. and Richardson, M.A. 2007. Effective pictorial information capacity as an image quality metric. in: Cui, L.C. and Miyake, Y. (ed.) Image Quality and System Performance IV: Proceedings of SPIE vol. 6494 SPIE.
Measurements of the modulation transfer function of image displays
Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2004. Measurements of the modulation transfer function of image displays. Journal of Imaging Science and Technology. 48 (1), pp. 58-65.
Metric approaches to image quality
Jacobson, R.E. and Triantaphillidou, S. 2002. Metric approaches to image quality. in: MacDonald, L.W. and Luo, M.R. (ed.) Colour image science: exploiting digital media Chichester, UK Wiley. pp. 371-392
A case study in digitizing a photographic collection
Triantaphillidou, S., Jacobson, R.E. and Attridge, G.G. 2002. A case study in digitizing a photographic collection. Imaging Science Journal. 50 (2), pp. 97-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/13682199.2002.11784395
A simple approach to digitizing a photographic collection
Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2001. A simple approach to digitizing a photographic collection. in: PICS 2001: Image Processing, Image Quality, Image Capture Systems Conference Society for Imaging Science and Technology. pp. 160-165
A Simple Approach in Digitising a Photographic Collection
Triantaphillidou, S. and Jacobson, R.E. 2001. A Simple Approach in Digitising a Photographic Collection. IS&T PICS. Montreal, Quebec, Canada April 2001 pp. 160-165
An evaluation of MTF determination methods for 35mm scanners
Triantaphillidou, S., Jacobson, R.E. and Fagard-Jenkin, R. 1999. An evaluation of MTF determination methods for 35mm scanners. IS&T PICS. Savannah, Georgia, USA April 1999 pp. 231-235
Preferred Tone Reproduction of Images on Soft Displays
Triantaphillidou, S., Jacobson, R.E. and Ford, A.M. 1998. Preferred Tone Reproduction of Images on Soft Displays. ICPS 1998. Antwerp September 1998 pp. 205-208
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