• 1. Introduction

  There has been a great deal of research in Vision Science and

  Computer Vision to develop theories of visual attention that

  are converted into mathematical equations and algorithms

  that make explicit predictions about where people will

  initially look when viewing complex scenes such as

  shopping malls, streets, magazine pages, web pages,

  advertising content, etc.

   

  But how does the visual system make decisions on where

  to look? The human visual system takes in a large amount

  of visual information (that is, the entire visual field) at any

  given time. However, the human visual system expends the

  bulk of its resources processing only a small fraction of this

  information—typically where the viewer is fixated. Although

  the majority of the visual field is not being attended to, it

  serves as an important part of the visual experience. The

  human visual system uses the information in the periphery to

  monitor regions that might be of interest to the viewer—the

  regions that attract visual attention. If the early perceptual

  properties (color, motion, contrast etc.) are engaging, the

  human visual system will move its fixation to that location

  to gather more visual information. Thus, when one initially

  enters a room, or initially turns a corner, or looks at a

  magazine page, the human visual system surveys the scene to

  become aware of what might be important within the scene.

  Based on prior research, during this initial “surveillance”

  period our visual system is attracted to low-level perceptual

  features such as color, luminance, edges, motion and other

  early visual processing elements. This initial surveying

  typically occurs in the first 3-5 seconds. During this survey

  period the visual system analyzes the visual representation

  projected on the retina and based on that information the

  eyes are drawn to particular regions of the scene based on

  the visual features (e.g., color, contrast, text faces, etc.).

  What people do after this initial 3-5 seconds will depend

  on Top-Down processing. These secondary fixations that

  are primarily driven by Top-Down processing will use the

  information gathered during these initial fixations to decide

  Figure

   

   

• 2. Data & Methods

  L3M VAS was validated using eye-tracking data. Data

  used for this validation consisted of four different data sets,

  two of which were collected by academic research labs

  (MIT & York University) and the third and fourth sets were

  collected by 3M. Each data set consisted of eye fixations data

  collected for relatively short periods of time (3-5 seconds) for

  a variety of images (indoor scenes, outdoor scenes, people,

  advertisements, etc.). This provides a measurement as to

  where people will initially look at an image.

  All of the data were collected in a similar way: participants

  were seated in front of a computer monitor and images were

  presented one at a time for a given period of time. In between

  each image there was either a short fixed inter-image pause or

  a wait period in which the subject pressed a button indicating

  that they were ready for the next image. Participants were

  instructed to “freely view “the images during that time (that

  is, they were not given any specific task to complete). During

  the free viewing period, eye-tracking equipment measured

  and recorded where the participants looked at the image.

  Figure 1 provides an illustration of eye-tracking data for a

  single subject. The blue circles indicate the location and

  the size of the circle indicates the dwell time for a particular

  subject. The red “+” in the upper-left illustration of Figure 1

  shows the combined location of all 20 participants who looked

  at this image in the 3M study.

  Validating 3M Data Collection Techniques

  One of the goals of the current study is to show that the

  methods 3M uses to collect data match those of outside

  research institutions. To do this, we collected eye-tracking

  data using the images from a previous study conducted at

  York University in which eye-tracking data from their lab is

  made publically available (http://www-sop.inria.fr/members/

  Neil.Bruce/eyetrackingdata.zip). The York University images

  consisted of 120 images of various indoor and outdoor

   

   

• 3. Response-Operator-Characteristic

  LTo evaluate the predictive performance we calculated ROC

  values using a split-data method in which we calculated how

  well one-half of the subjects fixation data predicted the second

  half of subjects (randomly selected) for each image and then

  compared the predictive power of the 3M VAS predictions

  to that of using human data. To do this we generated two

  predictive maps for each image. One predictive map was

  generated by taking one half of the subjects and generating a

  heat map representation from the subjects’ fixation locations.

  The second heat map was generated by using 3M VAS to

  analyze each image.

  For both sets of predictions (human and 3M VAS) for each

  pixel there is a continuous value associated with the strength

  of the prediction for that pixel. To generate an ROC value

  for each image we varied the threshold of how liberal of a

  prediction would be considered. When the threshold is high,

  the model makes very few predictions as to where attention

  will be allocated, has only a few hits and has very few false

  alarms (see lower left corner of ROC curve in Figure 4).

  However, as the threshold decreases, the area in which the

  model is predicting becomes larger and the model correctly

  predicts more fixations. However, this increased region

  also increases the number of false alarms. To evaluate the

  performance of information available in the Heat Map we

  used the ROC calculation described above.

  ROC takes into account multiple threshold levels and

  measures the number of Hits (correct predictions) and False

  Alarms (incorrect predictions; see Figure 4 for an illustration)

  for each threshold level. After generating the Hits and

  False Alarm rates for multiple thresholds, a single metric

  is generated by calculating the area under the curve. Thus,

  if the model perfectly predicts the data, the prediction will

  have a ROC value of 1.0. Figure 5 (next page) shows the

  distribution of ROC values for the different images for the

  Human-To-Human comparisons for the York University,

  MIT and 3M advertising data. The York University data

  predicted itself with an average ROC value of 0.819. The 3M

  data predicted the York data with an average ROC value of

  0.812. This insignificant difference indicates that the methods

  and procedures used at 3M closely match those used at York

  University. The MIT data predicted itself with an average

  ROC value of 0.89 and the 3M advertising data predicted

  itself with an average ROC value of 0.93. These values

  provide us with the upper-theoretical performance boundary

  by which we will compare 3M VAS performance.

  3M VAS Prediction Efficiency

  The Human-to-Human analysis provides a valuable metric for

  evaluating the efficiency of 3M VAS. Because the Humanto-

  Human analysis provides a way to measure the Theoretical

  Limit of performance — the very best predictive

   

   

  Latex – This is the latest and greatest technology in the wrap world and uses less abrasive inks than solvent printers. Latex printers are unique in that they use multiple fans and extremely high-powered heaters to cure the ink as it is being laid down on the vinyl, resulting in prints that are 100% dry immediately after being printed.  Latex printers completely eliminate the need for off-gassing which makes them ideal for the vehicle wrap industry.  Moreover, since latex ink’s composition is naturally more flexible than solvent/eco-solvent ink, it’s ideal for applications requiring vinyl to conform or stretch around curves.

   

  UV – Ultra Violet (UV) printers are not typically recommended for printing vehicle wraps because the inks’ curing process under UV lights makes the ink brittle when dry.  These printers are great for doing signage and window graphics, but when you take UV printed vinyl and try to stretch and conform it to fit around highly compound curves or bend into deep crevices, there’s a greater risk for ink cracking underneath the laminate.

• 4. Fixation Biases in Eye-Tracking

  Within the eye-tracking community it is well known that

  when collecting eye-tracking data on computer displays there

  are particular fixation biases that are not determined by the

  content that is on the computer screen. One well known bias

  is known as the Center Bias or the Center Fixation Bias. The

  cause of this bias is due to multiple factors. One known factor

  is that fixating in the center of the screen provides the most

  information about the image (given the resolution fall-off in

  peripheral vision). However, the center bias is due to the fact

  that people are looking at images on a computer screen. 3M

  VAS does not predict how people will look at these images on

  a computer screen but instead how people will look at these

  images in the real world . Using a technique described in

  Zhang et al. (2008) we evaluated both the Human-to-Human

  performance and the 3M VAS performance removing the

  center bias and any other fixation biases that might have

  occurred in the data collection.

  Within the eye-tracking community it is well known that

  when collecting eye-tracking data on computer displays there

  are particular fixation biases that are not determined by the

  content that is on the computer screen. One well known bias

  is known as the Center Bias or the Center Fixation Bias. The

  cause of this bias is due to multiple factors. One known factor

  is that fixating in the center of the screen provides the most

  information about the image (given the resolution fall-off in

  peripheral vision). However, the center bias is due to the fact

  that people are looking at images on a computer screen. 3M

  VAS does not predict how people will look at these images on

  a computer screen but instead how people will look at these

  images in the real world . Using a technique described in

  Zhang et al. (2008) we evaluated both the Human-to-Human

  performance and the 3M VAS performance removing the

  center bias and any other fixation biases that might have

  occurred in the data collection.

   

• 5. Modified ROC

  The modified ROC (mROC) calculates performance in much the same way as the standard ROC. As a reminder, the standard ROC calculates the number of hits as a function of the number of false alarms (incorrect predictions) by varying the levels of threshold (threshold independent analysis). The right side illustration in Figure 4 illustrates a sample curve. The mROC, by contrast, evaluates how well the predictions generated for a particular image (e.g., Image-1) predict the

  fixations for that image against the fixations for all of the other images. As with the standard ROC approach, the mROC calculates the percentage of hits for the target image (i.e., correctly predicting the fixations for the target image for a particular threshold) against the percentage of hits for the

  fixations for all other images in the study. It is well known that when collecting data on a computer

  there is a bias for fixating in the center of the screen (Tseng et al. 2009). There are a number of reasons for this center bias, which were discussed and evaluated by Tseng et al. (2009), that we will not go into in this manuscript. Removing this center bias from the analysis is important since the performance of the model will be reduced because the model predicts what people will see in a real environment (free viewing with no frame), not how perform in an eyetracking

  study on a computer. It should be noted that one way to improve the model’s performance is to put an explicit center bias within the model’s predictions. However, this improves the model’s performance for predicting fixations on a computer monitor but not necessarily in the real world.

  One way to think about the mROC calculation is that the mROC evaluates how well the model is able to predict the unique fixations for a target image relative to all other images. More accurately, the more unique the correctly predicted fixation positions for a particular image, the more

  weight that is given to the score. Therefore, if there are numerous fixations in the center of the computer screen and the model correctly predicts these fixations, these scores will

  be weighted less than a prediction made to fixations where, overall, there were very few fixations across all of the images.

   

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ'S ABOUT VEHICLE WRAPS

 

WHAT IS A VEHICLE WRAP?

 

Wraps come in all different shapes & sizes. Wraps start as large sheets of adhesive backed vinyl film designed specifically for vehicle application made available in a variety of styles & finishes. Some wraps are a full color change in matte, satin or gloss finishes, as well as chrome, “carbon fiber” look, and beyond. Vehicle wraps can also consist of printed designs containing imagery, photos, graphics, or branded elements to represent a business or group, or as “accents” on vehicle features like trim, spoilers, hoods, roofs, and trunks. Truly, the possibilities are endless; recent advancements in vinyl production technology has also opened up the possibilities to textured vehicle wraps like leather, alligator, snake skin, or holographic & 3D films!

 

HOW MUCH DO VEHICLE WRAPS COST?

 

Every vehicle & application is different, so price really depends on the scope of your vehicle wrap project. A complete wrap includes door jambs, inner door frames, and sills — this level of vehicle coverage is recommended for those who desire a full color change, and is obviously the most costly. Partial wraps without jambs, frames, and sills are cheaper, but ultimately will not have the same illusion as full coverage applications. All of our prices listed are base prices, and will vary depending on the vehicle type, surface complexity, and film used. For a more precise quote, contact us with more information about your wrap project.

Click here for a general Price!

NOTE: prices do not include full vehicle disassembling or re-assembling, or removal of previous films, wraps, and clear bra.

 

DOES A VEHICLE WRAP DAMAGE YOUR PAINT?

 

No, but improper installation or removal can! A bad install means your vehicle’s paint might get damaged from razor blade scratches, and poor adhesion that ultimately leads to wrap failure. Also, if the wrong type of film is used during the application like a sign vinyl with extra strength adhesive or low flexibility, it can strip your paint and cause serious damage if & when it is not removed with care!

 

HOW LONG DOES A VEHICLE WRAP LAST?

 

Wrap life span really depends on how well the film is cared for, how much day to day stress the wrap gets from road driving, and what quality of film was used to do the installation. Some films last longer than others, and the thicker they are the more damage they can take. We’ve wrapped vehicles that see plenty of road & track time, and their films have survived more that 5 years without needing parts re-installed or failing entirely.

 

CAN YOU REMOVE VEHICLE WRAPS?

 

Most definitely. While it is a bit of a tedious process to undertake, we offer wrap removal services as well as installation, and would be happy to assist. Contact us with more information about what type of wrap you would like to have removed & we’ll help you get back to fresh paint!

Can you install my vinyl for me?

Typically we don’t install any film we’re not already stocking. There are a lot of knock off films out there that aren’t designed for vehicle wrap applications, so if you want help making a selection just contact us for a recommendation!

 

CAN YOU WRAP UNPAINTED OR PRIMED VEHICLES OR BODY COMPONENTS?

 

No. With primed and unpainted vehicles or body kits, the surface texture does not allow for proper adhesion of air egress vinyls, and makes the wrap prone to failure & lifting.

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY VINYL WRAP?

 

Proper wrap care starts with the basics. Keeping your vehicle’s surface clean is the primary concern, so frequent hand washing to eliminate surface contaminates is necessary if you want to keep your wrap from getting stained or damaged from road grime. For those of you with a gloss free exterior, we offer wrap waxing services for matte & satin films to help keep them protected as well as maintain a nice soft, flat finish.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR SATIN CLEAR & MATTE COLORS?

 

Primarily, the film thickness. Matte opaque options have become more and more popular for those wanting a complete color change, while our satin clear applications are more tailored to those who simply want to change their factory paint finish while also adding a layer of protection.

 

WILL A WRAP PROTECT MY VEHICLE?

 

Most opaque and textured wrap films are thin and pliable so they can stretch easily during application. Unfortunately, thinner films are more prone to failure, and typically don’t offer much paint protection. However, some wrap films are so thick that they can add a layer of protection – specifically, our satin clear applications. Typical matte colored film is around 2-4 MILS thick and wont bare too much of an impact from large rocks or chunky road debris, but satin clear is on par with standard clear bra protection at around 7-9 MILS thick, keeping your paint that much safer.

 

WHAT TYPES / BRANDS OF VINYL DO YOU HAVE?

 

We typically don’t stock much vinyl other than what is necessary for current projects. Since we work with such a diverse range of clientele with a wide array of tastes and styles, we install just about every type of film on the market (and some custom ones too!) 3M, Avery, Oracal, Hexus, KPMF, you name it, we’ve used it. If there’s a specific film you want to use, let us know and we’ll find it for your vehicle at the best price available. We can even special order a one-off film, create a custom printed design, or track down something unique if you really want to break away from the pack!

 

WHY ARE YOUR PRICES HIGHER THAN EVERYONE ELSE?

 

As the age old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Our prices reflect the quality of work that goes into each installation, and our installs are incredibly thorough & time consuming. Speedy & cheap installs typically lead to cars being bladed up, films not being properly applied or given enough time to breathe, and ultimately a shorter life span for the wrap. Also, most installers will not offer any sort of warranty if the wrap film fails or was applied improperly. Not only do we make sure that your vehicle’s exterior is spotlessly clean to ensure proper adhesion and no film failure, but we also go the distance in disassembling your vehicle prior to wrapping. That means no unnecessary seams, no bad cuts, or messy edges. If the film we supplied fails, bring it in and we’ll make it right until you’re satisfied with the results.

 

HOW LONG DOES A VEHICLE WRAP TAKE TO INSTALL?

 

If the wrap is our primary focus, turn around time can be as short as a week or less depending on complexity. Stripes, graphics & accent pieces can typically be completed in 24 – 72 hours, but exterior wraps or full color changes with door jambs will take considerably longer. Since we’re a fully functioning detail shop with more than just wraps on our plate, installation times will vary depending on the project and when it’s scheduled. If you’re on a deadline or want to expedite your install, just let us know what the time frame is and we’ll factor it in when we set up your appointment.

 

PAINT VS. WRAP: WHICH IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE?

 

There are pros & cons to both wrapping or painting your vehicle, and normally a high quality paint job will cost just as much if not more than a high quality wrap. A cheap paint job is rarely a good thing, and preserving original paint is something we value, so we tend to side with wrapping. While it might be “cheaper” to do an easy respray on your vehicle for a change of color, it will ultimately damage the value and make it harder to resell down the line. A wrap can be removed easily, doesn’t run the risk of inconsistencies that come with a cheap paint job, and can potentially increase the resale value to prospective buyers if they plan on keeping it wrapped.

 

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS ON VEHICLE WRAPS?

 

We don’t regularly, but discounting vehicle wraps is something we take into consideration for appropriate parties who would like it known where they had their wrap installed. If you are interested in representing and promoting the NorthWest Auto Salon brand as part of your color change, printed wrap, or custom graphics in a new or innovative way, please send us a complete proposal with details about the vehicle, wrap design, film choices, project affiliates, and a schedule of where the vehicle will be on display or in competition.

 

ARE VEHICLE WRAPS ROAD LEGAL?

 

In most cases, yes. While the jury is still out on the legality of vehicle wraps in most states due to their recent rise in popularity, we have heard of action being taken to limit certain films from road use by regulating their production size. Varieties of chrome & reflective films are intended for off road use only or for minor graphical additions as opposed to total car coverage, but there isn’t a current state law barring you from changing the color of your car via vehicle wrap that we know of, or requiring you to re-register your vehicle in a new color.

 

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE VIP WRAPS.PRO TO WRAP MY VEHICLE?

 

For starters, we were one of the first detail shops in the greater Pacific North West let alone the United States to performed a full vehicle wrap using matte black film. We’ve had more experience with total coverage vehicle wrapping than any other detail shop in the business, and have worked on wrap projects spanning a wide array of cars & clientele from the most average to the most exotic. Our in house design team produces cutting edge aesthetics that set the trends for the rest of the wrap industry, and our access to exclusive materials & manufacturers is unmatched. Having your vehicle wrapped by

VIP WRAPS.PRO ensures a level of quality & support that simply cannot be found anywhere else!

 

DOES MY VEHICLE NEED TO BE CLEAN BEFORE I CAN WRAP IT?

 

Most definitely. Dirt and contaminants on your exterior would be trapped under the film, posing greater harm to your paint and eventually causing the wrap to fail if they were not cleaned off before installation. Thus, we must require a full 24- step hand wash and clay bar decontamination before the wrap is applied.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY WRAP GETS DAMAGED?

 

There are a few courses of action we can take depending on how your wrap gets damaged, where the damage occurred, and how extensive it is. Worst case scenario, the wrap must be removed entirely, but more than likely we will be able to pull a section of the wrap and replace it with a new piece of film that was left over from your installation. Depending on the design or layout of your wrap and where the damage is located, we may also need to reprint graphics or simply patch a spot in.

 

DO YOU OFFER PRINTED, BRANDED, OR CUSTOMIZED VEHICLE WRAPS?

 

Printed, branded, and customized vehicle wraps are something we specialize in. If you already have a design mocked up and simply need to get film printed and applied, or you want us to take it all the way from concept to completion, we would be glad to assist in bringing your personal or company fleet vehicles up to spec.

 

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