Abstract：Based on the characteristics of human vision

an edge-detection algorithm based on masking the image with the spatial activity is presented. Edge-detection algorithms usually deal with the image’s original information without the characteristics of human eyes

more powerful perceiving ability on regular images than the other parts. In this paper

methods for measuring the spatial activity and a double-thresholds mechanism are proposed. The regular extent is represented using the spatial activity and the masking area of the spatial activity is located accurately by correcting gradient direction and determining edge widths. The results show that this algorithm effectively detects edges of regular images and depress the edges of the others. So

this algorithm is more consistent with characteristics of human vision and beneficial to information extraction under complex condition.