Artificial vision is a rapidly growing discipline, aiming to build computational models of the visual capabilities in humans, as well as the machines that emulate them. Recent research work suggests that vision is a complex functionality, involving active sensing and attentional mechanisms, and is strictly related to cognitive processes like learning, reasoning and communicating. Visual communication in itself has a dramatic impact on contemporary culture, where human-computer interaction and human dialogue via computers play a more and more significant role.

Preface. Part I: Active Vision: V. Cantoni, G. Caputo, and L. Lombardi, Attentional Engagement in Vision Systems. Y. Yeshurun, Attentional Mechanisms in Computer Vision. M. Savini, The Active Vision Idea. E. Trucco, Active Model Acquisition and Sensor Planning. A. Verri, The Regularization of Early Vision. Part II: Integrating Visual Modules: M. Bertolotto, E. Bruzzone, and L. DeFloriani, Geometric Modeling and Spatial Reasoning.V. Roberto, Vision as Uncertain Knowledge. V. Di Gesu and D. Tegolo, Distributed Systems for Fusion of Visual Infomation. E. Ardizzone, A. Chella, and S. Gaglio, Hybrid Computation and Reasoning for Artificial Vision. Part III: VisualCommunication: A.M. Iacono, Illusion and Difference. S. Levialdi, P. Mussio, N. Bianchi, and P. Bottoni, Computing with/on Images. A. Del Bimbo, Visual Databases. S-K. Chang, Visual Languages for Tele-Action Objects. Subject Index.