Image Fusion paper, 2008

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Title

Advances in image registration and fusion

Abstract:

Many image fusion systems involving passive sensors require the accurate registration of the sensor data prior to performing the fusion. Since depth information is not readily available in such systems, all registration algorithms are intrinsically approximations based upon various assumptions about the depth field. Although often overlooked, many registration algorithms can break down in certain situations and this may adversely affect the image fusion performance.

In this paper, we discuss a framework for quantifying the accuracy and robustness of image registration algorithms which allows a more precise understanding of their shortcomings. In addition, some novel algorithms have been investigated that overcome some of these limitations.

A second aspect of this work has considered the treatment of images from multiple sensors whose angular and spatial separation is large and where the conventional registration algorithms break down (typically greater than a few degrees separation). A range of novel approaches is reported which exploit the use of the parallax to estimate depth information and re-construct a geometrical model of the scene. The imagery can then be combined with this geometry to render a variety of useful representations of the data.

These techniques (which we term Volume Registration) show great promise as a means of gathering and presenting 3D and 4D scene information for both military and civilian applications.

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Authors:

C. Steer, Waterfall Solutions, UK;
M. I. Smith, Waterfall Solutions, UK;
J. P. Heather, Waterfall Solutions, UK;
M. Bernhardt, Waterfall Solutions, UK;
P. K. Kimber, SELEX S&AS UK;

Conference:

SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, Conference 6957,
Session 1: Image Level Issues and Applications
Paper 6974-3 Orlando, FL. 19 March 2008, 8:30 AM - 10:10 AM