A multilevel approach to sequential detection of pictorial features

The problem of detecting the local similarity between templates in a given class and a given image using a hierarchically ordered sequential decision rule is examined. It is proposed that the set of templates be partitioned and a 'representative template' be defined for each of the partitions. Several levels of partitioning are defined. Elimination of mismatching locations and termination of computation can take place at each level of detection. Each level of testing is over a more restrictive subset of the template class than the previous level. Criteria are given for selecting representative templates, the ordering of components of a template vector for error evaluation, and the threshold sequences to be used in deciding about a 'match'. Suboptimal solutions are given satisfying these criteria. Examples showing recognition of linear features in test patterns and photographs obtained by aerial and spaceborne sensors are provided.