Abstract
In this paper we present a stereo matching method based on a network algorithm. The network to transport the characteristic features from one image to anothor is constructed as an electrical network connected by variable resistors. By this analogy the characteristic features can be considered as electrical current. Using this network, matching problem can be transformed as a computation of current distribution satisfying the constraints for the physical surface. In the step to find the distribution, we utilize the lateral inhibition theory and change iteratively the values of resistors.
Several algorithms were devised for stereo matching, such as a method using correlation coefficient, dynamic programming or the relaxation method. But these methods were not satisfactory because they need vast amount of calculation or they were not capable to obtain enough resolution.
In this paper, the method for detection of corresponding points by means of the network algorithm resolves the deficits of conventional methods. The method is able to use the images or those differences directly, furthermore, by the method a pixel of one image can be matched to any point between the pixels of the other image. Because of these facts, fine resolution can be obtained.
Experimental results are shown to confirm effectiveness of this method to navigate the locomotive vehicle. Although this method is defined on one dimensional, extension to two dimensional is easily performed by use of three dimensional network.
