Patent ID: 6259802
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G06K,G06T

Abstract:
An image tracking system comprising:image means for acquiring a sequence of images, converting said images into digital image data, and outputting said digital image data, said pixels having coordinates i and j;computer means connected to said image means for storing and processing said digital image data to track an object of interest in said sequence of images, said computer means comprising:means for determining an initial contour substantially outlining an image characteristic of said object in a first image;means for determining an input contour for each said image subsequent to said first image using a previous optimal contour or said initial contour;means for setting a search space of pixels enveloping a vertex of said initial contour and each said input contour as a predefined search space for each said vertex in each said image;means for determining a polyline cost for processing an image cost and a deformation cost, comprising a stretching cost and a bending cost associated with said sequence of images;means for determining an optimal contour through processing of said images in said sequence, comprising a graph exploration procedure, which evaluates polyline costs to determine a current optimal contour based on said polyline costs for selecting from a table of previously determined polyline costs, without recalcuation of said previously determined polyline costs, and determining those polyline costs to complete said table of polyline costs with respect to the current sequence, said table being updated with each additional sequence of newly determined polyline costs; andmeans for an image tracking system for forming a set of optimal contours outlining said image characteristic of said object in said sequence of images, and for storing a pixel coordinate i and j of said each set of said optimal contours.