DATABASE REPRESENTATIONS IN HIERARCHICAL SCENE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This chapter presents database representations in hierarchical scene analysis. Digital scene analysis may be defined as the process of using a digital computer to extract, characterize, and interpret information from images of a three-dimensional world. Interest in scene analysis methods ranges from biomedical to industrial and military applications. Regardless of specific application, however, an essential characteristic of digital scene analysis techniques is the use of a machine for performing intelligent tasks, where the standard for intelligent behavior on the part of the machine is established by the capability of a human in performing the same tasks. The importance of scene analysis techniques in the broader field of machine intelligence can be easily grasped by a cursory review of the application areas in this field based on pictorial information. One of the principal characteristics of scene analysis, in fact, of machine intelligence in general, is the use of heuristics. There is no general theory for selecting the measurements, features, recognition, and interpretation techniques needed for the implementation of scene analysis systems.