Gradient of reference difference based matching algorithm for image feature point

Abstract

During matching on feature point, gray correlation matching technology is utilized to extract multi-peaks as a coarse matching set. A pair of given corresponding reference points within the left and right images is used to calculate gradients of reference difference between the reference points and each feature point within the multi-peaks set. The unique correspondence is determined by criterion of minimal gradients of reference difference. The obtained correspondence is taken as a new pair of reference points to update the reference points continuously until all feature points in the left (or right) image being matched with the right (or left) image. The gradients of reference difference can be calculated easily by means of pre-setting a pair of obvious feature points in the left and right images as a pair of corresponding reference points. Besides, the efficiency of matching can be improved greatly by taking the obtained matching point as a new pair of reference points, and by updating the reference point continuously. It is proved that the proposed algorithm is valid and reliable by 3D reconstruction on two pairs of actual natural images with abundant and weak texture, respectively.