Adaptive Hybrid Picture Coding. Volume 2.

Abstract : A system for the machine recognition of partial shapes is described. Shape analysis methods are reviewed in context to the problem of machine recognition of partial shapes, and their limitations. The problem of defining the critical oints for shapes and partial shapes with various degrees of curvature is considered. It is shown that the critical points derived using criteria based on curvature alone are insufficient to describe shapes represented by smooth curves. A new method of shape analysis is described which exhibits superior performance over the critical point detection methods based on curvature alone. The critical points determined by this method are based on a set of coordinate axes that are dependent on the shape itself. This guarantees that the critical points detected are independent of size, rotation, and displacement of the shape. The results of applying this new procedure to actual shapes are demonstrated and discussed.