New region feature descriptor-based image registration method

Successful content-based image registration relies on the accurate identification of corresponding features across images. Geometric and photometric transformations between images may hinder an algorithm´s ability to precisely match features. In this work, we propose a novel region descriptor detection and matching algorithm for use with image registration. The detection process utilizes invariant feature points, as well as their spatial relationships and textural characteristics to create a connected graph whose structure represents an invariant region descriptor. With such a framework, feature matching can be accomplished by graph matching with a defined similarity metric. Subsequent image registration steps are outlined that employ the invariant region descriptors. The results provide strong evidence of the region descriptor´s effectiveness in applications involving image registration. Several scenarios are presented including the registration of general objects, aerial photography, as well as scenes before and after a disaster.