Vector field analysis for oriented patterns

Presents a method, based on the properties of vector fields, for the estimation of a set of symbolic descriptors (node, saddle, star-node, improper-node, center, and spiral) from linear orientation fields. Planar first-order phase portraits are used to model the linear orientation fields. A weighted linear estimator is developed to estimate linear phase portraits, using only the flow orientation. A classification scheme for planar first-order phase portraits, based on their local properties: curl, divergence, and deformation is developed. The authors present results of experiments on noise-added synthetic flow patterns and real oriented textures