Real time image registration based on the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality

A technique for correlating two images, differing in size, but of identical spatial content is presented. The technique, based on the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, is derived in such a way as to eliminate division, thereby allowing its practical real time implementation with presently available electronic hardware. This technique was simulated and its operation compared to other accepted methods of image correlation. It was shown to be superior under conditions of noise, offset and gain differences. The hardware implementation for real time location of a 32 × 32 pixel reference in a 256 × 256 pixel image, at 30 frames per second is discussed.