Adaptive visual tracking algorithm and real-time implementation

A real-time correspondence based tracking algorithm is detailed. The system uses a pipeline processor, a general purpose processor, a camera and a display. The minimum noise and correlation energy (MINACE) filter is used in the tracking algorithm as it provides a good combination of speed, accuracy and flexibility for the targeted hardware system. The system designed is fast and tracking is accomplished at a rate of 15 Hz. The system is adaptive and does not rely on a previous model of the object; the training image for filter synthesis is acquired from previous image frames and the filter is synthesized online to accommodate 3D variations of the target being tracked. The system tracks an object consistently as is demonstrated by the low deviation of the results in the evaluation