Abstract: A target recognition system and method. The inventive method includes the steps of first receiving an image of a scene within which a target may be included and second using constrained image segmentation as a basis for target recognition. In the specific embodiment, the segmentation is variable and derived from target geometry models. The constrained image segmentation is adapted to use target geometry models to derive alternative image segmentation hypotheses. The hypotheses are verified using a novel hierarchical adaptive region model matcher. In the best mode, the hierarchical adaptive region model matcher is fully hierarchical and includes the steps of receiving an image and a hypothesis with respect to a target in the image. In the illustrative embodiment, the hypothesis contains the type, location, and/or orientation of a hypothesized target in the image. The hypothesis is received by a model tree generator. A target model library provides a plurality of computer generated target models.

Abstract: A target recognition system and method. The inventive method includes the steps of first receiving an image of a scene within which a target may be included and second using constrained image segmentation as a basis for target recognition. In the specific embodiment, the segmentation is variable and derived from target geometry models. The constrained image segmentation is adapted to use target geometry models to derive alternative image segmentation hypotheses. The hypotheses are verified using a novel hierarchical adaptive region model matcher. In the best mode, the hierarchical adaptive region model matcher is fully hierarchical and includes the steps of receiving an image and a hypothesis with respect to a target in the image. In the illustrative embodiment, the hypothesis contains the type, location, and/or orientation of a hypothesized target in the image. The hypothesis is received by a model tree generator. A target model library provides a plurality of computer generated target models.