Feature-Centered First Order Structure Tensor Scale-Space in 2D and 3D
This provides a more robust out-of-the-box solution for image analysis in fields like medical imaging or computer vision, though it is incremental as it builds on existing structure tensor methods.
The paper tackles the parameter sensitivity in first order structure tensor scale-space for 2D and 3D image analysis by linking derivative filter width to feature size and using a ring-filter to shift responses from edges to centers, resulting in a more accurate and reliable method for extracting structural parameters with minimal user input.
The structure tensor method is often used for 2D and 3D analysis of imaged structures, but its results are in many cases very dependent on the user's choice of method parameters. We simplify this parameter choice in first order structure tensor scale-space by directly connecting the width of the derivative filter to the size of image features. By introducing a ring-filter step, we substitute the Gaussian integration/smoothing with a method that more accurately shifts the derivative filter response from feature edges to their center. We further demonstrate how extracted structural measures can be used to correct known inaccuracies in the scale map, resulting in a reliable representation of the feature sizes both in 2D and 3D. Compared to the traditional first order structure tensor, or previous structure tensor scale-space approaches, our solution is much more accurate and can serve as an out-of-the-box method for extracting a wide range of structural parameters with minimal user input.