Optimal tradeoff circular harmonic function correlation filter methods providing controlled in-plane rotation response.

Correlation methods are becoming increasingly attractive tools for image recognition and location. This renewed interest in correlation methods is spurred by the availability of high-speed image processors and the emergence of correlation filter designs that can optimize relevant figures of merit. In this paper, a new correlation filter design method is presented that allows one to optimally tradeoff among potentially conflicting correlation output performance criteria while achieving desired correlation peak value behavior in response to in-plane rotation of input images. Such controlled in-plane rotation response is useful in image analysis and pattern recognition applications where the sensor follows a pre-arranged trajectory while imaging an object. Since this new correlation filter design is based on circular harmonic function (CHF) theory, we refer to the resulting filters as optimal tradeoff circular harmonic function (OTCHF) filters. Underlying theory, OTCHF filter design method, and illustrative numerical results are presented.