New framework for object warping: semi-Lagrangian level set approach

In this paper, we present a new framework for object matching between two images. This method could handle multiple pairs of overlapping and non-overlapping shapes, open curves, and landmarks. When implemented in 3-D, the same framework could be used to warp 3-D objects with minimal modification. Our approach is to use the level set formulation to represent the objects to be matched. Using this representation, the problem becomes an energy minimization problem. Cost functions for warping overlapping, non-overlapping, open curves, and landmarks are proposed. Euler-Lagrange equations are applied and gradient descent is used to solve the corresponding partial differential equations. Moreover, a general framework for linking the level set approach and the infinite dimensional group actions is discussed.