Stochastic formulations of optical flow algorithms under variable brightness conditions

In this paper, we examine optical flow methods applicable under variable brightness conditions. In particular, we develop a stochastic formulation of Gennert and Negahdaripour´s (1987) optical flow algorithm. Our model is shown to be well-posed and thus can be used in both simulating and estimating velocity fields with certain known stochastic properties. This model is used to simulate flow fields of different physical properties, and Gennert and Negahdaripour´s method is demonstrated to work well for these synthesized fields under variable brightness conditions