Hierarchical decomposition and axial shape description

The problem of obtaining intuitive descriptions of planar shapes is addressed. In particular, a method for producing a segmented axial description of a given shape together with a hierarchical decomposition of the shape into its parts is suggested. Smooth local symmetries are used for the axial description of parts. Parallel symmetries are used to provide information on global relationships within the shape. It is assumed that the shape is a closed planar curve. The approach uses both region and contour information, can handle shapes with corners, and addresses the issues of local versus global information, the issue of scale and the notion of part. The method is computationally efficient, robust, and stable. Results showing that it provides an intuitive shape description are presented