Shape classification via image-based multiscale description

We introduce a new multiscale Fourier-based object description in 2-D space using a low-pass Gaussian filter (LPGF) and a high-pass Gaussian filter (HPGF), separately. Using the LPGF at different scales (standard deviation) represents the inner and central part of an object more than the boundary. On the other hand using the HPGF at different scales represents the boundary and exterior parts of an object more than the central part. Our algorithms are also organized to achieve size, translation and rotation invariance. Evaluation indicates that representing the boundary and exterior parts more than the central part using the HPGF performs better than the LPGF-based multiscale representation, and in comparison to Zernike moments and elliptic Fourier descriptors with respect to increasing noise. Multiscale description using HPGF in 2-D also outperforms wavelet transform-based multiscale contour Fourier descriptors and performs similar to the perimeter descriptors without any noise. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.