Feature correspondence in multiple sensor data fusion
Ted J. Broida · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1991
Before combining measurement data from multiple sensors, it is first necessary to identify those measurements that correspond to the same “world” feature or target. This paper addresses three topics related to the problem of establishing feature correspondence (data association). First, a standard maximum likelihood (ML) decision rule for feature correspondence is reviewed, emphasizing the relationship between the decision rule and the Kalman filter model structure. Next, four measurement “primitives” are developed as a convenient data represention for fusion of diverse measurements. First-order models can be constructed from these primitives for a wide range of sensor types and applications. Finally, these ideas are illustrated with examples involving stereo (binocular) image feature correspondence and fusion, starting first with a two dimensional example which is then generalized to the three dimensional case of practical interest. A novel method is presented for registering observed features from two (or more) cameras that provides “triangulation” range estimates along with feature correspondence statistics. The stereo image association problem is also addressed for the case when both cameras measure optical flow (angle-rate) of discrete features.