Real-Time Computer Vision

Computer vision is a rapidly developing and highly interdisciplinary field of computer science and engineering. An increasing number of researchers are turning their attention to the development of vision algorithms that can analyse dynamic images at real-time rates. Real-time vision is needed for automated systems to keep pace with real-world activities and thus control or respond appropriately to them. This is the first book devoted to the subject of real-time computer vision, and includes articles by some of the leading researchers in the world. The focus is on algorithms for interpreting visual input at video rates and on using the gathered information for decision-making and control. Topics covered include: shape recovery; model-based vehicle tracking; active exploration; tracking heads and eyes; controlling robot behavior; visual monitoring; controlling distributed robots. The book will be of interest to students, researchers and engineers involved in the design and programming of visually guided systems.

Preface; Introduction; Part I. Visual Tracking: 1. A framework for spatio-temporal control in the tracking of visual contours Andrew Blake, Rupert Curwen and Andrew Zisserman; 2. Tracking moving heads Larry S. Shapiro, Michael Brady and Andrew Zisserman; 3. Tracking and measuring drivers' eyes David Tock and Ian Craw; Part II. Model-based Vision and Exploration: 4. Model-based vision for traffic scenes using the ground-plane constraint Geoff Sullivan; 5. Active exploration of dynamic and static scenes David W. Murray, Ian D. Reid, Kevin J. Bradshaw, Philip F. McLauchlan, Paul M. Sharkey and Stuart M. Fairley; 6. Robust shape recovery from occluding contours using a linear smoother Richard Szeliski and Richard Weiss; Part III. Visual Control: 7. Visual robot guidance from uncalibrated stereo Roberto Cipolla and Nicholas J. Hollinghurst; 8. Control of visually guided behaviors Jana Kosecka, Ruzena Bajcsy and Max Mintz; 9. Hybrid problems need hybrid solutions? Tracking and controlling toy cars John Hallam.

Researchers are increasingly turning their attention to developing algorithms for real-time computer vision, needed for the control of automated systems. This is the first book devoted to the subject, and includes articles by some of the leading researchers in the world. It will interest students, researchers and engineers involved in the design and programming of visually guided systems.