Determining multiscale image feature angles from complex wavelet phases

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a new multiscale representation for 2-D images named the Inter-Coefficient Product (ICP). The ICP is a decimated pyramid of complex values based on the Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DT-CWT). The complex phases of its coefficients correspond to the angles of dominant directional features in their support regions. As a sparse representation of this information, the ICP is relatively simple to calculate and is a computationally efficient representation for subsequent analysis in computer vision activities or large data set analysis. Examples of ICP decomposition show its ability to provide an intuitive representation of multiscale features (such as edges and ridges). Its potential uses are then discussed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.