Energy Constraints on Deformable Models: Recovering Shape and Non-Rigid Motion

Book One

Volume

Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 6

Vision

We propose a paradigm for shape and motion reconstruction based on dynamic energy constraints. Objects are modeled as deformable elastic bodies and constraints derived from image data are modeled as external forces applied to these bodies. The external constraint forces are designed to mold a deformable body into a configuration that satisfies the constraints, making the model consistent with the images. We present a particular shape model whose internal forces induce a preference for surface continuity and axial symmetry. We develop a constraint force for dynamic stereo images and present results for the recovery of shape and non-rigid motion from natural imagery.