Imaging system and method using a multi-layer model approach to provide robust object detection

Abstract

A system and method of detecting an image of a template object in a captured image may include comparing, by a processor, an image model of an imaged template object to multiple locations, rotations, and scales in the captured image. The image model may be defined by multiple model base point sets derived from contours of the imaged template object, where each model base point set inclusive of a plurality of model base points that are positioned at corresponding locations associated with distinctive features of the imaged template object. Each corresponding model base point of the model base point sets may (i) be associated with respective layers and (ii) have an associated gradient vector. A determination may be made as to whether and where the image of the object described by the image model is located in the captured image.