Cross Correlation of Two Images

Cross Correlation of Two Images

This option calculates the cross correlation function for two images. Each of the images is divided into rectangular blocks. Each block in the first image is correlated with its corresponding block in the second image to produce the cross correlation as a function of position.

The cross correlation may be used to determine the degree of similarity between two similar images, or, with the addition of a linear offset to one of the images, the spatial shift or spatial correlation between the images.

Buffer containing first source image ?

Two source images must be specified. Any DigImage buffer may be used, except buffer zero.

Buffer containing second source image ?

This entry specifies the second source image. Again, any DigImage buffer may be used except buffer zero.

Place correlation in which buffer ?

The evaluated correlation function will be placed in the buffer specified by this entry. Any DigImage buffer may be used. The selected buffer will be made the current output buffer. The correlation data will be overlayed on the existing contents of the selected buffer.

Height of correlation cell ?

Each of the source images is divided into rectangular cells between which the correlation is made. This entry determines the height (in pixels) of the cells. The cells are always an odd number of pixels in height. If an even number is specified, then the next odd number will be used. Note that neighbouring cells may overlap.

Width of correlation cell ?

This entry determines the width (in pixels) of the cells used to evaluate the correlation functions. The cells are always an odd number of pixels in width. If an even number is specified, then the next odd number will be used. Note that neighbouring cells may overlap.

Vertical spacing between evaluations ?

The correlation function need not be evaluated for every pixel in the image. Frequently sufficient information may be gathered by evaluating it with non-overlapping correlation cells. This entry specifies the vertical spacing (in pixels) between correlation function evaluations.

Horizontal spacing between evaluations ?

This entry specifies the horizontal spacing (in pixels) between correlation function evaluations.

Vertical offset of second buffer ?

This entry allows a vertical displacement of the second buffer relative to the first. If the cell in the first buffer is centred on pixel (ix,jy), then the cell in the second buffer is centred on pixel (ix+ixOff,jy+jyOff) where ixOff is the offset (positive or negative) specified by this entry. The correlation value will be plotted at the (ix+ixOff,jy+jyOff) pixel to allow multiple different offsets to be plotted on the same buffer (provided the spacing of the function evaluation is sufficiently far apart).

Horizontal offset of second buffer ?

This entry allows a horizontal displacement of the second buffer relative to the first. If the cell in the first buffer is centred on pixel (ix,jy), then the cell in the second buffer is centred on pixel (ix+ixOff,jy+jyOff) where jyOff is the offset (positive or negative) specified by this entry. The correlation value will be plotted at the (ix+ixOff,jy+jyOff) pixel to allow multiple different offsets to be plotted on the same buffer (provided the spacing of the function evaluation is sufficiently far apart).

Cross correlation in Window or whole Screen ?

The cross correlation function may be evaluated either within a window (<W>) or the entire buffer (<S>). In either case, if an offset is used for the second window, the region over which the correlation is evaluated is reduced to ensure that all of both the source cells are entirely within the buffer.

Window Selection: Region to cross correlate

If correlation within a window is selected, then the normal DigImage window selection submenu will be produced to enable interactive window specification. For more information on window specification, refer to the [H Help] facility within the submenu.

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Stuart Dalziel, last page update: 19 February 1996