Metamorphosis-based shape recognition method

We present a framework for matching and recognition of planar shapes based on a method from computer graphics based animation, called `shape metamorphosis'. In our approach, the `degree of morphing' between two shapes is employed as a dissimilarity measure. A physics-based energy minimization approach is used for optimally computing the `degree of morphing.' This measure is shown to have metric properties and invariance to translation, rotation, scaling and mirror symmetry. Experimentations in the recognition of planar shapes, hand-drawn figures, and on-line cursive words indicate the robustness of the recognition paradigm.