Searching the sky with CONFIGR-STARS

Author(s): Carpenter, G.A. | Ravindran, A. |

Year: 2009

Citation: Submitted to Neural Networks

Abstract: CONFIGR-STARS, a new methodology based on a model of the human visual system, is developed for registration of star images. The algorithm first applies CONFIGR, a neural model that connects sparse and noisy image components. CONFIGR produces a web of connections between stars in a reference starmap or in a test patch of unknown location. CONFIGR-STARS splits the resulting, typically highly connected, web into clusters, or “constellations.” Cluster geometry is encoded as a signature vector that records edge lengths and angles relative to the cluster’s baseline edge. The location of a test patch cluster is identified by comparing its signature to signatures in the codebook of a reference starmap, where cluster locations are known. Simulations demonstrate robust performance in spite of image perturbations and omissions, and across starmaps from different sources and seasons. Further studies would test CONFIGR-STARS and algorithm variations applied to very large starmaps.



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Cross References


  1. CONFIGR: A vision-based model for long-range figure completion
    CONFIGR (CONtour FIgure GRound) is a computational model based on principles of biological vision that completes sparse and noisy image figures. Within an integrated vision/recognition system, CONFIGR posits an initial ... Article Details